The season 2005/06 gets underway tomorrow at 11am when Rabat and Young Stars contest the Challenge Cup.

After a rather hectic summer that saw the Kordin Hockey serving as a venue for two European Hockey Federation tournaments, the Maltese clubs will now get back to the bread and butter of local competitions.

With very few transfers taking place it would seem that once again Double winners Rabat will be the team to beat. Maintaining Basically the same squad that has seen them take four League Championships, two Knock-Outs, one Challenge Cup and three Super Cups in the last four years, Rabat have acquired the services of Aaron Perales from Gibraltar. Their rivals tomorrow, Young Stars, have recalled from loan three players who last year played for White Hart. These are John Williams, Jonathan Aquilina and Tyron Mizzi.

On their part White Hart have signed Mario Falzon from Qormi. Qormi and Sliema Hs have not made any changes to their squad although Sliema should see the return from long term injuries of Brian Micallef and Gaetano Vella.

The Super Cup has been almost the sole domain of Rabat and Young Stars with the former taking the honour six times and the Floriana side eight. Rabat have won the last three and will be looking forward to get their season off to a good start. On the other hand a victory for Young Stars will give hope to the other teams that the Rabat juggernaut may be stopped.

Meanwhile it has been announced that reigning champions Rabat Depiro will be participating in the European Club Championship Challenge II being held in Athens, Greece from 2 to 5 June, 2006.