Holders Devonshire Cougars remained on course to defend their title after beating North Village 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out in a thrilling Dudey Eve Trophy semi-final at Goose Gosling Field last night.

Shayne Hollis put Village ahead in the sixteenth minute.

But Machai Battersbee cancelled out Village’s lead five minutes later before Mark Steede put Cougars ahead in the 62nd minute.

Cougars seemed well on their way to victory until Jonathan Briers headed in an 84th minute equaliser to send the match into extra time.

The match ultimately dragged onto penalties after thirty minutes of extra time failed to separate the teams and it was here where Cougars were a cut above their rivals.

“I just want to thank my team,” said Zeko White, the Cougars captain. “We really pulled through and I am really proud of the squad.”

Randy Spence, the Village assistant coach, added: “I felt we worked hard and showed character and could’ve won the game.

“We missed a few good chances but that’s the way it goes sometimes and congratulations to Cougars.”

Cougars will face PHC Zebras in the November 12 Dudley Eve Trophy final at Somerset Cricket Club, which is a repeat of last season’s final.

Zebras came from behind twice to beat Robin Hood 3-2 in extra time in last night’s opening semi final.

Lejuan Simmons, the Hood captain, put his team ahead in the 65th minute.

However, PHC equalised ten minutes later through captain Cecoy Robinson’s spot kick to send the match to extra time.

Hood regained the lead in the 104th minute through a goal from Danté Leverock before Marco Warren equalised for Zebras in the 112th minute.

Just when it seemed a penalty shoot-out would be required to separate the teams, PHC defender Na’eem Griffith grabbed the winner in the 116th minute, with Warren playing an integral role in the buildup.

Hood were reduced to ten men two minutes later after Chris Caisey received a red card for violent conduct.

“I appreciate what Robin Hood brought today,” Zebras coach Scott Morton said.

“They were well coached and their players were committed. But our players kept fighting and withstood the test.”

John Barry Nusum, the Hood coach, added: ”I don’t like to talk about refs, but there was a lot of things that changed the game and he (referee) helped change the game.

“It’s hard to swallow but it’s on us in the end. We gave up two goals in a short space when we were up and we have to defend better as a team.”