FYLDE coach Mark Nelson has given Wharfedale a solid vote of confidence as they look ahead to a testing National Division Two trip to Bracknell tomorrow.

The Berkshire side are building a reputation for a fairly uncompromising, robust style, but Nelson believes they should hold no fears for the Dalesmen.

"If they play as well as they did against us, I'm sure they have nothing to worry about," he says: "Wharfedale need to make sure that they go into the match with the right attitude. It won't be at all like it was against us last week.

"Bracknell are very streetwise and will be much more aware of how to deal with driving mauls. Wharfedale will need the sort of display from Hedley Verity that he gave against us, but they need to realise that Bracknell are better equipped."

Reassuring words from Nelson also confirm that the injuries sustained by Fylde at Bracknell were not the result of over zealous play.

"When we were at strength and driving at them, we built up a 15-3 lead and looked OK." says Nelson: "Then injuries intervened.

While the Dalesmen visit Bracknell with a clean bill of health from Saturday's game, Skipton travel to Bramley Phoenix without prop Chris Howarth.

He is suffering from the prop forward's curse - Achilles problems - and hands over the reins to the versatile Neil King.

Skipton are still looking to reliable pointers to the overall strength of the division and in Bramley they encounter new opponents who are likely to offer a decent form-line.

"We're making progress each week, but we are no-where near our best at this stage," says Mel Mason: "We're getting better definsively and from what I've seen, I don't think there is anything in the division to fear."