Merrion, surprisingly bundled out in the second round of the Leinster Cup by Railway Union in June, have a chance to make amends on a bigger stage today when they take on Brigade at Beechgrove in the semi-final of the Irish Senior Cup, sponsored by Royal Liver. Success would mean virtually a "home" final at Castle Avenue next month. The day's other semi-final is a local derby, involving the mighty Limavady and Fox Lodge.

Southern victories in the previous 17 years of Ireland's only all-island club competition have been rare. Phoenix is the only Leinster side to hve lifted the silverware, back in 1986, and Leinster have been runners-up three times - 1982, 1996 and 1997 - while Clontarf lost to Lurgan in the 1990 final.

The controversial rule which prohibits professionals playing in the Irish Cup competition keeps Australian Brad Spanner out of the Merrion side, and Ian O'Herlihy deputises. Ed Joyce was expected back in Belfast, en route to Derry, late last night, as was Brigade's seamer, Gordon Cooke, following their exertions for Ireland at Lord's in the meaningless annual outing against MCC. Both will be key players for their respective sides today.

This will undoubtedly be a major challenge for Merrion. But if they can perform with the panache they displayed in the quarter-final against Glendermott last month, when Ed Joyce and Stephen King contributed an undefeated 88 and 54 respectively, a place in the final is certainly attainable.

Clontarf, unbeaten in their five matches to date, will be hoping to strengthen their top-of-the-table position in Section A of the Leinster Senior League when they take on the Conqueror Cup winners Pembroke at Sydney Parade today Merrion, with four wins from four outings, head Section B and complete a busy weekend with an away match against second placed Malahide tomorrow.