CRICKET: Bicester's woe shocks Woods

Following a mass exodus of players, Bicester, who were members of the Home Counties Premier League as recently as 2006, asked the league for their 1st XI to play in a lower division.

The league acceded to this request, so Bicester’s renmaining three teams will now play in Divisions 4, 7 and 9.

Woods, who joined the club when North Oxford and Bicester merged in 1996, was one of those who left in the close season to join Oxford Downs – which is nearer to his home in Witney – as captain.

“I moved because I wanted to cut my petrol costs,” he explained. “I was making a round trip of 40 miles every time I played – that was my main reason for leaving.

“I had no idea when I left, that a whole lot of other players would leave,” said Woods, who was made a life member of the club two years ago.

“In fact I’m gutted and devastated by these events. It’s a very sad day. If I had still been there, I might have stayed and seen how the club’s young players fared in Divison 1.

“But I take my hat off to the club for making what is a brave decision before the start of the season.”

New Bicester chairman Rob White has indicated that Woods’s departure was the catalyst for other players to leave.

“I’m taken aback by that, but I don’t feel guilty,” said Woods. “I stand by my decision to join Downs and can’t wait for the new season to start.”

Having set up a strong youth section at Bicester, he is concerned about what will happen to some of their outstanding young players – including his 18-year-old son Matty, a very promising bowler.

“I don’t think it would be the best thing for him to be playing in Division 4,” said his father.

“But Matty is his own man, and will make his own decision and do what is right for him.

“I had been looking forward to playing against him in Division 1 this season. Sadly this will not now happen if he stays at Bicester.”