But when the two teams carrying those names clash at Devonshire Rec. (8.00 p.m.) tonight, the result might not be as clear cut.

League action resumes with Devonshire Cougars taking on PHC Zebras in a First Division match. And while the young Zebras have been active over the Christmas holidays in the Dudley Eve Trophy, Cougars have enjoyed the break.

The home side are hopeful that the time away will not have any adverse effects as they were arguably the hottest team on the Island at the halfway point.

After starting the season in dismal fashion, losing four of their first five matches, Cougars rebounded to win four of their next six, with the other two drawn.

These included victories over powerhouses North Village and Boulevard and coincided with a change in head coaches that had the tandem of Mark Jennings and Vanbi Holdipp taking control.

The result has been a move off the bottom of the standings and while not yet clear of the relegation zone, there is an air of confidence around the club that the team can survive in the top flight.

Cougars currently stand ninth on seven points with a won-draw-loss record of 2-3-4, trailing Vasco by virtue of an inferior goal differential. A win tonight could place them as high as fifth -- at least temporarily -- although it would take a bagful of goals for this to happen.

Another key in the resurgence has been the performance of veterans Shawn Smith and Dale Russell, anchors in the middle of defence and midfield respectively.

Smith, a former national squad player, has held together a previously porous defence as sweeper.

The dreadlocked Russell is still able to exert control in the middle of the park and is lethal on the free kick.

Meanwhile, for PHC there is a chance to move even with, or ahead, of first place Somerset if maximum points are collected.

Unlike Cougars though, they had shown uncharacteristic inconsistency prior to the Dudley Eve competition, going 2-2-2 in their last six matches prior to the break.

The team have been hit at various times by the loss of regulars to the Bermuda Under-23 squad and have had largely patchwork outfits on these occasions.

The extended absence of captain Mike Dill has not helped and the defence has shown numerous cracks, experiencing particular problems against teams possessing speedy front-runners.

Veterans Sammy Swan and Kenny Burt -- the latter in more of a reserve role -- have helped, but a question surrounds whether their legs can hold up if needed on a full-time basis.