THE Greens travel to bottom side Nuneaton this Saturday desperate for a win to ensure their stuttering start to this year does not turn into something more alarming (writes Mike Crowther).

Wharfedale have only won twice in 2005 and have lost five of their last seven games.

A 17-point gap still exists between them and the relegation zone, but the new bonus point system and a series of tough games on paper mean this could still be eaten up.

Their inability to convert chances into points has dogged them for some time and this was no where better illustrated than in last week's 27-18 defeat at home to Stourbridge.

But another area of weakness which has cost Dale points in recent weeks is set to come under scrutiny tomorrow.

The rolling maul has proven to be an effective weapon against Dale - recent games against Harrogate and Rosslyn Park spring to mind - and coach Peter Hartley is expecting a forward onslaught from a strong Nuneaton pack.

"They will aim to keep the game tight and will do anything to stop our momentum. Their strengths are our weaknesses and vice-versa, but it will be harder dealing with their strengths as you are talking about source ball."

Though Nuneaton, whose coaching staff have big connections with Leicester Tigers, are four points adrift at the foot of the table their form has picked up since the new year.

They have won three and drawn one of their last six games, including wins over second-placed Newbury and sixth-placed Launceston. That run also included a narrow defeat to leaders Doncaster.

However, this is a game Dale, who blew the Warwickshire-based side away 54-5 at home in October, need to win as their next four fixtures are against top-six sides.

Hartley said: "There are no easy games but, on paper, Nuneaton is the easiest game left apart from maybe Bracknell at home. It's not an easy run in - it never was - but we need a couple of wins."