final against Devonshire Colts -- if the Bermuda Under-23's flight from New York arrives on time. Zebras coach Sammy Swan hasn't ruled out Astwood and Corey Dowling from his final squad of 16, but much will depend on if the pair -- on their way back from Bermuda's Olympic qualifying matches in Panama -- arrive at the National Stadium in time for the 2.30 p.m. kick-off. The flight is due to arrive at 11.35 a.m. and, allowing for Customs and Immigration clearance, it could be a mad dash to the stadium for the pair.

"If they can make it, if not I might put myself in or use one of the other guys,'' said Swan yesterday.

Swan had hinted after last weekend's win over Wolves which gave them the league title that he might sit out the final in order to give other players a chance. The list of candidates include Kenny Mills, who was a substitute last weekend.

"I haven't made a final decision,'' said Swan. "I was feeling pretty bruised on Monday but I'm feeling better now. That's because I'm training them and not doing much myself.'' In between celebrating their historic league triumph, the team have still had to prepare for Sunday's final against the defending champions.

"It doesn't making sense winning the league and losing the last game of the season,'' said Swan.

"I think they are pretty much ready, it takes a lot of pressure off them now that they don't have to worry about the league.'' Swan had to play a tough double role this season as player-coach and he remarked that he has a new level of respect for local coaches for the difficult and often times thankless job they do.

One player who will not be a part of Swan's plans for Sunday -- and the PHC player who was probably looking forward to the match more than any other -- is midfielder Vic Ball who would have relished taking on his former team.

Continued on page 19 PHC aim to live up to proud cup record Continued from page 17 Unfortunately, the yellow card he picked up last Sunday with a bad tackle on Wolves defender Cory Smith after only two minutes forces him to sit out the match.

This final could be an interesting one, with PHC having a proud cup history which includes eight Friendship triumphs, while Colts have seemingly got over their well documented cup jinx of a few years ago when they lost in a number of finals. Last season's wins in both the Friendship and FA Cup finals finally put that right and they will be looking to add this to the Dudley Eve they won three months ago.

Like PHC, Colts ended their league season with a victory, beating Dandy Town 2-0 to wrap up fourth place in the standings.

Tomorrow's 12.30 p.m. opening match will see Social Club in a rare final when they take on St. George's in the Shield encounter. And they seem likely to have to do without their best player, Tokia Russell, who is also due back tomorrow from Panama.

Russell's absence would certainly hurt their chances, though the club have some exciting youngsters coming through like top scorer Dennis Russell who hit the 20-goal mark this season as the club finished as the top scorers in the division.

St. George's failed to beat Social Club in their two league meetings this season, losing 4-2 early in the season before sharing the points in a 1-1 draw in February which hurt Social Club's promotion chances.

Of late, St. George's have played some of their best football of the season and will be confident of success in this their third straight appearance in the final.

Two years ago they were hammered 5-0 by Wolves who had just gained promtoion and last season when down to another promoted team, PHC, 3-1.

Steve Astwood: may make final.