Wharfedale head for London on Saturday determined to avoid another dose of capital punishment.

And the selectors have placed their faith in the same team which blew away Cinderford 40-10 for the trip to Richmond in SSE National League One.

It means that scrum half Matt Dudman and flanker Josh Burridge retain their places, with Philip Woodhead and Jack Barnard among the replacements for a second successive game.

Wharfedale have registered just one win in London since 2005 – a 32-27 success at Rosslyn Park in 2011 – but their recent good form means they travel with optimism.

Coach Jon Feeley isn’t worried by his team’s past record or the early start – the match is kicking off at 1pm so not to clash with England’s international against Argentina, which is being played at nearby Twickenham.

“It is no surprise to me that we have found it tough in London in recent years because there are a lot of good sides down there and we aren’t the only ones to have experienced that,” he said.

“The early start isn’t an issue. It’s one factor we can’t control so we don’t need to waste energy worrying about it. We have to prepare properly and be ready, as we would for any other game.

“The important thing for us is to continue to focus on our own play and give Richmond something to worry about.

“I was really pleased with the performance against Cinderford. The conditions weren’t good but we still had the confidence in our individual skills to move the ball and create space out wide. It led to us scoring some good tries.”

“I was also pleased with the way we maintained our discipline when Cinderford became frustrated at being outplayed.”

Wharfedale introduced yet another young player to National League One action last week, with young prop Jake Armstrong coming off the bench for his debut.

“He scrummaged strongly and gave a good performance. It shows again the depth we are getting in our squad,” said Feeley.

“Competition for places is hotting up, and it is good that that players are having to work hard to play their way into the team.

“We still have a couple of players who are working their way back from injury and they will come into contention again shortly.

“It has been pleasing to see the Foresters playing two challenging matches in the past fortnight because that has given the players who are looking to get into the first team, like Dan Solomi, valuable game-time.”

Richmond were promoted to National League One last season and, as so often happens, had a successful first campaign, finishing comfortably in mid-table.

They had got off the mark at home to Wharfedale, turning in a fine performance for a 34-24 win against an injury-hit Greens side. Wharfedale gained revenge at home by 30-26.

Richmond, with only two wins to their credit this season, have lost their last four matches, recording only one bonus point in the process.

They will be desperate to get their season back on the road. Their only two wins have come against the bottom clubs Hull Ionians and Cinderford.

They did come close at home to Coventry, however, outscoring them by four tries to three.

Those not making the trip for the early kick-off (1pm) may want to watch the Foresters at The Avenue, where wingers Scott Jordan and Nick Taylor return after injury.

On the Foresters’ bench are two more players returning after a lengthy absence - prop Adam Howard and flanker Chris Howick.

Wharfedale: Adam Whaites; Christian Georgiou, Joe Donkin, Tom Davidson, Josh Prell; Tom Barrett, Matt Dudman; Joe Altham, Dan Stockdale, Chris Steel (captain), Richard Brown, Richard Rhodes, Josh Burridge, Aaron Myers, Rob Baldwin. Replacements: Jake Armitage, Neil Dickinson, Jack Barnard, Philip Woodhead, Dan Scarbrough.