Wharfedale officials are looking for a break in the cold snap to enable them to stage Saturday’s third round EDF National Trophy tie against Launceston.

But the prospects at The Avenue where the Greens had to call off last Saturday’s National League 2 game with Southend are not good.

The weather is making it difficult for the pitch to recover after it was covered with snow last week.

A club spokesman said: “Locals will not be surprised to learn, that this match is in some doubt.

“Unless there is enough of a thaw o clear the pitch and to get the frost covers down, a postponement is inevitable.”

Wharfedale had to call off last weekend’s game with Southend after the pitch was completely covered in snow following Thursday’s blizzards.

Even after a partial thaw, the Wharfedale pitches were at lunchtime on Friday still covered by six inches of snow, on top of ice which itself was on top of more snow.

With no chance of getting the pitch ready, the match had to be postponed. A new date has yet to be set for it.

Although Wharfedale had to train in the sportshall at Threshfield Primary School on Monday evening, captain James Doherty is taking a “wait and see” approach to this weekend’s cup tie.

He said: “It’s the temperature that’s the trouble. We’ll just have to see how it goes.”

While Wharfedale’s and Laun-ceston’s league form are at opposite ends of the spectrum – the Greens have lost four in a row while their visitors have won three on the trot – Doherty is glad the club have a home tie.

“We know a bit about them and our home form is good. In the past, a good cup performance has been a good springboard for the rest of the season.”

Wharfedale welcome back Andy Hodgson and Chris Steel who will be among the replacements after returning from injury.

Forward Andrew Clements will also be on the bench after not being in the side for some time where he will be joined .by 18-year-old Tom Davidson who has impressed with the Foresters after joining the club this year.

Doherty said: “Tom has impressed with the Foresters this season. He’s probably been their most consistent performer. His debut would be thoroughly deserved.”

Saturday’s game if it goes ahead will kick-off at 2.30pm.

Wharfedale: Joel Gill; Andrew Lovatt, Dan Hart, Mark Bedworth, David Hall; Luke Gray, James Doherty (c); Frazer Lovatt, Dave Charnley, Ben Fear, Oliver Renton, David Lister, Gavin Jones, Dan Solomi, Tom Ball. Replacements: Chris Steel, Titman Bryce, Andrew Clements, Tom Cokell, Steve Moon, Andrew Hodgson, Tom Davidson.

Other EDF Energy National Trophy ties include: Birmingham & Solihull v Redruth, Blackheath v Kendal, Blaydon v Macclesfield, Broadstreet v Westoe, Caldy v Hull Ionians, Cambridge v Canterbury, Barnstaple v Southend, Dings Crusaders v Westcombe Park, Henley v Stourbridge, London Scottish v Basingstoke, Mounts Bay v Barking, Preston Grasshoppers v Hull, Rugby Lions v Bridgewater & Albion, Tynedale v Wadebridge Camels, Waterloo v Cinderford.

l Skipton take a break from league rugby making the trip to Wearside to play Sunderland in round four of the EDF Energy Senior Vase.

Sunderland play their rugby in Northumberland and Durham League One – the same standard in the national structure as Skipton.

Sunderland are not having the best of seasons, having collected only three points in the league so far.

However, with home advantage and a proud tradition having been founded in 1873, the year before Skipton, they will no doubt prove to be tough opponents.

Paul Shearer comes in at prop for Jamie Riches who has joined the long injury list and Liam Ray comes in on the wing with Lee Shaw returning to the bench where he joins Luke Melling. The young prop gets his chance having impressed with the A team. The game kicks-off at 2pm.

SKIPTON: W Green; L Ray, J Richards, M Thomsen, J Dillon; A Oldfield (C), C Wibberley; D Hattingh, C Sheehan, P Shearer, R Willsher, R Ingham, M Snowden, C Jantjes, M Murray. Replacements: L Shaw, L Mellin, M Davison, B Hall.

l After North Ribblesdale’s game against Ripon last weekend was also a victim of the weather, the two teams will try again this Saturday at Grove Park. Kick-off is at 2.15pm.

NORTH RIBBLESDALE: Graham Newhouse; James Ogden, Adam Stubbs, Tom Clay, James Dugdale; Nathan Dakin, Mick Carr; Russell Howarth, Dave Fox, Micheal Richards, Scott McLean, James Metcalfe, Ben Topham, Simon Bolland, Simon Chapman. Replacements: Callum Wilson, Jack Davidson, Matthew Dakin.