The outcome of Bicester's Oxfordshire Shield semi-final clash with Blue Boar remained in the balance last night.

Boar won the match 12-8 at Oxford Road, but holders Bicester have appealed the result after the visitors fielded three players who have represented Grove in Southern Counties North.

Flanker Carl Alder, as well as replacements Steve Dixey and Jimmy Wallbridge, who have all played for Grove's first team this season, took to the field on Sunday.

Competition rules simply state, the Shield "is for clubs of level eight and below", which means the BB&O Premier Division.

Because Blue Boar don't take part in league competition, they can call on any "non-league" player for the Shield provided they have played three matches for the club this season.

The rules don't specifically state Boar can't select players from Southern Counties North or above.

But as no other team in the competition would have that privilege, Bicester feel they have grounds for appeal.

Blue Boar were deserving winners of the actual match, with their defence on top form.

Bicester had flanker Anthony Nightingale red-carded on 12 minutes for allegedly kicking the Boar fly half in the head, and then saw prop Steve Barnes yellow-carded six minutes before half-time.

Boar took advantage with wing Charlie Young touching down in the corner and Sam Stoop converting.

Steve Risbridger replied with a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Boar went further ahead in the second half with No 8 Rob Weaving rumbling over.

Risbridger's grubber kick allowed replacement wing Leigh Rushworth to score Bicester's only try.

But Boar withstood a late barrage to hold on.