Wharfedale head coach Jon Feeley is happy with his team’s preparations for the new season after their pre-season defeat to rivals Otley last Saturday.

The Greens lost a fiery encounter 35-30 at home to their SSE National League Two North opponents, who suffered two cards, including a late red to centre Mike Coady for his involvement in one of many melees.

Feeley was pleased with how his team kept their discipline in the match and his men now have a week off before they start their SSE National League One campaign at home to Worthing Raiders on September 7.

“To the players the result was important because there is a local rivalry but I thought that there were a lot of positives,” said Feeley.

“It was good that the players kept their heads out of it and kept their discipline in the game. We have a lot of injuries at the minute and that’s giving a lot of the younger guys a chance.

“Josh Burridge only just got his A-level results last week and he led the line-out for us, while Oli Cicognini was outstanding and scored a try for us.

“There’s a really good young group of players here and they’ll get the opportunity to play. I’m really looking forward to getting the best out of them in a bit of a transitional period for us and I thoroughly believe they’ll do well.”