Upper Eden, beaten finalists last year, have announced they will be pulling out of this season’s County Cup.
They have reached the semi-final stage and were due to play neighbours Penrith – their conquerors in last season’s final – on February 24.
Currently in a relegation position in Regional 2 North after last season’s promotion the club says it wants to concentrate on their League survival.
A club statement said: “Collectively we have made the decision to withdraw from the Cumbria Cup giving Penrith RUFC the win.
“We have decided it’s our priority to put 100% focus into the fitness of our players concentrating now on the remaining league games. We hope this will give us the best chance of playing at the same level next season, as we know our lads are worthy of it!
“There will be no first team fixture on Saturday February 24 as a result of this.
“Apologies for any disappointment, we do hope you support our thoughts based around the future of the squad.
“We hope to be in more of a position to compete next season and wish Penrith RUFC the best of luck in the remainder of their County Cup contest! “
The Pennine Park side do have a worrying injury list and have a big home game on Saturday with a visit from Morpeth, who are fourth bottom and seven points ahead of them.
In fact Eden’s next three League games are against the other sides in the bottom four – Cockermouth (away) and Keswick (home).
The other semi-final will go ahead on February 24 when Carlisle host Aspatria at Warwick Road.
