Omar Butterfield, the Devonshire Cougars coach, insists there is no extra pressure on the title holders when they face PHC Zebras in the Dudley Eve Trophy final.

Cougars and PHC Zebras came through difficult semi-finals on Wednesday night and will now meet in a repeat of last year’s final, which Cougars won 1-0, at Somerset Cricket Club on November 12.

Butterfield’s side beat North Village in a penalty shoot-out, while Zebras defeated Robin Hood in extra time in a double-header at Goose Gosling Field.

“We don’t look at it as though we’re the holders, so that’s not really a concern,” Butterfield said. “We try not to put too much emphasis on it and overwhelm the players with the pressure of it. We’re just trying to go out there and play another game.

“I know PHC are looking forward to the final, but we’re looking forward to it just as much as they are.

“We have a game plan but, again, I really don’t look to the other team as much. I just try and get my team as ready as possible and then we go from there.

“We give our players a purpose on our game plan and then try to execute it.”

Butterfield said he was relieved to edge past Village in a match that finished at about 12.20am yesterday morning, but believed there was room for improvement.

“We made two mistakes that gifted them goals but atoned for them,” he said.

Scott Morton, the Zebras coach, said his approach for the final will be business as usual.

“First of all respect is due for every team, every single time, but one of our philosophies is it’s just another match and that’s no disrespect to any opponent,” Morton said.

“That’s how we look at each match, taking it one game at a time, not trying to look into too much because sometimes you overthink stuff.

“It’s important to do what we’ve been doing so far that’s got us to this point.”