Charlie Vyvyan is the new captain of Wharfedale. The North of England, Yorkshire and Barbarians' No 8, who was elected at the players' annual meeting, last led the Dalesmen during one of their championship winning seasons in 1993/4. This January he returned to the club after spending three successful seasons with First Division side Sale, writes Keith Lewis.

Vice-captain is Jonathan Davies, former Wales Under 19 fullback and current Yorkshire centre. He was the leading try scorer for the Greens last season and was in outstanding form during the club's close-season tour of Canada. This will be his third season with Wharfedale.

Another county player, former club captain John Lawn, has been appointed youth rugby development officer at the club in conjunction with Skipton Building Society who base their rugby academy at Wharfedale.

The post was formerly held by the club's 1st XV fullback Andy Hodgson, who is currently under contract with Bradford Bulls for this summer's rugby league programme.

Pre-season training is now in full swing at the club with around 80 players, old and new, turning up each Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 8.30pm under the continuing guidance of Wharfedale's senior coaches Michael Harrison, Peter Hartley, John Canny, Micky Watson, Ray Cryer and Andy Peel.

This weekend the players will be resident at Sedbergh School in Cumbria for the club's annual pre-season training camp.

Wharfedale, winners of the Kabeltec Tens and the Kirkby Lonsdale Sevens last season, have accepted an invitation to play in this summer's Kelso Sevens tournament, the prestigious event in Borders' rugby. This takes place on Saturday, August 15, and promises to be a good day out for the Greens' supporters and friends.

The following day, Sunday, August 16, Wharfedale 1st XV will have a full game against Scottish Premier League side Kelso.

This Saturday from 10am to 1pm Wharfedale Mini Rugby Section will be holding a registration session at the clubhouse for any boys and girls, aged eight to 14, and their parents who would like to join in the summer camp at the club on the weekend of July 25 and 26.

More details can be obtained from Mini Section secretary Ann Close, tel 01756 760370, or treasurer Rachel Davies, tel 01756 798435.

As announced in the national press and the Craven Herald Wharfedale prop Ian Peel will join Premiership champions Newcastle Falcons nex season as he fulfills his ambition to become a full-time player.

Wharfedale are rightly proud of his achievements and wish him well, hoping that he returns to wear the emerald green in the not too distant future.

In the meantime his 20-year-old brother Philip is one of the exciting young talents at the club along with the likes of David McCabe, Sam Allen, Phil Hargreaves, Graham Smith and Craig Eccleston who will all be challenging strongly for regular 1st XV places.

Several more experienced players are expected to join the Greens' ranks this summer but any such individual announcements would be premature at this stage.

The club's AGM will be held in the clubhouse on Wednesday, July 29, at 7.30pm.

Wharfedale's Jewson National Division One 1998-9 season starts off in interesting fashion with games against newly promoted sides Camberley, away on September 5, and Henley, at home on September 12. Boxing Day is celebrated with a "derby" at local rivals Harrogate.

A full fixture list will appear in a future edition of the Craven Herald.

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