Proud player-coach Gareth Lewis is hoping Huddersfield’s battling 17-17 home draw against leaders Amphtill is a sign of brighter National II North times ahead.

Lewis’s mid-table team suffered a massive blow to their confidence with their demoralising 27-18 defeat at bottom club Stockport nine days ago.

But they wasted no time finding the perfect response with their outstanding effort against Ampthill, which Lewis knows will bode well for the future.

Click below for pictures from the match

“After last week at Stockport, we knew this would be a huge test of character,” said Lewis.

“It’s one everyone passed with flying colours.

“It’s impossible to single out individuals, because every player contributed and deserves credit for the way the game went.

“To be honest, it really is almost impossible to believe this was the same side that played at Stockport the week before.

“We were all over the place in that game, and didn’t look like a side that was heading anywhere.

“Seven days later, we looked like a side that belongs at the top end of the table and more than capable of matching the best in the League.

“Ampthill have a vastly-experienced squad with players who have done it at the higher level. They clearly have a big budget at their disposal.

“Yet we’ve finished this game knowing we could easily have won it.”

Meanwhile, long-serving Huddersfield prop Tony Stringwell has joined North I East side Sheffield.

Stringwell made around 200 appearances for the Lockwood Park club and was involved in two promotion campaigns.

But with Huddersfield boasting strong front-row cover, he has made the move to South Yorkshire to guarantee more gametime.

“Tony has been a great servant for this club over a number of years.” said Huddersfield coach Gareth Lewis.

“He obviously goes with our best wishes.”