SKIPPER Matt Hughes has admitted he did not foresee his Kirkby Lonsdale team featuring so prominently towards the top of the North One West table after nine league games.

Following a mixed start to the campaign losing two out of their three opening fixtures, Kirkby Lonsdale are on a roll after winning their last six on the bounce and currently sit in third place - joint level with Kendal and just one point behind early pacesetters Birkenhead Park.

Speaking after his team had a weekend's rest, Hughes says there is a good feeling at the club at the moment but concedes his team's lofty position was not expected.

"If we were being honest we probably weren't expecting to be where we are at the moment," said Hughes. "We had a lot of injuries early on and limited numbers but the lads that have come in have really stepped up. Everything is very positive and what we have worked on seems to have clicked. The lads have committed to training and games so we are all very happy."

Kirkby have picked up six bonus points from their matches and remain unbeaten at Underley Park - both integral factors for league success, says Hughes.

"Bonus points are very important," he said, "and crucial even when you are losing. The idea is always to go out and win the game first and foremost but even if you lose it's important to score tries. It's a good idea because it pushes teams to attack and play a bit more rugby instead of sitting back and looking after their lead.

"Kirkby is a difficult place to come unless they have been there before and know what they are expecting. There's a bit of slope on the pitch and is perhaps not the type of pitch people are used to playing on which plays into our favour."

And with a tough away trip to relegated Penrith this weekend, followed by a home tie against New Brighton before a showdown with Kendal on November 29, Hughes expects his team to have to be at their best if they are to maintain their good form.

"It is a bit of a derby," he said. "We know a few of their players and they know a few of ours but in terms of a team performance we are going into it blind. It is still early on but I assume they will be hoping to go straight back up and will want to win their home games."