This time around they are being touted as potential relegation candidates along with CIYMS, Cliftonville and Lisburn. Captain Andrew Kenny realises it is going to be tough this time around having lost the services of South Africans Pieter van Niekerk and Albert van der Merwe along with Neil Gill, who is returning to Muckamore.

However with the addition of new professional Kaushik Aphale from India who has previous experience of NCU conditions with Woodvale and former Downpatrick and Dundrum man Derrick McCann joining, he hopes they will consolidate their position and develop the emerging youth talent by giving them exposure to cricket at the highest level. Andrew sees this as a transition period and with the right dedication, commitment and hard work from all the players he believes they have a great chance of retaining their status in the Premier League.
First up tomorrow (Saturday) for the Queensway men is a visit to the Lawn to face last seasons Ulster Bank league runners up Waringstown, who will no doubt prove to be formidable opponents. The seconds face their Waringstown counterparts at home.

Last week the weather held fine enough to allow Derriaghy to complete their second pre season friendly. On a bitterly cold day at Queensway they defeated a Muckamore side, that included former player Neil Gill, by 18 runs in a 40 over a side match. The home side totalled 178 for 7 with Derrick McCann showing his ability with the bat in a patient innings of 55 not out. Skipper Andrew Kenny hit a fine 30 and there were also useful knocks from Matty Jennings and Aaron Kinnin.

The visitors made a positive start racing to 36 in 5 overs before change bowlers Hennie van der Merwe and Aaron Kinnin slowed down the run rate, picking up 2 wickets a piece in the process. Some early season erratic bowling accounted for a large number of extras which helped Muckamore finish within 18 runs of their opponents.