GREENOCK Wanderers host their first British Telecom National League Division Two match of the season tomorrow when old rivals Kirkcaldy make the trip to Fort Matilda from the Kingdom of Fife.

The visitors enjoyed a fine opening day victory against Aberdeenshire last weekend and also secured the try-scoring bonus point in a tense encounter at Beveridge Park which they eventually won 28-27.

Kirkcaldy are reputed to be a big, strong and physically capable side but in truth are considered to be a team that will occupy a berth in the middle order of the table rather than a side that will challenge for the title this season.

As always, the first few weeks of the campaign will separate the contenders from the ‘also-rans’ but, for either side to be considered championship challengers, they must win their early season games.

The locals enjoyed a fine victory last weekend at Livingston but with the West Lothian side and Haddington tipped to be two of the teams that may struggle this season the result must be kept in perspective by those of a Wanderers persuasion.

Tomorrow’s clash will provide the yard-stick by which this current Greenock team can be judged and if they can produce some of the high-tempo rugby that characterised their victory last weekend then they have a real chance to announce their arrival as a club that will settle in the middle order, or even better, push for a place near the top of the table.

In terms of selection the personnel head-ache that new head coach Graham Knox had to deal with during pre-season is beginning to dissipate.

Kris Mathie, Alan McMichael, Martin Lavelle, Andy Love, Andy McDougall and Gregor Fletcher are all pronounced fit and available and are added to the squad for tomorrow’s match. The inclusion of this talented group of players is a massive boost for the club, although top stars vice-captain Kieren Smith and Sean Connolly remain on the long-term injury list and are unlikely to feature in the foreseeable future.

A late selection will determine the starting line-up tomorrow but young prop forward Ryan McGhee will take the place of the unavailable Dougie Smith and Kris Mathie will take over the scrum-half duties with regular incumbent Andy McDougall switching to outside centre.

There is a young, fresh and exciting look to this current Wanderers team, with McGhee joining Michael Duddy, Alex Lyon and Anton Ward in the pack and Mathie linking up with Callum Harrison and Chris McCarron in the back-line.

All these players were playing age grade rugby just a couple of seasons ago and their inclusion is testament to the success of Wanderers’ youth policy.

Supplementing the youthful exuberance and ability of this group will be a few old heads like skipper Murray MacDonald, Matt Gray, Ally Abernethy and veteran Kenny Diffenthal.

MacDonald, Gray and Abernethy will require to stamp their authority on proceedings and put in their usual committed shift at the coal face to ensure that Wanderers play on the front foot, particularly at set-piece time.

The value of quality, controlled possession in the vital areas of line-out, scrummage and restarts can never be understated and with exponents of the class of this trio playing then the locals should enjoy a surfeit of possession throughout the 80 minutes.

Diffenthal will start on the bench and will in all likelihood be utilised as an impact replacement at some point in the match.

The veteran South African still has much to offer this Wanderers side and his experience and tactical acumen will be used when most needed.

Fort Matilda will be buzzing tomorrow with the usual well patronised pre-match hospitality enhanced by a large crowd all lining the Octavia Terrace touchline anxious to see how this new-look Wanderers’ team fare against a tough, well drilled side like the Fifers.

President John McDougall said: “The first home league match is always a big occasion and we expect one of our largest crowds of the season along tomorrow.

“Kirkcaldy are a strong side and we will have to be at our best to get the better of them. Last week’s victory has instilled a ‘feel good factor’ about Fort Matilda this week and we want to carry that into tomorrow’s contest and build on the positives from what was a good team effort.” Despite the fact this match is only the second fixture of the league campaign, it is one that will give a clear indication of Wanderers’ chances of success in the forthcoming months.

It is a difficult test but one the Greenock men can pass if they play to their strengths.

Wanderers are sponsored by Texas Instruments.