Both semi-finals of the Firpress Printers Cumberland Cup have been conceded prior to Saturday’s games.
Flimby have pulled out of their local clash with Maryport while Kells A won’t be taking on Seaton Rangers.
In both cases the introduction of a four-match rule this season has been blamed for the respective clubs inability to field sufficient players.
It means players have had to have featured in at least four games to appear in a Cup semi-final or final.
Cumberland RL chairman Peter Gilmour said: “At the start of the season our rules were rewritten as they previously didn’t comply with the operational rules.
“This rule was included with the aim of preventing first team players playing in semis and finals en masse but the wording means it’s also sadly penalised lads who haven’t played four games due to lack of selection or other reasons.”
Flimby coach Ricky Morrison said: “We would have had 19 players available to play but with the four-game ruling that was brought in this year we only had 11 eligible players.
“We have had eight injuries towards the back end of the season that has contributed to availability along with work and holidays.
“If it was still the two game rule it would not have been a problem.”
It was a similar story from Kells head coach Peter Smith. He said: “We have conceded as we haven’t enough players eligible because of the new ruling.
“We could have got a team okay but not one who have played the amount of games needed.”
Maryport and Seaton will meet in the final on a date and venue to be decided.
