FOR a while at least, every Wharfedale match is a pressure game as the Greens seek to dig themselves out of the hole that is the relegation zone and going into the game at Esher tomorrow as clear underdogs does not lessen the urgent need for a win, (writes Tony Simpson).

The Dalesmen have now accumulated the unenviable statistic of seven successive league defeats, their last success in National Division Two being a 19-18 home win over Fylde on November 8.

Esher will not be an easy place to end that losing sequence, although tradition is on Wharfedale's side. When the Surrey side won at The Avenue a few weeks ago, they claimed their first win over the Greens in four league outings.

What the Greens did not want, however, was Esher to come unstuck against Doncaster last weekend. Apart from the fact that the win enables Doncaster to ease further away from the Greens, it is sure to have galvanised Esher into a more determined and disciplined frame of mind tomorrow.

"We were disappointed not to get a game last weekend against Newbury, but there was no way the pitch was fit when we inspected on Friday to prevent Newbury travelling needlessly," says coach Peter Hartley. "We wanted to play and get a win after our last couple of games.

"There's a chance that Esher might be off guard in view of recent results and that might work in our favour, but I can't see David Pears lying down. It will be a tough game because Esher have more steel in their side these days than they once had, but they like to play decent rugby and have a good pitch and a good set-up, so that suits us."

The Greens have No 8 Phil Hargreaves ruled out with knee trouble, with Richard Maunder coming into the back-row alongside Simon Hargreaves and Paul Evans, but elsewhere the mixture is unchanged from that which was on duty at Stourbridge, with Andy Hodgson retaining the fly-half berth.

Changes on the bench see utility back David Whitfield able to resume after a precautionary break after concussion, while the forward replacements include Alastair Allen alongside Philip Peel and Gavin Hindle.

For those who have a superstitious streak, of course, there is one modest extra crumb of comfort. Last weekend the team's strip went on loan for the afternoon to Otley, who wore the green shirts in their home win over Rugby in National Division One because of a colour clash. Whether that victory will have exorcised the kit remains to be seen.

Skipton are heading for West Leeds with their embarrassment of Kiwi riches influencing the selection process. With wingman Paul Lacy unavailable because of work commitments, Mike Richards moves forward from full-back, with Hamish Burns coming in at full-back.

The return to action of Burns and the continued inclusion of Frank Walker at centre leaves the Reds with their overseas quota filled. As a result, John Settle is obliged to stand down and Jack Morgan resumes in the back-row.

North Ribblesdale hope to extend a strong home record against Old Brodleians and avenge a hefty defeat at Hipperholme earlier in the season. As expected after last weekend's reverse at Selby, the Grove Park men are without skipper Gareth Evans (groin strain) and Bryan McGeoch (shoulder trouble), but they hope to have centres Marc Driver and Stuart Evans and hooker Mike Robinson recovered from knocks and Neil Gemmell available to lead the side from scrum-half.

Wharfedale: J Davies; C Eccleston, A Baggett, C Malherbe, G Johnston; A Hodgson, M Birch; C Ingram, J Ogden, N Dickinson, D Lister, A Capstick, P Evans, S Hargreaves, R Maunder. Replacements: A Allen, P Peel, G Hindle, D Whitfield.

Directions: M25, Jun 10, A 3 to London. After one mile turn left to Walton-on-Thames (A 425). After 400 yards turn right at lights into Seven Hills Road (B 365). Right at roundabout into Burwood Road and proceed into Hersham village. Right into Molesey Road. Ground 300 yards on left past railway bridge. Nearest station: Hersham (London-Woking line).

Skipton: H Burns; M Beech, I Sneddon, F Walker, M Richards; D Howson, A Oldfield; G Reed-Hughes, R King, N King, G Newhouse, A Winthrop, J Morgan, I Scrivin, M Davison. Replacements: M Wilson, A Phillip.