After fighting their way through three tough preliminary battles PHC find a well-rested Somerset awaiting them for the first leg of the Dudley Eve Trophy final tonight (8 p.m.).

And as if that is not bad enough they have to play the Martonmere Cup champions on their home turf (Somerset Cricket Club) armed with the knowledge that the west-enders have already beaten them three times this season, including a 2-0 win on Boxing Day.

Somerset coach Larry Hunt said that his side will carry the same approach into tonight's match and other than welcoming back striker Dwight Basden from injury the squad remains largely unchanged.

"I think the consistency we've been playing with has been the key,'' he said.

"We'll play PHC the same way we've been playing them all this time. We've beaten them three times but that counts for nothing now...it's a whole new ball game.'' With the success enjoyed thus far complacency could be a problem and Hunt indicated that he would continue to remind his players of the fact that Somerset have never won this trophy.

"Reggie's (trainer Reginald Cann) physical training has helped tremendously as well as the input from (assistant coach) Josef Gooden,'' said Hunt. "They have helped the guys remain focussed.'' Logic would indicate that with the Zebras having lost three in a row they are due for a more positive result and one player salivating at this prospect is PHC centre-half Derek (Nails) Douglas.

"It's payback time!'' said Douglas, obviously tired of coming up on the short end against the Trojans. "We're going to go out there to beat Somerset and we'll be putting in 110 percent effort so that we get the job done.

"We just need to sharpen up a few things and make sure we keep our concentration all the way through the game.'' Once again the services of Mike Dill are lost with the lanky defender still nursing a knee injury.

On PHC having to return to the field of play after only a day lay-off Douglas felt that this would not have an adverse effect on their chances and may in fact give them an edge.

"It allows us to get things together more not being rested while the team having the days off may come out cold.

"It's been PHC's motto the last few years to win it like that (coming from the losers' bracket). It's like we have to lose a game first before we win.'' Although Somerset enter as solid favourites PHC can never be counted out.

Their track record in the competition is evidence enough to sway one from betting aginst the Warwick club. They have been in six finals and only once have they not emerged with the goods.

Conversely the only `award' Somerset have won is that for futility, having lost all six finals in which they have been involved.

"Everybody has their turn and lately Somerset have turned the tables,'' Douglas continued. "The only thing for us is to do our best and continue with what we've been doing all this time.''