ILKLEY Rugby Club moved into uncharted territory last Saturday when they reached the last eight of the Yorkshire Cup for the first time.

Their 20-6 win over National Three North rivals Hull was a welcome boost after three league defeats in a row.

It was a result that pleased Head of Rugby Rhys Morgan. Now he wants to build on the success.

As he prepared his side for Saturday’s tough home clash with Firwood Waterloo, Morgan said: “The win will have settled a few nerves and has earned us a home tie with Sheffield in the quarter-finals.

“It is another step forward for the club, but our main focus is the league. We have three games before the Christmas break and it would be nice to win them all.”

After Saturday’s meeting with Waterloo, the Dalesmen got to Huddersfield YMCA on December 12 before rounding off their 2015 fixtures at home to Lymm a week later.

“We have acquitted ourselves well this season, but a winning run would give us a big push up the table.

“The players now know what it is like to play National League Three North rugby and are working hard to improve.

“What pleased me most last week was our play in the red zone. Our kicking game was good and we didn’t cough up possession in attacking positions as we had in the games with Birkenhead Park and Rossendale.”

Morgan is hoping that experience back row forward Ian Mackenzie will be fit to return.

No 8 Will Davies should be in contention after being sidelined under the new concussion protocols.