NO 8 has proved unlucky for all three local rugby union sides, with Skipton's four-try hero Myles McDuff, Wharfedale's Tony Jackson and Ribblesdale's Mel Matafeo all ruled out of Cup action with injury.

Tetley Bitter Cup action at Threshfield sees Darlington from North Two East coming to the Dales in search of a shock win. They are unbeaten this season and a club on the up-grade, but after the disappointment of losing at Bracknell, the Dalesmen should not be victims of complacency.

"Their team-talk will be a lot easier than ours," said coach Peter Hartley: "They have nothing to lose and will be geared up to give a good account of themselves against a team from a higher level. We've been there in the past ourselves and having the chance to take on sides from another section is one of the great thrills of cup rugby."

That said, Wharfedale are not without incentive themselves. They also have injury worries to contend with, No 8 Tony Jackson having shoulder trouble and prop Neil Dickinson out with a calf strain.

Their absence will concentrate the collective mind, while the inclusion of new faces in the line-up will guarantee individual focus. Richard Lancaster impressed on his first outing of the season last week, especially with his mobility and fitness, and he gets an early opportunity of first-team action.

Wingman Chris Armitage is another player who will be making his senior debut tomorrow after claiming a hat trick with the Foresters last weekend.

Table-topping Skipton go into their Tetley Bitter Vase game against Old Otliensians on the back of another improved display against Bramley Phoenix. That win, coupled with helpful results elsewhere, put the Sandylands men at the top of Yorkshire Three, but it was achieved at a cost.

Kiwi McDuff, misses the Cup tie with Achilles tendon trouble, while props Chris Howarth and Bob Birks are also ruled out with hamstring and knee problems respectively.

Skipton will also be without lock Andy Phillip, who gives the club a certain extra cachet by being unavailable because of sailing commitments. Impressive stuff in the light of recent events in Sydney.

Rochdale, who Ribblesdale visit in the NPI Intermediate Cup, are no strangers to upsetting the odds - they ousted in-form Middlesbrough a couple of years ago - and they will represent a tough hurdle for the Grove Park men, who also have injury worries to contend with.

Both Kiwi No 8 Mel Matafeo and centre Jonathan Richards received cuts in a robust game against Cleckheaton last weekend and are ruled out for the trip to Lancashire, while skipper John Thwaite takes his place on the replacement bench. Experienced Chris Wallbank comes into the back-row, with Sean Kennedy taking over at centre.

Despite still seeking their first league win, Ribblesdale performed with great credit against league leaders Cleckheaton last weekend and to deny their visitors a try was no mean achievement. Tomorrow they need to find the same application and a shade more penetration to pull off the win which could get their season up-and-running.