Enniskillen captain Stephen Fox believes this season’s squad have the ability to contend at the top of the league, as they get set for the opening match of the new campaign.

Recent campaigns have seen the Mullaghmeen based team achieve unprecedented success in the knockout competitions, but Fox is hoping they can back that up with an improved showing in the league this time around.

“We want to do well in the cups again, and then try and push on the league,” he said.

“We are definitely fit to contend at the top of the league. Last year the league position wasn’t a reflection of who we were as a team and we were a bit disappointed with the league standings, so we want to push that on this year and contest at the top again.”

Fox reckons that their chances of success is both fronts this season has been boosted by the return of several players to the club.

“The ones and twos both look very good this year,” he said.

“There are a few boys back. I’m back this year and then boys like Angus Keys is back, Stevie Balfour is back, James Ferguson is going to be about all season, Eddie Keys is back on placement this year so that is definitely going to improve us a lot.

“We have only lost Michael Rooney, although he will be a bit of a loss to us. The squad is definitely stronger than it was last year, and the young boys have another season under their belt as well.

“We like to play a nice fast brand of rugby and pre-season has gone quite well and the boys are looking very fit.”

For Stephen, the season is one he is really looking forward to after being forced to sit out the entire previous campaign with a knee injury.

“I was playing in the touch rugby tournament and went over on my knee and snapped it. Snapped nearly everything in it,” he recalled.

“I have a full pre-season under my belt now though and it is good to be back finally.

“I have played two of the pre-season matches and I felt good so I should be raring to go this Saturday hopefully. Now I have to get my place in the team, but there is a lot of competition there, which is good.”

Fox’s leadership responsibilities were limited to off-pitch duties last season after he sustained the injury, so this campaign will be his first as the captain of the team on the field of play.

Despite being new to the role, he believes he has great support from the rest of the team.

“There are plenty of boys who are leaders, and there shouldn’t have to be too much said to the boys before games,” he said. “Plenty of boys have been to plenty of cup finals. James Ferguson is there, and he will have plenty to say as well. The responsibility has been divided up, so its not all on me, which is good.”