RHYS Morgan has called for more of the same from his Ilkley side after they stormed into the top six at the halfway stage of the season.

Ilkley secured a top six spot at Christmas in the North Premier table following their 22-5 victory over Sandal in their last game before the festive break, their third win in their last four league games. The Stacks Field side have won seven of their opening 14 games of the campaign, notching up 36 points.

Head of rugby Morgan says the mood in the Ilkley camp is high and his often injury-hit squad are enjoying the season.

Despite not setting his side any end-of-season targets, Morgan wants his side to pick up where they left off when they return to action at ninth-placed Kirkby Lonsdale on Saturday, January 5.

Morgan said: "It's been a brilliant season so far.

"I'm chuffed to bits, they are a really great set of lads.

"I would not mind being in sixth place at the end of the season.

"To be sixth at Christmas with all of the changes we have had to to do during the first half of the season is a Christmas miracle. It really needs to be applauded.

"I am looking for more of the same from us during the second half of the season. We will keep our fingers crossed with suspensions and injuries.

"I'm not one for setting targets for the season. I just look at it for each Saturday and say let's try and win that. I just take it game-by-game and give it a good crack each time.

"We wanted a few scalps at the start of the season and we've got them. Our win at Wirral was really big for us and it was a benchmark.

"We beat Sandal for the first time earlier this month and that was really big for us. The lads have been absolutely fantastic. There is an absolutely brilliant atmosphere this year. They are enjoying it so much this year and are laughing and joking in training.

"We have a solid back row and Max McKay has been outstanding for us this season.

"Some of the lads have been going through the pain barrier for us. They can all enjoy a rest over the Christmas break.

"It does not hurt us having Jimmy Lowes down training with us too. He has been a breath of fresh air for us.

"We are where we are. We have a light squad. The amount of injuries we have had during the first half of the season has meant that we are rotating; somebody goes out and somebody comes in."