RHYS Morgan has one simple Christmas wish – for his team to continue their impressive home record in the new year.

Ilkley are unbeaten in their last 22 matches at Stacks Field. The last away team to win there were Huddersfield YMCA who triumphed 34-24 on April 20, 2013.

But the Dalesmen will face one of their sternest tests when North One East resumes after the festive break.

Leaders Sheffield are the next visitors on January 3 and they will be hoping to end a sequence which has seen Ilkley record 21 wins and a draw.

The impressive form at Stacks Field was one of the key factors in last season’s Yorkshire One and Yorkshire Shield triumphs.

They also have a six wins out of six record in the current North One East campaign.

Coach Morgan said: “We went through 2014 unbeaten at home and I won’t complain if we do the same in 2015.

“Making Stacks Field a hard place for opposition teams to come and play has been important to our success. The players can take great credit for that.”

Ilkley’s match at Percy Park last Saturday was called off because of a frozen ground. Morgan and his squad had travelled to the North East before the decision was made.

He said: “Conditions weren’t good and it was the right decision to call the game off. Perhaps it could have been made earlier to stop us travelling, but we should not make an issue about it.”

One of the big factors for Ilkley this season has been the way players have come through from the second team, to challenge for places.

Morgan added: “The seconds have a match at Cleckheaton on Saturday and I hope our supporters will go and give them their backing.”