Lions rampant!

May 22 2007 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

UNDERBANK'S search for a first home win of the Conference National campaign continues after a 30-10 defeat to Featherstone Lions.

In a match plagued by torrential rain, Aaron Perrin's side were hoping to build on their impressive, yet narrow triumph at Cottingham Phoenix last week.

But despite giving Australian winger Jay Roche his debut to inspire an injury-hit team, Underbank were the slowest out of the blocks as the visitors landed an early penalty.

On seven minutes, Peter Adam equalled the scores for the home side.

This was overshadowed, however, as Paul Rowan sprinted 90 metres to score a deserved try for the Lions.

After 20 minutes, Matt Reis pulled Underbank's deficit back to two points, but some good movement and excellent interpassing from former Giant Jimmy Carlton and Clifton Richardson set up Lee Bettinson to once again increase the visitors' lead.

Before the interval, and in a contrast of fortunes, Richard Lofthouse scored what was to be the home side's remaining points of the game only to be carried off the field through injury.

On 65 and 72 minutes, tries from Jamie Nicholson and Carlton respectively showed why the Lions are a far better side than that which finished bottom of the table last season.

And, coupled with the accurate kicking of Richard Frankland, Featherstone made sure that the home team finished the game looking as grim as the clouds above.

In spite of the loss, Bank player-coach Aaron Perrin said there are several positives to take out of his team's overall performance.

"We had our chances to win but we didn't take them," said the Australian.

"We were very depleted so it's not too bad.

"We've just got to continue working on the basics and if we get them right we should go a long way."

Rangers: Price, Roche, Senior, Hirst, Berry, Lodge, Adam, Leach, Edwards, Vinaka, Bahadori, Hirst, Reis. Subs: Jackson, Clark, Saville, Lofthouse.

Lions: Willis, Hollins, Frankland, Richardson, Rowan, Bettinson, Nicholson, Smith, Gamble, Mears, Carlton, Tepper, Earley. Subs: Godber, Machen, Hudson, Thompson.