PHC are already finding out just how tough it is to remain `numero uno' when everyone is looking to slice your throat.

Hunter to hunted, such is the turnaround as the Zebras seek to defend the Premier Division title they captured a year ago despite long odds.

As a newly promoted outfit none gave the Warwick club a chance of taking the league, their only hope was to survive according to the sceptics.

Yet the Zebras did more... much more, showing a style and grace not seen in years. Something reminiscent of the days of the old guard that struck fear in the hearts and minds of opponents.

However, yesteryear -- in fact yesterday -- is history that and all that matters is "What have you done for me lately!''to borrow a phrase from pop diva Janet Jackson.

Well aware of the fact is the coaching staff and it has and will be a job in itself to keep the side on an even keel.

"We're really just trying to get the guys focused and understanding that this year they're the team to beat and every team that they play, whether it be FA Cup, Martonmere, League, all will be gunning for them,'' said Mark Wade, assistant to head coach Sammy Swan. "It's going to be a whole lot tougher this year. So it's mental preparation that we're emphasising to them.'' Wade noted the team to be in good spirits looking at the start of another league campaign, all optimistic of a successful defence.

"Guarded enthusiasm is the term I would use,'' said Wade, a defensive stalwart during his playing days. "After the two games we've played they have a preview as to what it's going to be like and they're enthusiastic about defending the title.

"We've introduced a couple of our junior players already, and have good competition for places.

"It's still early going, we'll be ready when the league commences to defend it.'' Nevertheless, PHC have not looked a very cohesive bunch in their opening matches, having lost the Charity Cup 3-0 to North Village and following that with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Wolves, two sides expected to challenge them for league and cup honours.

The champions lost some experience with the retirement of Ricky Mallory, and with Kenny Mills tending to be increasingly sporadic in his appearances PHC will have to rely more on the rollercoaster tendency of youth.

Thus it will be up to the likes of veterans Stanton Lewis, Ottis Steede and Raynel Lightbourne to hold the ship tight.

Said Wade: "Youngsters tend to rely a lot on the physical aspect, but we'll be looking at the seasoned players to help with the mental side of it. It's a challenge and something that Sammy and I are up to.

"We recognise that this is amateur football and keeping players focused on the task at hand is sometimes difficult, with families, jobs and what not.

But, mentally, I think that's one of the areas in Bermuda that is lacking. We could run up and down until the cows come home, but mentally I feel all the teams are suffering in one way or the other with lack of mental preparation and mental toughness and is one of the things Sammy stresses to the team.'' As for those who would doubt the ability of the Zebras to seize the pinnacle once again Wade offered: "We expect that. There are those who still don't believe that we deserved to win the league last year and we expect that and always expect that.

"It's something PHC's had to live with through all through the '80s and I don't think it's something we're going to do away with.

"We have no problem with that and if people want to give us the underdog tag in every game we'll gladly take that. That takes the pressure off us.

"Talent-wise we stack up to anybody. On any given day, any given Sunday, if we play up to the level each one of the guys is capable of, we can beat anybody.'' FAST FACTS Head coach: Sammy Swan Home field: Somerset Cricket Club Team colours: Black/White Key arrivals: None Key departures: Sean Simmons, Ricky Mallory, Patrick Russell, Vic Ball, Corbin Durrant Predicted finish: Fifth 1999-2000 finish: First 1999-2000 honours: Premier Division winners; Friendship Trophy runners-up Stanton Lewis: key player.