UNDERBANK coach Richard Knight is demanding an immediate response to the bruising home defeat by Hemel Stags.
The men from The Cross head to big National Conference League Division III rivals Warrington Wizards tomorrow knowing it has become something of a ‘must win’ game.
A week ago Rangers came up short for a second time this season against current leaders Hemel, and any further slip-ups would result in the reigning champions facing a real battle for second spot.
But victory at Wilderspool this weekend would help Bank leapfrog the Wizards back into second – something Knight knows his players are capable of doing.
“We’re fully prepared and we have left no stone unturned this week,” said Knight.
“We trained well and touched on everywhere we went wrong last week – and I got a really good response from the lads.
“I can’t see there being any other type of response for this match. We’ve got a good team, a good bunch of guys and they are all a bit sore from the Hemel game and upset that we lost, so rest assured we will get a big lift for Warrington.
“But it will be tough. It’s probably the toughest place to go in the competition.
“They are always a good team and they like playing a bit of footy and, in the past, teams have just struggled to defend because the field is so big.
“It will be a tough test, the lads know that we have only won their once, but they are all geared up for a big game.”
Despite being certain of the response his side will give this weekend, the bank chief is in two minds on how last week’s loss will affect the remainder of the season.
“The loss to Hemel brings everyone back down to earth, which is good in a way because we are better losing to them now rather than in the play-offs or the Grand Final. But it does mean that we have got a tough end to the season, where we have got to win all our games to stay in second,” added Knight.
“If we lose to Warrington now and results don’t go our way then we could end up finishing third and, from the start we had, that would be very, very disappointing.
“But we are all aware of that. It is more about getting the job done on the field, starting again and pushing on to the end of the season.”
Neil Barrett and Jordan Williams are Bank’s latest injury sufferers and both will be sidelined.
The coach understands that losing his top points-scorer will be a big blow but Rangers have good cover as Kris Harrop and Craig Williams return.
“Baz has been ever present, and has been for the last few years, and he plays at half-back so it will be a big blow for us. But luckily we will have Kris Harrop back who can just slot straight back in their and do us a good job.”
