UNDERBANK Rangers lost 38-26 at Hemel Stags in their first fixture of the Conference National season.

The Holmfirth side have now suffered a defeat in the opening game of their last two league campaigns.

In 2007, Rangers, then under the leadership of Australian Aaron Perrin, were on the receiving end of a 30-18 defeat against Warrington.

Despite the result at Hemel this time around, new coach Andy Boothroyd believes his team can still have a successful season

Boothroyd said: “We didn’t have all the players we were supposed to. Unfortunately we had men missing due to work commitments and through illness.

“I was a bit demoralised not to win, but based on our players’ performances – the good effort they showed – I’m very excited about this year.

“We will be a decent side. Results will start coming, I’m sure.”

Tries for Stuart McIntyre (on nine minutes) and Gareth Swindells (on 11) gave Hemel the best possible start to their new league season. Swindells managed to beat the windy conditions to convert both.

Rangers, unwilling to be outdone by their opponents, struck back in almost identical fashion – grabbing two tries, like the hosts, in just two minutes.

Chris Beal and new signing Brook York both touched down for the visitors.

John Birt, one of Under-bank’s leading point scorers last season, demonstrated his intent to continue that form by converting the tries.

Hemel took the lead again five minutes before half-time. Mark Coulson scored his first try of the new season and struck a successful conversion kick.

After a slow start to the game, Underbank went into the break ahead after Tom Senior crossed the line. Birt converted.

Hemel’s Blake Kirkby levelled the scores five minutes into the second half.

Despite a second try for Rangers’ debutant York, James Ellershaw, Ben Kay and Oliver O’Mara all went on to touch down for the home side, sealing the win.

Boothroyd said he wanted to fine tune things ahead of Rangers’ first home league game against Liverpool Buccaneers on Saturday.

“It’s early days at the moment,” he explained.

“When we have a full strength side, we will be a force to reckon with.

“It would be nice to get our first win of the season under our belts next week against Liverpool.”

Underbank: Bellas, Rawalai, Beal, Senior, Vinaka, Worthington, Garside, Young, Birt, Lofthouse, Jackson, Stewart, York. Subs (all used): Lord, Roche, Hirst, Matanayabu.