International stars to face off in Premier Division
Days after playing a part in securing Bermuda’s first point in the final group stage of World Cup qualifying, Enrique Russell and Zeiko Lewis will be on opposite sides when PHC and Young Men’s Social Club clash in the Premier Division tonight (8pm).
With PHC and Social Club seeking to ignite their league campaigns, the spotlight at Stadium Lane will be firmly on Russell and Lewis, who were both in the starting line-up for Bermuda’s 2-2 draw with Trinidad & Tobago on Tuesday night.
In order to be at full fitness, Russell has relied heavily upon the national team’s medical staff in his recovery process.
“It’s a quick turnover, which can be really tough on the legs,” Russell said.
“It’s tough when you are coming from international duty, where you’re training twice a day and playing two matches in less than a week at the highest level.
“But we have the best physiotherapists to support this in Craig Brown and Kiwon Williams from Apex.”
It has been an uncharacteristically poor start to the season for PHC, who have been used to challenging for the title in recent years.
Cecoy Robinson’s side have one win, three draws and a 3-0 defeat to X-Roads in their five games this season, with their customary attacking flair not to the fore. PHC have scored just four goals, while their defence has been breached seven times.
“I think we’re struggling for continuity within the team,,” Russell said.
“We’re all good players individually but we need to be great players collectively. We have all the resources and the best two coaches but we need to apply ourselves, create and score chances.”
Lewis has made a bright start for Social Club, but his goals have yet to lead his family club to victory, with three draws and a defeat in their four matches.
Elsewhere in the Premier Division this week, champions North Village will hope to get their season back on track as they host bottom club Boulevard at Bernard Park on Sunday at 3pm.
On the same day, league leaders Devonshire Colts travel to Southampton Oval to face Paget, with Wellington Oval the venue as St George’s Colts, recent winners of the Dudley Eve Trophy, take on X-Roads, who are looking to bounce back after suffering their first league defeat.
The final game of the day features Dandy Town, who are seemingly on a tour of the island after their regular home venue, Goose Gosling Field, is deemed unsuitable for play. They face Devonshire Cougars at White Hill Field.
