RHYS Morgan praised his much-changed Ilkley side after they brought their seven-match losing run to an end.

They defeated North Premier League strugglers Birkenhead Park 33-27.

On top of their lengthy injury list, Ilkley were without regulars Charles Morgan, Josh Hall and Ben Magee who were playing sevens in Dubai.

Among the players coming into the side were new full back Pat Atkinson, stand-off Charles Ramsay and winger Aaron Magee, who all played important roles in the success.

Ramsay’s 100 per cent goal-kicking record was key to the success.

Head of Rugby Morgan said: “The players who came in did a cracking job. This is an important win because it settles the nerves which were building up after the run of defeats.

“All of them have given the selectors plenty to think about for this week’s game.”

The Dalesmen face a tough home test against second-placed Lymm.

Front row forwards Josh Cockerham and Dan Lawrence continue to be ruled out by injury while Head Coach Nathan Smith is suspended.

Smith received two yellow cards at Birkenhead Park and will have to appear before a disciplinary panel next Thursday.

“I am frustrated by the standard of refereeing,” said Morgan. “I know we need more referees and must encourage the young ones coming through, but many of them have little or no playing experience.

“It means they lack a feel for the game and that comes through in the way they are unable to read situations in a game.”