Village, Zebras in battle for Premier supremacy
Call it the `Clash of the Titans'! No, not the movie depicting Gods of Greek mythology battling for control of Mount Olympus, but the Bermudian produced version that has mere mortals North Village and PHC battling for Premier League supremacy.
The pair of adversaries would do well to imitate the 1981 animated epic produced by Ray Harryhausen, with Laurence Olivier in the lead as the great Zeus, along with Jack Gwillim (Poseidon), Harry Hamlin (Perseus), Ursula Andress (Aphrodite) et al.
Tomorrow's affair at Somerset Cricket Club will feature the likes of Stephen Astwood, Ottis Steede and Raynel Lightbourne -- among other Zebra cast members -- facing off against Red Devils Kentoine Jennings, Maceo Dill and Sergio Goater, with lightning and thunderbolts replaced by sets of adidas, Puma or Diadoras.
Village enter the contest carrying an unbeaten league record, with a draw the lone blemish after five matches, and, at 13 points, hold a two point advantage over defending champions PHC, currently second in the standings.
The fixture also represents a severe contrast in playing styles, with PHC more in the English vein of direct, long-ball technique, while Village tend to lull opponents with patient, short passing, before unleashing often devastating attacks.
Village are already one up on their rivals, having disposed of them 3-0 in the season opening Charity Cup, but that was a vastly different Zebras' outfit than the one that has graced the Island's pitches of late.
And, fully aware of PHC's recent good form -- excepting the recent loss to Devonshire Cougars -- Village's first year coach Scott Morton was taking nothing for granted.
"I've always told our players that every game is the most important game, so we have to treat every game as if it's our last,'' said Morton, looking ahead after Thursday night's aborted match against Dandy Town. "Obviously, if we win we'll have possibly a five point cushion, and that's what we're looking for.
"So, we have to stay mentally focused for PHC ... it's not like we're going to take any drastic measures to prepare for them, but rather we take it on a game to game basis.'' Morton's plan is to place pressure on PHC's defence from the start, and see how they react.
"With PHC, basically, you press them in their third of the field, then you take them out of their game plan and really see what PHC's all about, if they're a thinking team or just one dimensional,'' explained Morton.
"So, that's the type of thing I would prepare for or try to do, stop them as far as their long balls and see what they're capable of as far as counteracting that.'' Another intriguing affair is slated for White Hill Field, where Devonshire Colts hope home field advantage at the spacious ground will make a difference against Wolves.
A draw would guarantee Wolves a berth in the Dudley Eve Trophy by virtue of superior goal difference over Colts, who would then have to await the result of the rescheduled fixture between North Village and Dandy Town next Tuesday (see story this page). However, an outright win by either assures the victor a spot and leaves the loser in limbo.
Town, meanwhile, face a cresting Southampton, fresh off their first league triumph at St. John's Field. Town are in a must win situation if they are to qualify for the holiday tournament, while Rangers seek victory in order to further move from the cellar.
Devonshire Cougars host Somerset at The Den in the remaining top flight affair.
First Division action has Hamilton Parish taking on leaders St. George's at St. David's Oval, Ireland Rangers hosting Somerset Eagles, Paget taking on Social Club, and St. David's welcoming Prospect.
In Women's Konica Cup play, Rude Girls travel to face PHC, Royals visit St.
John's Field to play Dandy Stars, and Prospect have a home match against Little Venice.