Bicester & North Oxford are optimistic about their future, despite withdrawing their first team from the top flight of the MP Sports Cherwell League for the forthcoming season.

A mass exodus of senior players made the club, formed by the merger of North Oxford and Bicester Town in 1996, unsure about their ability to field a competitive side in Division 1 this year.

As a result, the club requested that the league allow them to withdraw their first XI from Division 1 and to continue with their first, second and third teams in Divisions 4, 7 & 9 respectively. The league's executive agreed to this request.

Bicester chairman Rob White said: “While this is obviously a disappointing development, we can now look forward to the future with a renewed sense of optimism.

“The club enjoyed some hard-won and notable successes last year, with two of our senior sides securing promotion.

“Our youth section continues to be very strong and provides opportunities for many youngsters to play and learn the game with some excellent coaching available across all age groups.

“The talented crop of youngsters making their way into and up through the senior sides is really exciting and their continued development is our number one priority.

“The 2010 season promises to be one of competitive and highly enjoyable cricket for all our sides, both junior and senior.

“We are fully committed to becoming a stronger and more competitive club in the years ahead and continuing our proud association with the Cherwell League.

“The club has a thriving youth section and is a ‘Chance to Shine’ club. We welcome any new members who would like to take part in organised cricket across all age ranges supported by qualified coaches.”

Bicester’s late withdrawal has left the league with a dilemma – whether to play just nine teams in the top flight or restructure the league, with the resultant disruption to the orginal fixture list a little more than a month before the start of the new campaign.

If they decide to play ten in Division 1, Great & Little Tew, who finished third in Division 2 last season, would be in line to be promoted.

The league are to announce their decision later on Tuesday.