North Village can equal PHC Zebras record for the most consecutive Charity Cup wins with victory over cross-town rivals Devonshire Cougars in Sunday?s 2005-06 season-opening contest at BAA Field.

Village already hold the record for the most overall Charity Cup wins, winning five since the Bermuda Football Association unveiled the annual match in 1984.

The Reds, playing under two different coaches, have successfully defended the cup for the past three years to move to within a single win of tying Zebras record of four straight cup titles achieved between 1989-90 and 1992-93.

Southampton Rangers won the inaugural match, defeating Somerset Trojans on penalty kicks at PHC Stadium.

Village, inspired by a cracking first-half volley from the boot of Jemieko Jennings, celebrated a hat-trick of Charity Cups after blanking Dandy Town 2-0 at BAA Field.

?You always want to start the season off with a win and that?s why you prepare. So far our guys have looked very good in training and have been putting in the work,? stated newly-installed Village coach Dwayne (Streaker) Adams.

?Overall I have been impressed with the commitment the guys have given me and we are looking forward to coming up against Cougars. I think our guys are prepared and ready to put their best foot forward.?

Sunday will be Adams? first match at the helm of the team since succeeding Kentoine Jennings over the off-season.

In his sole season in charge, Jennings coached the Reds to a third successive Charity Cup and also Martonmere and FA Cup titles before standing down to refocus solely on playing in the heart of the Premier Division club?s defence.

Village, according to Adams, have looked ?sharp? in practice over the summer months.

?We?ve been just going through normal pre-season preparations and stuff like that,? he added. ?But I think I have prepared the team right and at the end of the day we are looking to play simple football.?

Adams described the vibe at Bernard Park as ?positive?.

?I think our fans are quite happy with what they have seen in pre-season training so far,? he added. ?But without a doubt I anticipate Cougars to be tough.?

Meanwhile, Bermuda Football Association league and cup competitions chairman Charles Clarke disclosed yesterday proceeds from Sunday?s match are to go in aid of Bernette Woolridge whose home was gutted by fire earlier this year.

He explained: ?We chose Mrs Woolridge because she has over the past decade assisted the Bermuda Football Association as a volunteer.

?Unfortunately earlier this summer her house was burned down and she and her family lost all of their possessions. Normally we would choose one of the major charities but this year we decided she would be the recipient of any funds taken from the Charity game.

?We thought it would be a good gesture to assist one of our own in a time of need. So all proceeds will go toward her and her family who are in need of help at this time.?

As for Sunday?s match, Clarke added: ?We anticipate a good match as the rivalry between North Village and Devonshire Cougars goes way back many years. So we look forward to everybody coming out and having a good time.?

Sunday?s Village versus Cougars Charity Cup clash will be preceded by the women?s Charity Cup featuring Lady Cougars and PHC.