ROB Baldwin is pleased with Wharfedale's first pre-season friendly.

The Greens triumphed 24-18 last Saturday at Kirkby Lonsdale, who play a division below the Greens in North Premier, and the Dalesmen's director of rugby admitted: "I learnt a lot.

"We took about 30 players and all of them got a run-out, but we tried to give those who will be facing Blaydon on Saturday and Rotherham Titans a week on Saturday, both at home, at least 20 minutes, while giving others more game-time.

"We were a bit understrength in the backs due to last-minute hitches and injury, but we were stronger in the forwards."

Missing for example, were back-rowers Matt Houghton, Josh Burridge and new signing Ben Leacock, who plays in the second row, while scrum half Phil Woodhead was absent with an injury suffered playing for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Sevens, and centre Joel Gill was another absentee.

However, Baldwin said: "Josh should be available on Saturday," but a bigger conundrum could be what to do at fly half.

Max and Will Bell shared that duty at the weekend, but Tom Barrett could be unavailable for periods of the season due to work commitments, and is currently not available for selection.

One shining light from the visit to Cumbria was 17-year-old Ryan Hodgson, son of club legend Andy.

Baldwin said of the teenager, who is not a colt until the forthcoming season: "We played him at 12 on Saturday, but we see him as more of a 13.

"He didn't look out of place and we are looking forward to seeing more of him.

"Joel is not available at the moment as he is busy farming, and Tom and Joel are two top men to be missing at the moment."

Wharfedale have two matches this weekend as the Foresters are hosting Yorkshire Division One side Bradford Salem tomorrow (7.30) before the first XV face Blaydon on Saturday (3.00).

Baldwin, whose wife Victoria gave birth to their third child Jude last month (joining Hugo, two, and Ella, four) added: "We will be taking 24 or 25 players to each match."

Meanwhile, the club's former rugby chairman Michael Harrison has finally been discharged from Pinderfields in Wakefield.

'Clarty', who spent three months in hospital after a farming accident, will continue his rehabilitation at home, but has been buoyed by many messages of goodwill – both from those at The Avenue and from further afield.