Torpoint Athletic’s opening two games in the defence of their East Cornwall Premier League title have been postponed – because the pitch at The Mill has been damaged by the hot weather.

And the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League has confirmed that Torpoint’s home fixture against Godolophin Atlantic on Tuesday, August 21, has also been postponed.

Torpoint say the extremely hot weather has had an adverse effect on the playing surface.

So ECPL fixtures against Plymstock United on Saturday, August 18, and Looe Town on Wednesday, August 22, have been postponed.

The league’s fixtures secretary Mike Murray said: ’Health and safety will always dictate. Consequently, I have no alternative but to postpone.’

The next time Torpoint are due to play an ECPL game at home is on Tuesday, September 18 against Saltash United.

The club’s South West Peninsula League team are scheduled to play away for the first three games of the season.

A spokesman for the Peninsula League said: ‘Torpoint’s request for a postponement on August 21 has been received, assurances have now been requested, and rights reserved for games to be played away if assurances are not met.’

In an emailed letter to the East Cornwall Premier League, Torpoint AFC wrote: ‘Despite spending a significant amount of money on our pitch this close season, the weather has left it in a sub standard state and could cause health and safety issues for players.

‘Further steps have been taken to rectify these issues. However, time is against us.

‘It should be noted that apart from a friendly against Argyle which we had to fulfil due to opening our new stand, we postponed all other home friendlies for the same reasons.

‘If the opposition are in a position to host the games, we are more than happy to fulfil these fixtures.

‘We would hope that you are understanding of our predicament and agree that putting players welfare at risk is not an option.’