That aim has ended in frustration in recent seasons, but this year, the Jammy Green outfit have what on paper is their strongest squad for years, and so far, they have lived up to expectations on the field and go into tomorrow's clash at Alwoodley with a 100 per cent record.
Skipper Richard Farrell-Smith is understandably delighted with the start his side have made, and said a number of key close season signings had blended well with a young side of emerging talent to produce a formidable team which gave the captain a number of options.
"Obviously the return of Richard Dixon has made a big difference for us, and it is great to have him opening the bowling especially on the seamer friendly pitches we have had so far," said Farrell-Smith.
"And we then have the option of turning to spin with our overseas man Pieter Venter and young Alex Lees."
The Illingworth skipper said South African Venter, who last year was part of Stirling County's successful side which won the Scottish National League Division One title last term, was a talented player and a great addition to the squad.
But he also pointed out that the signing of ex-Golcar wicketkeeper Chris Bishop was another significant new addition.
"I can't speak too highly of Chris, who has made such a big diference," said Farrell-Smith.
"He's an excellent keeper and it's no coincidence the fielding has improved so much so far this season and has been a big factor in our good start."
Farrell-Smith takes his side to Alwoodley tomorrow where they will be tested by a side which has also recruited in the close season, and he said while he was delighted with the depth of talent at his disposal he knew they would be tested very week in what is now a very tough competition.
"Alwoodley have been badly hit by the weather so far so they are a bit of an unknown quantity," he said.
"But we know it will be a hard game because it's generally agreed that the standard in the league has improved greatly in recent years.
"When we first went down there were one or two easy games but that's not the case now as every side is competitive.
"It will be a big challenge to get promotion but we have a squad good enough to do it."

FIXTURES
Tomorrow
Airedale & Wharfedale League
Division C: Alwoodley v Illingworth.
Bradford League
Division One: Esholt v Brighouse. Division Two: Hartshead Moor v Lightcliffe.
Central Lancashire League: Walsden v Middleton.
Central Yorkshire League: Townville v Northowram Fields.
Huddersfield League
Premiership: Holmfirth v Elland, Barkisland v Micklehurst.
Lancashire League: Todmorden v Rishton.

Sunday
Central Yorkshire League
Jack Hampshire Trophy, first round: Birstall v Northowram Fields.
Lancashire League: Bacup v Todmorden.