If the snow ever leaves the pitch, Wharfedale will bring in the New Year on Saturday, January 2, when they entertain Blaydon.

In the reverse match on September 12, Wharfedale showed tremendous spirit to come from a long way behind to win by 23-19, while the Foresters were running up a big score on the adjoining pitch.

On Saturday, Blaydon second XV will be seeking revenge on the back pitch in another double-header.

For Wharfedale, Chris Malherbe returns after two months’ absence through injury, to captain the side in the absence of Rob Baldwin.

Wharfedale: Andrew Hodgson; Ian Dixon, James Tincknell, Chris Malherbe, Simon Horsfall; Mark Bedworth, Sam Cottrell; Mark Chivers, Gavin Hindle, Neil Dickinson, Oliver Renton, Richard Brown, Sam Allen, Dan Solomi, Latu Maka’afi. Replacements: to be announced.

Andy Gould is organising a bus trip to the National One game at Otley on January 9. Bookings can be made on 07956 996107.

Following negotiations, Otley have kindly agreed to offer pre-sold tickets for £10 instead of £12 on the day.

Wharfedale plan to make these tickets available at the home match against Blaydon. If for any reason this match does not take place, alternative arrangements will be posted on the club website. Concessions will be available at the gate.

Wharfedale Foresters’ home game against North Ribblesdale on Boxing Day fell victim to the weather and was cancelled.

On Saturdcay North Ribblesdale travel to Hullensians for a re-arranged league game.

Skipton RFC are scheduled to entertain Selby on Saturday, January 2, with a 2.15pm kick-off. The second team’s next game is scheduled for Saturday, January 9, at Barnsley in a Merit League fixture.

Skipton’s third team are due to visit North Ribblesdale seconds on Saturday, January 2, in the North Yorkshire Cup with a 2.15pm kick-off.