JAMES Doherty's ankle operation was a success but he is not putting a time frame on when he can return to duty as Wharfedale's head coach.

The former scrum half went under the knife three weeks ago and said the surgery went fine but that he is still recovering.

"The operation was quite exploratory, and they didn't know how much work there was to do, but it involved a synthetic ligament and reattaching a tendon," said Doherty.

"I am still in pot and hope to be back sooner rather than later – but in the meantime, Wharfedale are in good hands with the experience of Rob Baldwin, Michael Harrison, Hedley Verity and Stevie Graham."

Meanwhile, one of the highlights of Wharfedale club president John Spencer's term as Rugby Football Union president takes place later this month – the RFU grand draw raffle.

It will form an important part of the match-day experience for the home National League Two clash against Sale.

Former England international and British Lions tourist Spencer will be conducting the draw and tickets sold for the nationwide event are providing an important source of revenue for the Greens.

Five tickets can be bought for £5 and £4.50 of that automatically goes to Wharfedale club funds.

The main RFU grand draw prize is £10,000 but there are many other prizes. Plus this year there will be an additional draw – the president's special draw.

Anyone who has purchased tickets from Wharfedale will not only have their names entered into this special draw but will have the chance of winning a prize from both draws.

The president's special draw prizes are: Four tickets for the England v Barbarians match at Twickenham; a luxury weekend for four to the Cotswolds; midweek dinner and bed & breakfast at Grassington House Hotel; tickets for practice day at the British MotoGP round at Silverstone; dinner and bed & breakfast at the Gamekeeper's Inn, Skipton, including use of their leisure facilities.

Tickets will be on sale at Wharfedale's home match against Sedgley Park on Saturday but can also be purchased by cheque if you are unable to visit the club.

Numbers will then be posted on the Wharfedale website, with prize winners being notified – by an enclosed stamped address envelope if necessary.