FRESH from their National Trophy win over Coventry Crusaders, Solent Stars men's first team take on Taunton Tigers in the second round of the National Cup tonight (Fleming Park, 8pm).

The Tigers play in Division 3 West of the National League and will be considered as underdogs.

However, Solent will remember the events of a couple of seasons ago when they suffered a shock National Cup exit at home to the west country side.

There is still an injury doubt over 6ft 8in Phil Long, but Solent have this week strengthened their squad with a further signing. Dave McKay, a former Solent junior, has returned to the fold after his studies at Loughborough.

While playing for Loughborough, McKay was voted the British Universities' player of the year.

Both senior women's teams are engaged in National Trophy games today. The first team travel to Cardiff to play UWIC Stealers, while the second team go to Essex to meet Southend Swifts.

First-team confidence is high after last week's win over Reading Rockets, but the second team will need to score far more points than in last week's home defeat against Brixton if they are to trouble a strong Southend set-up.

New to the women's first string is power forward/centre Zsuzsa Tarnai, who comes from Hungary by way of the USA and Germany.

Coach Michael Ball reported: "Zsuzsa has fitted in great with the team already. She has exactly the type of game we need and more importantly she has a big personality and will be an important player for us this season. She can play inside and out and is a true competitor."

Solent's senior men's second team finally get into league action when they travel to Brixton Topcats tomorrow (Brixton Recreation Centre, 4pm).

Coach Mick Byrne completed his signings this week after the pre-season trials. They include a handful of players with previous recent first-team experience - Duane Laight, Trevor Donaldson, Mike Peel, Chris Glover - and several local newcomers.

Jon Rumsey has returned from holiday to lead the second team into their first ever National League game in the club's 25th season.