UNDERBANK head to Gateshead Storm on Sunday (12.30) confident of securing a first Conference National victory of the season.

Rangers may have lost their opening game at home to Warrington Wizards 30-18 last weekend.

But there was more than enough in that performance to suggest coach Aaron Perrin's side are capable of mounting a successful campaign.

While the Wizards went into the game on the back of half-a-dozen Northern Rail Cup encounters, it was Underbank's first competitive fixture of the year.

Yet they still gave their visitors a real run for their money, which Perrin believes bodes well for the future.

"This was always going to be a very tough opener for us," he admitted.

"Warrington are already up to speed and could call on a full-strength side, while this was our first hit-out and we've still a number of players unavailable.

"So I was far from disappointed with what I saw. In fact, I was very encouraged.

"I believe the Wizards will be right up there challenging for honours, but we still gave them a tough time.

"And while I think they will do well to improve, I know there's a hell of a lot still to come from us.

"Before the season started, I believed we could be a top-four team. That belief has now been re-inforced."

But to further support his claim, Perrin knows a win needs to be achieved up in the North East this weekend.

It promises to be a highly attractive fixture, with the contest against the Storm being staged as a curtain-raiser to the Gateshead Thunder v Barrow National League II clash.

And Perrin is able to name a stronger side for the contest.

Back to boost the squad after recovering from knocks are former Giants Academy utility player Tom Senior and England Lionhearts international Marc Hirst.

They are both named on the bench.

There's also a new face travelling up as 18th man in utility forward Matt Clarke, who has played for Oulton Raiders in the National Conference and Hillsborough Hawks in last season's National League III.

"There's a very solid look about this side and I would be bitterly disappointed if we didn't pick up the win," added Perrin.

"Gateshead had a good opening-day win over East Lancashire, but I'm sure they will find us a far tougher proposition."

Any fans wishing to travel to the game can do so on the club coach for a minimal charge. It leaves The Cross at 8am.

Underbank: Price; Vanaka, Hirst, Garrety, Berry; Lodge, Adam; Tarazi, Birt, Greenwood, Leach, Lofthouse, Reis. Subs: Senior, Hirst, Bahadori, Tuirirangi.