WARRINGTON Wizards will be hoping to bounce back from their narrow 33-30 defeat at champions Coventry Bears when they start their home campaign in the LHF Healthplan National League Three against St Albans Centurions on Saturday at Wilderspool Stadium, kick-off 2.30pm.

Wizards will be hoping to tighten their defence after leaking five tries in the opening 50 minutes at Coventry, which ultimately cost them victory despite a sterling fightback.

St Albans come to town after suffering a narrow 20-16 home defeat to in-form Bradford Demons.

Wizards' head coach Eddie Harris will be stressing the importance of getting off to a good start against the Centurions and not letting them get into their stride.

He said: "We need to impose our authority on the game from the first whistle and not let the opposition settle. Last Saturday we failed to do that and allowed Coventry to get on a roll, and even though we clawed our way back into the game in the second period, it was all to no avail."

Wizards clawed their way back from a 24-6 interval deficit against the champions to level the scores with less then 10 minutes to go but a late penalty and drop goal by the hosts allowed them to snatch victory in a thrilling contest.

Coventry crossed for two tries before Wizards responded with their only points of the first half - a four-pointer from loose forward Dave Kelly that was converted by Mick Princic.

Warrington were in determined mood at the start of the second half and a great off-load by substitute Scott Gandy sent centre Jon Cole racing away and he found full back Mark Roughneen in support to score a try that he converted himself.

Coventry hit back with a try before the Wizards onslaught commenced.

Gandy burrowed his way over from acting half back and seven minutes later Cole's pass allowed second rower Darren Geritas to power over. Roughneen converted both efforts to reduce the deficit to six points.

Wizards were back on level terms after the ball was kept alive through six sets of hands and winger Paul Berry ducked under an attempted tackle to score a try that Roughneen again converted.

Wizards: Mark Roughneen; Paul Berry, Iain Fowler, Jon Cole, Ryan Simpson; Craig Harris, Mick Princic; Cline Rylance, Steve Smythe, Neil Smith, Matt Taylor, Darren Geritas, Dave Kelly. Subs: Scott Gandy, Luke Worsley, Andy Addison, Scott Davison.

*Warrington Wizards are looking for an additional coach to take charge of their North West Division side in the Rugby League Conference.

The season commences in May and runs until the middle of August, and there will be games against Crewe Wolves, Chester Wolves, Runcorn Vikings, Blackpool Sea Eagles and North Wales Coasters.

The successful applicant must hold a minimum of a club coach qualification and if you are interested, contact club administrator Dave Whalley on 837829.