By NICK GUTHRIE

THE Dubbo Lions were dealt a reality check last week and captain Matt Waters wants his team to respond with a focused performance against Lithgow Zig Zag today.

Orange Wanderers defeated Premier League Hockey's (PLH) newest side 5-1 last Saturday and today Dubbo make the trek to Lithgow to take on undefeated Zig Zag.

"Our heads weren't in the game last week," Waters said.

"We've got to start strong and maintain that all game, we've got to have the attitude right from the get-go to win.

"We got the first goal last week but we were flat, even in the warm up." The Lions' task will be made even harder due to the fact up to five players, including goalkeeper and inspirational leader Gavin Weekes, will be missing from the line-up. This is due to a combination of younger players out with representative duties and some others missing due to work and personal commitments.

Despite the absences, there is a positive for the Lions with the talented Luke Carman set to make his first appearance of the season.

The trip to Lithgow is always a daunting one with the cool weather adding an element to the match not often seen in Dubbo.

Waters is well aware his side is up against it but admitted they needed to be realistic in their debut season as they go up against teams who have played together for far longer. The fact Zig Zag are undefeated and at home gives them the advantage but Waters said if his side's attitude was right then a positive result was realistic.

"Obviously we expect a hard game from every team so we can't take them lightly," he said of today's 2.40pm match.

"If we do that we'll have a similar result to last week."

In other round three matches, Parkes play host to Lithgow Panthers, Wanderers make the trip to Bathurst St Pat's and Souths and City meet in an all-Bathurst derby.

In the women's division, the Dubbo Blue Jays have the bye this weekend.