Onions facing a nervous start

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Flanagan’s Onions coach Michael Ward admits there will be nerves in his side when they kick off their inaugural Digicel Premier Division campaign against St George’s at Goose Gosling Field tomorrow.

Last season’s First Division runners-up had a quiet off season, neither gaining nor losing players and as such will rely on last year’s squad as they begin their quest to stay in the top flight at the first time of asking.

While the club are confident of their chances of survival, Ward acknowledged that there will be other influences on the game besides the normal activities when the whistle blows.

“I think there is always a bit of nerves before every game, but that is a good thing,” said Ward. “Nerves encourage energy.

“We have worked hard in pre-season, even started a little earlier than usual, so hopefully that will hold us in good stead and we can put in a good performance at the weekend.

“Right now we just want to get out there and play and I’m sure the lads will be ready and up for it.”

The new boys will come up against a St George’s side buoyed by their recent Dudley Eve success against Devonshire Cougars as they kicked off their campaign with a win.

“It’s a tough game,” noted Ward. “St George’s have done well the past two seasons to be around the middle of the table after their promotion, so we have to be switched on and ready.

“Most importantly the focus is getting some points on the board early and getting the season off to a good start.”

Elsewhere around the league, Robin Hood host title contenders Somerset Trojans at Goose Gosling Field tonight, with kick-off set for 9pm in Kyle Lightbourne’s debut st Hood boss.

Defending champions Dandy Town head to Southampton Oval tomorrow to play against their bogey team of late, Southampton Rangers, as they look to get their league title defence off to a winning start, while the day’s remaining game will see last year’s First Division champions Wolves travel to Bernard Park to play North Village.

In First Division action, Ireland Rangers entertain Somerset Eagles in a West End derby at Malabar and Devonshire Colts welcome St David’s to Police Field.

BAA should have minimal fuss overcoming Paget at White Hill Field, while Prospect will look to take maximum points from Young Men’s Social Club at Bernard Park.

All First Division matches are scheduled to kick off at 12.30pm and Premier games at 3.00pm.

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