WHARFEDALE's chances of gaining promotion to National Division One may well hinge on their performances in the next few weeks, starting with a tough assignment at Rugby tomorrow.

The Dalesmen follow that up with a trip to Kendal, who beat them at The Avenue a few weeks ago, entertain Rugby a week later, and then visit Preston Grasshoppers, who also gave them a few frights at Threshfield.

If Wharfedale can come through that sequence on the credit side, they will be firmly established as promotion contenders.

Rugby, relegated from the second division of the Allied Dunbar Premiership last season, have avoided the common mistake of not adjusting to the differing, but still demanding, disciplines of life in the lower section.

Whereas Fylde had to fight for survival when they dropped a division, Rugby have maintained their composure after finishing last season in style. Though their battle against relegation ultimately failed, they closed the season with a handful of good results and the momentum is still with them, as they confirmed with a hefty win over Bracknell.

"This is a make-or-break spell for us," says coach Peter Hartley. "There are no easy games and, although I'm confident that if we play to our best we can win them all, to do so is a tall order. But I'm not prepared to set lesser targets for the team because I know that we can beat anybody if we are at our best. Equally, we have to be more consistent in our level of play.

"Rugby are obviously a side with the ability to raise their game for a big challenge and we can expect a tough test. Their 43-7 win over Bracknell looked like a complete dismemberment, so we are under no illusions about the size of the challenge.

"We also have a memory of a hefty drubbing the last time we were at Rugby, so we know what to expect.

"They same is also true of our visit to Kendal tomorrow week. We need to work out how to combat the driving maul style which brought them a win at The Avenue and while we know what we have to do, getting a win at Mint Bridge will be a big ask.

"The key is for us to be mentally right for each game and ready for what may well be the defining spell of the season. Even though everything has been so volatile and unpredictable so far, it's obvious that from our point of view, the next four games are crucial to a successful campaign."

o Ribb are due to travel to South Yorkshire to face Stocksbridge in a Yorkshire Shield tie. On paper that should be straightforward but unfortunately the same cannot be said of the pitch. The game will take place on a bleak, sloping, muddy ground and character and muscle will be needed to subdue opponents who are enjoying considerable success in Yorkshire Four and the Tetley Vase national knockout competition.

It seems likely that Ribb will select a similar squad and, on their current form, it is a test that should be passed.

Skipton are at Leeds Corinthians and should be at full strength with the exception of the unavailable Neil King.