ALTHOUGH the teams currently below Wharfedale in the league table have matches in hand, the five-point margin above the drop zone, earned so handsomely with the victory over second-placed Blackheath, has given the side the impetus it requires to continue its climb up the league.

On Saturday they travel to Ampthill, newly promoted and extravagantly funded. The Bedfordshire club brought its side to the Avenue in October, complete with its clutch of imports, and scored five tries in beating an inexperienced Wharfedale side by 29-12.

They now lie in sixth place, thanks in large part to a home record which has seen them lose only twice.

The Wharfedale selectors have chosen a side which will be determined to give coach Tommy McGee a winning send-off in his last match.

Philip Woodhead, a late withdrawal from last week’s original selection, returns to the wing in an otherwise unchanged back division, while in the pack Rob Baldwin, who has served his suspension, returns to action at lock so as not to disturb last week’s outstanding back row.

Wharfedale: Harry Bullough; Philip Woodhead, Cameron Hudson, Oli Fewtrell, Dan Tai; Jamie Guy, James Doherty (c); Rici Cano, Jordon Poole, Chris Steel, Rob Baldwin, George Hedgley, Jack Barnard, Chris Howick, Jarad Williams. Replacements: Matt Beesley, Steve Graham, Ali Wade, Alex Powell, Matt van Sertima.