Several Cumbrian clubs are involved in the Papa John’s Community competitions at trophy, plate and shield levels for the next few weeks.
Aspatria were one of those that entered in November as the RFU prepared to introduce the Cup competitions to boost matches because of reduced League fixtures.
But they are not taking part and have issued a lengthy statement to explain to their supporters – and other clubs – why they are not involved.
A spokesman said: “Supporters will have been hearing regularly of Aspatria’s season long intention to participate in the Papa John Cup. As a club we fully supported the concept and entered accordingly in November 2022. They will now wonder why we are not taking part?
“The end of season cup competition was a proposal to add fixtures for clubs who desired them when leagues in the North were reduced from 14 to 12 teams. The reduction of games and loss of two scheduled home fixtures was predicted to place a strain on club finances.
“The answer was The Papa John Cup which would provide at least one further home fixture and more depending on a successful run. Or so we thought.
“The sequence of events leading to our non-participation is set out below. We as a club do not wish to apportion blame but do want our players, supporters and sponsors to understand why we have withdrawn.
“Therefore, we would like to set out the following:
“Our entry was submitted in time and acknowledged by the organising committee.
“The draw for the competition was delayed due to weather issues prolonging the season.
“It was now realised that the draw would be devolved to a straight knock out competition, with no guarantee of a home fixture. Should you be drawn away then only about a third of the travel cost was to be reimbursed.
“The draw was made on Tuesday March 21 which omitted Aspatria. The problem was reported immediately. Whist initially suggesting we had not entered, on proof of submission, the error was acknowledged and a fix was proposed.
“The fix was an amendment to the Plate Competition draw and a proposed away game at Birkenhead Park, who had previously been given a bye on April 1.
“Aspatria officials pointed out that this was not acceptable. Firstly, by just being given an away tie against a team with bye, we had lost our right to a potential home draw.
“Secondly, our playing record also suggested we should have been placed into the Shield Competition, not The Plate.
“We asked that to re-establish the integrity of the competition and out of simple fairness the Shield Draw should be redone with Aspatria included. We even suggested just a redraw between those teams with a bye as not to disrupt other teams plans who had started plans for their own games.
“It was later suggested that we had been placed in the Plate competition to even up numbers. This may have been the case, but with sides in the Shield with a better playing record then ourselves, again this did not sit right with us.
“This was communicated to the competitions committee over the weekend on Saturday March 25.
“We do not know if our request was considered or declined as there has been no reply or correspondence received.
“We have therefore reluctantly advised Birkenhead Park of our decision and formally withdrawn from the competition.
“We apologise to them and wish them well for the competition as well as all other teams who have entered. However, we feel this is a stance that we have had unfortunately needed to take.
“This end of season competition is something that is required but clearly, from our experience, the format needs to be rethought for next season. Alternatively, these spare dates might be better used for the Cumbria Cup.”