ALTHOUGH Wharfedale are at Sheffield Tigers on Saturday in what is the Greens' 700th league game, it is fair to assume that their National League Two North future will be decided at The Avenue.

Five of the Dalesmen's last eight matches are at home, with their only other away games being at South Leicester on April 7 and Tynedale on April 21.

"The ball is in our court and we are a different team at home," said Wharfedale's future director of rugby Rob Baldwin.

"All we can concentrate on is what we do and not worry about what others do."

Since Tigers were promoted as champions of National League Three North in 2015-16, they have proved a bogey side for Wharfedale, winning all three encounters so far, including an astonishing 53-33 triumph at The Avenue in November after the Dalesmen had led 33-8 with just over 20 minutes left.

It was called as good a display by visitors to Grassington in a decade, but Baldwin added: "It is likely to be boggy at Dore, and we tend to play well when it is wet.

"Anything that slows down their back three, including (Peter) Swatkins and (Jamie) Broadley will be beneficial!"

Wharfedale's home match against Sedgley Park was called off on Friday – when local referee Chris Sharp could finally get through the snow and ice from his home to Threshfield.

"In our heart of hearts we knew that there was very little chance of playing," admitted Baldwin.

The latter is certainly enjoying the input of player-coach Stevie Graham to Wharfedale's preparations.

Baldwin said: "Stevie is well-organised and watches plenty of rugby and brings that organisation to his sessions, which are always different and well planned.

"He has helped us to concentrate on the basics, such as discipline and defensive structure, whereas before we might have neglected the basics and concentrated on what came after that."

The enthusiastic Graham, clearly enjoying working with front-row prospects such as Reece Ward, said: "I was forwards' coach and head coach at Ilkley and really enjoyed it.

"My heart is at Wharfedale and I am working on the set-pieces – the line-out and the scrum."