WHARFEDALE go into their final warm-up game before their league programme begins with the visit of Halifax to The Avenue tomorrow (3pm), (writes Tony Simpson).

As with last weekend's visit to Kendal, the Dalesmen have a squad which contains a sprinkling of new faces, a handful of familiar names making their way back from injury and the bulk of last season's line-up.

The Threshfield faithful who did not make the trip to Mint Bridge last weekend will have the chance to run the rule over newcomers Pedram Salashouri, a wingman from Middlesbrough via Leeds Tykes, and back-row man Ben Pattinson, who has also arrived from Acklam Park having first made his mark with Yorkshire junior representative sides.

Adam Oldfield from Skipton also fits into that bracket and all three will be seeking to put down a convincing marker so far as the coaching staff are concerned after performing creditably last weekend.

With Nuneaton due to arrive at The Avenue next weekend for the opening league game, the management team do not have the luxury of a lengthy serious of trials, so there is plenty at stake for the newcomers tomorrow as they seek to press their claims for early recognition.

Back-row men Tony Jackson and Sam Allen and scrum-half Graham Smith were returning to senior action last weekend after absences through work and long-term injury in the case of the latter two, so there was satisfaction in the camp that all three came through the physical test without any problems and will add nicely to the strength in depth, which was tested almost beyond capacity last season.

The presence of Anthony Capstick after his belated absence with knee ligament trouble added another dimension to pleasure enjoyed in Kendal, as did the sight of Hedley Verity galloping round after another clean-up job on his knee and Andy Hodgson looking sharp after niggling problems last term.

With a good deal of competition now available in the back-row, Smith and Sam Cottrell vying for the No 9 shirt, David Pears at No 10 and Hodgson full fit, the spine of the team has a more secure look than was the case on a number of occasions last season.

Wharfedale squad: A Hodgson, J Davies, P Salashouri, G Johnston, C Malherbe, A Baggett, A Oldfield, G Smith, S Cottrell, C Ingram, N Dickinson, P Peel, G Hindle, J Ogden, D Lister, A Capstick, T Jackson, P Evans, B Pattinson, B Wade, H Verity.

NORTH Ribblesdale begin their preparations with a visit frm neighbours Keighley tomorrow, so a decent work-out for both sides seems assured.

September is likely to give a firm pointer to North Ribblesdale's potential for the 2003/4 season, with the early fixtures offering the Grove Park men a chance to give their campaign some early momentum.

The first Yorkshire Division Two action on September 6 sees Ribblesdale entertaining Sheffield Tigers and the following week they travel to West Park Bramhope..

Ribblesdale have a new captain in Simon Spensley, with Peter Nash continuing as coach.