Siggiewi, Luxol look to extend winning start

Bupa Luxol and Siggiewi will be looking to stretch their winning starts in the Kinnie League when they meet Footwork L'Oreal and Hamrun Go Mobile tomorrow at the Corradino Pavilion.

Footwork begin their 2003-2004 commitments with a very hard match against reigning champions Luxol. They will rely on virtually the same nucleus of players who turned out for Stingers last season minus the Schembri brothers.

Tomorrow's encounter should provide Footwork with an early indication of their potential as they pit their wits against a team featuring a number of young players, all introduced by coach John Tabone, but who clearly need more time to settle down.

Luxol had to fight hard to dismiss Hamrun's challenge in their previous match. The team showed some deficiencies in rebounds where the absence of Ivan Attard was sorely felt. Playmaker Robert Azzopardi could not have started the season better after potting 38 points, highlighting his importance to the Luxol cause.

After a hard-earned victory over Pembroke Tumas Group, Siggiewi now face Hamrun who are plagued by injury problems to experienced players Ivan Riolo and new signing Alan Borg, both still rated doubtful for tomorrow's match.

Returning coach Kevin Decesare, still showing all his old battling signs on the sidelines despite a break from the sport, will demand a more composed start from his boys after an error-strewn opening undermined their chances of victory against Luxol.

Forward Adrian Micallef is still recovering from injury for Siggiewi but the introduction of Steve Schembri seems to have given them fresh impetus. Coach Ray Muscat can lead Siggiewi to dizzy heights this season if he can transform his team into a unit.

Women's league

In the Women's League, champions Depiro Still take on main title rivals Hibs Go Mobile in the main match of the weekend this afternoon.

Naxxar Danone make their season debut against Hamrun Liberty who had to struggle to beat Qormi Quick Shot in their previous match.

Tomorrow, Qormi and Luxol Vodafone will try to break their duck in what promises to be a balanced match.