League rookies start on a defiant note

The delayed edition of the 2012 Peter Mutharika Southern Region Football League (SRFL) season took off on Saturday with Premier Division rookies sending a strong message that they are not pushovers.

The rookies’ defiant performances were largely responsible for four draws in five games played across the region.

Thondwe United held hosts Liwonde Medicals 1-1, Chikhwawa United and Machinga ADD played out a barren draw. Another newcomer, White Bullets, held experienced campaigners Prison United 2-2.

The only dent on the rookies was by Polytechnic FC, who found Evirom FC too much to bear, losing 3-1.

Former Civo United and Flames midfielder Derrick Somanje, Joe Khomani and Gerald Gutsu were among Evirom’s scorers at Escom ground.

In an old capital affair, Zomba United started life in the second tier league with a 1-1 draw against Zomba Airwing.

Airwing were promoted from Division One.

Later on Sunday afternoon, Polytechnic had the chance to right the wrongs as they hosted Mwanza Eagles.