THE HILLS are alive to the sound of ... ? Well, should Matt Dwyer and his men unhorse Pembroke in this afternoon's Conqueror Leinster Senior Cup final at Milverton, the plains of Fingal will be echoing to more than the sound of music; more likely to the happy clinking of glasses.

It's a final destined to appeal greatly to the non partisan - a brand new selling for the biggest annual club game in the Leinster calendar, and a host club which has won the trophy only once, in 1989. Pembroke's captain Brian O'Rourke would be forgiven for nurturing somewhat different feelings; for him and his players, this is rather more akin to a Mission: Impossible style daring raid into enemy country.

Both clubs have been impressive in the run up to today's showdown. The Hills defeated Phoenix by five wickets, YMCA by seven wickets and near neighbours Rush by three wickets. Pembroke eased past Carlisle by three wickets, CYM by 60 runs and Leinster by three wickets.

In historical terms, Pembroke have been around a great deal longer than have The Hills, at least in senior cricket. Pembroke's last cup success was attained relatively recently; the Sydney Parade club saw off Old Belvedere in the 1993 final, when O'Rourke - not bearing the leadership responsibility at the time - carried off the man of the match award on the strength of an unbeaten 64, as opponents Old Belvedere went the way of all sporting flesh to the tune of eight wickets.

The Hills achieved their solitary cup success seven years ago with a much more modest victory over Carlisle, by a meagre 23 runs. Still, a win is a win, as every sportsperson knows, and even a one run triumph today would not detract one whit from the celebrations.

O'Rourke, while obviously not lacking motivation, will know that history, experience and yes, even tradition, do not always guarantee sporting supremacy. He will be looking for good displays from the likes of Colin Kavanagh, Wim Jansen and, above all, spinner Richard Hastie, but may miss the injured Ted Williamson.

Mall Dwyer will be aiming to out spin, as it were, Hastie. And Mick Dwyer, John Andrews, Mark Clinton, John and Barry Archer, et al, can be relied on to give their all in the cause of The Hills.

Conqueror Cup? You better believe it.