Colts weren't defending league champions.

In particular, he remembers those games against whichever team was champion of the day.

He remembers the intensity in practice leading up to the match and he remembers how his players tied their boots just a little bit tighter in the dressing room beforehand.

"My experience has been that teams train a little harder when they're playing the league champions,'' Ball said on Sunday, a few moments after the Colts opened their 1997-98 campagin with a 3-0 victory over Southampton Rangers.

As last year's First Division champions, Ball has attempted to make sure Colts remember one of sport's truisms; that winning a title is usually more difficult the second time around.

"The players are confident that they can repeat,'' said Ball. "But at the same time they recognise that it's not going to be an easy feat.'' In three early-season cup matches, Ball said the Colts have already seen what to expect from opponents. And it's not respect.

"In order to win the championship again we have to be committed, disciplined and injury-free,'' said Ball.

So far, he says, players are "focussed,'' although there has already been one injury of note in the form of fullback Jamal Belboda.

Belboda could be back as soon as this Sunday's game against PHC but in the meantime Troy Harvey -- a transfer from Vasco -- has stepped in and the team "hasn't missed a beat,'' Ball said.

In contrast to the offseason comings and goings among the nine other First Division clubs, nearly all of this year's Colts were around to sip the champagne a year ago.

Said Ball, "We all see that as a positive.'' In Sunday's Women's Division games, Waynesha Bean fired a hat trick as Rude Girls defeated PHC Teasers 6-1. Chevonne Furbert added two goals and Sakena Clarke the other for Rude Girls. Kathy Clarke scored for Teasers.

In the only other game in the five-team league, Dandy Stars and BAA Royals had their game postponed because on an unplayable pitch at St. John's Field.

REPEATERS -- Last year's champions, Devonshire Colts are hoping to become the first team in the 1990s to celebrate back-to-back titles.