Blue Boar will play in the Oxfordshire Shield final despite an appeal by beaten opponents Bicester.

But the Oxfordshire RFU will review the rules for next season after Boar benefitted from a loophole.

The 'non-league' club, who are based at the pub in Longworth, near Abingdon, deservedly won Sunday's semi-final 12-8 at Oxford Road.

But Shield holders Bicester appealed the result after Boar fielded three players who have represented Grove in Southern Counties North.

Competition rules state, the Shield "is for clubs of level eight and below" - Southern Counties North is level seven.

But they were not clear as to which 'league' players Boar can select.

A statement from Oxon RFU's competitions' committee said: "It was found that no rule had been broken in accordance with the 2007/2008 regulations and for this reason and because of the late stage of the Shield competition, the result will stand.

"However a full review and update of the regulations will be made before the start of the 2008/2009 season."

The loophole meant that in theory Boar could have selected any 'league' player, who hadn't played in either the Oxon Cup or Shield that season, but this is expected to change next year.

Bicester manager Mike Hutchinson said: "People used the words sour grapes, but we felt we had a justified case.

"We are happy with the Oxfordshire RFU decision and that things will be changed for next year.

"This situation gives us more determination to try and win promotion in the league.

"We'll push as hard as we can for it."

Blue Boar secretary Brian Kentish said: "We've always had a great relationship with Bicester and it's a bit disappointing when something like that happens.

"Players often come to the pub asking for a game.

"The thing we have to really watch is not to select anybody who has already played in the cup."

This will be second final appearance for Boar, who were last there in 2004, again after defeating Bicester.