( L - R ) Dennie, Brown

The final of the urban area ISSA/Grace Shield will take place today at Melbourne Oval, with Eltham High, who have won the competition for the past four years, putting their title on the line against fellow St Catherine school, Innswood High, who are newcomers.

In what will be a repeat of the urban area ISSA Jamaica International Insurance (JIIC) knock-out final, Eltham, will be seeking a record fifth consecutive hold on the title, while Innswood, located off Old Harbour Road, will be seeking their first.

Knock-out winners

Eltham won the knock-out final by 17 runs two weeks ago.

"We are looking forward to defend our title. I know it is going to be a hard task, but the boys are prepared mentally and physically," said a confident Oral Simpson, coach of Eltham.

"We know we played a poor game in the KO final, based on the standards we set ourselves and, come the Shield final, we hope to correct this as we seek to defend our unbeaten status."

In what should be an intriguing affair, Eltham will look towards national Under-19 pacer Romeo Dunca, new-ball partner Shawn Hedlam and batsmen Joseph Dennie and Kieno-Paul Sailsman for major contributions.

Innswood, who are coached by Nieve McNally, who represented Jamaica against the touring Australia last year, will be led by captain and opening batsman Oraine Williams, batsmen Kemar Foster and Denfey Salmon and pacer Dwayne Pusey, leg-spinner Andrew Henry and wicketkeeper Terrence Brown.

Quality players

"We have been camping and are doing some work on all aspects of our game," said McNally. "We have been placing a lot of emphasis on our batting as it let us down the last time. We have the quality players to win this trophy," he added.