Yesterday's Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup and Shield third-round ties were all called off.

They have now been re-arranged for Sunday, July 15, and the date for the semi-finals is August 12 - originally earmarked for the Priestley Cup final.

That will now be played on August 26 - the original date for the Priestley Shield final, which is now earmarked for September 9.

The management board took the decision to reschedule the Cup and Shield after inspecting the four home venues for the Cup on Saturday and speaking to the host clubs.

In a statement, the management board said on Saturday: "In view of the exceptional weather of the past weeks and the poor weather predicted to continue for the next few days, the decision was taken to move all the ties back two weeks. This decision was taken after two officials - David Young and Alan Birkin-shaw - visited the four cup venues to assess conditions.

"Talks were also held with officials of the host clubs about the prospects for play.

"The Priestley Cup and Shield are important competitions and we did not want to compromise or diminish their standing in any way.

"We hope that in two weeks' time conditions will have improved and the games will befit the standing of the competitions.

"We also feel this decision is fair to all clubs and presents them with an equal chance."

In rescheduling the competition, the management board have made it clear that there is no further scope for manoeuvre. The semi-final draw will be held on July 15 at Congs.