Preparations are underway for Enniskillen Cricket Club’s first competitive match since it was re-established last year.

The club face local rivals and fellow Fermanagh team, North Fermanagh Cricket Club 2nd XI in the first round of the North West Cricket Union League 4 Cup this Sunday (July 24) at North Fermanagh’s home ground in Kesh.

Enniskillen’s players, who are well aware that they are the underdogs, have been training hard for the eagerly anticipated game but preparation has been somewhat hampered by a lack of friendly games in the lead up to the big match.

The club has seen a string of friendly matches cancelled for reasons largely outside the club’s control, in particular the period of extended wet weather at the beginning of the season.

Despite this, club captain Stephen Maxwell remains extremely positive about the team’s prospects ahead of the match.

Speaking in the lead up to the match he commented: “Obviously it goes without saying this is the biggest match the club has had since reforming. We’ve had a lot of hype and anticipation building up to this moment. This has always been part of our plan, we wanted to play competitive cricket and the cup was the perfect pathway to do that.

“Our preparations have been hampered by the cancellation of five matches that we had lined up pre-season mainly due to bad weather. However, we have continued to train hard and work on the basics because so often these are what makes the difference even at the highest level of this game. “Despite the setbacks I have no doubt that all the players will take to the field on Sunday with great pride and give 110 per cent. We have waited a long time for this, now we need to go out and put a performance in that’s worthy of the wait.”

The fixture between the two local rivals has a history of being extremely competitive and, at times, contentious.

Speaking about the history of the fixture, club player and veteran of the original Enniskillen Cricket Club that last played over 28 years ago, Kenny Maxwell, said: “The fixture has a long history to it and has always been a very competitive and at times heated affair but it is really great to see a North Fermanagh versus Enniskillen fixture again especially given that it is taking place as part of a North West Cricket Union affiliated tournament.

“It’s no doubt the biggest fixture for Enniskillen Cricket Club for almost 30 years and we’re determined to give a good account of ourselves. We hope the weather is good and that both teams enjoy the game but we’re going to win it that’s our aim”.

Spectators and supporters of both teams are welcome to attend the match in Kesh which will no doubt be a hotly contested affair with the winner progressing to the next round of the cup competition.