In the latest episode of National League One's longest-running fixture, Stourbridge return to The Avenue on Saturday to face Wharfedale.

Although in terms of league finishes, you would think that these two clubs are pretty evenly matched, Stourbridge have won each of the last five contests. Wharfedale will be very keen indeed to break this trend and wash away the taste of last Saturday’s defeat at London Scottish - their first loss in any match this season.

As Wharfedale’s heady start to the season was coming to its end at the hands of the excellent Exiles, Stourbridge’s season was going in exactly the opposite direction with a six-try hammering of Blaydon.

What this means is that our visitors have 16 points, nine behind Wharfedale, but have already played Cambridge, Esher and Launceston, and don’t play Manchester until next week.

Wharfedale will have to do without the services of the unavailable Latu Makaafi, so Richard Brown comes in at No 6.

Veteran prop Neil Dickinson, having played himself in gently but impressively over the past few weeks in the lower sides, imposes his presence on the bench.

In the backs, Chris Malherbe suffered an injury which may keep him out for a few weeks, so Andy Hodgson takes his place at outside centre, Luke Gray taking over at fly half for Joe Ford, whose company is required elsewhere.

Ian Dixon makes his first start at full back, and Dave Hall resumes on the right wing. Exciting newcomer James Tincknell joins the squad for the first time.

Wharfedale (home to Stourbridge): Ian Dixon, David Hall, Andy Hodgson, Mark Bedworth, Simon Horsfall; Luke Gray, Alex Black; Tom Horner, Gavin Hindle, Mark Chivers, Oliver Renton, Alastair Allen, Richard Brown, Dan Solomi, Rob Baldwin. Replacements: Neil Dickinson, Adam Mason, Richard Rhodes, Tom Ball, James Tincknell.