After the official opening on Friday night with some exhibition matches, the Cisk Export Beach Soccer Tour kicked off with the first 19 group matches which produced 128 goals at Golden Bay.

In the inaugural match, which was played under artificial lights, Export Lions defeated Swing Kids 3-1.

In this 'champions' clash, Export Lions showed they have the same ambitions of last year.

Trevor Thomas, their best player, scored two goals after Justin Camilleri had opened the Lions' account. Swing Kids started the game on a low but after conceding the first goal, they made a prompt reaction to level the game by a fine strike from James Gregory. Swing Kids were also unlucky to hit the post on a number of occasions.

As in past editions, there are the weekly awards with Export Lions' Andrew Cohen collecting the Urban Jungle Goal of the Week and the Hawaiian Tropic Player of the Week and Dominic Cassar of Mercysiders winning the Gatorade Save of the Week.

The tour will now move to Mellieha Bay where the last group matches will take place.

Ten matches will be played tomorrow and another 10 on Sunday to confirm the 15 teams that will join the finals.

One-day tournament in Gozo

Teams that are still interested in taking part in the Cisk Export Beach Soccer Tour, still have a chance to participate in the one-day tournament to be staged in Gozo.

The one-day event is planned to host six teams that will be divided into two groups of three.

A league format will be applied for the one-day tournament and the winners of the two groups will play a final that will determine which team will proceed to the finals at Golden Bay.

The event will be held at Ramla Bay on July 21. The entry fee for the Gozo event is Lm40 (Lm5 per player).

Interested teams are requested to apply by phoning on 7961-7743 or via the tournament's website http://www.beachsoccer.com.mt.