Enniskillen 1st XV are hoping the youth within the club can propel then to another top four finish this season. Their Kukri Qualifying Division One campaign kicks off at Mullaghmeen on Saturday against CIYMS and captain James Carleton has been impressed with the performance from the younger members of the squad throughout pre-season.

“We are a young club and there is a lot of enthusiasm now,” he said.

“We sneaked into the top four last season and for me it will be interesting having a young squad, but I think it should be achievable again, That would be my target.

“The likes of Clogher are probably a step above the rest of the league but it would be nice to be vying for the top three or four and maybe get a good cup run or two.”

Enniskillen started their season with good performances against both Sligo and Armagh 2nd XV, and although a stronger Armagh side returned last Saturday to claim victory, Carleton reckons they are well prepared for their first competitive clash of the new season.

“It has gone well,” he reflected.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how the young boys got on. I wasn’t expecting them to be as good as they are, but there is a lot of talent there and they are progressing well.

“We had a loss to Armagh on Saturday, but they put out a strong side and it is only pre-season where you are trying out different combinations, so no one was too down heartened about it.

“It keeps us grounded. I am happy enough so far. The sessions have been good, and Ryan Cathcart has taken on a Strength and Conditioning course and is bringing that back to us.

“We have sorted out a gym programme for the first time this year and there has been quite a lot of interest and the boys are looking very fit.”

The feel good factor around the club on the eve of the season is proving to be an attraction for even some of the more experienced members of the club.

“There are a couple of the older boys have been talking about retiring for ages, but now they are getting caught up in it and they are getting a bit of fight to play again after seeing how things are going, so they might come back,” said the captain.

Carleton has been a late appointment to the captain’s role for the season.

Stephen Fox was set to take on the leadership duties before a knee injury ruled him out for the entire campaign, and although Fox remains on the side lines in support of the players, it is Carleton who will lead the squad out in the first league game of the campaign comes against CIMYS.

Carleton knows it will be a step up in intensity and quality from pre-season, but he is confident they can rise to the challenge.

“It will be more physical, and that will be a tester for the young boys to see how they measure up physically rather just on fitness,” he said.

“It is a good game though and it is at home.

“Clogher in the second week will be another big step up and it is a tough start, but we are looking forward to getting going.”