COMING off a 27-21 loss in a physical game at Tynedale, Wharfedale face another stern test against high-flying Huddersfield at the Avenue this Saturday.

"I was very proud of the effort and commitment of the players," said Wharfedale coach John Feeley. "The physical intensity of the game took a lot out of us, as we were defending for so long. It's a testament to their character and fitness levels.

"But the opening 20 minutes of both halves we invited pressure, and before we knew it in the first half we were two tries down. It was a combination of our mistakes and the ability of their players to capitalise on them.

"It was difficult to turn that momentum around. You can't give your opponents that many opportunities and not expect them to succeed."

But Feeley was pleased that Wharfedale's defence held out Tynedale, kept the score close and were in with a chance of winning it near the end.

He also was pleased with the play of the Greens' forwards, who he felt "had the upper hand" on their counterparts.

When Wharfedale host high-flying Huddersfield this Saturday, Feeley said: "It's important that we recognise when we're under sustained pressure, and to counteract this we have to keep possession longer."

"Huddersfield will be a real test, as they are in contention for a play-off place," said Feeley, who said his Greens are keen to play the role of spoiler.

"It's role we've relished this season, as we spoiled their seven-game winning run, beat league leaders Hull Ionians and recently won at Fylde.

"We have a good habit of showing that we can rise to the occasion," he said, adding: "We can compete but also overcome them, and there's no reason we can't do that on Saturday."

Wharfedale will be without two key contributors, who suffered injuries last Saturday.

Feeley said: "We lost Ralph Wellock to a hamstring injury and he will definitely be out, and Oli Cicognini came off with a calf injury and he won't be available."

Phil Woodhead, who is recovering from an ankle injury, will face a fitness test in training this week.

Feeley also praised 19-year-old Rory Macnab, who made his first team debut coming on as a substitute last Saturday.

"Rory, who plays at full-back, is a very good goal kicker. He's a young player with a lot of potential in his first senior season."

The match against Huddersfield kicks off at 3pm.