It’s a section four fixture, of course, the locals having been relegated at the end of last season. And the fact that they were will be the spur this year, with reclamation of a place in section three their primary objective.

Portadown and Ards are the fancied runners.

Despite having suffered a downgrade, the mood in the local camp has remained impressively upbeat. Last year they fielded two teams; this time it will be three.

Club spokesman, Aaron Caddell, said, “That means we can guarantee our up-and-coming young players a competitive match every week. In the past we were only able to offer them the occasional friendly outing, which wasn’t satisfactory for boys keen to compete and learn from playing against others of comparable age and ability.

“Having addressed that problem, our hope is that we can bring young players through. Not only is it good for their development as individuals - it’s good for the club.”

Following their relegation, Portadown lost several players. But they have not spent time or energy fretting about that. Instead they are stressing the positives.

“Our attitude was that if anybody wanted to move on , it was in everybody’s best interests that they did so,” Caddell said. “Now we know where we stand. Those who have stayed are here because they want to be.”

LIFT

In addition, Peter Henry and John Hewitt are available this time round and that is a significent double boost as they played very few games last year. Certainly they were missed, so their availability on a regular basis comes as a real lift.

Henry will not be able to face Clogher tomorrow, but Hewitt, who previously played for Waringstown, is in the starting line-up. At 26, Portadown’s hope is that his undoubted potential will be fulfilled under their banner.

The locals also have managed to attract several overseas players, two of whom will be on duty for the firsts this weekend. They are Shawn Arrendale and Roshan Jose, who responded to an appeal made by the town club for newcomers to the area to enlist.

A third who answered that call - Maniche Madhok - makes his debut for the seconds against Cregagh on Sunday at Chambers Park.

Portadown have enjoyed a good pre-season build-up, with better numbers than ever before attending the indoor sessions at the College. And their relationship with the Killicomaine Road seat of learning is further-reflected in the fact that two of the College’s cricketers - Rian Hoey and Simon Caddell - are included in tomorrow’s senior line-up.

Significantly, too, when the students lined out on Wednesday afternoon against Banbridge Academy in the Schools’ Cup, it was at Chambers Park, thereby confirming the on-going bond between club and school.