THE group stages of the Martonmere Cup finish up this weekend with two meaningless matches slated for BAA Field Saturday night.

With the four semi-final spots already decided, the only thing left to battle for are final placings in the groups.

PHC Zebras and Devonshire Cougars will renew their rivalry this weekend when the two sides lock horns in the final round robin match in Group A, while in Group B North Village will look to continue their resurgence against Dandy Town in the nightcap.

With the four sides already through to the next round at the expense of Boulevard and Devonshire Colts, both matches could very well be a preview of this year's final if both teams from the same group manage to negotiate their way to that day.

Yet PHC stalwart Kevin Richards and Cougars supremo Omar Butterfield won't be drawn into the talk of revenge in regards to last season's final, with both stating that each game warrants a different mentality and focus.

And with battle lines drawn for the remainder of the season, neither side will give an inch in a war that will rage until the finish next spring.

"We will be looking to continue to improve our squad, and the game against Cougars should be a great chance to test how far we have come this early in the season," stated Richards.

"We're trying not to dwell on the fact that we're through to the next round, as one of the main reasons we had so much success last season was due to our consistency.

"Teams need to know that when they play us it will be one of the most difficult games they will have, so the fact that we're through to the next round in no way means that we will be taking it easy against Cougars.

"I actually think my teammates and I have more of a reason to see this as a chance for payback than Cougars, as over the last five years they have had the edge over us.

"One year of success does not mean we've forgotten those defeats, so we still have a lot of fire to get a bit more payback of our own from teams who have been dominating football in Bermuda."

With the season schedule coming out earlier this week and Zebras set to begin defence of their league title against Boulevard, Richards said his side are not worried about next week or next month, but on what lies directly ahead.

"We saw last week that Boulevard will be a tough opponent and have improved their team. It is good to see my good friend Michael Parsons being given the captaincy there and I believe he will bring added quality to their midfield.

"When we play them next week I think we will be in a good position, having played at BAA Field three times in four weeks, and although they will be at home I think that will negate any home-field advantage they may have hoped for.

"It should make for a good game, but I believe we are the best team in Bermuda and will approach the game looking for a win."

Butterfield, on the other hand, missed last year's final due to injury woes and is determined to get there this season.

With nothing to play for in the match apart from final positions in the group, he reckons that anything can happen and it should be a lively contest.

"Our mentality will be the same as always, compete and win," said Butterfield.

"If they want to make us their focus then fine, but once the game is over we will look forward to starting our league campaign.

"The onus isn't on either one of us, so it will be interesting to see how we both play the game.

"We saw the schedule when it came out and know they play Boulevard in their first game and we play Dandy Town, so getting off on the right foot is always crucial.

"A house doesn't get built over night, it takes weeks and months. That is what we are trying to do and it starts right now."

North Village seemed to have rebounded from their heavy Charity Cup loss, defeating Colts 5-2 last weekend and will look to continue their upward march with only a week remaining before the league kicks off.

However, they will run into a St. John's side that boasts a wealth of attacking options including Heys Wolfe, Raymond Beach and Antoine Russell.

Town, who also beat Colts by three goals, 3-0, will also be looking to make final preparations for their league campaign when they hosts Cougars next weekend.

First Division kicks off on Sunday with a full schedule of matches. XRoads tackle Somerset Eagles at Garrison Field, while BAA entertain St. David's at BAA Field with both games to start at 12.30 pm.

At 3 p.m., Wolves take on Ireland Rangers at Devonshire Rec. and Young Men's Social Club play Paget at Bernard Park.