ILKLEY'S assistant coach Stevie Graham has been getting his side to step up their work rate after their weekend break.

With Saturday's North One East visit to third-placed Dinnington looming, the Dalesmen have been going through the gears in training.

Head of rugby Rhys Morgan said: "The break was welcome but it is important that we do not relax. We know all about Dinnington from last season when they were promoted with us from Yorkshire One.

"We had two titanic battles with them and expect the same again. I have great respect for their coach, Jonny West, who is a good friend, bit I don't intend to do him any favours.

"It has been important to get the players stepping up their work again this week in training and it was great to have 35 players at training on Tuesday. There is a great spirit in the club right now and it was important that Stevie got everybody working hard again."

Morgan, who expects to have the experienced Ollie Renton available to strengthen the pack, revealed that he has been delighted with the way his forward have responded at a time when Ilkley have been hit by injuries to a number of key players.

"It has been great to see the way players like Chris Chapman have come in and played while it was good to have John Cooksey back in the front row for the win over Bradford & Bingley.

"With players like Josh Cockerham and Nick Carolan now regaining full fitness, Stevie Graham might have to make the same tough calls in selection that I have been having to make with the backs," joked Morgan.

He also revealed that he wants his team to be proud of what they have achieved so far. "They should be smiling and enjoying their results. It is so easy to get too engrossed and not appreciate what you are achieving."