that instead of enjoying Christmas and Boxing Day off, PHC Zebras and Vasco will be training and playing.

Devonshire Colts, meanwhile, will enjoy the luxury of a week's rest, their place in the final confirmed courtesy of Sunday's 3-2 win over the Zebras.

"I would have liked to have gone the easy route (to the final) but obviously my players like to train on Christmas Day,'' said coach Jack Castle after the Zebras were beaten by Colts.

They must now prepare for a semi-final clash with Vasco on Boxing Day at Somerset at 2.30.

"Now it's back to basics on Christmas Day and looking to qualify on Boxing Day,'' added Castle. "It's nothing the club isn't used to.'' PHC have won the trophy a record five times, including three straight years, while Colts are through to their first final since beating Somerset in 1982-83.

Judging by the performances so far, a Colts-PHC final would appear to be the best match-up, but that will only happen if Vasco are not in the mood to defend the title they won last year.

On Sunday the cup holders, who beat Town in last year's two-leg final, had to wait until the second half for the goals that gave them a 3-0 victory over that same team.

In the opening match PHC battled back from 1-0 down at the half to equalise through Sheridan Ming, only to see Colts strike two quick goals to take a 3-1 lead.

"We were just a bit flat,'' coach Castle conceded. "I don't think we made the adjustments to the conditions as well as Devonshire Colts. Goals win games and now we have to score goals.'' PHC's squad has been strengthened by the return from college of Blenn Bean, Stanton Lewis, Tokia Russell, Craig Darrell and Damon Francis. Lewis and Russell started while Bean came on as a sub on Sunday. With Raynel Lightbourne returning from suspension and goalkeeper Jay Smith back from a brief trip, Castle has plenty of players to choose from for Thursday's crucial match.

"As far as depth goes we're okay,'' said a satisfied Castle. "We're just looking to fit some of the college boys in.'' Even without winger Irving Burgess, Vasco were too strong for Dandy Town, though their strength remains in their starting eleven. With Sammy Swan still sidelined after stepping on a nail and Sinclair Gibbons abroad, Vasco had little depth on the bench on the weekend.

However, they have one of the best defences in the division in Derek Stapley, Kentoine Jennings, Paul Towlson and Earl Richardson while Timmy Figureido is playing as well as ever in goal.

PHC's success will depend on their ability to unlock that defence.

One attacking player who could be be missing is striker Kenny Mills whose other passion is harness racing. The Boxing Day programme is one of the most popular race days of the season and Mills might decide to head to Vesey Street instead of Somerset Cricket Club.

Premier Division youth teams will share the spotlight over the holidays with the Dudley Eve teams when their knockout cup semi-finals and finals take place.

On Boxing Day, Southampton Rangers and Wolves will clash at 12.30 with Boulevard taking on North Village on Sunday, ahead of the first Dudley Eve final at Wellington Oval. The Premier final will precede the second Dudley Eve final on New Year's Day at St. David's.