The first of the Alfred Sparey Cup semi-finals featuring Presteigne Reserves and Leominster Town Reserves has been called off.
The game was due to be played on Sunday 11 April, but Leominster Town chairman Eddie Clarke contacted us on Saturday evening to say Leominster would not be able to raise a side for the tie against Presteigne Reserves.
Cup secretary Trevor Owens said it was bitterly disappointing as all the arrangements were in place for the game.
“Clearly we had organised food for the players, a referee and bar staff while the Reserves were also looking forward to the game,” he said.
“Fortunately I was able to track down club chairman Alan Randell in the Farmers and most of the players were still in there, so this saved the Reserves’ boss Barry Williams the time and trouble of making a load of phone calls.
“We will discuss it at a committee meeting that is due to be held this coming week, but I can’t imagine we are going to be able to rearrange it as we are fast running out of available dates,” he added.
To their credit, Leominster Town have offered to foot the bill for any expenses but it is especially disappointing given their first team also pulled out of the Otway Cup this season.
The second semi-final is due to be played on Sunday 18 April in which Talgarth Town will take on Hay St Marys when the kick off will be at 2.00pm.