Rangers look for response

Aug 10 2007 by Mel Booth

AFTER a demoralising Conference National defeat, Underbank hope to bounce back into form tomorrow when they travel to Bramley (1.00).

Despite leading at half-time against second-placed Featherstone Lions six days ago, Aaron Perrin’s side then conceded try after try which led to a 48-34 defeat.

Consequently, after hard-fought wins over Hemel, Leeds Academiks, Gateshead and East Lancashire, the result ended their five-match unbeaten streak.

Despite Perrin criticising his players after the Featherstone game for ‘throwing it away’, England Lionhearts international Richard Lofthouse, said there were a lot of positives to be taken.

“We certainly missed a few key players through injury, like Matthew Lodge,” he admitted.

“In the second half, every time we had the ball we scored, so to go on and lose just shows how much of the play we enjoyed.

“Overall, though, I thought there were a lot of good points.”

Last time Underbank faced Bramley was in July when a victory ended the Leeds-based side’s unbeaten record.

The prop, who scored Rangers’ second try in Saturday’s defeat, said his teammates are now ready for the next game.

“Hopefully we will be back on top form again. We are their bogey team,” he added. “I’m really confident, not just for tomorrow, but ahead of the play-offs.

“As long as we can cut out our mistakes, I think we can be the team to beat.”

Meanwhile, Underbank captain Dave Edwards believes it is crucial to take maximum points against Bramley in order to chase a fourth-position finish.

“Realistically, we need to win our next two games to cement the position we want at the end of the season,” said Edwards.

“Bramley is an important match which I think we can win.

“I know it’s at their ground, but if we can perform for the full 80 minutes there is no reason why we can’t do it.”

Tom Senior will miss the trip to Bramley and James Price is a doubt after sustaining a knock in training.

John Byram, who broke both bones in an arm against Featherstone, is also ruled of out action, and will be sidelined for six weeks.

Rangers boss Perrin, who voiced his anger at the way his team played in the defeat last week, hopes they can find their full potential once again.

“We want three points and to go back to our winning pattern,” said the Australian. “It would be great if we could show the same kind of form which we did in the first half against Featherstone.

“Our defending, however, definitely needs to improve”.

Underbank: Price, Flooks, Hirst (Marc), Lodge, Roche, Birt, Lord, Tarazi, Vinaka, Lofthouse, Lodge, Hawkyard, Edwards. Subs: Jackson, Leach, Bahadori, Greenwood.