Division Two champions Exiles RMF will have high hopes of breaking their duck in the preliminary phase of the 7-up league when they face Marsaxlokk today.

This match pits against each other two clubs still searching for their first points of the campaign.

The performances of the Sliema outfit, under the guidance of Marco Manara, have been somewhat inconsistent so far. They have alternated gritty performances, like the one which saw them losing 9-3 to Sliema, with other disappointing outings such as last week's 13-3 defeat to Sirens where their poor rate from man-up proved their downfall.

Today, they start as favourites to collect their first spoils against a Marsaxlokk side that has endured a very difficult start to the league trek.

A win for either Exiles or Marsaxlokk is vital as it would edge them closer to their likely division two rivals who clash with potential division one opponents this weekend.

Ta' Xbiex, who have won two of the four matches they played so far, take on Sirens tomorrow. Charles Mock will urge his players to avoid making a disastrous start to the game like they did against Marsascala last week when they found themselves trailing 13-1 at the interval.

San Giljan are also in for another tough encounter when they entertain high-flying Marsascala. Last Saturday, the Saints were made to work hard to dismiss a modest Otters outfit. Tomorrow, they must lift their game if they are to offer serious opposition to the unbeaten southseasiders.

Sliema should find little difficulty against Otters in tomorrow's opening match. Neptunes lift the curtains on the two-day programme this evening when they face the ASA Youths in a match where no points are at stake.