WHARFEDALE will not have too long to wait to gauge the strength of the fresh competition in National Division Two next season, writes Tony Simpson.

The first three league games on the Greens' agenda are against sides promoted at the end of last season - a situation which can be a double-edged sword for the Dalesmen.

As they proved last season in catching Doncaster cold and collecting a handsome win, adjusting to the pace and discipline of a higher division can take newcomers some time.

On the other hand, confidence and optimism never burn more brightly for a side stepping into a new environment and for some that added enthusiasm can eclipse other shortcomings.

Division Three North champions Nuneaton get a new campaign underway at The Avenue on September 6 and the Greens will not need reminding about the previous meeting - a Powergen Cup defeat in Warwickshire two seasons ago.

Next up is a visit to Lydney on September 13 - not the challenge it once was, but still never a trip for the faint-hearted - while resurgent Rosslyn Park are at The Avenue on September 27.

The new challenges against the teams relegated from National One come in the shape of a home game against Moseley on November 8 and a trip to Rugby Lions on December 6.

Sandwiched between the opening trio of league matches is a Round Two tie in the Powergen Cup which sees them visiting the winners of the first-round meeting between Darlington Mowden Park and Kendal.

If the Cumbrians are successful, the Dalesmen will be visiting Mint Bridge for the second time in a month. They are heading there next weekend for the first of two pre-season friendly matches, the second being at home to Halifax on August 30.

Skipton preparations get underway tomorrow when they visit the Colne & Nelson 10s and continue with Saturday games against Bradford & Bingley and Halifax and a mid-week trip to Wharfedale.

The Reds open their league programme on September 6 with a trip to Ilkley before entertaining Heath the following week.

Back-row forward Mark Davison takes over the captaincy and will be keener than anyone to check out the two New Zealand players who are due to arrive in Skipton this week.