What does the cryptic crossword clue "Like 11 once were, where it's 11 v 11 (4)" mean?

The definition is "Like 11 once were, where it's 11 v 11". The wordplay uses a double definition. Double definition The answer is OVAL.

Like 11 once were, where it's 11 v 11 (4)

Guardian Cryptic #27904 | 21 Down | 2019-08-20 flower