YOUNG flanker Josh Burridge will lead Wharfedale for the first time in their opening National League One home game against Esher on Saturday.

Burridge, who captained Yorkshire to the under-20 county title last season, takes the reins in the absence of James Doherty.

It is a big vote of confidence for the talented Burridge as he leads out a team which includes former captains Chris Steel and Rob Baldwin.

Doherty’s unavailability means that Phil Woodhead makes a welcome return after a long injury lay- off, at scrum half.

The selectors have been forced to make two more changes to the side which lost 40-14 at Coventry last Saturday as full back Harry Bullough and second row Simon Willet have been ruled out by injury.

Bullough’s place goes to Lloyd Davies and the experienced Jim Mason comes in for Willet.

Speedy winger Dan Tai, who impressed for the Foresters in their victory over Newcastle University on Tuesday night, has been named among the replacements.

Wharfedale’s home clashes with Esher have tended to be close fought in recent seasons and the support of a partisan crowd at The Avenue could tip the balance,

One aspect of their play that Wharfedale will be looking to sharpen up on from their Coventry defeat is their finishing. They didn’t make the most of the chances which came their way .

After their loss in the Midlands, skipper Doherty reminded his men: “This is no time for licking wounds, this is the time to work hard, keep focusing on what we do well and playing the game how we want to play it.

“We probably left three or four other chances to score out on the field. With a higher level of control and accuracy we will be a dangerous side.”

Wharfedale: Davies, Labasse, Hudson, Morgan, Cicognini, Guy, Woodhead, Steel, Larkin, Beesley, Howard, Mason, Hedgley, Burridge (capt), Baldwin. Replacements: Beesley, Bell, Wade, Howard, Stockdale.