HAVING lost 27-3 at Sale last weekend – they were only 6-3 down at the interval but got on the wrong side of the referee in the second half – Otley welcome derby rivals Wharfedale tomorrow in National League Two North.

The Cross Greeners have been hit by pre-season injuries, but director of rugby Peter Clegg said: “We might have James Wood and James Mackie back but the injuries to Jason Moss and Mike Coady are more long-term.”

The match, which kicks-off at 2pm due to a pre-booked wedding reception, will coincide with the first chance that many spectators have had to look at the almost-complete new facilities at Otley, which have come in under budget.

The refurbishment includes a kitchen refit, adding new windows, doors and decor to the long room and completely renovating both the Hugh Barker Bar and Nigel Melville Suite. There will also be a pitchside balcony, running the width of the clubhouse.

Clegg said: “Wharfedale are a fantastic club and it should be a fantastic occasion. If you can’t can’t get up for playing against Wharfedale then you shouldn’t be playing.”

Their last meeting in a competitive match was a thrilling Yorkshire Cup final at Wagon Lane at the end of the 2013-14 season, which Wharfedale won 34-29. If tomorrow’s derby is half as good, the spectators won’t feel short-changed.

Wharfedale also lost last weekend, going down 20-12 at home to preston Grasshoppers, and the Dalesmen’s president John Spencer has highlighted three areas in which they must improve.

“It was a disappointing performance, and we need to be more accurate and we need to be more aggressive,” said the British Lions tour manager. “Also we have to improve our set-piece. The scrum was the most disappointing feature of our game, and if you are not controlling your set-piece then it is very difficult.”

Wharfedale (at Otley): S Jordan; R Davidson, A Hodgson, J Guy, O Cicognini; T Barrett, H Skelton; M Bradshaw, D Stockdale, J Huck, A Allen, G Hedgley, R Baldwin, J Burridge, L Wilson. Replacements: J Parkinson, I Larkin, A Oxley, E. Ward, H Bullough.