FIVE wins in January have catapulted Ilkley to within three points of North One East leaders Sheffield.

And as they prepared for Saturday's long trek to Alnwick, they received a further boost.

Last-season's top try scorer Stuart Brewer, who hasn't played this season, has started training for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury.

He joined the Dalesmen for his first work out at Stacks Field on Tuesday and coach Rhys Morgan said: "It was great to see him back on the paddock.

"He has been out for a long time and might now be able to play before the end of the season."

Brewer scored a club record 30 tries last season and Morgan joked: "Our wingers Paul Petchey and Ben Magee wouldn't have scored so many if he had been playing.

"Petchey scored his 15th try of the season in our 24-14 win over Horden on Saturday and is one ahead of Magee. They are having a little friendly rivalry about who will score the most tries.

"Magee was on the bench last Saturday. When I told him he was going on to replace JH Johnson he asked me if I should have been bringing off Petchey instead."

James Colclough, Ilkley's young lock, scored two tries against Horden and his form alongside Pete Small is keeping James Spencer on the bench.

"It's good to have rivalry and competition for places because we have some tough games ahead. Although it is very exciting to be challenging at the top, it is also mentally exhausting," said Morgan.

"To try and give everybody a lift we are staying in the North East on Saturday night before travelling back.

"We decided against staying over the night before the game because that can be off putting if you are not used to it. We need to go there, get the job done, and then relax.

"I don't expect it to be easy. Although their league position doesn't suggest it, I think they are one of the better sides we have played and we have to be prepared.

"We have watched a video of the game at Stacks Field and have worked on a couple of things which we think will help us."