HUDDERSFIELD Rugby Union club’s popular skipper Nick Sharpe is, understandably, a happy man going into the New Year.

And it’s definitely not because of what Santa might have brought him, but more to do with the fact that his team are sitting pretty in second place in the National II North table – the highest position in the rugby pyramid that Huddersfield have ever reached.

And although there is still a long way to go in the 2011/12 season, there is a genuine new-found optimism at Lockwood Park which can only augur well for the future.

“Yes, I’ve got to admit it’s gone pretty well this year, and eight wins on the bounce is no mean achievement,” reflected Sharpe.

“We’ve just go to hope the bubble doesn’t burst in the New Year because we certainly have a massive trio of games coming up in January.

“We open with a difficult visit to Hull (they will still be smarting after being bundled over by Huddersfield in the Yorkshire Cup final last May), and then entertain League-leaders Loughborough Students the following Saturday, before a visit to Caldy on the 21st.

“Those are three huge games for us, and obviously we have to concentrate, remain focused, continue to work hard and just try and keep our feet on the ground.

“Fortunately we have a great squad, definitely the best we’ve had at Huddersfield since I’ve been here. The character of the team is tremendous and there is just a great craic between the lads, which I think is why we are, where we are.

“I think we showed last year that we are capable of competing with the best teams in this League, although it’s probably fair to stay it came as a bit of a surprise to be in second place at Christmas.