With the exception of missing flanker James Tyson (ankle), Wharfedale have named the same squad as last week for the trip to fourth-placed Esher on Saturday in SSE National League One.

Ian Larkin returns to take his place on the bench and, as part of the policy of prop rotation, Mark Tampin, who has committed to the Greens for the remainder of the season, makes a start.

Coach Tom McGee is philosophical about last week’s disappointing defeat at home to Blackheath.

“We made enough chances to win the game but we were under pressure for results and that’s when we need clear heads. We are making more mistakes than our opponents, and at this level that is something we cannot do.”

Esher returned to the division after two seasons in the Championship and, despite being tipped to rival Ealing Trailfinders for the one promotion place, have slipped up too many times away from home.

Their five defeats include the 18-15 loss to Wharfedale in September, a scoreline which rather flattered the visitors.

Their one home defeat was at the hands of Richmond, and two weeks ago they failed to score a try in their 24-3 defeat at Blackheath.

“It will be a difficult match for us,” says McGee, “but if we can cut out our mistakes and maintain our discipline, there is no reason why we cannot leave with the spoils.”

Wharfedale: Adam Whaites; Lloyd Davies, Joe Donkin, Andy Hodgson (c), Nick Taylor; Tom Barrett, James Gough; Adam Howard, Steve Graham, Mark Tampin, Richard Brown, Richard Rhodes, Jim Mason, Dan Solomi, Alastair Allen. Replacements: Ian Larkin, Joe Altham, Dan Stockdale, Philip Woodhead, Simon Horsfall.