Wharfedale may have secured a place in the Yorkshire Cup Semi-Finals but of much more immediate importance is this Saturday's National Division One game at home to Harrogate, kicking off at 3pm, writes Keith Lewis.

Success in a knockout competition is seen by most rugby or football people as a bonus amidst the bread and butter stuff of the league and this particular fixture has lots of added signficance for both sides.

With only two games left, away at Wharfedale and at home to Leeds, Harrogate are perched perilously close to relegation. They are 12th with only nine points from 24 games, above Lydney, eight points, and Morley, sixth points, who both have a game in hand on the Claro Road outfit.

Harrogate have never lost to Wharfedale in a league game, having won 23-18 at home and 21-10 at Threshfield last season and managed a 27-27 draw at home last December.

They will no doubt regard Saturday's game as a realistic opportunity to improve their disappointing season which has been marred by several long-term injuries to key players including their captain and lineout specialist Peter Taylor.

Wharfedale's season has been only marginally better but in 10th position with 17 points from 23 games they are at least free from relegation worries and looking to gain ground on their mid-table rivals by taking something from their last three games which include visits to Rosslyn Park and Leeds.

Realistically Saturday's local derby against 'Gate is perhaps their best chance of finishing the season on a high note.

The Charlie Vyvyan versus Jeremy Hopkinson contest may be top of the bill for some people but the Dalesmen will no doubt also be wary of the lively Harrogate back division as they battle it out for the unofficial Rugby Union Championship of North Yorkshire.

The probable Wharfedale team is:

N Heseltine; A Mounsey, C Walker, J Davies, S McManus; D Harrison, D Whitfield; J Metcalfe, J Lawn (capt), I Peel, D Lister, N Dickinson, P Evans, H Verity, C Vyvyan.

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