BALLYMENA have already beaten last year's cup winners Dungannon and they have proven in the latter half of the AIL campaign that they are a stronger team than their final position of fifth suggests.

Forward dominance in the set pieces and greater mobility in the loose was enough to dethrone their semifinal opponents with backrow Dean Macartney playing a pivotal role. Macartney's call up to the Irish Development squad to tour New Zealand and Western Samoa will only help morale today at Ravenhill in the light of the injury to tight head Rab Erwin's hand, which will keep him out. As a result Adrian Stewart comes into the front row.

Malone, a division two side, had problems with division three Queen's in the first half of their semi final before they won 13-6. Had they done so more impressively, this final would not have been billed as a David and Goliath affair.

. Ireland will have nine Super League players in their starting line up for next Tuesday's Rugby League international against France in Paris. St Helens stand off Tommy Martyn and Bradford hooker James Lowes, in opposition at Wembley last Saturday, will be teammates this time.