Coach Ray Jones reckons Devonshire Colts have banished the butterflies that contributed to their Charity Cup meltdown as they prepare for their Premier Division return against PHC tomorrow.

With seasoned campaigners Clevon Hill and Joshua Butterfield set to return, Jones is confident there will be no repeat of the stage fright that gripped his inexperienced team during their 5-0 capitulation to Cougars last month.

Jones believes the break has been a blessing, giving him time to drill his players with tactics, allowing a string of key players to recover from injury and return from suspension.

"I'm happier with the balance of the team now and it will be a different Colts than the one that showed up against Cougars," said Jones. "It was important to get that game out of the way and the butterflies out of our system.

"I've mixed thoughts on our four-week break. We weren't sufficiently prepared for the Charity Cup so in that respect the break has been a blessing, allowing me time to work on our tactics."

"I was on national duty with the under-15s early on in pre-season so I guess we've had some catching up to do. On the other hand since the Cougars match the players have been in game mode so it's been frustrating. Although we've had a few warm-up games, it's just not the same."

Colts achieved what no other First Division club have ever managed by winning the FA Cup last season as well as claiming an unprecedented treble, including the division's title and Shield.

And Jones, who has brought Marvin Belboda and Quincy Aberdeen back to the club, has tipped his team to seamlessly adapt to top-flight football following last season's history-making heroics.

"It's our first season back in the top flight and it's vital for us to get off to a good start in terms of installing confidence," he added. "Last season was a great achievement but we must look forward now. Although, we have been calling for the players to draw on their experiences of the FA Cup win over Boulevard and not dwell overly on the defeat to Cougars.

"I've a near full strength squad to pick from so the team should bare a closer resemblance to the FA Cup-winning side than the one that lost in the Charity Cup."

"Tomorrow will be tough game against PHC and I'm sure Kyle (Lightbourne) will be looking to get his side back to where they were a few seasons ago.

"The clubs have shared some entertaining matches over the years and I'm confidant Colts can get something out of the game."

The season's curtain raiser also sees the two powerhouses of Bermudian football lock horns with North Village coach Elliott Jennings declaring: "We respect Cougars, but don't fear them."

Defending champions Devonshire Cougars have continued where they left off last season with three victories in the Charity Cup and Martonmere Cup, but Jennings believes Village are capable of overturning Shawn Smith's in-form side.

"We certainly respect Cougars and they've already shown in the Martonmere Cup they're a force to be reckoned with. But on our day we're capable of beating any team in Bermuda and I think it will be a lot closer than people think.

"I believe both teams will show up to play football and that should suit us. Not only do I want to see Village win, I want to us win with style.

"I suppose we're the underdogs to a certain extent, but as Village we always have pressure on us to achieve.

"Against Dandy Town in the Martonmere Cup we had enough chances to win, but didn't take them. I didn't think we played that badly."

Clyde Best, Village's assistant coach, added: "To play against the champions in our first league game will be a good gauge for us. We've a lot of good players and are confident of a good start of the season."

PHC take on Devonshire Colts at Southampton Oval, Boulevard play Dandy Town at BAA, Island Rangers face Somerset Trojans at Malabar and Devonshire Cougars welcome North Village to Devonshire Rec. All matches kick off at 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, Bermuda thumped the Dominican Republic 8-0 in Antigua yesterday to get their 2008 women's Olympic qualifying bid back on track.

There were no further details on the match at press time last night.

Earlier this week the Bermuda team got off to an inauspicious start when they were hammered 4-0 by Jamaica at the St.John's Recreational Ground in Antigua.