Bromsgrove are through to the semi-finals, but did not escape criticism

Hereford Rugby Club have been eliminated from the North Midlands Cup after pulling out of their quarter-final at Bromsgrove at short notice.

The Wyeside club cited a lack of front-row players as the reason for their decision to withdraw from the match.

The North Midlands competitions committee eliminated Hereford, sending Bromsgrove to the semi-finals, after considering evidence from both clubs.

However, the committee criticised the way Bromsgrove dealt with the matter.

The North Midlands competitions chairman Paul Kaminski said: "It is my belief that the apology made by Hereford was a genuine one, made within the spirit of the game.

The publication of this unauthorised outcome in the press and on the North Midlands website is regarded by the committee as a usurpation of its authority Paul Kaminski

"It is sad that Bromsgrove have not recognised it as such.

"However, it is the case that Hereford did default, with late notice, on the original tie.

"Therefore, and with some regret, I am obliged to make the ruling that Hereford will be eliminated from this season's North Midlands Cup."

Mr Kaminski criticised Bromsgrove for instructing Hereford that the quarter-final tie would be forfeited before the matter had been considered by the committee.

"The publication of this unauthorised outcome in the press and on the North Midlands website is regarded by the competitions committee as a usurpation of its authority," he said.

"Bromsgrove are asked to ensure that in future any problems are properly reported to the relevant authority, who will then make the appropriate decision."

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