WHARFEDALE skipper Rob Baldwin fears he could be out of action until the end of the campaign.

The 31-year-old back-rower was injured towards the end of their 23-21 National League Two North home defeat to Leicester Lions last Saturday.

"I hope to have an operation later in the week but I have ruptured the distal bicep tendon in my right arm," said the former England Counties player.

"I did it tackling their winger Constant Devon. It probably wasn't my tackle but I swung my arm out and he just kept on going."

Baldwin added: "I might get back for the end of the season but I could also be out for the season."

The defeat leaves Wharfedale second from bottom with only two wins from nine matches.

Harrogate are the only club below them (Wharfedale have 11 points and Harrogate eight), and they meet on Saturday at Rudding Lane.

Baldwin said: "It is a must-win game in terms of local bragging rights and in terms of getting our season back on track, but they will be thinking of the match in exactly the same terms, so it should be fairly intense."

In Baldwin's absence, George Hedgley moves into the back row, with Elliott Ward coming in at lock.

With Dale's Latvian trio on international duty, Scott Jordan and Oli Cicognini go into the backs to replace the Davidson brothers, while James Huck starts at prop instead of Toms Asejevs.

Huw Morgan replaces the injured Andy Hodgson at centre, and Jimmy Bullough gets the nod at scrum half with Ralph Wellock on the bench.

Otley have won four out of four at home, but director of rugby Peter Clegg said before the trip to South Leicester: "I would be even prouder if we could win one or two away."

"But with clubs having big squads and spending lots of money, it is a good achievement."

Hooker Will Rigg (shoulder) is the visitors' only injury doubt. 

Wharfedale (at Harrogate): S Jordan; J Prell, H Bullough, H Morgan, O Cicognini; J Guy, J Bullough; J Altham, D Stockdale, J Huck, A Allen, E Ward, G Hedgley, J Burridge, L Wilson. Replacements: J Poole, I Larkin, R Rhodes, S Gaudie, R Wellock.