COUGARS player-coach Paul March admits he is frustrated at James Feather’s unavailability for the club’s crunch promotion encounters due to his wedding abroad.

Feather (pictured) missed last Sunday’s Promotion Final defeat at Oldham and the long-serving club captain is set to remain absent again for this weekend’s home semi-final against North Wales Crusaders.

Team-mate Oliver Pursglove is Feather’s best man for the wedding in Cyprus, so will also be out for the key clash against the Welsh side.

Keighley must beat North Wales this weekend in order to reach the Grand Final against Swinton Lions or York City Knights on October 4 at Widnes.

March said: “Losing Buster didn’t help preparations for the Oldham game.

“That is going to give other people an opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the final if we hopefully beat North Wales this weekend.

“It’s a funny one because Buster was supposed to be here for the Oldham game and then away for the following weekend.

“But the airline company changed his flight and for the last couple of weeks he has been trying to put his (marriage) blessing back just so he could play.

“Obviously he hasn’t, so that’s his choice. Ollie Pursglove is his best man at his wedding so we lose him too.

“A wedding during the season is inexcusable for me but he’s picked it and he’s gone.”

It was thought prop Brendon Rawlins could also be attending but he has opted to stay in this country and will be available for Cougars on Sunday and the following week.

Feather and Pursglove are set to travel back from Cyprus next Wednesday so would be considered for selection for the final should Keighley overcome Crusaders.

March added: “We might have everyone available for the final if we get there.

“But then I’ve got decisions to make between people who take time off during the season and players who have been fighting hard to get there.

“I’ll have a decision to make.”