The final stages of the more comprehensive competition to produce the all-Ireland club champions will provide a true test of stamina and guile at Belfield this weekend.

While Instonians, the title holders, have not been inspired this season, they remain an efficient, unflinching side not only through the deep ability of Neil Cooke and Paul Hollway but also through the fresh contributions of Paddy Brown, Clarke Kennedy and Julian Lewis.

Pembroke Wanderers may be seen as the most astute challengers, particularly as the return of their captain Peter Young restores Leinster's representatives to full strength. Nigel Henderson's goalkeeping contributes much to the defence often being impregnable and with Young's reappearance, Francis de Rosa can enjoy more of a libero role, joining Paudie Carley in delivering long balls from which Simon Kershaw can strike decisively.

As regards Lisnagarvey, pride will be a substantial factor - as was epitomised by Ray Geddis, Alan Dowd, Robbie Taylor and Colin Clarke in the elimination of Cork C of I. Harlequins may not appear to match the pedigree of the other three teams but they have lost only once this season, to Pembroke (1-0) in the Irish Senior Cup. Mark O'Driscoll can count hugely on Ivan Bateman between the posts while Jason Black and Paul Lombard provide midfield dynamism that will be hard to match.

An important factor, though, will be in maintaining tempo over the whole Nissan-backed weekend. Home comforts may be to Pembroke's advantage.

Programme: Tomorrow: Pembroke v Instonians, 1.30; Harlequins v Lisnagarvey, 3.30; Sunday: Lisnagarvey v Instonians, 1.30; Pembroke v Harlequins, 3.30; Monday: Harlequins v Instonians, 1.30; Pembroke v Lisnagarvey, 3.30.