It’s very busy at the Bank

Aug 31 2007 by Mel Booth

UNDERBANK start a run of three important Conference National games in eight days when they visit Hemel tomorrow (2.30).

After taking on the Hertfodshire-based side, Rangers then travel to Warrington on Wednesday and host Leeds Academiks the following Saturday.

For the trip to Hemel, Aaron Perrin’s side look to claim a first win in three league starts.

And, of equal significance, a victory is eagerly required to claim a fourth place finish at the end of the season to guarantee a home tie in the play-offs.

Regarding the amount of games in a short space of time, the Australian player-coach believes his players can cope.

“We need to use the next three fixtures to find our form again ahead of the playoffs,” said Perrin.

“Despite wanting to win them all, to be honest the results are not important, as long as we show signs of improvement ready for the play-offs to begin.”

Underbank enjoyed an unbeaten record in June and July with wins against Hemel, Leeds Academiks, Gateshead, Bramley and East Lancashire Lions.

But they have since lost against Featherstone, Bramley and Dewsbury Celtic.

“The last few weeks have been bad in terms of the performances we’ve put in,” explained Perrin.

“We’ve missed some key players through injury like Tom Senior and Matt Hirst, so it’s now good to have these guys back.

“In our last game (against Dewsbury), our performance was probably the worst of the season.

“There was no hunger among the team and we could not execute our chances.”

In terms of the need to improve, prop Richard Lofthouse echoes the views of Perrin and hopes the team can rediscover their good form.

“We’re using the Hemel trip as a team-building initiative ahead of the playoffs and to gain a good spirit among the players before our hard eight days,” said Lofthouse.

“I’m confident we can get a good result.

“Undoubtedly, the next week is going to be tough but if we win against Hemel and then beat both Warrington and Leeds we should finish fourth.

“It has been difficult for us recently, especially when you are missing players.”

Underbank: Price, Berry, Flooks, Hirst (Matt), Roche, Hawkyard, Edwards, Tarazi, Birt, Lofthouse, Senior, Hirst (Mark), Crabtree. Subs: Jackson, Leach, Vinaka, Greenwood.