They may be better known for their footballing prowess but PHC are one game away from their first appearance in a domestic cricket final.

The little-fancied Warwick side finished fourth in last year's Premier Division, earning themselves a spot in the BELCO Cup in the process.

And if they are to make the May 16 final, they are going to have to beat the best side on the Island to do it.

PHC face St David's at Somerset Cricket Club in the first of two semi-finals to be held on Saturday, May 15, with six-time defending champions Southampton Rangers taking on Bailey's Bay at Lord's in the other match.

"This is our first year in the BELCO Cup and our first real recognition in cricket considering we are a football club," said player and former football pro Kyle Lightbourne at a press conference yesterday to announce the season-opening event.

"We would like to thank the sponsors for putting on this event.

"We are hoping that this season we can improve on last year's performance and make steady improvements in our cricket. We have a new coach in Mark Wade and we are looking to improve as a unit and hopefully we can be successful in this tournament.

"Our goal this year is to make next year's competition and continue from our strong finish last year."

New coach Wade, also the PHC vice-president and Sports Director, added: "PHC are very pleased to have our cricket team participate in the BELCO Cup for the first time. It is an indication of the improvement of our cricket programme that was re-started in the Commercial cricket league in 1991."

Each year Bermuda Cricket Board, BELCO and St. David's County Cricket Club join forces to donate proceeds from the final to a charity.

"No Child Goes Without" has once again been selected as the 2010 recipient of all entry fees, plus proceeds from the sale of $10.00 children's T-shirts and any additional donations from cricket fans.

Bermuda Masters cricket team and BELCO have volunteered to work on the gates and sell the T-shirts. "No Child Goes Without", founded by Ms Grejai Smith, provides free lunches and school supplies to needy students.

President of the Bermuda Umpires Association, Walisford Manders, has also promised that his members would also donate their fees to the charity.

Andrew Parsons, BELCO Executive Vice-President, welcomed PHC to the competition as they look to dethrone Rangers.

"BELCO is again pleased to sponsor this competition which we consider a community and family based event," said Parsons. "We are again supporting the charity 'No Child Goes Without' which in today's economic and social climate takes on an even more special meaning as their efforts are directed at helping and developing Bermuda's youth."

Reggie Pearman, President of the BCB, said: "The BELCO Cup is an exciting way to start the cricket season and this year continues the tradition of outstanding cricket with returning champions Southampton Rangers taking on Bailey's Bay and St. David's CC taking on newcomers to the tournament PHC."