Former Dudley Eve Trophy winners PHC will be looking to turn back the clock over the holiday when they compete in what has proved to be one of their most successful tournaments.

Since its inception in 1978/79, the Dudley Eve has been claimed by the Zebras on no less than six occasions.

And they'll have their eyes on a seventh title when they face off against Wolves in the tournament opener tomorrow night at Devonshire Rec.

"It's going to be tough playing against all of the on-form teams in the league over a short period of time," said coach Mark Wade. "We are trying to prepare ourselves mentally and physically for the competition.

"Obviously, we will be coming to compete and not just to take up real estate. It will be exciting as the players look forward to playing in front of the larger crowds over the holiday."

Wade noted that during a recent team meeting considerable emphasis was placed on the tournament as some of his younger players had yet to play in the competition. Team morale, he said, remained high and everyone was looking forward to the occasion.

PHC, the only team to have won the trophy with the toss of a coin back in the 1981-82 campaign, last savoured any type of success in 1999 when they won the Premier Division title having only been promoted from the First Division the previous season.

Having already been knocked out of the Martonmere and FA Cup competitions this year, the Zebras are aware that their hopes of salvaging success rest with the Dudley Eve, Friendship and league campaigns.

Following a recent victory over Wolves, coach Wade said his team had appeared to want that win more than their opponents and they had caught their rivals napping. But he remained cautious, saying Wolves wouldn't be taken lightly.

"Wolves bring a certain passion to the game and remain formidable opposition as they have managed to string together some good results during the first half of the season," added Wade. "I anticipate another hard-fought match against them."