Ilkley’s head of rugby Rhys Morgan insists that the Yorkshire Shield is a major objective this season.

After seeing his side go second in Yorkshire Division One with a record 74-14 win over Acklam, Morgan’s focus immediately turned to this Saturday’s second-round tie against Hullensians.

The Dalesmen have fond memories of winning the competition in 2011 and going on to play at Twickenham in the National Intermediate Cup final the following year.

Morgan revealed that winning the Shield was listed alongside promotion as an objective for this season, and he wants to deliver on that aim.

He said: “Going to Twickenham was very special and to play there again we need to win the Yorkshire Shield and qualify for the National Intermediate Cup.

“We want to get back to Twick-enham but first we have to do the hard work and win the Shield.

“It is important we have the right approach and don’t take our foot off the gas.”

Hullensians will go into the tie as underdogs but they will be buoyed by their win over the Yorkshire Division Two leaders Sheffield Medicals last week.

Morgan is planning to field his strongest available side, but he does have a couple of selection issues.

He is waiting for the outcome of tonight’s disciplinary hearing for Alastair Monks to see if the ex-perienced player can return to play at centre.

With Craig Barker and Johnson already sidelined, Morgan has to decide on a centre combination for the Shield encounter.

If Monks is not cleared to play – he has already missed two matches after being red-carded against Ponte-fract – skipper Stuart Vincent is likely to be paired with Steve Nolson.

That would leave the door open for Andy Malley to continue at full back after his successful debut in the victory over Acklam.

Morgan said: “It may not be our strongest possible side that takes the field but you can rest assured it will be the best team I can get on to the park that will take on Hullensians. That’s for certain.”