Oxford Downs have pulled out of cricket’s npower Village Cup – handing their Oxfordshire semi-final victims Aston Rowant a passage into the county decider.

In a dramatic development, Downs decided to withdraw from the competition after it came to light that they had fielded an ineligible player – Lester Smart – in their ten-run victory over Rowant at Standlake last Sunday.

Competition organisers The Wisden Cricketer had offered Downs a replay – something Rowant were happy to accept on their own ground – a bowl-out, or toss of a coin to decide the match after admitting the rules were open to misinterpreation.

But Downs, Oxfordshire champions in 2006 and 2007 and also national semi-finalists two years ago, decided to effectively fall on their sword.

Now Rowant will get a second chance away to Horspath in the Oxfordshire final at the Recreation Ground on Sunday, June 14.

In a statement, Downs chairman Ted Sandbach said: “As far as Oxford Downs are concerned we have interpreted the rules as they are written and the organisers have admitted in writing that ambiguity surrounds the wording.

“For the past four seasons we, along with some other clubs in the competition, have interpreted the rules in a similar fashion.

“Accepting the ambiguity, Wisden have made the decision that the game should be replayed or be decided by a bowl out or toss of the coin.

“The Oxford Downs players, supported by the committee, do not wish to become involved in a replay that it is felt could become overbearingly stressful for all participants.

“We have, therefore, decided to withdraw from the competition with good grace and ask the organisers to clarify these and other points for future competitions.”

Smart, who took 1-53 in his nine overs and made 0 not out in the victory over Rowant, joined Downs last year after moving into the area from the north east, where he played Premier League cricket for Sunderland CC.

The rules state that to be eligible, players must have played at least eight non-npower Village Cup matches for that club in the previous two seasons (2007 and 2008) including no fewer than four in the previous season.

A spokesman for The Wisden Cricketer said: “We didn’t necessarily agree with Oxford Downs’ interpretation of the rules, but we did realise there was ambiguity.

“We are disappointed with Downs’ decision, but we respect their integrity and the way that they came to that decision.”