WHARFEDALE newcomer Chris Malherbe endured ecstasy and agony within minutes during his debut at The Avenue on Sunday in the Dalesmen's practice session against Darlington Mowden Park.

The former Kendal and Otley centre could hardly have wished for a better start, scoring within seconds of running out after being put clear by skipper Andy Hodgson.

But with great expectations raised, the elation of the South African 23-year-old was then destroyed 15 minutes later when he suffered a shoulder injury that prevented him from taking any further part in proceedings.

Initial signs are that Malherbe will miss tomorrow's authentic match at Halifax as the Greens make their final preparations for the opening league game against Sedgley Park at The Avenue tomorrow week, but a long-term absence is not expected.

"Checks suggest that he has stained ligaments in his shoulder, but that he should be to play again fairly soon.

"He may be OK for the Sedgley Park game, but if not, he looks sure to be fit for the trip to Kendal."

Other absentees tomorrow include back-row man Paul Evans, who is on holiday, and wingman Carl Burnett, who injured himself at work.

The Greens will be hoping to recapture their early form of last Sunday at Halifax.

Overall, the outing was something of a curate's egg for the Greens, with an opening spell of brilliant rugby giving way to a more ordinary period during which that initial fluency was lost.