THIRD-placed Ilkley need to prove that they are not in a false position in the North Premier League.

That's the view of their head of rugby Rhys Morgan ahead of their trip to Sandal on Saturday.

The Dalesmen suffered their first defeat of the season when they went down 27-24 at home to Rossendale last Saturday.

But the two bonus points they earned - their first of the season - lifted them a place in the table.

Sandal have yet to register a win, but Morgan is mindful of the fact that the Wakefield club beat Ilkley twice last season.

They also have three former Dalesmen in their side, Tom Baxter, Steve Nolson and Nick Carolan.

Morgan said: "I fully expect a tough test and this is the sort of game that will indicate whether we deserve to be where we are in the league or whether we have over-valued our early wins.

"If we want to continue to compete in the top positions we have to make sure we maintain high standards.

"This is a tough decision and many of the matches are extremely close. The secret it to come out on the right side of those games.

"We had things roll for us against Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale and Billingham, but things worked out differently against Rossendale.

"There were factors such as the absence of a number of key players in the pack, but we have to be able to cope with those situations."

Prop Louis Jerome, hooker Dan Lawrence and second row Martyn Mitchell are all available to face Sandal.