AFTER three league defeats, Underbank continued their preparation for the Conference National play-offs with a 31-24 win at Hemel.

But, despite taking maximum points, the result, as Australian player-coach Aaron Perrin admitted before the game, was ‘insignificant’ in terms of Rangers’ placing in the League table.

Three weeks ago the Perrin hoped his side, currently in fifth spot, could end the season in fourth, which would have ensured a home tie in the play-offs.

The aim now, however, is unachievable, as fourth-placed Dewsbury Celtic cannot be caught.

Instead, with Rangers’ place in the play-offs still guaranteed, Perrin said his players are now playing to prepare and build confidence.

“It was a great win – probably the best of our season,” he admitted.

“We realise that the highest we can finish is fifth so all we’ve focused on after playing so badly in recent weeks was to get our confidence back and brace ourselves for the play-offs.”

Underbank must now prepare for two further games in four days, starting with a trip to Warrington tomorrow.

Then, in their final home game of the season, Rangers take on Leeds Academiks at The Cross on Saturday.

Undeterred by the fixture pile-up, Perrin added: “After this win everyone is ready to go for this tough week.”

In their victory at Hemel, the home side went ahead after 10 minutes when a crossfield kick by Nathan Ferguson found David Afreh out wide who touched down.

The hosts then extended their lead when Afreh grabbed his second try 15 minutes later.

But, shortly afterwards, a Tom Senior try signalled the visitors’ intent to grind their way back into the game when he powered over the line to score.

And with Richard Flooks, who successfully converted, also touching down, it was suddenly Underbank that looked the more likely to clinch a win.

Despite Richard Lofthouse being given 10 minutes in the sin bin for an off-the-ball incident, Rangers continued to mount pressure on Hemel’s defence.

Their constant attacking was duly rewarded with two tries for Marc Hirst after 39 and 42 minutes.

Early in the second half, Rupert Jonkers gave the home team more hope by crossing the line.

But Underbank quickly replied with Napoleoni Vinaka scoring a well-worked try.

And on 74 minutes, Nathan Ferguson touched down for Hemel, in an effort which proved only to be a consolation.

After the game, Perrin said it was also a good win considering the limited amount of players he had to choose from.

“We only had 15 players available. There were about 10 players unavailable through injuries and work commitments.

“It was an absolutely fantastic result, especially given we lost Lofthouse to the sin bin for a while – a period in which we still went on to score more,” said Perrin, right.

Hemel: Cannon, O'Mara, Swindells, Champion, Afreh, Curtain, Ferguson, Jonker, Moon, Roberson, Heilis, Grimes, Perkins. Subs: Mbaraga, Evans, Strelitz, Riki.

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

Referee: John Butler