Vance Brown has set his sights on winning his first piece of silverware as head coach of Devonshire Cougars.

Brown, who took over the coaching reins last season, will lead Cougars into the Friendship Trophy final against Southampton Rangers at Somerset Cricket Club on New Year’s Day.

He said that winning the Friendship Trophy would be validation for the hard work and dedication shown by his players this term.

“This will mean a lot to me, the club, and the community,” said Brown, whose side defeated Somerset Eagles 2-0 in the semi-finals at PHC Field last weekend. “When you win a trophy, it means your team has worked hard.”

Cougars have not won a trophy since beating PHC Zebras 1-0 in the Friendship Trophy final in 2017.

Brown said he had no injury concerns before the final. “I have a full squad; some players are back from school for Christmas break, so I have options to fill any absences.”

Cougars edged Rangers 3-2 when they met in the league in September at Southampton Oval, and Brown believes it is imperative his team take their chances against Rangers, who have scored just nine goals this campaign. “Possession doesn’t guarantee that you win the game, so we have to work hard and take advantage of any situations that arrive,” Brown added.

Rangers, who won the Shield Trophy last season, beat Robin Hood 2-0 on Boxing Day to reach the final.