ILKLEY head coach Rhys Morgan looks back on the club's debut season in National Three North with mixed emotions.

Morgan's satisfaction at his side's eighth place finish – their highest ever in the rugby union pyramid – is tinged with the feeling it could have been even better.

He said: "It was a fair season and I am satisfied we were in the thick of it, though there is the frustration of knowing that with another four or five points we could have been at the top end of the division.

"We went through a sticky patch around Christmas when we lost Tom Baxter to Huddersfield, Steve Graham to Wharfedale, our captain broke his hand and we lost Ian Mckenzie.

"It was a really difficult time and we lost a couple of games. But we made some changes which came off for us. Eddie Brown and Declan Jackson on the wing made a real difference."

Ilkley's roller coaster journey this season was book-ended by Sheffield Tigers. In the first match at Stack Field they inflicted a 65-0 rout on the Dalesmen but the final game of the season saw Ilkley end the Tigers' unbeaten run with a 28-27 victory.

Morgan admitted: "I was nervous after the first game but to turn it round to victory over the Tigers in the last one was very rewarding."

The challenge for Morgan and Ilkley now is to build for next season. The club has lost Josh Kimber and Jamie Spencer and will be aiming to recruit in the off-season.

"We have taken things up a notch this season in all areas and we need to do that again," said Morgan.

"It is going to be really tough next season with Sandal and Huddersfield coming down and Doncaster and possibly Morley coming up but we enjoy a challenge."

At the club dinner, Morgan and his team selected J H Johnson as the player of the year, with the head coach explaining: "He has been great for us over a number of seasons and has worked hard to adapt. "He has stuck at it and is one of the many players we could have chosen, but he has earned it not just this season."

Josh Cockerham was the players' player of the year choice, Dan Lawrence won the most improved award and Morgan was crowned clubman of the year.

Meanwhile, the Dalesmen are competing in a number of sevens tournaments this summer and are seeking sponsors for the team, which Morgan sees as important for conditioning and tactics, and provides an opportunity for possible recruitment.

Other Ilkley prize winners: Presidents Award – Ron Obank, Chairman's Award – The Fox Family, Trainer of the Year – Joe Rowntree, 2nd XV Player of the Year – Paul Williams, 2nd XV Most Improved Player – Luke Spauls, 3rd XV Player of the Year – Rory Milligan, 4th XV Player of the Year – James Talbot and Matt Walker, Combined 3rd and 4th XV Most Improved Player of the Year – Linford Nicholson.