Buoyant Huddersfield YMCA are aiming for a big finish after virtually securing their National III North status with seven games remaining.

Last week’s thrilling 33-32 home triumph over Morley means the men from Laund Hill can now focus their attention on looking up rather than down.

There’s still the very remotest of chances they could be dragged back into a last-gasp relegation battle.

But with a multitude of freak results required for that to happen, player-coach Mark Whitehead is feeling very positive about the fixtures ahead, starting with tomorrow’s trip to fellow mid-table team Lymm.

“That win over Morley was massive for us. We knew it would virtually guarantee national rugby again next season,” said Whitehead.

“But to win that game after being 20-0 down after 20 minutes made the win feel even better.

“This is obviously the first time we’ve competed at this level, so we didn’t really know what to expect or how we’d handle it when the season got under way.

“So to be almost certain of our status with seven games remaining is a fantastic achievement.

“All being well, the boys can now go into the final fixtures with the sole focus of enjoying themselves and knowing the pressure and worry of relegation can be forgotten.

“That could help bring even more out of everyone and guarantee we have a really big end to the season.”

The win over Morley was achieved despite the late withdrawal of scrum half Simon Wilson with a groin injury.

He remains a slight doubt for the trip to Lymm, but with Josh Willans coming in and doing a good job in his absence, Whitehead is feeling relaxed about the situation.

“Josh needs to be playing and he made the most of his chance last week. He played well,” added the forward.

“So if Simon’s still not 100% we probably won’t risk him. Why would we when Josh played so well and we’re no longer under the threat of relegation?

“But even if Simon does return, there won’t be many changes at all to last week’s side.

“We are giving Sam Hodge a first start since returning from a bout of concussion a couple of weeks ago, and he’ll give us a bit more punch in the pack.

“But after the chopping and changing of the first half of the season when we were fielding a different side every week, it’s great to be able to select from a settled side.”

Huddersfield YMCA: Dyke, Hill, Moore, Bell, Housley, Whitehead, Hodge, Lumb; Wilson, Clarke; Bentley, Barber, Ryder, Stead; Fletcher. Subs: Watson, Robertson, Willans.