HAVING crossed off from their Yorkshire Cup semi-final at Sheffield Tigers last Saturday due to a dearth of front rowers, Otley are hoping that their props and hookers will be sufficiently fit to take on Harrogate at Rudding Lane on Saturday.

The Cross Greeners were missing props Jason Moss (arm injury), Tipiloma Kivalu (back injury), George Burkinshaw (back spasm) and Adam Blades (working) last weekend, while prop Will Rigg was out with a head injury.

Otley's director of rugby Peter Clegg said: "Adam is not working this weekend, and we hope that a fortnight's rest will have done George some good."

The visitors still need a point to be certain of survival in National League Two North, and face two clubs who have every reason for winning for different reasons – relegation-threatened Harrogate this weekend and play-off chasing Sale at Cross Green on April 29.

With Preston Grasshoppers (30 points) already doomed, Harrogate (45) are involved in a three-cornered dogfight to avoid the other two relegation places with Scunthorpe (39), Sheffield Tigers (41) and Otley (51).

Wharfedale's head coach James Doherty admits that it is a relief that they have won their battle against relegation.

But that does not mean that champions Caldy will be facing a side at The Avenue that are blasé about the result.

"I would be lying if I said that I am not relieved," said Doherty, whose side staved off the last lingering threat with a losing bonus point at Chester on April 8.

Caldy were beaten 16-13 at Sedgley Park in the opening game and drew 21-21 at South Leicester in October, but have won the other 26 matches and are 13 points ahead of Sale.

Doherty added: "It is remarkable what Caldy have achieved, given that they lost their first game.

"However, that does not mean that we are going to let them leave The Avenue in fancy dress having drunk beer from their boots.

"We want to be the second team to beat them, and I would much rather us finish the season strong having started it weak than start the season strong and finish it weak."

A Wharfedale side without a Davidson looks somewhat strange.

Robbie was injured playing for Latvia last weekend and Tom is unavailable for selection.

With Tom Barrett also unavailable, Jamie Guy slips into the No 10 slot, and there is also a recall for Huw Morgan, with James Tincknell partnering him in the centre.

There is only one real change in the pack, with Richard Rhodes returning from injury into the second row and Adam Howard coming off the bench as impact player into any one of seven forward positions!

The only other change sees is Phil Woodhead returning from injury at scrum half, with Will Lawn on the bench as cover.

Baildon are without Dan Cookson, Will Tomlinson and Matty Robinson for their Yorkshire Division Three trip to Goole, and James Fox (rib injury) is doubtful.

Wharfedale (home to Caldy): H Bullough; S Jordan, J Tincknell, H Morgan, J Prell; J Guy, P Woodhead; J Altham, D Stockdale, T Asejevs, R Rhodes, G Hedgley, R Baldwin. J Burridge, L Wilson. Replacements J Poole, I Larkin, A Howard, S Borrill, W Lawn.