The 136 mile round trip is a relatively short distance to travel for a fixture, when taking into account some of lengthy journeys that will need to be undertaken by DMPRFC 1ST XV in National 1 this season.

Wharfedale RFC, founded in 1923, the club can be described as stalwarts of Level 3 rugby, with this being their 19th consecutive season in National 1.

Their current Chairman of Rugby, local farmer Michael Harrison whose family have a long association with the club is also the Northern representative on the National Clubs Association.

Probably the best known is club is long time President John Southern Spencer, the former Headingley RFC, Cambridge, Barbarians, British Lions and England International.

John was a ‘triple blue’ for Cambridge (1967, ’68, ’69), made 23 appearances between 1969 - 1977 for the Barbarians RFC – scoring 11 tries, a member of the successful 1971 British Lions Tour of New Zealand & Australia and also played 14 times for England (1969 – 71), including 4 times as captain. He is the current Chairman of The Barbarians RFC, Head of the RFU’s Club England.

He has been selected to be Tour Manager of the 2017 British Lions Tour of New Zealand, some 46 years after he represented them as a player. He is the third Englishman to be selected as Tour Manager of the British Lions, after Fran Cotton (South Africa, 1997) and Bill Beaumont (New Zealand, 2005).

Wharfdale RFC finished a creditable 9th position in their last league campaign, with winger Scott Jordan their top try scorer on 14 tries and fly half Tom Barrett weighing in 311 points with the boot.

They are renowned for their ‘open’, free flowing style of rugby and their experience at this level will not be underestimated.

Last week they travelled to league newcomers Hartpury College, managing a 25 – 30 victory on the road, with tries from openside flanker Chris Howick, lock Simon Willett and ex DMPRFC player, prop Adam Howard, whilst centre Tom Davidson weighed in with 3 conversions and 3 penalties.

From a DMPRFC perspective it was more than disappointment to lose the firsr 'local derby' with the last kick of the game to Blaydon RFC (23 – 24) in our own backyard.

Two tries from No.8 Ollie HODGSON and 13 points from the boot of fly half Garry LAW, appeared enough to win the game. However, a lapse of concentration and a good fight back from Blaydon RFC conspired to a ‘defeat from the jaws of victory’ scenario.

That situation will be addressed this week in training, along with more fine-tuning, as the 1ST XV squad for the trip to ‘The Avenue’ is selected.

For information, DMPRFC 2ND XV take on Wharfedale RFC 2ND XV at The Northern Echo Arena this Friday evening, kick off 7.30pm.

Next Home Fixture : Saturday 20th September
Mowden Park v Cinderford : KO3pm : Northern Echo Arena
Mowden v Cinderford : Details