Season 2006 summer football in New South Wales kicked off for Parramatta Melita Eagles FC on a balmy night at Melita Stadium in front of a crowd of 2,000 spectators in the pre-season Johnny Warren Cup.

Newly promoted Sutherland Sharks proved a hard opposition for the rejuvenated Eagles side under their new coach Raul Blanco, former Australian Olympic Soccer coach and assistant coach to the Socceroos.

A 0-0 draw was a true reflection of the game as no team deserved to come out the winner with missed chances on both sides and with the effect of the first competitive game being very obvious on either side.

The Eagles had six new acquisitions on show, these being Joel Theissen, Chris Camilleri, Robert Gomes, Tanjy Balabanel, Emmanuel Zunino and Patrick Gatt.

However, it was a night where six players of Maltese descent were on parade, four for the Eagles and two for Sutherland. The Sharks had the added bonus of John Calleja as assistant coach.

In the second half, Sutherland hit the post and a goal from Devon Bonne of the Eagles was disallowed. This game never reached great heights but as the Eagles coach said to me after the game “it is too early to really judge, but we do have some good material”

Joe Borg, the club’s secretary, was pleased with the crowd for this first pre-season game especially since Melita played Sutherland, not a well supported club.

The Under 20 side trashed Sutherland Sharks 6-1.

Next Sunday at Melita Stadium, Parramatta Eagles play Wollongong Wolves in the second round of the Johnny Warren Cup.