The Hockey Association's second competition of the season got under way on Sunday with two matches from the Challenge Cup.

At the end of last season rumours were rife in the hockey community that White Hart Hockey Club were on the verge of winding up in what would have been a sad end to one of Malta's leading Clubs. On Sunday it was clear that the Club had worked hard over summer to sort out matters. With a squad of some home grown talent, a number of veterans and loanees from other clubs White Hart not only fielded a full squad but set about demolishing a Rabat side that faded late on in the game. The game, umpired by Keith Bajada and Alessandro Amore, was evenly balanced for the first two quarters with the score at 0-0 at half time. In the next two quaters White Hart made full use of all their squad and as Rabat began tire they struck. Keith Scicluna opened the score from the penalty spot and Carl Tua finished off a fine move to close the third quarter 2-0. The fourth quarter saw Rabat try and claw themselves back into the game but their efforts were futile as Paul Torpiano and Simon Baldacchino added to further two goals for a 4-0 victory.

In the second game Sliema Hs and Floriana Young Stars produced an entertaining game which was eventually decided by two goals in the third quarter. As in the first game the first two quarters did not produce any goals and half time arrived with the score at 0-0. The third quarter saw Sliema Hs step up a gear and their efforts were rewarded with two goals from Julian Zahra; the first at the end of a short corner move and the second with a cute deflection after a mazy run from Christ Agius. Young Stars were rattled but they rallied well and the start of the fouth quarter saw them putting pressure on the Sliema goal. Sliema goalkeeper Emile Borg, here showed his worth with a number of fine saves and he ended Young Stars' hopes of a comeback with a penalty save from Edward Hughes five minutes from time. Keith Calleja and John Williams umpired the game.

The Challenge Cup continues on Sunday with holders Qormi Daikin making their debut against Rabat at 10:00 am.