North Village will attempt to add the Friendship Trophy to their collection of Charity and Martonmere Cup crowns when they take on last season?s beaten finalists Somerset Eagles at Wellington Oval tomorrow.

In a twist of irony, Village can secure another cup title to put an end to what has otherwise been a mixed season for the illustrious club, by triumphing at a venue with the same name as the team ? Wellington Rovers ? they defeated in the inaugural final in 1965-66.

To their credit, Village have captured five Friendship titles in seven final appearances. Tomorrow will be the Red?s eighth overall final and first since the 2001-02 season.

?I think because people expect so much from North Village ? as far as winning trophies ? it seems as though this season has been disappointing for us,? said Village coach, Scott Morton.

?But we have accomplished two trophies so far and we are going for a third one and I think we have a pretty good chance of doing it. However, we have to respect Eagles on the day because they are a team who if you don?t come prepared against, they will punish you.?

While Village relinquished their vice-like grip on both the Premier Division league and FA Cup crowns, the Bernard Park-based club could still emerge as one of the Island?s top teams this season should they prevail over an Eagles side ? minus inspirational defender Musceo Hunt through injury.

The dreadlocked player sustained a separated bone in his right foot playing for Bermuda against Nicaragua on Wednesday night at the National Sports Centre ? the originally scheduled venue for tomorrow?s clash.

Given the Reds possess proven match winners in Ralph Bean Jr, Keith Jennings and Dwight (Payback) Warren ? who always seems to thrive on the big day ? Village enter this contest as favourites to write a sixth Friendship title into the record books. Village, however, will be without stalwart Kentoine Jennings who is currently off the Island.

National team defender Kofi Dill is again expected to wear the captain?s armband in Jennings? absence.

But before any celebrations can begin, Village must first neutralise an Eagles team ? accustomed to playing on wider pitches ? that will be looking to close out the season on a high, given the West End club have put their relegation worries to rest.

Though Hunt will certainly be missed at the heart of the Eagles? defence it will be the attack that will matter most if they are to prevail over Village.

Striker Lamaul Crofton has endured a mostly quiet season along with Rodre (Piper) Wilson, Sean Dill and Nakia Smith, though the effects of a pre-season injury could be directly attributed to the latter?s dip in form this season. The status of veteran midfielder and semi-final hero Duval Binns also remains unclear as the player injured himself in that contest against Devonshire Cougars.

Eagles lost 3-2 against Dandy Town ? a team they meet next Wednesday night in a match that will finally determine the league championship ? in a memorable final last year.

?We have already proven we belong in the Premier Division ? now it is time to see if we can take it up another notch and bring home a piece of silverware,? said Somerset Bridge Recreation Club president Bray Saltus.

?It?s unfortunate we have lost Musceo Hunt but with the depth we have we can fill his position and hopefully have him (Hunt) lift the trophy.?

Meanwhile Eagles? neighbours Somerset Trojans will be looking to polish their season off with a bit of silver when they take on 1995-96 Shield champions Paget Lions.

Trojans are heavily favoured to win a third Shield title having thrashed their opponents 5-0 the previous weekend.