Huddersfield RUFC director of rugby Gaz Lewis says the club is doing all it can to stay in National 2 North and also grow as fast as it can off the pitch.
Lewis, who took on the role last year, has already made a few changes behind the scenes that he hopes will bring about improvements in the future.
On the pitch the team have found the campaign difficult spending much of it near the bottom of the table. However, results in recent weeks have picked up meaning the club has managed to steer itself away from the relegation zone.
Lewis said: “With regards to the team on the pitch I think we have started to gel now and get some cohesion. It’s taken a while but I think we are getting there.
“In recent weeks we’ve had decent setpiece and go forward in the game which has been crucial. The confidence and team spirit has really built up over the last few weeks which is great to see.
“There has been a few reasons why the first part of the season didn’t go as well as we would have liked it to such as personnel getting used to each other and maybe not understanding the game plan as well. However, that has really come together in recent weeks and that is why we are now a tougher team to beat.”
The club has moved up to 11th in the league and Lewis is very positive about how the team can now build on recent good results and performances.
He said: “I think we have shown in games against some of the top teams what we can do. I think on our day we are a test for anyone, it’s all down to attitude and application. I have always been confident in the squad and my coaching team to move away from the relegation places.
“There have been some great individual performances this season, the likes of Callum Thompson, Loz Sanderson and the prolific goal-kicking of fly-half Will Milner (above) have been great.
“Those lads are key to helping us move up the pitch. Eddie Brown also has to have a special mention, normally a back rower he has played out of position most of the season, mainly in second row and has done a great job there.”
On to off-the-field matters and Lewis is enjoying the process of trying to build the club and move it forward. One initiative he has introduced is coaching sessions for the coaches.
He said: “The Coach the Coaches programme is aimed at developing our age grade coaches and giving our loyal supporters an insight into our playing philosophy.
“The opening two evenings have been delivered by myself but future sessions will be led by the coaching team and senior players.
“We will cover all aspects of play including attack, defence, setpiece and position specific clinics. Attendance and feedback has been very encouraging so far and we look forward to greater success.”
