Star forward Webb is out for Rangers

UNDERBANK Rangers will hope to make the most of home advantage tomorrow against Wath Brow Hornets at the Cross Grounds.

Brow are a very well-known community club who produce countless representative players and players for the professional game.

The Rochdale Mayfield defeat was bitterly disappointing for Rangers, who had the chance to win the game – especially on the back of a big penalty count and Mayfield also having two players sin-binned during the game. However, the team were simply out-fought on the day.

After that disappointment, Rangers had the week off, trained well, and looked forward to Lock

Lane last week.

For the full 80 minutes the speed off the defensive line was superb, and Rangers felt unfortunate to trail at half-time by 22-12.

The players responded in the second half with the middles especially working hard to limit Lock Lane’s attack.

Rangers stayed in the arm wrestle, respected possession and importantly remained composed.

Eventually they got on top to score three well-taken tries in the last quarter of the game – another plus was not conceding a point in the second half.

Rangers will be without star forward Ashley Webb tomorrow, who has been one of their best in the first two games after two years away from the game, and is on holiday.

His absence will be a big loss, but gives a chance for others to come in and put down a marker for regular inclusion. Young forward James Thorpe, who has trained well since pre-season began, comes into contention, and he will look to take his opportunity to shine.

Winger Courtney Allette is fit again and comes back into contention for a starting place, but the two wingers – Jamie Stringer and Tom England – both had strong games last week, so there is a selection headache for that position.

Everyone else is fully fit and raring to go.