PHC Zebras captain Darren Usher is adamant his team will not be taking underdogs Somerset Trojans for granted when two of the island’s most successful clubs clash in the Friendship Trophy final at Wellington Oval on New Year’s Day.

Usher and his team-mates have every reason to be wary of the threat of Trojans given they have won two of the three final meetings between the rivals in the Friendship Trophy final to date, including their last clash eight seasons ago.

“We may be looked at as favourites but it’s a cup final and Somerset have a rich history of winning silverware,” Usher told The Royal Gazette. “I expect them to put up a fight and they can expect the same from us.

“The task at hand is no different from the last. We want to win and make sure we are keeping our title at the end of the day.”

Zebras are attempting to defend their title in honour and memory of late captain Marco Warren, while there is added incentive for Usher and coach Quincy Hunt.

“The Friendship was Marco’s first trophy he lifted as the skipper but not only that; it could be my first as skipper of PHC and coach Hunt’s first as head coach,” Usher added.

“So winning it for Marco is definitely the message to everyone but there is added incentive from myself, the coach and also everyone as a whole just wanting to add to the winning culture PHC has built.”

Zebras boast an impressive track record in the competition with an unprecedented 13 titles and are making their sixth appearance in the final in nine years and record 21st overall.

Trojans have also enjoyed a rich history in the competition, remaining tied with inaugural winners North Village for the second most wins (11) and remain the only team to win four consecutive titles.

Captain Jaden Ratteray-Smith is well aware of his club’s proud cup-winning legacy and says he and his fellow team-mates are looking forward to “putting their best foot forward” in the final.

“It feels good to get to another final and there’s no pressure on us as we are a young team,” he said.

“We just have to go out and try our best and wherever the chips fall, that’s where they fall. The only thing you can do is do your best on the given day.

“No final is going to be easy and obviously PHC are a team that have proved recently that they are one of the more capable winners and they have been together for a long time, so it’s not going to be an easy game.

“We know that but it’s a final, so anyone can win on the day and we just have to put our best foot forward.”

Trojans have exceeded the expectations of many in reaching the final given their struggles in the league where they find themselves in the relegation zone, a point above bottom team X-Roads Warriors and four adrift of safety, at the halfway stage of the season.

“The Friendship Trophy gave us a chance to put our league form to the side and try to showcase our potential, which is something that we haven’t really been able to do in the league but have been able to get done in the cup,” Ratteray-Smith added.

“Hopefully this run in the cup helps our form come January when we start back up, and I believe it will.

“I am aware of the potential of the team and if we match that in our performances then we should be all right.”

The Friendship Trophy final will be preceded by the First Division Shield final pitting St David’s Warriors against unbeaten league leaders Devonshire Colts.