Positive approach to new season

There's a new found optimism and an air of positivity that's bringing out the best in everyone involved with the club.

Captaining the Firsts is Graham Currie with Scott Gardiner as his deputy. Graeme Cousins has the responsibility of skippering Lurgan Seconds.

Firsts' leader Graham Currie said: "I'm looking forward to captaining the club this year - it's a big challenge for myself and I'm proud to take on the role.

"As a club we've got the players capable of performing at this level and the team spirit is very good. It's good to see some old faces back and some new guys who want to play their rugby at Lurgan."

Chris Stevenson and Paul Heasley, the double act known as Chris and Diesel, return for another season as club coaches. Chris told the 'MAIL': "We're looking forward with anticipation to the incoming season.

"With numbers reaching 30 at pre-season training, the players are all highly motivated and committed to bringing success back to the club."

He continued: "Having had a few disappointments in recent seasons, with their hard work, combined with an influx of new players from Lurgan College and some also from other clubs, hopefully this season will see the teams getting the rewards they so thoroughly deserve."

Director of Rugby Russell Barr spoke of the infrastructure at Lurgan: "The pitches are nearly completed with the help of the 100,000 grant from Sport NI.

"The Youth Development funding from Moy Park is the single biggest sponsorship deal in the club's history. They're giving us 15,000 a year for three years. We hope that this relationship with Moy Park can develop into other things."

Russell added: "We're putting together a strategic review for the next five years. We'll be meeting with Nelson McCausland to put forward our case for a share of the 96million that has been released for sports development from the stadium that never was. We're hoping to get facilities that can encorporate the hockey and a facility for Mourneview residents."

Club President Clarke Cousins said: "There's a good vibe around the club this season. There's new found optimism and an air of positivity that's bringing out the best in people.

"Everyone at the club is working hard to get the best out of the coming season, both on and off the field. There's a number of events coming up on the social calendar the club is hoping to promote."

These include the Donkey Derby and Fun Fair on Saturday, August 21, a charity five-a-side competition on Saturday, September 4 and a wine and cheese night on Saturday, September 18.

Players are reminded training takes place at Pollock Park at 7.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays.