Lewis Else lays out ambitions ahead of run-in

Rochdale Hornets half-back Lewis Else insists nothing less than perfection will do as they eye a third-place finish in Betfred League 1 this season.

With a play-off berth already secured, the Hornets now turn their attention to finishing as high up the division as possible.

They currently sit fourth, one point behind Hunslet with two games left to play. Gary Thornton's side host North Wales Crusaders and high-flying Keighley Cougars in their final two games, while Hunslet round off their regular season campaign with trips to Keighley and Midlands Hurricanes.

Else has played a key role in the Hornets' rise up the table this season - demonstrated by the new two-year deal he signed back in March - and says the club cannot afford to look too far ahead as the pressure starts to intensify over the coming weeks.

"We’re looking to win these next two games and do everything in our power to try and secure third spot," he said.

"It does depend on results elsewhere, but either way it looks like we are going to be facing Hunslet home or away and we'll give it our all.

"The message in camp is for us to stick to our game plan and focus on what’s been working for us all season. It's only worth worrying about what we can control, and going into Sunday and North Wales, that’s sticking to our systems and bringing maximum effort."

Having recently returned to fitness following injury, Else has been tasked with leading the Hornets around the field in the absence of more experienced playmaker Martyn Ridyard, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.

Ridyard has continued to work with his team-mates behind the scenes, with Else once again expected to be joined in the halves this weekend by on-loan Hull FC youngster Mackenzie Harman.

Despite only featuring together in a handful of games, Else is confident that their relationship will continue to blossom heading towards the play-offs.

"Macca’s a good lad and I feel like we compliment each other well," Else said.

"He's a good organiser and brings a good kicking, and we’re finding that connection now at the right time heading towards the business end of the season.

"I'm enjoying being more responsible for guiding the team around. It also helps getting lots of guidance from Ridy who is working with us in the background, which is a bonus."