WHARFEDALE go into tomorrow's National Division Two match at Bracknell knowing that their future at this level could depend on their ability to keep their lips buttoned and their self-discipline sharply focussed, (writes Tony Simpson).

Victory at the death against Newbury last weekend brought a crucial couple of points in the club's survival battle, but the game also flagged up the crucial need for absolute concentration and self-control over the closing weeks of the season.

The Greens can expect some sharp words from the coaching team about the need to eradicate silly, careless moments from their repertoire after those shortcomings almost cost them the points against Newbury.

"When we had the ball we played really well," says Director of Rugby Michael Harrison. "Our handling was a big improvement on the previous week and we scored four tries. Really, Newbury should never have been in the game, yet in the end we were lucky to win it with a late try.

"We gave away easy penalties for silly infringements, including chattering at the referee, and we can't afford to do that. Newbury kicked their goals when they were offered, we failed to take advantage of the penalties that came our way and as a result we nearly lost a game we should have won well.

"It was ridiculous how they stayed in the game and the message is clear."

If the Greens can remedy that deficiency, Harrison is quietly confident that his side can avenge the earlier defeat by Bracknell at The Avenue.

"Things have changed in the league since they were with us." he says. "They have slipped down the table and do not have as much to play for as they did when they beat us in October, whereas we have plenty of motivation.

"We've also got a couple of wins under our belts and that can make so much difference to the way a team plays. I think we've a really good chance."

The Greens stick with the team which started last weekend, with David Whitfield continuing at centre and Jonathan Davies taking a replacement berth after being struck down with gastric flu. Elsewhere, the only change is in the front-row, where Craig Ingram and Neil Dickinson start at prop and Phil Peel takes his turn on the bench.

While points from an away win would be very welcome indeed for Wharfedale, their neighbours North Ribblesdale are involved in a 'must win' Yorkshire Division One contest when bottom of the table Sheffield Tigers visit Grove Park (2.15).

The Settle side hope to have the same personnel on duty who were scheduled to play in last weekend's postponed cup-tie at Ripon and at something approaching their best should be strong enough to collect the points.

But the South Yorkshire side signalled a cautionary note to the Dalesmen last weekend when they were only defeated 13-10 at Old Brodleians, so there is no margin for North Ribb complacency.

Skipton have a day off from league and cup action tomorrow when they entertain Yarnbury in a friendly fixture at Sandylands.

The absence of any real significance to the game allows the Reds to field all their three Kiwi players - Frank Walker, Hamish Burns and John Settle - while Phil Crossman gets a run at prop after a lay-off with shoulder trouble.

Wharfedale: A Hodgson; C Eccleston, D Whitfield, A Baggett, G Johnston; D Pears, S Cottrell; C Ingram, J Ogden, N Dickinson, D Lister, A Capstick, P Evans, H Verity, B Wade. Replacement: P Peel, G Hindle, S Hargreaves, J Davies.

Directions: M4, Junc 10 - A329 (M) Bracknell, B 3408 Binfield, follow A329 Bracknell. Through town towards Ascot, left at Running Horse pub roundabout. Ground at rear.

Nearest station: Bracknell, 1.5miles.

Skipton: G Smithson; M Beech, I Sneddon, F Walker, A Hill; A Oldfield, H Burns; N King, R King, P Crossman, G Newhouse, A Winthrop, J Settle, I Scrivin, M Davison. Replacements: A Newhouse, J Morgan.