A breakdown in communications cost Oxfordshire Mixed a County Championship victory over Leicestershire at Tilsley Park.

Regular keeper Darren Easton was reportedly unaware he had been selected by team manager Julian Easterbrook and when a replacement, Rob Barron, was found, he was unable to get to the match until 15 minutes after the start.

So, under hockey league rules, and with time pressure because of pitch bookings, Oxon had to concede the points.

The two counties played a friendly instead, and Oxfordshire dominated, running out 3-1 winners. But that was small consolation.

In the B team match, Oxon won on penalty flicks after a 2-2 draw.

They recovered well after going 2-0 down to strikes by Simon Sills and Twyler Kemp.

Stepping up a gear in the second half, the home county levelled through goals by Rob Booth and Andy Maunder.

Oxon Vets drew 2-2 with Leicestershire Vets.

Leicestershire took the lead, but Malcolm Griffiths equalised.

Ali Fry scored a good individual goal to put Oxon ahead late on, but Leicestershire grabbed a last-minute equaliser.