Dandy Town will launch the defence of their Friendship Trophy title against Boulevard in a Pembroke derby at White Hill Field today.

Hornets won the competition for the fifth time after beating PHC 3-1 in an entertaining final at Somerset Cricket Club on New Year’s Day. They are now determined to maintain their grip on the trophy heading into their quarter-final commitment with Blazers.

“It is the lone trophy we won last season, so we definitely want to defend and retain it,” Jarreau Hayward, the Town coach, told The Royal Gazette.

Town are the favourites heading into the cup tie having won the previous two clashes between the teams in the Dudley Eve Trophy (3-1) and Premier Division (1-0).

Still, Hayward is not taking their opponents for granted.

“Any game, let alone a quarter final, is tough against Boulevard. We know they will come to play,” he said.

“I really rate what they are doing there. Their position in the table [bottom] does not reflect how well they are playing. Nevertheless, we are focused on ourselves and the task at hand.”

Hornets have been bolstered by an influx of college students back for the festive holiday who are trying to force their way into the squad.

“We will see what the eighteen looks like after training tonight,” Hayward said yesterday.

“The local players have been great so it will be tough to strike a balance as it is a priority for us to include our overseas players but also show how much we value the local guys.

“Training has been awesome. The vibe is challenging, competitive and enjoyable.

“We are looking forward to the quarter- final derby versus Blazers and we will be ready.”

Elsewhere today, North Village will host St George’s Colts in another Friendship Trophy quarter-final at Bernard Park (9pm).

There are also two Shield quarter-final fixtures on offer, with Somerset Eagles taking on Southampton Rangers at White Hill Field (noon) and Robin Hood doing battle with Vasco at Bernard Park (7pm).

A new Shield champion will be crowned this season after holders Boulevard were promoted to the top tier.

Blazers came from behind to edge Somerset Trojans 2-1 in last season’s final at the former’s home ground on New Year’s Day.

Friendship Trophy quarter-final action continues tomorrow, with X-Roads taking on Devonshire Colts at Lord’s, St David’s (2pm).

Farid El Karfa, the X-Roads coach, is bracing himself for a tough assignment against the visitors.

“We face an opposition that is strong and organised but we are ready for the competition,” he said.