The Devonshire Cougars who many predicted would be fighting for relegation at the start of the season have lifted the Dudley Eve Trophy defeating the defending champions PHC Zebras 1 - 0 at the Devonshire Rec.
Devonshire Cougars Starting Line Up: Kioshi Trott, Zeiro White, Kijuan Franks, Darren Williams, Menelik Rudo, Jawonday Smith, Zeko White, Zari Simmons, Charmari Burns, Mikkel Thomas, Christian Albouy - PHC Zebras Starting Line Up: Quinaceo Hunt, Naeem Griffith, Kenji Griffith, Jonathan Ball, Tre Ming, Keishon Bean, Marco Warren, Rakeem DeShields, Cecoy Robinson, Daren Usher, Mahzie Burchall
The match started with both teams guilty of giving the ball away time after time, the first real chance of the game came when PHC Zebras forward Mahzie Burchall’s header went over the bar from some four yards out.
The game was become a seesaw affair with very little chances but a lot of play in the middle of the park, the teams went to the break with the score deadlocked at 0 - 0.
The second half was much like the first as again both teams were guilty of not taking control, the games only goal came in the 78th minute when a Jawonday Smith shot was ruled over the line by the referee assistant giving the Devonshire Cougars a 1 - 0 lead.
The home team was able to withstand all that the visitors could throw at them and when the referee blew the final whistle Cougar Nation would be the ones celebrating.
Ironically, the now President of the Bermuda Football Association Mark Wade was one of the presenters of the trophy having been the coach of the winning team PHC Zebras a year ago.