Elite quartet likely to extend perfect record

Champions Sliema and title challengers Sirens are expected to cruise to their third straight win in the 7-Up League preliminary phase when the first two matches of the third programme are played today at the National Pool.

Neptunes and Marsascala, the other sides likely to figure in the First Division championship, will be in action tomorrow when they play Exiles and Ta' Xbiex respectively.

Sliema, who last week found little difficulty in disposing of Ta' Xbiex 13-3, square up to Valletta United. The team from the capital have so far found the going very tough, conceding two comprehensive defeats against Ta' Xbiex and Neptunes. Today, their only target is a respectable score against their more-quoted opponents.

Sirens' task is not that easy when facing San Giljan. The St Paul's Bay side, who last week had the better of Exiles 9-2, will be playing against Warren Debono's Balluta Bay side, modestly on a high after landing their first points of this opening phase of the championship, having beaten Otters 13-2 in their last outing.

However, Sirens should prove to be a much tougher proposition for the Saints. It would be a great surprise if Bruno Cofino's men fail to maintain their perfect record.

Last week, Neptunes proved too strong for Valletta even if Tony Camilleri fielded a largely second-string outfit. Tomorrow at 6 p.m., the Reds should carry too much ammunition for Dirk Dowling's Exiles, still in search of their first points.

Ta' Xbiex, after a resounding win over Valletta, came a cropper against Sliema last week. Tomorrow, Peter Paolella's men face another stern test as Pierre Borg's Marsascala are next in line. The latter outclassed neighbours Marsaxlokk 13-4 last week for their second consecutive win.

Marsaxlokk have a good chance to make up for that upset by beating Otters in tomorrow's final match.

Today: 6 p.m. Sliema vs Valletta United; 7 p.m. San Giljan vs Sirens.

Tomorrow: 5 p.m. Marsascala vs Ta' Xbiex; 6 p.m. Neptunes vs Exiles; 7 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Otters.