WHARFEDALE are through to the next round of the Yorkshire Cup after Pocklington pulled out of this Saturday's match at the Avenue.

Wharfedale spokesman Ed Williams said the East Riding side could not raise a team because of injuries and other commitments.

Although the Greens are now in the quarter-finals, he said: "It's disappointing that Pocklington have cancelled because it's a loss of revenue for Wharfedale, which includes gate money and takings behind the bar. But nobody treats this competition seriously."

However, after the Greens hung on to beat Leicester Lions 34-30 last Saturday, Williams is pleased with how this season has gone for the Dalesmen.

"It's been a fantastic season, as we've won six out of ten games," he said. "We're now beautifully settled into sixth position in National League Two.

"Last year we had won only two games before Christmas, but this year we're winning games that we would have lost in the past."

Williams credited Wharfedale's new coaching set up as one of the big reasons for the club's success.

"We've got John Feeley back," he said. "He's a very experienced, astute and intelligent coach. He's a great man manager and has handled the boys really well."

He said Feeley, a former Leeds Tykes and Wakefield winger, was a "top player in his day".

Williams also said that new signings and a few changes in player personnel have made a difference.

"Jack Blakeney-Edwards has made a big difference," said Williams. "He puts the team on the front foot."

Other new signings include Chris Walker and Ben Leacock, and when available players like Rian Hamilton, Tom Mann and Keiran Frost, who are dual registered with Leeds Carnegie, can make a big impact too.

He said the team is really strong at scrum half with the likes of Sam Gaudie, Phil Woodhead and Will Lawn to choose from.

He also said the club is happy to have Harry Bullough, who was injured all of last year, back in the team.

"Harry made his name at full back, and won an award in the 2017/17 season, but he's playing at centre this season."