Last year’s beaten Dudley Eve Trophy finalists Devonshire Colts, having endured a slow start to the new campaign, have steadily gathered momentum en route to qualifying for this year’s competition. And despite the recent loss of top marksman Aljame Zuill, the Devonshire club now look forward to extending their rich vein of form into the Christmas tournament and for the duration of the season.

Colts, the FA Cup holders who are presently third in the Premier Division, last hoisted the Dudley Eve Trophy in 1999, and are renowned for their ability to reach cup finals. They will be intent on reversing last year’s result when they were beaten in the two-legged final by North Village.

Bermuda international Shannon Burgess, who assumes the role of team leader, orchestrating from the heart of their defence, says he is generally pleased with his team’s steady progress during the initial stages of the season.

The club captain said he believes that, despite the loss of Zuill, who was injured in a traffic accident, they possess players who will more than compensate.

“Obviously, we are pleased to be in the tournament,” said Burgess. “But our main objective for the season is to remain in the top half of the table and stay among the leaders.

“As far as our performances are concerned, I believe we have been playing fairly well defensively and because we are gaining so much confidence in our defensive ability we are able to compose ourselves and play closer to the style we prefer, which is looking to dictate play more when we are in possession of the ball.”

It remains to be seen how Colts fare without the services of their most proven goal-scorer, but Burgess is no stranger to adversity as his team have overcome setbacks in the past. And he describes the present situation as an opportunity for someone else to come to the fore.

“Lloyd Holder and Jermaine and Quincy Aberdeen have stepped up for us,” added Burgess. “It seems as though every time we begin to get into a groove we stumble across an obstacle and this year we have lost our top goal-scorer in Aljame for at least a few weeks.”

Colts face off against Devonshire Cougars next Tuesday night at Devonshire Recreation Club (7.00pm.) and will also be without the services of Kevin Simpson who will miss the first match through suspension.

“Over the past four or five weeks we have been very consistent but prior to that I think we were struggling for some unknown reason,” said Burgess. “But we are starting to find our rhythm and hopefully we can carry our momentum into the holiday and beyond.”