JON Feeley has given high praise to his special veteran.

The Wharfedale coach selected Andy Hodgson at fly half last Saturday at Esher for his SSE National League One return, after the 39-year-old featured in the Yorkshire Cup quarter-final at Morley and semi-final at Cleckheaton.

And Feeley said: "Andy retired from league rugby three years ago at Esher and for him to return there and score a try made it even more special.

"He is really a centre but his club needed his experience at fly half to guide the team around, and he did really well and showed his class."

Wharfedale lost 26-8 but Feeley added after the dispiriting home loss to relegated Macclesfield: "We regained some of our pride.

"Our forwards, particularly in the loose, were excellent, and they got a good platform in the scrum but we were missing our main line-out jumpers."

The main incident that went against the Greens was when James Doherty took a quick tap penalty in the second half, and was prevented from scoring. "We should have got a penalty try," said Feeley.

The Dalesmen end their league season tomorrow with a home match against Hartpury College, which is where the Greens started their campaign on the first weekend in September and won 30-25.

However, Hartpury, who are a feeder club to Gloucester, are fourth in their first season at this level, having won National League Two South in 2013-14.

Feeley said: "Hartpury are not what you normally get from student sides like Loughborough as they have a mix of youth and, thanks to their Gloucester link, nous."

Jamie Guy returns for Wharfedale at No 10 but Hodgson is retained, reverting to full back to replace the injured Tom Davidson.

Ian Larkin starts at hooker in rotation with Dan Stockdale, who drops to the bench. The only other change sees winger Josh Prell joining the replacements.

Wharfedale (home to Hartpury College): A Hodgson; L Davies, C Hudson, H Morgan, J Druce; J Guy, J Doherty; M Beesley, I Larkin, J Armstrong, A Howard, S Willet, J Barnard, J Burridge, D Solomi. Replacements: C Steel, D Stockdale, J Altham, J Mason, J Prell.