MICK Cook is determined his title-winning York City Knights side will not lighten up in their two remaining games.
Cook's heroes made sure of the LHF National League Two crown when winning 24-22 in a thriller at Hunslet on Sunday, but the Knights chief said they still had goals to achieve before the season is out, including beating nearest rivals Dewsbury to the lowest points-against record.
"We've defended pretty well throughout the year. We've got a target now to finish with the best defence in the competition and we've got two games to address that," he said, his side having conceded 20 more points than the Rams so far.
"We've got two games left and we want to finish on a high. We've still got business to do this season. Workington at home will be a real strong game and then there's Sheffield away. I would like to pick up four more points - but we will enjoy Sunday's win though."
Cook has also praised the discipline in his York City Knights' side in the wake of their triumph and said this was a big factor in the title success.
The Knights were on the end of several high shots against Hunslet as they came from 22-0 down to win, while there was also a punch-up on the final hooter.
Said Cook: "On the end of a big scoreboard you can get frustrated when things don't go according to plan. There were a lot of niggling in the tackles and a lot of high tackles, but if you retaliate you get punished as well and our discipline has been excellent.
"If they want to give penalties away with high tackles, you've got to take them on the chin - pardon the pun - and not retaliate. We've held our discipline through the season and not given a lot away. That's been a real positive."
He added: "To nil them in the second half was a real positive and something we needed to do. I'm not real pleased with the overall performance but we got the two points and we got the title."
Hunslet coach Roy Sampson reportedly criticised the refereeing on Sunday, including the decision by a touch judge to rule out the Hawks' match-winning stoppage-time try.
But Cook said: "It was probably a forward pass. These things come and go. Dan Potter says he grounded the ball in the first half but that wasn't given."
Meanwhile, former chief executive Steve Ferres has expressed his delight at the Knight's title triumph and says the prospects are bright for the club.
Updated: 10:13 Tuesday, August 23, 2005
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