WHARFEDALE are going ahead with their key National Division Two game against Rosslyn Park at The Avenue on Saturday.

A mid-week committee meeting approved the decision, which will still be dependent on no adverse developments on the foot and mouth front from the area in the next 24 hours.

The Dalesmen have been extremely circumspect and responsible in their behaviour since the outbreak of the disease and are desperate to ensure that their activities in no way jeopardise the well-being of the farming community with which they have such close links.

"Having consulted with the normal authorities, taken soundings from the local farming community and in view of the fact that there is a programme to open up the countryside, we felt that a rugby match would produce little threat," says a statement from the club.

"In addition, the fact that Rosslyn Park are travelling to Leeds by train and in a coach to the ground was a positive consideration.

"However, disinfectant procedures will be in place and this will produce some parking difficulties.

"Spectators are asked to share cars and there will be no parking on The Avenue. Farmers should administer disinfectant when leaving their premises as if they were going about their normal duties."

Wharfedale made preliminary enquiries about switching their game to Otley and received a favourable response from Cross Green officials, but that option now goes onto the back burner for possible future use of conditions dictate a switch.

Looking beyond the difficult logistics of actually playing the game, Wharfedale can expect the kind of match that they can get their teeth into.

While last weekend's visit to West Hartlepool was welcome after a couple of weeks of inactivity, circumstances hardly set the pulse racing and while a win was achieved, the performance was hardly inspiring.

Tomorrow's game, in contrast, is of crucial importance to Rosslyn Park, who are looking to complete a double over the Dalesmen and to keep their promotion hopes alive in the process. They have improved a good deal since that opening match and have been playing some good rugby in the process.

One piece of good news for Wharfedale is that fly-half David Pears, who damaged his back last weekend, has reported fit and takes the No 10 berth in an unchanged back division.

Only change to the side is at prop, where Craig Ingram is unavailable, leaving Richard Lancaster and Neil Dickinson to team up with John Lawn. Ingram's absence brings Philip Peel onto the replacement bench.