Director of rugby Matt Williams is regretting an oversight that has cost Chinnor a place in the Oxfordshire Cup final.

Chinnor’s second string have been thrown out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player – full-back Martin Nutt – in the 35-13 semi-final win over Grove, who will now play in their first county final.

Jenny Bosley, Oxfordshire RFU’s disciplinary secretary, said the decision had not been taken lightly.

Williams said the club were willing to replay the tie without Nutt, who scored a try in the semi-final, but theOxfordshire RFU have stated the decision to expel them is final.

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With Chinnor’s first team competing in the National League 2 South, they are only entitled to enter their second team for the competition.

However, it emerged that Nutt had played for the first team more than three times this season and his last five appearances had not all been for Chinnor’s second string, breaking the cup regulations.

Williams said: “I am not arguing over Oxfordshire’s decision, but it is just a sad situation that it is nothing more than an oversight.

“The fair thing would be that the game is replayed without Martin Nutt.

“If it is that much of an issue we would be 100 per cent happy to have a replay.”

Grove head coach Craig Burrows admitted the club would have considered facing Chinnor again, but said: “They were fully aware of the rules.

“We were surprised to see a certain player. He had played every league game and it made a mockery of the rules.

“On the day you can’t tell whether, if he had not played, how it would have affected the game.

“No one can make a second guess of what the result would have been.

“The rules are there in the league and cup and if you are found out, I’m afraid you have to accept it.

“I am sure next year they will be back stronger.”

Grove will face holders Oxford Harlequins in the final and Burrows added: “It is fantastic.

“It is another landmark for us and it shows the club wants to keep moving forward.”

The final was due to be held at Iffley Road on March 15, but will now be rearranged as it is only a day after Harlequins’ rearranged trip to Hornets in National League 3 South West.

Bosley said a compromise would be found and the tie will be played either during midweek or right at the end of season.