THE Solent Stars lift the curtain on their competitive campaign tomorrow (4pm) when Coventry Crusaders visit Fleming Park in the National Trophy.

Solent's pre-season build-up has been considered a success by the coaching staff.

Apart from the many training sessions, last week's win over Reading Rockets saw all the team performing much better than the first match against Reading.

However, Solent have both off and on-court problems for the coming game.

Marlin Capers, below, is waiting on a change of visa status which will allow him to be registered in time for the match.

Injuries to 6ft 8in Phil Long (ankle) and Karl Mroch (nose) render them doubts whilst Paul Silcox has declared himself unavailable.

Jon Rumsey will be standing by in case Solent find themselves short of first team players.

The National Trophy is a competition for the English Basketball League's first division clubs and is played on a pool basis with each team playing home and away.

The other club in the Solent pool is newly promoted Worcester Wolves, who Solent travel to play on October .

Solent are hoping for a big turn out to start their season and have a Sunday afternoon fixture which they hope will attract the family audience.

Admission prices are adult £7, children £5, family £19.