While PHC face the possibility of not defending their league title this season, Somerset Trojans are moving in the other direction in the Premier Division table after three straight league victories saw them climb out of the bottom two.

Between them the Zebras and Trojans have won 21 titles with PHC claiming a record eleventh win last season with their second straight league title under coach Scott Morton. Morton’s departure to concentrate on his duties as Kyle Lightbourne’s assistant with the national team paved the way for Robert Bean to take over as head coach of a team in transition.

However, five losses in nine matches has left the Zebras in a modest mid-table position, twelve points behind leaders North Village and with a mammoth task if they are to become the only other team since the Trojans to win three straight league titles. Somerset managed it in 1982, ‘83 and ‘84 after also winning four straight league titles between 1967 and ‘70 while PHC won back to back titles in 1985-’86 and again in ‘89-’90 and last season.

This season Somerset, given a lifeline in the top flight when BAA pulled out of the league in the summer, started slowly and were looking relegation candidates after failing to register a win in their first six games. However, three straight wins up to the Christmas break have enabled them to climb up to seventh, and now they have the chance to move into the top half when they host Dandy Town tomorrow.

Coach Dennis Brown is clearly happy with the turnaround, ignited by the immediate impact made by late transfer Dion Stovell who scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Southampton Rangers in his first match on November 17 to give the Trojans their first win of the season. Further wins followed against X-Roads and bottom team Boulevard as Stovell netted again in the 2-1 win over X-Roads.

“I don’t want to put pressure on the team, but thy know what’s expected of them,” said Brown.

“We’ve won our last three games which has put us in a much better position. The players have come to grips with what it takes to play in the Premier Division, so the second half of the season should be very interesting.”

Brown singled out the contributions of Deunte Darrell and veterans Keith Jennings and Jonathan Bean. The latter returning from Somerset Eagles in November.

“In addition to Dion, Deunte Darrell came in and played a big part as well as Johnny Bean and Keith Jennings,” added Brown. “Those four brought some valuable experience to the young team that started the season.”

In their last meeting, Somerset lost to Town 4-3 at St John’s Field in October when two Jaz Ratteray-Smith penalties enabled them to come from 2-0 down to lead 3-2.

“We came from two goals down early on and eventually led 3-2 before they won 4-3, we talked about that and hopefully have learnt from that,” said Brown who appreciated the break over Christmas after his team were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Friendship Trophy.

“It was a welcome break for all involved,” he added. “Our main thing is to consolidate in the league and anything outside of that is a bonus.”

North Village will look to extend their lead at the top when they meet X-Roads at Garrison Field, as second-placed Robin Hood do not play until Monday when they meet bottom team Boulevard at Goose Gosling Field.

PHC travel to Devonshire Rec to play Devonshire Cougars, the beaten Friendship Trophy finalists, while Southampton Rangers meet Somerset Eagles at Southampton Oval in a battle of the two promoted sides from last season.

In the First Division, leaders St George’s Colts will look to hold on to their six point advantage over Devonshire Colts and Vasco when they meet Young Men’s Social Club at Wellington Oval.

Devonshire Colts play Hamilton Parish, Vasco take on Ireland Rangers and St David’s are at home to Flanagan’s Onions.