QUALITY and excitement have been notable features of the Leinster Schools' Junior rugby Cup competition this season, and the final at Lansdowne Road this afternoon (4.15) between Belvedere and St Mary's looks set to maintain the high standard.

St Mary's, who last won in 1992, go into the decider having defeated the holders Blackrock College in a magnificent quarter-final. That is its own commendation as to the all-round ability embraced in the side. Having earlier defeated Wesley and St Andrew's, St Mary's then saw off the challenge of the holders by a point and, in the semi-final, surmounted the challenge of Newbridge more readily.

Belvedere, have, too, revealed their quality and dedication of purpose in their passage to the decider, most notably when they turned an eight-point deficit against Terenure into an 18-14 win at the quarter-final stage. They had earlier beaten Clongowes, and in the semi-final overcame St Michael's.

Belvedere will be hoping that their able pack will lay the foundations for victory and deprive St Mary's potent back division of the possession on which they could prosper. But that forward duel should be interesting and Belvedere also have some accomplished players behind the scrum.

Belvedere's last win in the cup was attained two years ago when they defeated Blackrock in a memorable final. They seek their 15th win in the competition today. St Mary's have won the trophy on five occasions and defeated Belvedere in the decider 22 years ago, on the only occasion the colleges have previously met in the final.