Canterbury v Wharfedale

THE up and coming players of Canterbury Rugby Club are likely to have another chance to impress in the third round of the EDF Energy National Trophy on Saturday.

They are at home to Yorkshire-based Wharfedale, who play in the level above them in National League 2, from 2.15pm.

After scrapping their way to a 26-16 win over St Ives in the previous round, coach Danny Vaughan is keen to see how his fringe players cope with making the step up.

He said: "Wharfedale are flying their entire first team squad down, so are clearly taking this competition seriously.

"I’ve watched DVDs from some of their games and know what they are capable of. They look to be quite a physical side and good in the backs.

"My fear is that this will be one step too far for some of our fringe players, but I’m looking forward to seeing how the side copes.

"We don’t have a very big squad, so it’s a case of using the cup to help develop our younger players.

"Our league form has been good so I’d like to keep the ball rolling by playing a mixture of younger and more experienced players this weekend."

Captained by centre Pat Sykes, the Canterbury starting line-up could include teenage prop Jamie Freeman, and Hungarian Zoltan Heckel also looks set for a front-row spot.

Flanker Ben Smith and consistent second team back-rower Mal Cullen are also likely to feature together with Christ Church College student Lee Cavanagh and James Reilly, who has returned from playing in the Dubai Sevens.