Ulster Schools Cup champions Methodist College Belfast are vying for their third consecutive title and will attempt to deny Sullivan Upper an historic victory in the process.

As newly developed Ravenhill welcomes rival Co Antrim and Co Down finalists, the spectacle of an underdog chasing a 137-year-old dream has caught the imagination. Sullivan (coached by former Irish international Willie Anderson) hope to earn their first provincial senior schools title.

Before them stand Nick Wells’s back-to-back champions. And he insists that Methody are not to be underestimated. “I’ll always back my own boys. We can’t be considered lucky.” Need he and his charges require inspiration they will look no further than defeating Sullivan twice this year.

It's an open secret that much of Sullivan's success this term has come from maintaining standards and performances set during the schools 2011 medallion shield-winning campaign. Captain Ross Todd believes an aggressive approach will favour the eventual winner. "It will come down to who is ready to go the extra mile . . . We know what to expect."

Winger Chris Jordan will count himself fortunate to appear in the final as his red card in the semi-final has been rescinded. Both camps have full squads available for selection.