Struggling Morris Motors Exiles, who faced having to quit The Oxford Times Cherwell League, have joined forces with Oxford CC. Motors realised last month they did not have enough players to field two teams, as the league rules require.

However, instead of dropping out, the community-based club began discussions with Home Counties Premier League side Oxford.

It was agreed that the Exiles team in Division 3 will be named Oxford 3rd, with Oxford's lower three teams – 3rd, 4th and 5th – becoming 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.

The place in Division 7 vacated by Exiles will not be filled, leaving that section a team short. The move was ratified by the league this week.

Exiles chairman Tariq Mehmood said: "Although our club do not have many players, we've got some promising youngsters.

"We thought the best way to enhance their futures was to join up with a club like Oxford.

"We had to do something, and Oxford were very accommodating."

Ali Shah will captain Oxford 3rd, while Latif Mohammed, another prominent Exiles official, will manage the team .

Ian Pickford, the Oxford chairman, said: "We are delighted to have them on board."

Oxford's top four teams will play at Rover Cowey, while the other two will alternate of Exiles' ground on the Oxford Brookes campus at Wheatley.

Morris Motors Exiles started life as Oxford International before moving to Hollow Way, where they took on the name Morris Motors. When thrown off that ground three years ago, they took on the name of Exiles.

  • OXFORD CC 3rd/4th are looking for an away fixture this Saturday. Contact John Finch on 07786 498131.

Sandford St Martin are looking for a home or away fixture on Sunday. Contact Dave Tanner on 01869 347798 or 07884 115820.