WHARFEDALE RFC have received a major boost on the eve of a new season with the news that Ben Wade, the No 8 who did such an important job for the club last season in it's battle to avoid relegation, is staying at The Avenue, (writes Tony Simpson).

The former full-time professional with Rotherham arrived at Threshfield mid-way through last season after transferring from Hull Ionians, where he had moved to start a rehabilitation programme after an operation to re-construct his knee.

Having made headway in the East Riding, the back-row man then seized his chance to step up a grade when Wharfedale enquired after him in an effort to bolster their ailing forward base.

That Wade duly brought his wealth of experience and commitment to bear in a very positive way is confirmed by the fact that the club are preparing to compete in National Division Two once again when their hold on that status was only assured by a desperate late rescue act.

Wade accepts no applause for his part in that achievement, insisting that he was no more than one of a group of lads who really buckled down to the challenge and produced some top-quality displays when they most needed them.

"It was a challenge for me to get back into the game at that level after being out of action for over a year," says the 'late 20s-ish' former England Under 21 man - carefully schooled in agent-speak by another former Dalesman, Martin Shuttleworth.

"I was thrilled when Wharfedale invited me to help them with their relegation effort, but it was very difficult after being out of the game from April 2001 to September 2003. I was obviously disappointed at the time when Rotherham released me because I was hoping to get back into the full-time game, but I realised that the time had come to take on another challenge and Wharfedale gave me a brilliant opportunity.

"Being here has been a great experience and now I'm looking forward to the new season. It's a great club and a smashing bunch of lads with plenty of ability - and character, as they showed at the end of last season.

"When the close season arrived, I was simply told to go away and think about what I wanted to do, but I'm very happy to be staying. The knee stood up to the rugby without any reaction and like everyone else, I'm working hard and looking forward to the new season. It's a brilliant club and a great set of lads and I'm sure that we can challenge for promotion this season.

"I get asked from time to time for advice, but the coaching is top-class, skipper Andy Hodgson is really keen to get going again and for my part, I'm just getting my head down and getting on with it."

While the enforced step down from Zurich Premiership action is bound to come as a body blow to any player who has enjoyed the experience of playing sport for a living, Wade's enthusiasm for the Wharfedale environment and the challenge ahead has clearly carried him through that dark period and into a brighter situation for both him and the Greens.