Sat 6 Apr 2002
Holders Uttoxeter are set to get a bye into the final of the Staffordshire RFU Owen Cup after their opponents in the semi-final failed to turn up.
The Oldfields side were all fired up for their encounter with Whittington on Saturday. The match officials had arrived and a good crowd had turned out to watch the game.
But the Barracks' side failed to show up, leaving Uttoxeter chomping at the bit after they had warmed up and had their pre-match psych-up.
Club president Les Humphries said: "Whether it was a foul-up in communication we don't know. The players were absolutely frustrated. No one has ever not turned up for a semi-final before.
"We are claiming a no show and unless Whittington contest it we will get a bye into the final."
It will be Uttoxeter's third successive final if they get through unopposed.
The non-event was the latest fiasco in a season of postponements and cancellations.
Home games have been a premium for the town club this season and only the previous week Ashbourne called off their trip to Oldfields due to league commitments.
This meant Uttoxeter once more had to travel away to Congleton to get a game.
A fortnight before that they had been left with no match when their home league game with Cannock was postponed for the third time due to the visitors crying off on Friday night, but incurring no penalty.
Clubs in other leagues have been docked two points for this offence.
The second team have also suffered this season, with Barton under Needwood twice cancelling Merit Table matches with them. Last week they were unable to obtain a fixture from the pool.
When Gnosall failed to turn up for their first round Owen Cup tie with Essington the home side were granted a walk-over.
Uttoxeter still have their home league matches with Whittington, Cannock and Linley, and a merit table postponement at Stafford to play - which would make it difficult to fit in the semi-final, should Whittington get it played.
Uttoxeter officials have apologised to spectators who turned up on Saturday for the cup match only to return home wet and disappointed.
The date for the final has still to be confirmed.
This Saturday Uttoxeter are once more due to entertain Whittington, this time for a Staffordshire Division one encounter.
A win will ensure the league title for the Oldfields team and guarantee a better standard of rugby for the town next season.
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