JAMES Doherty has a good head of dark hair, and isn't about to start tearing it out just yet – despite three defeats on the bounce in National League Two North.

"I haven't reached that stage because we have players to come back and I can see that a win is around the corner," said Wharfedale's head coach Doherty after setbacks at Macclesfield (41-15 on September 2) and Luctonians (26-14 last Saturday) and at home to Otley (17-14 on September 9).

Despite fielding an unusual side in Herefordshire that included, at one stage, five props in the forwards and three scrum halves in the backs, Doherty was pleased with many aspects.

He said: "It was a different performance to what has gone before due to injuries and unavailabilities, but I am not downbeat.

"The forwards, such as Jim Mason and Simon Borrill in the second row, were outstanding, and Reece Ward was dominant at tight-head prop.

"In the backs, Robbie Davidson kicked his goals brilliantly, and Will Lawn, who has played centre before for the seconds, did not let anyone down there defensively, while we picked Phil Woodhead at fly half.

"We would prefer him at scrum half, but it was a question of having someone available to train in that position last Tuesday and Thursday."

The display at Luctonians gained Wharfedale no league points, but Doherty is adamant that they deserved a losing bonus point.

He said: "I am reluctant to criticise referees, but we were on their line in the last minute and their No 17 came in from the side.

"The referee deemed it sufficient for a yellow card but not for a penalty try because he said we were not in proximity to the line, but we were right there."

On Saturday, Wharfedale are at home to Stourbridge, who have had three wins from three, having triumphed 42-21 at Otley, defeated Luctonians 30-25 at home and won 38-17 last weekend at Sheffield.

Doherty said: "Our fixtures have followed Stourbridge's against Otley and Luctonians, so we have seen quite a bit of them, and they have a big pack and always start the season strong, even if they fall away in the second half of the season.

"We need to make The Avenue a fortress like it was from November onwards last season."