HOLDERS Marcia have conceded their two-year grip on the York FA Sunday Morning Senior Cup without even kicking a ball.

The 2004 and 2005 winners have forfeited their first-round tie against Hounds tomorrow - a repeat of last season's final - because players will be on a former team-mate's weekend stag do.

Marcia, who also won the York John Smith's Sunday League division one title last term by pipping Hounds in the decider, told both the York FA and opposition in good time that they could not play on this date, but competition rules say ties can not be put back.

The forfeit may yet cost them more than the cup crown as they now face a York FA charge of non-fulfilment of a fixture. They will have a week to respond before the cup competition committee decides their fate, but possible extra punishments include a fine or further suspension from the competition.

York FA secretary Bob Grainger would not pre-empt the committee's decision but said: "It's a shame that the team who have won it two seasons running aren't partaking in the first round this season."

Marcia club secretary Darren Miles agreed it was a pity they could not defend their trophy but said they would only be able to raise of team of six. "You can't really change somebody's wedding plans," he added.

"We told the York FA about it three weeks ago so we haven't just sprung it on anyone. It's unfortunate this is the only competition where you can't delay a game."

Updated: 09:05 Saturday, September 24, 2005