Big guns set for another stroll

The opening day of the summer championship last week underlined, once again, the gulf that exists between the elite four clubs and the so-called minnows in the preliminary round of the competition.

Sliema, Sirens, Neptunes and Marsascala, surefire favourites to contest this year's first division championship, registered emphatic wins against weaker opposition and that trend is set to continue this weekend when the second five-match programme is played at the National Pool.

Champions Sliema last week beat Exiles 13-5. They are expected to maintain their perfect record when they entertain Ta' Xbiex in tomorrow's last match on the card.

Ta' Xbiex's overwhelming 19-0 thrashing of Valletta last Saturday can be an indication that Peter Paolella's men intend to put a good fight in their match against the Blues. However, the latter should prove too strong for their modest opponents.

After their commanding victories over Marsaxlokk and Otters respectively, Neptunes and Sirens should also keep the momentum going when they face Valletta and Exiles respectively.

Pierre Borg's Marsascala last week defeated a spirited San Giljan side 10-2. Today, they will be looking for another convincing performance when facing neighbours Marsaxlokk.

In today's opening match Warren Debono's San Giljan, who showed some fine qualities in their opening match, will probably win their first two points of the preliminary round when facing lowly Otters.

Today - 6 p.m. Otters vs San Giljan; 7 p.m. Marsascala vs Marsaxlokk. Tomorrow - 5 p.m. Exiles vs Sirens; 6 p.m. Neptunes vs Valletta; 7 p.m. Ta' Xbiex vs Sliema.