WHARFEDALE await the resolution of the fuel crisis before a decision is taken on whether they can go ahead with Saturday's National Division Two trip to Camberley).
The Dalesmen cancelled mid-week training on the basis that a number of their squad were unable to get to Threshfield because of transport difficulties and there was insufficient guarantee that a return trip to Surrey could be undertaken with complete confidence.
"We have a coach booked and our plans in place, but at this stage, the operator does not have enough fuel to make the journey," says Peter Hartley: "We have alerted Camberley to our problems. Obviously we are not the only club in the country with transport difficulties and we will have to see how things develop."
If the Dalesmen are able to gather their flock together and can make the trip, they will do so with the same side which beat West Hartlepool quite convincingly last weekend and in doing so shot several places up the table.
"Most people take the view that Camberley will be a tougher proposition this season than last and their 24-16 win at Fylde last weekend suggests as much." says coach Peter Hartley: " Then again, Fylde didn't beat West so convincingly according to the scoreline, so perhaps they aren't what they were. To be honest, at this stage it's hard to judge relative strengths.
"But if we do make the trip, then I'm expecting Camberley to be a tough proposition at home."
While transport arrangements are crucial for Wharfedale, even a relatively short trip from Leeds to Settle will pose problems for Yarnbury, who are due to tackle North Ribblesdale at Grove Park in a Yorkshire One fixture.
If the fuel crisis permits, 'Ribb' will go into the match with one change to the side which beat Rossendale 27-23 in the Tetley's Bitter Vase last weekend.
The 'Blues' have included stalwart John Walker in the fly-half berth and fingers are crossed that he returned from holiday yesterday fit as a fiddle and rarin' to get into action.
Skipton are looking for a clearer insight in the calibre of Yorkshire Three when they visit Old Otliensians. They were impressed by the quality of York RI in their opening league game, but hope to establish at Pool Road the level of competition they have moved into.
Skipton go into the game with one change of personnel from last weekend, Adam Oldfield moving from replacement to take over the full-back berth. George Smithson moves to the wing to make way.
SELECTED TEAMS
Wharfedale (at Camberley, 3.00): J. Davies; A. Mounsey, N. Heseltine, D. Whitfield, B. Whitfield; D. Pears, G. Smith; C. Ingram, J. Lawn (capt), N. Dickinson, D. Lister, P. Evans, S. Allen, H. Verity, T. Jackson.Replacements: M. Cummins, R. Buckroyd, A. Capstick
Directions: Leave M3 at Junction 4 and follow signs for Frimley/Guildford. Turn left at first roundabout, signed to Camberley, and travel one-and-a-half miles to mini-roundabout, where you turn right into Park Road. Ground on Park Road. Tel 01276 25395
North Ribblesdale (home to Yarnbury, 3.00): G. Evans; S. Spensley, D. Bryant, J. Richards, I. Cowperthwaite; J. Walker, I. Bullock; S. Heal, M. Throup, J. Thwaite (capt), P. Pawson, D. Storey, R. Kirkbride, M. Carr, M. Matafeo. Replacements: L. Brown, Alistair Bradley, S. Coultard. Skipton (at Old Otliensians, 3.00): A. Oldfield; G. Smithson, M. Jones, A. Porter, M. Beech; D. Howson, D. Brown; R. Birks, D. Hayes (capt), C. Howarth, P. Jenkinson, A. Phillips, I. Scriven, M. Davison, M. McDuff.
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