PHC captain Marco Warren up for Friendship Trophy semi-final showdown with Somerset Trojans – The Royal Gazette

Created: December 16, 2022 7:51 am

Marco Warren enjoys his first season as PHC captain (Photo by Lawrence Trott)

PHC Zebras captain Marco Warren is looking forward to his team’s Friendship Trophy semi-final against long-time rivals Somerset Trojans for a number of reasons.

First of all, last season’s Premier Division MVP is “very excited” to face a Somerset side led by Scott Morton, who was previously PHC manager.

“It’s definitely good to be playing against my old coach again,” Warren said. “It’s always a good battle of minds.”

Then there’s the famous rivalry between two of the island’s most decorated clubs, who have amassed an incredible 23 Friendship Trophy titles, which also gets Warren’s juices flowing.

“Of course there is a lot of history behind this particular duel,” he added. “I’m happy to be part of this special legacy and I hope we beat them in this special game.”

PHC did just that when the two sides last met in the Premier Division in October when they beat Somerset 3-1 on their own field at PHC Field.

While his side are favorites for the delicious cup game at Bernard Park on December 27, Warren takes nothing for granted against a Trojans team that raised eyebrows after lifting the Dudley Eve Trophy last month.

“Cup competitions are a different kind of animal so nothing can be taken for granted,” he said. “No matter who you play against, you only get one chance.

“I think it’s going to be a very tactical fight and I think both teams will come into the game in good form. Somerset is starting to pick it up from the start of the season and we’re starting to get a form of our own. It should be a really good game and I hope it’s a good crowd too.”

Somerset manager Morton is also looking forward to the challenge of toppling one of the league’s most enduring teams.

“You have to beat the best to be the best,” he said. “So if PHC is seen as one of the best and we want to be seen in the same light as them in terms of this competition or just football in general, then these are the opportunities to seize and to look forward to.”

PHC has won the competition 12 times and Somerset 11 times along with inaugural winners North Village.

In the remaining semifinals, North Village meets the winner of the last remaining quarterfinals between defending champions Devonshire Cougars and Dandy Town, who compete in a replay of last season’s final at Goose Gosling Field at 9pm on Saturday.

The Friendship Trophy semi-final draw was held Thursday at the Clyde Best Center of Excellence along with the First Division Shield semi-final draw.

Paget meets St David’s at Bernard Park on 27 December, with the winner of the match between holders Wolves and Young Men’s Social Club on Saturday (Goose Gosling Field, 18.30pm) taking on Ireland Rangers at Lord’s on 26 December.

All Shield games precede the Friendship Trophy semi-finals.