Priority is to stay in top flight

Their first league game is on Saturday against Carrickfergus at Pollock Park and on the Bank Holiday Monday they go to CIYMS, both games start at 1pm.

Lurgan began their competitive season last Saturday in the preliminary round of the Irish Senior Cup and were put to the sword at Rush.

“It was a very small ground and we were well beaten,” said Lurgan captain Peter Maxwell. “It was probably the biggest total ever made against us but we felt we didn’t bowl too badly. We then lost quick wickets and fell well short.

“But we did not come away feeling disillusioned. It just reinforced the step up in the standard between last year and this year.”

Their attention will now turn to the league this weekend.

“Having got ourselves back up our priority will be to stay there,” added Peter. “Everyone seems to be tipping us for the drop so the way we look at it is that there is no pressure on us.

“People are thinking we are going to struggle so we can have a go. We are more than capable of being competitive.”

A home win against Carrickfergus on Saturday would be a nice way to start although Monday’s game at CIYMS looks to be more difficult.

They have already started with a win against CSNI and have signed up big hitting Craig McMillan who played 55 tests ands 197 one day internationals for New Zealand.

“We have a lot of talented young players coming through but they still have time to make their mark in the seconds,” said Peter.

Lurgan’s team for Saturday is: Peter Maxwell, Niranjan Godbole, Stephen Chambers, Graeme Hunter, Craig Irwin, John Guy, Nicky McCollum, Stephen Johnston, Ben McKnight, Marvin van Niekirk, Callum Grieve.