Wharfedale’s players will be trying to make it up to their supporters when they tackle Old Albanians at The Avenue on Saturday.

They felt they let their large following down when their SSE National League One five-match winning streak came to a crushing end with a 51-14 defeat at Blaydon.

Coach Jon Feeley said: “The players were extremely disappointed after the game. They felt bad for the supporters who have given them such great backing in recent weeks.

“There were a lot of Wharfedale fans at Blaydon and the players wanted to do well for them.

“Some of the squad went and spoke to the supporters to apologise for the performance.

“Now it is important we learn the lessons of our defeat quickly and try to bounce back with a good performance against Old Albanians.”

Wharfedale will be without flanker Aaron Myers and scrum half Phil Woodhead, who are both playing in the Dubai Sevens.

Wharfedale also have a number of players battling to be fit.

Centre Joe Donkin and winger Josh Prell have knocks, so the selectors have plenty to ponder.

On the plus side, prop Joe Altham and Josh Burridge are both expected to be cleared to play after missing the Blaydon match to recover from head injuries.

Feeley added: “Injuries are part of the game at this level and we have to manage the situation.”