ILKLEY coach Rhys Morgan is on the look out for a young second row forward to bolster his squad.

The experienced quartet of Pete Small, Steve Burns, James Spencer and Ollie Renton are the top contenders to play in the engine room this season.

But Morgan would like greater competition and he is hoping that he can unearth youngsters who can challenge the old guard.

Last season James Colclough showed promise on a number of first team outings but he has moved away with his work.

John Pickersgill also featured in the North One East title-winning campaign and Morgan believes there is an opportunity for a young lock to breakthrough.

He said: " We are fortunate to have some experienced second rows but I would love to have a young player come and challenge them. We have depth of cover in most positions but we are light on second rows."

Ilkley, who beat Bradford & Bingley 24-21 in their first pre-season game last Saturday, continue their preparations for their first-ever season in National League Three North with another home game against Bridgnorth on Saturday.

Small and Burns, who both missed last Saturday's match are expected to return while back row Nick Carolan has just arrived from Australia.

There will be changes in the backs as centre Steve Nolson tweaked a hamstring against Bradford & Bingley and will be rested, giving an opportunity to Will Marlow. Skipper Josh Kimber will also be an absentee so Ronan Evans will partner new scrum half Joe Rowntree.

Morgan is looking for his side to get more game time and work on their structures. "The result isn't as important as the performance in these pre-season games," he said. "It is about getting things right in readiness for the league season . It is a chance for the players to work on patterns of play.

"We were a little rusty last week and missed a number of chances to score tries. I expect us to be a little sharper this week and Bridgnorth will present us with a good test before our Yorkshire Cup tie against Huddersfield YMCA on August 29."