Despite the absence of Joe Quinn (shoulder) and Luke Gray and Joe Altham (illness), Wharfedale’s selectors have been able to name a strong line-up for the visit of Cambridge on Saturday in SSE National League One.

In the backs, Dan Hart, Andy Hodgson, Tom Barrett and Philip Woodhead all return, while Jim Mason and Lloyd Davies have reserved a place on the bench after their promising showing against Middlesbrough last weekend in the Centurion Yorkshire Cup.

Up to Christmas, Cambridge were performing much as they have done since their promotion to the division in 2006-07, winning more than they were losing and comfort-ably placed in mid-table.

Then in January it all went wrong when they were forced to admit that their finances were in disarray for the second year running.

Cambridge declared themselves amateur, disposed of the coach, and lost half of their playing strength - those who were dependent on their rugby wages.

Since then they lost all their matches – until last time out when they secured a good home win over Cinderford.

In the corresponding match in November, Wharfedale scored five tries before half-time, which was enough to secure a 31-17 victory – their first at Cambridge.

With three league matches left, Wharfedale will be targeting this as an opportunity to climb up the table for the respectable finish which at one stage looked rather unlikely.

Wharfedale: Tom Davidson; Dan Hart, Andy Hodgson, James Tincknell, Simon Horsfall; Tom Barrett, Philip Woodhead; Neil Dickinson, Steve Graham, Mark Tampin, Richard Rhodes, Richard Brown, James Holland, Dan Solomi, Rob Baldwin (capt). Replacements: Tom McGee, Ben Sowery, Jim Mason, Lloyd Davies, Will Bell.