The Leinster Senior Cup final at Donnybrook this evening (6.30) brings together two sides who hope to revive their fortunes. Blackrock, now operating in Division Two, face an Old Belvedere side who have struggled in latter years to compete for the serious trophies.

While the lustre of the Leinster Senior Cup may be somewhat diminished, a win for either side is certain to add momentum to their efforts to reclaim lost ground.

Both clubs earned their place in the final without undue anxiety: Blackrock beat Wanderers 37-3 and Belvedere defeated DLSP 3612 in the double header at Clontarf last weekend.

Blackrock, inspired by Emmet Farrell, certainly looked to have more polish in the semi-finals. Farrell was pivotal in the last match at out-half, adding both strength and decision-making to a lively back line, where centre Michael Jackson and fullback Tom Keating came through for tries.

Blackrock also have a strong front row, with Gary Halpin adding the vital ingredient of experience along with Shane Byrne, and should thrive on recycled ball.

But Old Belvedere have also infused their squad with young blood, many of the new faces coming from the under-20s. Irish under-21 scrum-half Simon Keogh and Irish under-21 out-half Andy Dunne are just two from more than half a dozen who have come through the ranks.

An hors-d'ouvre for the season perhaps?