ILKLEY’S rugby chairman Andrew Munro believes his club are finding their feet in National League Three North.

With three wins from six games he is happy with progress but believes there is still plenty to learn.

“It has been a significant step up to what we have been used to. The pace of the game is quicker, the teams are much stronger and mistakes are punished,” said Munro.

“If I had been offered three wins from our first six games at the start of the season I would have taken that.

“We are still adjusting to the league. It has been a tough baptism so it was good to win Saturday’s game against Stockport 25-22.

“Every win we can get helps us to keep away from the teams at the lower end of the league. We know we have some difficult games ahead, but the coaching staff and the players have shown that are ready for the challenge.

“The team spirit is good, the support from our supporters has been good and everybody involved off the field is doing all they can to help the club establish itself in National League Three North.”

This Dalesmen will be up against familiar opposition on Saturday when they visit Sheffield, the side who finished runners up to them in North One East last season.

Like Ilkley, they have won three of their six matches but are currently fifth in the table by virtue of the fact they have five more bonus points than their 11th-placed visitors.

Munro said: “We know that Sheffield are always a tough team to beat on their own ground, but we should be able to pick from virtually a full-strength squad.

“Paul Petchey, who has been out with concussion, is ready to come into contention so that is another pleasing sign."