The 2024 Cumbria County Cup final, set to be contested by holders Penrith and Carlisle, is unlikely to be played.
Carlisle have been invited to play the final on Thursday, March 28 after they declined the set date of two days later.
They beat Aspatria in the semi-final to earn a tilt at holders Penrith on March 30 but the club has a good number of first team players away that weekend on a stag do.
With the party booked to leave on the Thursday that means the alternative date will not be appropriate for the Warwick Road club.
Penrith had got through to the final without playing after rivals Upper Eden pulled out of the competition because of a long injury list and a determination to concentre on saving their Regional 2 North status.
Last season, in front of a 1,500-crowd at Kendal, Penrith beat Upper Eden 38-5 to win the County Cup.
Penrith, who still have two games to play in Regional 1 North West are also involved in a three-game Papa John’s Cup group in April while Carlisle have completed their fixtures after winning the Counties 1 Cumbria title.
Brian Mitchelhill, chairman of the Cumbria Competitions Committee, put out a statement about the situation.
It read: “Twelve teams entered the Cumbria Cup for season 2023/24 with the first-round draw made on August 23 2023. Dates for subsequent rounds were determined at that time with the final to take place on March 30 2024, and clubs were notified of the schedule accordingly.
“Although a small number of clubs failed to complete their fixtures the competition ran smoothly with games completed in a timely manner and the semi-final stage was reached, with games to be played on or before February 24.
“Unfortunately, at this stage, Upper Eden due to injuries and League pressures, had to forfeit their game against Penrith.
“The remaining semi-final went ahead, with Carlisle beating Aspatria in a hard-fought game. The date for the final remained fixed at March 30 and was widely known by clubs.
“In the days following their semi-final win Carlisle advised the county that they could not play on March 30 due to a large number of their players being away at a stag weekend.
“The County Competitions Committee subsequently met to try and determine a way forward and to ensure that the competition was concluded in the current playing season.
Following lengthy discussions, looking at various alternative dates, the committee unanimously agreed that the Cumbria Cup final will be played on Thursday March 28 at a venue to be confirmed.
“If either team is unable to play on this date the team unable to play will forfeit the game and therefore the remaining team will be declared the winners.”
The committee was adamant that the cup final should be played this season and not held over until 2024/25.
