WHARFEDALE will take the field in their opening league game against Sedgley Park at The Avenue on Saturday (3pm) with the reminder that the 'comfort zone' this season in National Division Two is also likely to double as the 'relegation zone' ringing in their ears.

Coach Peter Hartley goes into the new season confident that his squad have the necessary to hold their own against the best, but he is also enough of a pragmatist to recognise that the team cannot afford to repeat the gulf which existed between the best and the worst displays last season.

"Consistency is still the major challenge, with the margin between the top and bottom end of our displays last season being far too wide," he says. "Last season the fear factor was something a number of sides suffered from into February - including ourselves - and that group included teams who began brightly and obviously thought they had put themselves out of danger.

"It's a harder league again this time and we need to be better. Our aim is to get the ball wider sooner because I'm sure the trend of opposing teams getting bigger each year will continue. We have not changed in terms of stature up front."

That theory will be put to the test tomorrow when the men from Whitefield are sure to pose a searching test of physicality and technique.

Wharfedale's hopes of starting their league campaign with South African newcomer Chris Malherbe in the centre were dashed when he damaged his shoulder against Darlington Mowden Park. He is still hoping to be fit for the trip to Kendal next week, but is not risked tomorrow.

His place in midfield goes to Jonathan Davies, who teams up with David Whitfield in a rare outing at centre, allowing Andy Hodgson to take the full-back berth.

Also adding some serious timber to the back division for the first time in a league game is Andrew Lovatt, who makes his first appearance on the wing after a couple of outings in trial matches against Darlington Mowden Park and Halifax. Last season Lovatt's progress was halted by a serious cruciate ligament injury, but his determination to get back into action was rewarded with a handful of games at the end of the season and now he is fighting fit again and ready for what is sure to be a big test.

George Smithson takes the other wing berth, with Graham Smith partnering Andy Baggett at half-back.

Up front, Gavin Hindle takes on the hooking duties vacated by John Lawn, with the forward mixture being very much as before.

Tomorrow, Phil Peel and Craig Ingram start, with Neil Dickinson and James Ogden providing options on the bench.

Wharfedale: A Hodgson; G Smithson, D Whitfield, J Davies, A Lovatt; A Baggett, G Smith; P Peel, G Hindle, C Ingram, D Lister, A Capstick, P Evans, H Verity, S Allen. Replacements: N Dickinson, J Ogden, S Hargreaves and C Eccleston.