BICESTER & North Oxford have promised to take “appropriate action” following an incident which caused the abandonment of their Cherwell League Division 4 match at Witney Mills on Saturday, writes Michael Knox.

A flare-up occurred following a collision between a Witney batsman, who was going for a run, and a Bicester bowler.

Mills, chasing Bicester’s 261- 8, were 107-6 at the time.

It is understood that no physical injuries were sustained, but that a bat was damaged.

“I can confirm there was a simply awful and prolonged incident during our match,” said Mills captain Mike Dove.

“It has left the players, members and supporters of Witney Mills very upset, angry and in a state of shock.

“All the relevant reports have been submitted, and the matter is now being dealt with by the Cherwell League.”

One of the umpires, Mick Belcher, said: “I’ve never seen anything like it in more than 50 years of umpiring cricket.”

Bicester secretary Wes Kernaghan said: “We are still gathering detailed reports on the incident.

“When we receive them, we will take the appropriate action.”

The points will not be assigned until after the league have held a disciplinary inquiry.

League officials have been unavailable for comment.

As a result, Bicester have been knocked off the top by Westbury, who thrashed visitors Dinton 2nd by eight wickets.

George Markham took 6-54 as Westbury dismissed Dinton for 134, Manoj Parmar top-scoring with 46.

Ben Rae (68) and Olly Tice (52no) then steered Westbury to a crushing win in just 18.1 overs.

Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescipts were involved in a tense one-wicket defeat at home to Division 2 title-chasers Oxford Downs.

The victory means Downs need just one win from their final two games to be sure of promotion back into the top flight.

Chris Day hit 55 and Atif Ali 32 in the home side’s 202 all out, Nick Rivett taking 3-43.

Wasim Mehmood (31) led Downs’s reply, as they squeezed home at 203-9.

In Division 7, Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts 2nd closed in on the title after seeing off hosts Horspath 4th by eight wickets.

Idris Mohammed took 4-39 and Rustam Rabani 3-39 as Horspath were shot out for 110.

Then Alam Mohammed hit a quickfire 73 not out to lead Nondies home at 114-2.