With the Wharfedale pitch snug under its frost covers, the club is optimistic that everything will be in top condition for the first-ever visit to the Avenue of London Scottish on Saturday.

Demoted to the bottom rung in the early 90s, these exiles have pursued an irresistible rise to this division, and at this stage of the season are the only realistic threat to Esher for the one promotion spot.

Last October they produced an impressive first-half performance to beat Wharfedale 37-16.

Their three defeats have come from Esher (twice) and at an early-season Cambridge, so their record shows that the Greens will have to be on top form to get anything from the match.

Wharfedale’s selection has a more familiar look than the side which travelled to Esher on what should have been a free Saturday.

Mark Bedworth has had his wisdom tooth fettled, and Alastair Allen returns, but Andy Hodgson and Oliver Renton are still missing. Dave Hall is recalled to the wing.

Wharfedale: Luke Gray; Ian Dixon, James Tincknell, Chris Malherbe, Dave Hall; Mark Bedworth, Sam Cottrell; Adam Mason, Gavin Hindle, Chris Steel, Richard Brown, Alastair Allen, Latu Maka’afi, Dan Solomi, Rob Baldwin (c). Repl: Mark Chivers, Neil Dickinson, Tom Wareing, Dan Matthews, Simon Horsfall.