Workington Reds have been rocked by the news skipper Gari Rowntree will miss the Cumberland Cup Final against Penrith at Brunton Park.

Rowntree admitted he was frustrated to be missing another final after suffering a broken ankle at Stourbridge on Monday.

Rowntree will miss Wednesday’s showpiece (kick-off 7pm) after he hobbled off just before the end of normal time at Stourbridge, following a challenge that sent him over the touchline.

It was subsequently confirmed that he had cracked a bone in his ankle and he will be out of action for at least six weeks.

The injury will also rule him out of a charity game in support of Tony Hopper next month which will feature former Carlisle and Workington Reds players at United’s ground.

Rowntree has never played in a Cumberland Cup final, having had his fair share of injuries and suspensions in the past, and was expected to lead the team out against Penrith.

He said: “I’m frustrated but I tend to miss it every season.

“I felt the impact of the challenge. But I didn’t think it would be a straight fracture.

“These things happen when you’re playing football, although I’ve had a bit of bad luck again.

“If there’s any time for it to happen, that would be at the end of the season but during the semi-final wasn’t great.

“I’m told it’ll just heal, so I’m keeping weight off it at the moment.”

The injury capped a tough night for Rowntree, with Reds going on to equalise late against Stourbridge before falling behind again and eventually losing the game after extra-time.

But the captain said he was proud of his team-mates and felt they had had another good season despite more play-offs heartbreak.

Rowntree added: “Obviously, it wasn’t what we wanted ultimately but the lads were brilliant.

“The run we went on to even get to the play-offs was unreal.

“All you can try to do is be positive.

“It shows we’re a good outfit when we’re competing up there with those teams each season because they are big clubs with big budgets.

“We gave it everything we could.”

Coach travel has been arranged for the final. Seats are £10 each, to book contact John Mackay on 01946 841429 or 07912 859480.