Devonshire Colts 2

Somerset Trojans 1

A sizzling left-footed volley from former Trojan Steven Mendes and a textbook finish by marksman Aljame Zuill saw Devonshire Colts outgun a physical Somerset side 2-1 in the Martonmere Cup at BAA Field on Saturday night.

However, all Colts' hard work on the pitch would be marred during the half-time interval when violence again reared its ugly head.

As the teams made their way to the dressing room, a melee broke out among scores of spectators stationed behind the southern goal and spilled out onto the pitch. And it was only after several minutes of nauseating scenes that Police finally arrived to restore order, but not before at least one fan - reported to be former player Anthony (Toe) Dill - had to be taken to hospital by ambulance, from where he was later released.

The violence was witnessed by some of the game's most distinguished players, all gathered to honour the memory of the late former Colts' coach and founding member, Edward de Jean, before the match.

Meanwhile, hot tempers were just as prevalent on the pitch itself as referee Lyndon Raynor had to reach into his pocket on seven occasions to dish out yellow cards during a pulsating match that had plenty of passion and hard-tackling, but little finesse.

As anticipated, immediately following the kick-off, these two perennial rivals went at each other toe to toe like a pair of heavyweight boxing contenders with Colts' Lloyd Holder throwing the first punch, prompting Somerset `keeper Timmy Figureido to block the forward's close range low drive with his feet.

Ten minutes later, returning Somerset defender Gary Ray handled the ball dangerously close to the edge of his own box, but Trojans were given a reprieve as Julian Francis curled his effort harmlessly over.

Trojans, though not as assertive as their opponents in the opening minutes, finally threatened to score mid-way through the half when Dion Stovell did well to turn his marker before drilling in a first-time shot from all of 20 yards that whistled past the upright.

Former Colt Damon Ming and David Lawler then brought off two fine saves from Devonshire `keeper Cymande Davis, while at the other end Zuill and Holder combined nicely deep into Somerset terrain only for Mendes to fire high and wide.

But shortly after Somerset's Rohaan Simons failed to connect with a cross at the far post, Colts finally penetrated their defence with Mendes handsomely repaying his new coach Ray Jones, and marking his debut with a gem of a goal in the 38 minute. Unmarked just outside of the box, without any hesitation, Mendes beautifully timed a short cross from out on the right flank with his left boot and sent in a dipping volley that soared into the top right corner, leaving Figureido flat footed.

Seven minutes later, Zuill doubled Colts' lead with a clinical header at the back post after receiving a precision cross from Jermel Belboda, again exposing Somerset's vulnerability down that side.

Colts' legs appeared to wobble a bit from exhaustion during the second half, allowing Somerset to grab a slight edge as they pressed forward in search of a goal. And after several close chances Trojan sweeper Karl Roberts pulled his team back to within a goal in the 49th minute, redirecting a powerful header that nestled in at the near post.

But other than for a soft Stovell effort and a few adventurous forays by Ming and Simons, it just wasn't to be Somerset's night. Even the late insertions of Curtis Grant, Damon Swan and Marvin Belboda failed to break the ice as the Colts defence, again marshalled well by captain Shannon Burgess and company stood firm.

Devonshire Colts: C.Davis, M.Hollis, S.Burgess, Jer.Belboda, K.Simpson, S.Mendes (S.Waldron, 58 mins), A.Zuill, P.Sampson, A.Thomas, L.Holder (J.Butterfield, 79 mins), J.Francis (J.Smith, 58 mins).

Somerset: T.Figureido, G.Ray, R.Scott, K.Roberts, T.Davis (C.Grant, 80 mins), D.Rahman, S.Riley, D.Ming, D.Stovell (D.Swan, 81 mins), D.Lawler (M.Belboda, 52 mins), R.Simons.

Booked: (Somerset) G.Ray (83 mins), D.Stovell (35 mins), M.Belboda (89 mins), C.Grant (81 mins); (Devonshire) K.Simpson (69 mins), P.Sampson (80 mins), A.Thomas (87 mins).

Men of the match: S.Burgess (Devonshire); K.Roberts (Somerset).

Referee: L.Raynor.

Dandy Stars 2 Prospect 1

Dandy Stars advanced into the semi-finals of the women's Konica Cup alongside Rude Girls, PHC and Hemisphere Royals after coming from behind to edge out Prospect 2-1.

After Prospect had taken an early lead through a Terrylynn Williams (6 mins), Stars saved their best for the second half, equalising through Lindsy Ford (58 mins) before Raquel Wilkinson applied the finishing touch in the 75th minute.