Phoenix won the battle but lost the war, and they like Pembroke will be plying their trade in the Championship next year despite a three-wicket win over Malahide. Agnibesh Paul (55) and Fintan McAllister (33) got Malahide to 192 for 9 - three wickets apiece for Ben White and Devender Ranolia. Opener Stephen Black's half century was pivotal in the win, with George Dockrell also making 33. It was all in vain though as the combination of results elsewhere confirmed their drop into the second tier.

Pembroke will be playing Championship cricket in 2023 after they lost at home to Merrion by 44 runs. Stephen Doheny's 87 was the bedrock for the visitors total of 204 for 7, with runs too for Sean Stanton (41*) and Jack Carty (36). The early loss of both openers meant the chase was a tough one, but Lorcan Tucker (31) and Theo Lawson (26) looked to be steadying the ship, before a flurry of wickets. Big signing Nigel Jones (18) couldn't save them, and with the Merrion attack all in the wickets, Pembroke were all out for 160.

David Delany and Murray Commins were the heroes for their respective sides as Clontarf and The Hills did what they had to do to ensure they didn't suffer the dreaded drop on a tension filled afternoon. David top-scored with 65 (12 fours), while elder brother and skipper Eoghan also passed 50 as the Castle Avenue side posted 235 for 9 - runs too for PJ Moor, who hit 3 sixes in his 37, while there three wickets for Ash Bain and Tomas Rooney-Murphy. The hosts needed 195 to secure the three bonus points needed, and despite a few early scares, Commins century settled the frayed nerves. He added 117 for the fourth wicket with Mark Donegan (42), hitting 14 boundaries in his 110. Delany ensured the win for Clontarf with his fifth wicket, much to the relief of the home faithful.

No play was possible in the scheduled clash between YMCA and new champions Balbriggan. A wet pitch and run-ups saw the umpires call off the match in early afternoon. The teams now share the 25 points which ensures that YMCA will remain in the top flight irrespective of results elsewhere.

Skipper Theo Lawson’s century gained his side vital points in their quest to avoid relegation as they travelled to table toppers Balbriggan. They included Nigel Jones in their ranks after the u-turn by Cricket Leinster, but it was Lawson’s 104 from 117 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes) that formed the backbone of their 228 for 8. Lorcan Tucker also made 56, while Gavin Hoey’s 20 saw him add 62 for the 7th wicket with the captain. Balbriggan gave the chase a good go, but were always slightly behind. Chris de Freitas top-scored with 61, while the late order runs from Dylan Lues (32) and Andrew Darroch (28) could yet prove crucial in the title race. The bonus points gained saw them actually increase the gap between the challengers, with the top three losing and the bottom three winning. It promises to be a fascinating final two weeks of the season.

Clontarf gained a crucial win in the relegation dogfight as they beat Phoenix by 53 runs at Castle Avenue. Skipper Eoghan Delany (49) and Luke Thomson (42*) were best with the bat in their 189 – two wickets for George Dockrell, Oliver Hald, Anish Rana and Devender Ranolia. Dockrell’s 34 was the best of a disappointing Phoenix reply, with Mick Granger snaring four scalps, while there were two apiece for Ruan Cronje and Cillian McDonnell.

YMCA put a major spoke in Malahide’s high-scoring exploits of late, with an emphatic eight-wicket win in the Village. Finn Conaty was the somewhat surprise bowling hero taking 4 for 24 as Malahide were skittled for 97 – three wickets too for James Forbes. An opening stand of 89 between Aaron Bailey (31) and Jack Tector ensured the routine win, with Tector hitting six boundaries in his unbeaten 53.

Dom Joyce’s 73 was the highlight of a fine Merrion win putting a severe dent in The Hills’ title ambitions in a one-sided match at Anglesea Road. Joyce hit ten boundaries in his 60-ball knock, receiving excellent support from the rest of the side as nine of the ten batsmen made double figures – Swapnil Modgill (45), and Amish Sidhu (30*) the most significant others in their total of 265 for 8. Murray Commins made 35 in the reply, which was a poor one in truth. Three wickets for Jack Carty, plus two apiece for Hills old boy Max Sorensen, Amish Sidhu, and Swapnil Modgill saw them bundled out for 107.

Skipper Theo Lawson’s century gained his side vital points in their quest to avoid relegation as they travelled to table toppers Balbriggan. They included Nigel Jones in their ranks after the u-turn by Cricket Leinster, but it was Lawson’s 104 from 117 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes) that formed the backbone of their 228 for 8. Lorcan Tucker also made 56, while Gavin Hoey’s 20 saw him add 62 for the 7th wicket with the captain. Balbriggan gave the chase a good go, but were always slightly behind. Chris de Freitas top-scored with 61, while the late order runs from Dylan Lues (32) and Andrew Darroch (28) could yet prove crucial in the title race. The bonus points gained saw them actually increase the gap between the challengers, with the top three losing and the bottom three winning. It promises to be a fascinating final two weeks of the season.

Clontarf gained a crucial win in the relegation dogfight as they beat Phoenix by 53 runs at Castle Avenue. Skipper Eoghan Delany (49) and Luke Thomson (42*) were best with the bat in their 189 – two wickets for George Dockrell, Oliver Hald, Anish Rana and Devender Ranolia. Dockrell’s 34 was the best of a disappointing Phoenix reply, with Mick Granger snaring four scalps, while there were two apiece for Ruan Cronje and Cillian McDonnell.

YMCA put a major spoke in Malahide’s high-scoring exploits of late, with an emphatic eight-wicket win in the Village. Finn Conaty was the somewhat surprise bowling hero taking 4 for 24 as Malahide were skittled for 97 – three wickets too for James Forbes. An opening stand of 89 between Aaron Bailey (31) and Jack Tector ensured the routine win, with Tector hitting six boundaries in his unbeaten 53.

Dom Joyce’s 73 was the highlight of a fine Merrion win putting a severe dent in The Hills’ title ambitions in a one-sided match at Anglesea Road. Joyce hit ten boundaries in his 60-ball knock, receiving excellent support from the rest of the side as nine of the ten batsmen made double figures – Swapnil Modgill (45), and Amish Sidhu (30*) the most significant others in their total of 265 for 8. Murray Commins made 35 in the reply, which was a poor one in truth. Three wickets for Jack Carty, plus two apiece for Hills old boy Max Sorensen, Amish Sidhu, and Swapnil Modgill saw them bundled out for 107.

Skipper Theo Lawson’s century gained his side vital points in their quest to avoid relegation as they travelled to table toppers Balbriggan. They included Nigel Jones in their ranks after the u-turn by Cricket Leinster, but it was Lawson’s 104 from 117 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes) that formed the backbone of their 228 for 8. Lorcan Tucker also made 56, while Gavin Hoey’s 20 saw him add 62 for the 7th wicket with the captain. Balbriggan gave the chase a good go, but were always slightly behind. Chris de Freitas top-scored with 61, while the late order runs from Dylan Lues (32) and Andrew Darroch (28) could yet prove crucial in the title race. The bonus points gained saw them actually increase the gap between the challengers, with the top three losing and the bottom three winning. It promises to be a fascinating final two weeks of the season.

Clontarf gained a crucial win in the relegation dogfight as they beat Phoenix by 53 runs at Castle Avenue. Skipper Eoghan Delany (49) and Luke Thomson (42*) were best with the bat in their 189 – two wickets for George Dockrell, Oliver Hald, Anish Rana and Devender Ranolia. Dockrell’s 34 was the best of a disappointing Phoenix reply, with Mick Granger snaring four scalps, while there were two apiece for Ruan Cronje and Cillian McDonnell.

YMCA put a major spoke in Malahide’s high-scoring exploits of late, with an emphatic eight-wicket win in the Village. Finn Conaty was the somewhat surprise bowling hero taking 4 for 24 as Malahide were skittled for 97 – three wickets too for James Forbes. An opening stand of 89 between Aaron Bailey (31) and Jack Tector ensured the routine win, with Tector hitting six boundaries in his unbeaten 53.

Dom Joyce’s 73 was the highlight of a fine Merrion win putting a severe dent in The Hills’ title ambitions in a one-sided match at Anglesea Road. Joyce hit ten boundaries in his 60-ball knock, receiving excellent support from the rest of the side as nine of the ten batsmen made double figures – Swapnil Modgill (45), and Amish Sidhu (30*) the most significant others in their total of 265 for 8. Murray Commins made 35 in the reply, which was a poor one in truth. Three wickets for Jack Carty, plus two apiece for Hills old boy Max Sorensen, Amish Sidhu, and Swapnil Modgill saw them bundled out for 107.

Balbriggan won the Fingal derby against The Hills to give themselves some breathing space in their quest for a historic Premiership crown in the year of the underdog. Andrew Darroch’s five-wicket haul was chiefly responsible for bowing out The Hills for 162. Dylan Blignaut (38) and Andrew Kavanagh (30) top-scored for the home side in a disappointing batting effort. An opening stand of 125 between Connor Fletcher and Ghanim Dara all but settled the contest as they chased a revised target of 146. Fletcher top-scored with 79 from 87 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes), while Dara’s unbeaten 44 ensured the six wickets win after they wobbled losing four wickets for fve runs when the finishing line was in sight.

Hunter Kindley scored his second century in two weeks as Malahude thumped Pembroke by 185 runs. Kindley’s 113 from 118 balls included 14 fours and a six and propelled the village side to 301 for 8 – runs too for Matt Ford 46, plus 35 apiece for Arrjun Muntha and Fintan McAllister. Pembroke’s chase never got going, with Diarmaid Tucker’s 24 the best of their 116 all out. Michael Frost took four wickets, while skipper James Newland claimed a brace. Pembroke will be boosted by the short-term signing of Nigel Jones next week, plus the return of their Irish international contingent for what now is a relegation battle.

Phoenix claimed a remarkable win against Merrion, recovering from 73 for 7 to chase 194. It was don to an eighth wicket partnership of 113 in 26 between Danish international Oliver Hald and Louis McDonough (37*). Hald thumped 85 from 67 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) as the hosts stunned Merrion, who looked on course for the win after four wickets for Amish Sidhu. Merrion had looked on course for a big score after a strong start by Stephen Doheny (60) and Franco Marais (59), but Devender Ranolia claimed a five-wicket haul to bring Phoenix back into contention.

Clontarf gained a crucial victory as they beat YMCA by 22 runs in a high-scoring game at Castle Avenue. John McNally and Eoghan Delany both scored 50s in an opening stand of 118, and the perfect platform allowed the middle-order to score freely, with runs too for David Delany (58*), Andrew Poynter (45), Fionn Hand (29) and PJ Moor (28). YM gave the chase a good go, with James Forbes making an unbeaten 85, sharing a fifth wicket stand of 95 with Adam Rosslee (71), but in the end they fell 22-runs adrift.

Balbriggan won the Fingal derby against The Hills to give themselves some breathing space in their quest for a historic Premiership crown in the year of the underdog. Andrew Darroch’s five-wicket haul was chiefly responsible for bowing out The Hills for 162. Dylan Blignaut (38) and Andrew Kavanagh (30) top-scored for the home side in a disappointing batting effort. An opening stand of 125 between Connor Fletcher and Ghanim Dara all but settled the contest as they chased a revised target of 146. Fletcher top-scored with 79 from 87 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes), while Dara’s unbeaten 44 ensured the six wickets win after they wobbled losing four wickets for fve runs when the finishing line was in sight.

Hunter Kindley scored his second century in two weeks as Malahude thumped Pembroke by 185 runs. Kindley’s 113 from 118 balls included 14 fours and a six and propelled the village side to 301 for 8 – runs too for Matt Ford 46, plus 35 apiece for Arrjun Muntha and Fintan McAllister. Pembroke’s chase never got going, with Diarmaid Tucker’s 24 the best of their 116 all out. Michael Frost took four wickets, while skipper James Newland claimed a brace. Pembroke will be boosted by the short-term signing of Nigel Jones next week, plus the return of their Irish international contingent for what now is a relegation battle.

Phoenix claimed a remarkable win against Merrion, recovering from 73 for 7 to chase 194. It was don to an eighth wicket partnership of 113 in 26 between Danish international Oliver Hald and Louis McDonough (37*). Hald thumped 85 from 67 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) as the hosts stunned Merrion, who looked on course for the win after four wickets for Amish Sidhu. Merrion had looked on course for a big score after a strong start by Stephen Doheny (60) and Franco Marais (59), but Devender Ranolia claimed a five-wicket haul to bring Phoenix back into contention.

Clontarf gained a crucial victory as they beat YMCA by 22 runs in a high-scoring game at Castle Avenue. John McNally and Eoghan Delany both scored 50s in an opening stand of 118, and the perfect platform allowed the middle-order to score freely, with runs too for David Delany (58*), Andrew Poynter (45), Fionn Hand (29) and PJ Moor (28). YM gave the chase a good go, with James Forbes making an unbeaten 85, sharing a fifth wicket stand of 95 with Adam Rosslee (71), but in the end they fell 22-runs adrift.

Balbriggan have stayed ahead of the chasing pack after they held their nerves to secure what could be a priceless one-wicket win at Pembroke. The Sydney Parade side posted 200, with Diarmaid Tucker top-scoring with a patient 55, adding 81 for the second wicket with skipper Theo Lawson (36). Gavin Hoey hit two sixes in a breezy 22, while Paul Lawson made 21. Ryan Hadley (3-26) and Mally McGregor (2-22) were the pick of the Balbriggan attack. An opening stand of 72 in 13 overs between Ghanim Dara (41) and Connor Fletcher (29) looked as if the chase would be a stroll in the afternoon sunshine. However, the innings faltered as the spinning triumvirate of Hoey (4-33), Donncha Tucker (3-32), and Paul Lawson (2-40) sparked a collapse. Farooq Nasr’s 62 took them to the brink of victory, but when he fell, six were needed with the last pair at the crease. No getting them in singles though, as Kashif Ali deposited Tucker over the ropes amidst great celebration from the Fingal faithful.

Phoenix won a crucial basement battle as they beat Clontarf convincingly by 93 runs. A century stand for the second wicket between Anish Rana (52) and Stephen Black (41) set them on their way, and further half centuries for skipper Tyrone Kane and William Bennett (51) continued the momentum as they added 94 in 15 overs. Kane cleared the ropes 3 times and hit 6 fours in his rapid 57 from 41 balls to get Phoenix to 252 – three wickets for John McNally and two from David Delany (2-21). PJ Moor clubbed 4 sixes in a rapid 46, but Kane’s all-round exploits continued as he took 3 for 18, and coupled with two apiece for Bennett, Ben White and Devender Ranolia saw the Castle Avenue side dismissed for 159.

A club record partnership of 247 between Ryan Hackney and Hunter Kindley led Malahide to a 13-run win over YMCA. The pair came together at the start of the third over, and produced a fine exhibition of strokeplay over the next 48 overs. Hackney top-scored with an unbeaten 131 from 157 balls (10 fours), while Kindley’s 109 from 142 balls included 13 boundaries. Jack Tector’s 96 ensured YM were always in contention, ably supported by James Forbes (45), Adam Rosslee (38), and Tim Tector (23). However, scoreboard pressure told as they fell 13-runs adrift, with home skipper James Newland’s 3-39 instrumental in clinching victory.

The Hills beat Merrion to stay second after a 55-run win at The Vineyard to send them into Sunday’s All-Ireland T20 semi-final in good spirits. They were in early trouble at 3 for 2 in the 5th over, but were steadied by a third wicket stand of 70 between Murray Commins (42) and Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin (35). Mark Donegan then batted superbly in making an undefeated 88 from 99 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) to help the hosts to 221 for 8. Merrion’s reply never really got going despite Jack Carty’s 33 at the top of the order. He was one of three wickets for Jonathan Tall, who also accounted for Hills old-boy Max Sorensen. Athar Farooqi (2-15) also bowled well in a display that will give the home faithful hope of a Fingal shoot-out for the title as it enters the home straight.

The Hills are very much in the title hunt after an emphatic eight-wicket win over Pembroke. Dylan Blignaut took three wickets as Pembroke slumped to 67 for 6. Paul Lawson (61) and David Cosgrave (47) staged a salvage operation with a seventh wicket stand of 97, but a total of 186 looked light at Sydney Parade. It looked even lighter as Athar Farooqi (37) and Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin shared a century opening partnership. McLoughlin-Gavin hit eight boundaries in an unbeaten 89, adding a further 57 with Andrew Kavanagh (38) as The Hills coasted to victory in the 37th over.

A third wicket stand of 124 between Adam Rosslee and Tim Tector led YMCA to a comfortable seven wicket win over Phoenix. Chasing a modest 180, Conor Sheil struck two early blows dismissing Jack Tector and Mitch Thompson. However, Rosslee struck 7 fours and 3 sixes in an unbeaten 84 from 82 balls in a match winning stand with Tim Tector, who made 51 (3 fours, 2 sixes). Earlier, Harshit Harshit – so good they named him twice – took four wickets, three of them first up as Phoenix slumped to 15 for 4. William Bennett (48) and Tyrone Kane (41) added 90 for the 5th wicket, but a final total of 180 proved woefully inadequate.

Alistair Frost scored his maiden century for Malahide, and in the process threw a spanner in the works of a Merrion side battling for the title. Frost hit 11 boundaries in his unbeaten 104 to take his side to 238 for 7, sharing half century partnerships with Hunter Kindley (28) and Fintan McAllister (38). Jack Carty made 54 in the chase, but Merrion struggled, with the Frost brothers taking a combined five wickets to strangle the reply. Daniel Forkin made an unbeaten 28 late on to help them salvage something, as they ended on 176 for 9.

David Vincent and David Delany both scored centuries as Clontarf beat Balbriggan by 53 runs in a high scoring contest at Castle Avenue. The pair shared a second wicket stand of 208, with Delany top-scoring with a 135 from 137 balls (13 fours, 1 six), while Vincent made 104 – his second hundred in two weeks. A total of 283 for 6 was always going to be challenging, and four wickets for Mick Granger ensured they were always in control, despite half centuries for Chris de Freitas (62) and Nathan Rooney (60) in their 230.

Phoenix looked to have pulled another rabbit out of the hat as they unveiled Glamorgan and Scottish international Ruaidhri Smith for their clash with The Hills. He seemed an inspired signing at halfway claiming 4 for 11 as the Milverton side were dismissed for 131. Dylan Blignaut top-scored with 38, while there were wickets too for Ben White and Devender Ranolia. Phoenix though found the going equally tricky and Tomas Rooney-Murphy (5-44) and Blignaut (3-12) tore through them. Tyrone Kane struck 7 fours in a defiant 42 but he was last man out with the hosts 28 runs adrift.

Leaders Balbriggan slipped up as they lost by 15 runs (DLS) to Malahide in the Fingal derby. The top order didn’t fire as Pete Saville took three wickets and Cameron Shoebridge two as they slipped to 60 for 7. Dylan Lues (46) and Andrew Darroch (27) added 62 for the 8th wicket, but a final total of 136 always looked light. Malahide adopted a safety-first approach to the chase, with Ryan Hackney’s unbeaten 43 having the villagers 98 for 3 in the 36th over when and ahead when play was halted.

Clontarf put a dent in Merrion’s title chances as David Vincent’s maiden senior century helped then to a 57-run win at Castle Avenue. The Irish Under 19 international top-scored with 103, sharing stands of 60 with David Delany (34) and a match defining 130 for the 3rd with PJ Moor. The Zimbabwean thumping 9 fours and 3 sixes in his 84 from just 63 balls. A total of 268 for 6 was always going to be a challenge for Merrion, and without John Anderson even more so. The top eight all made double figures, but Michael Lewis (31) was the best as they were 211 all out – three wickets for Delany and two apiece for Paul Ryan and Ruan Cronje.

Pembroke were the biggest winners of the day as they thumped neighbours YMCA by 119 runs. Half centuries from Danny Hogan (73) and Diarmaid Tucker (67) saw them add 123 for the second wicket after JJ Garth had gone for 27. The runs feast continued as Theo Lawson (45) and Lorcan Tucker (29) stepped up the pace in their 273 for 5. Mikey O’Reilly (3-52) the best of the bowlers. Early runs for Tim Tector (38), Mitchell Thompson (32), and Jack Tector (28) gave YM hope, but three wickets for Joe Prendergast and Paul Lawson saw the innings peter out.

Clontarf got their first win of the campaign and in the process dealt what is probably a fatal blow to The Hills title ambitions. Skipper Eoghan Delany top-scored with 78 (5 fours, 1 six), while PJ Moor hit 6 fours and 3 sixes in a better than even time 76, and David Delany a busy 49 from 35 balls in the Castle Avenue’s 246 for 6 – two wickets for Tomas Rooney-Murphy. The Hills reply got off to a poor start with Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin and Athar Farooqi both failing to score. Andrew Kavanagh (39), Mark Donegan (34) and Dylan Blignaut (38) batted well to get them into contention at 105 for 3 in the 28th, before Irish Under 19 international David Vincent intervened. The wily bowler spun his way to a five-wicket haul, claiming 5 for 37 as The Hills were dismissed for 195 – two wickets as well for Mick Granger in the 51-run win.

Balbriggan continue to defy the odds as they pulled off a remarkable chase to beat YMCA at Claremont Road. YM would have been confident at the half-way stage after Aaron Bailey’s unbeaten 94 from 102 balls (11 fours, 1 six) took them to 260 for 6. He shared a 4th wicket stand of 78 with Jamie Forbes (28), while there were runs too for Mitchell Thompson (40), plus Tim Tector and Adam Rosslee who made 22 apiece. Andrew Darroch (3-45) was the pick of the Balbriggan attack. An opening stand of 99 between Connor Fletcher and Ghanim Dara (35) changed the mood, and although Dara and Chris De Freitas went in the space of three balls, that was to be the end of YM’s success. Fletcher was joined by skipper Greg Ford and they proceeded to win the match with an unbroken stand of 161 in 22 overs. Fletcher top-scored with 114 not out from 106 balls (15 fours, 2 sixes), while Ford’s unbeaten 101 from 76 balls (14 fours, 1 six) had their travelling support in raptures. The Balbriggan juggernaut rolls on, and this win will give them even more confidence.

Merrion stay on Balbriggan’s tail after they thumped Pembroke by 144 runs at Anglesea Road. An opening stand of 97 in 19 overs between Jack Carty and Stephen Doheny (38) set the tone for the game, and ensured Merrion were always in control. Carty top-scored with a run-a-ball 62 (9 fours, 1 six), while John Anderson (49) and Michael Lewis (28) also chipped in to their total of 243. Piyush Sharma claimed 5 for 37, while there were two wickets each for Poonish Mehta (2-39) and Gavin Hoey (2-57). Pembroke lost early wickets to slip to 23 for 3, before Theo Lawson (27) and Danny Hogan (26) added 51 for the fourth wicket. At 74 for 3, they would have harboured hopes of challenging the target, but Amish Sidhu had other ideas, spinning his way to 6 for 15, as 74 for 3 quickly became 99 all out.

Malahide’s decision to swoop for former player Shane Getkate on a short-term loan deal from Instonians proved to be an inspired one as the Irish international played a major part in their win over Phoenix. Getkate top-scored with 67 (7 fours, 1 six) as they posted 215, with runs too for Ali Frost (44), Fintan McAllister (32), and Ryan Hackney (23). Great Dane Oliver Hald took five wickets, while there three for William Bennett (3-45). The Phoenix reply was always lagging despite the best efforts of Tyrone Kane, who hit 6 fours and 2 sixes in his 68. Three wickets each for spinners Mike Frost (3-39) and Matt Ford (3-35), plus two for left-armer James Newland (2-27) saw Phoenix bowled out for 170.

Phoenix produced an almost Lazarus-like comeback to stun Pembroke, putting a serious dent in the Sydney Parade’s title ambitions. Six wickets for Poonish Mehta had seen the home side reeling on 42 for 7, before Oliver Hald and Ben White (23). The pair added 72 in 12 overs for the eighth wicket with Hald hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes in his 43 from 41 balls. While a total of 118 seemed inadequate at the halfway stage, skipper Kane had other ideas as he produced a stunning seven wickets spell, which saw Pembroke skittled for just 55 – two wickets for Hald as well in an incredible turnaround. “WE were delighted to get the win,” Kane told CricketEurope. “Defending a small total like that we knew early wickets were crucial so we were happy to get a couple just before lunch and then close out the rest after. I think it’s my best senior figures! But I was more happy to get the win after it not looking so good after the first innings.”

Balbriggan were brought down to earth with a bump as Merrion showed a steely resolve to open up the title race with a six wicket win. Chris De Freitas hit 8 fours in a fluent 44, adding 57 with Farooq Nasr (21) for the third wicket. At 85 for 2, Balbriggan would have been hoping for 200 plus, but they collapsed, losing eight wickets for 58 runs to be 143 all out. Merrion captain Tom Stanton claimed 4 for 21, while fellow spinner Daniel Forkin and Amish Sidhu took two apiece. The chase was a steady, solid effort by Merrion, built around John Anderson’s unbeaten half century (6 fours, 1 six) as he and Franco Marais (35) added 70 for the fourth wicket to all but seal the deserved win.

The Hills avenged their recent loss to YMCA with an equally emphatic 99-run win at Milverton. The home side batting fired and with the top seven all in the runs, they were happy with their total of 223 for 6. Mark Donegan was again in the runs with a top-score of 73 not out, while Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin was again in the runs, making 48. Andrew Kavanagh, Dylan Blignaut and Levon Shields all passed 20 in a solid effort. The YM batting was missing two of the Tector brothers and Simi Singh, and The Hills clinically exposed their soft underbelly, as they dismissed them for 124, despite the best efforts of Tom Anders (44*) and Aaron Bailey (22). Dylan Blignaut, Tomas Rooney-Murphy, Jonathan Tall and Matthew Weldon each picked up two wickets in a fine bowling effort by the Milverton side.

Pembroke clinched a 37-run win over a spirited Malahide in a high scoring encounter at Sydney Parade. James Newland took two early wickets including Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie third ball, on his way to a six-wicket haul, before Pembroke rallied. Firstly through Lorcan Tucker (41) and JJ Garth (33), and then with a match defining fifth wicket partnership between Theo Lawson and Poonish Mehta. Lawson top-scored with 73 from 83 balls (6 fours, 1 six), as he and Mehta (55) added 123 in 22 overs, which saw them post 255 – Newland 6 for 40. The chase looked to be on target for an exciting end as Ali Frost (87), Matt Ford (34) and Fintan McAllister (42) took them to 163 for 3, but with the required rate creeping up, scoreboard pressure told, and they faltered to 218 all out – three wickets for Gavin Hoey, two for Barry McCarthy, and final one to Andy Balbirnie.

Merrion fought back from a poor start to beat Phoenix by 20 runs at Anglesea Road. Three wickets for Theo Dempsey, including the prize scalp of John Anderson had the visitors in the ascendancy. However, a dogged fifth wicket stand of 66 between Jack Carty and Franco Marais, both of whom made half centuries, saw Merrion make 178. George Dockrell (46) and Stephen Black (27) gave the chase a solid platform, but despite quick cameos from Tyrone Kane (33) against his former club, and Theo Dempsey (25), Phoenix fell 20 short. Carty completed an excellent all-round day by taking 4 for 19, while there were two wickets each for Swapnil Modgill and skipper Tom Stanton.

YMCA survived a late wobble to beat Clontarf, ending a turbulent week for the Castle Avenue side after the departure of their Head Coach. They were reeling at 12 for 4, with two wickets each for Mikey O’Reilly and Reuben Wilson. David Delany (22) and Fionn Hand (14) rallied briefly, but once again when they went, the board read 57 for 6 and they were in deep trouble. Andrew Vincent (49) and Bobbo Forrest (46) fought back with a 7th wicket stand of 67 to give the bowlers something to defend, 163 all out. Curtis Campher (3-19) and Tom Anders (2-23) also among the wickets. Jack Tector (71) dominated an opening stand of 54 with Simi Singh (13), and when he and younger sibling Tim (36) added a further 59, it appeared to be a stroll in the park. However, Clontarf battled right to the end, and with Fionn Hand taking four wickets, plus two apiece for Ruan Cronje and Mick Granger, there were a few nerves, before the winning runs were scored.

Balbriggan’s unbeaten Premiership start continued as they stunned The Hills defending what looked like a below par total of 159. They looked in trouble at 59 for 5, but skipper Greg Ford made a vital 40, shepherding the tail, as the last five wickets put on 100. Jonathan Tall and Tomas Rooney-Murphy each took three wickets for the home side, while there were two each for Dylan Blignaut and Levon Shields. With Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin (37) looking set and the visitors on 83 for 2, it seemed to be in control for the visitors, before the wheels came off. Three wickets for Ryan Hadley, plus two apiece for Andrew Darroch and Dylan Lues, sparked a fightback that resulted in Fingal bragging rights for the surprise package of the top flight.

It was a tale of two centuries at Anglesea Road as Connor Fletcher's ton ensured the Balbriggan juggernaut showed no signs of stopping as they chased 292 to beat Merrion by four wickets. Jack Carty (41) and Mick Lewis (37) added 76 for the first wicket and with former Irish international John Anderson in imperious form, the runs kept flowing. Anderson hit 15 fours and 2 sixes in his unbeaten 124, as 90 came from the last six overs from him and Muhammad Sinan (31). A total of 292 looked formidable, but Fletcher hit 17 fours in his even time 103. Dylan Lues hit a run-a-ball 38 in a stand of 70 with Greg Ford, whose unbeaten 46 together with Andrew Darroch (21*) sealed a famous four-wicket win.

Jack and Tim Tector both scored centuries as YMCA made light of a 228-run target to beat The Hills by 9 wickets at Claremont Road. Dylan Bignaut (42) and Athar Farooqi (40) shared a third wicket stand of 79 as The Hills posted 227 for 8. Mitchell Thompson went cheaply in the reply, but an unbroken 200 run stand sealed the surprisingly comprehensive win. Jack Tector's 107 came from 137 balls and included 12 boundaries, while younger sibling Tim made a run-a-ball unbeaten 105 featured 12 fours and 2 sixes.

Malahide caused something of a surprise as they beat hgh flying Clontarf by 8 wickets to clinch the inaugural LP (Podge) Hughes trophy at Castle Avenue. Eoghan Delany's 38 was the best of a well under par 162 for the home side. Cameron Shoebridge took three wickets, including PJ Moor and Ruan Cronje in the space of four balls. Skipper James Newland and Mike Frost also took two apiece in a fine effort. Ryan Hackney's 61 combined with runs for Arjun Muntha (37) and Fintan McAllister (38*) sealed the one-sided contest in which the form book was turned upside down.

A dramatic collapse by Pembroke at home to Phoenix saw them lose by three wickets. The home side reached 117 for 1 in the 27th over, with runs for Diarmaid Tucker (50), JJ Garth (38) and David Cosgrave (23). However, the wheels came off spectacularly as they crumbled losing nine wickets for 26 runs in the space of 11 overs to be dismissed for 143. Tyrone Kane took three wickets, while there were two apiece for William Bennett, Oliver Hald, and Theo Dempsey. The chase was a tense one with Adam Chester's 49 from just 32 balls vital, while Oliver Hald's rapid 20 not out hastened the win.

Balbriggan's excellent league campaign continued as they beat Clontarf by 87 runs in a statement win that shows they are to be taken as serious title contenders. The top eight all reached double figures as Balbriggan posted 245 for 8, with Chris De Freitas making an even time 60 (6 fours, 2 sixes). Connor Fletcher (36), Nathan Rooney (30) both got 30s, while skipper Greg Ford, Farooq Nasr and Dylan Lues all passed 20. Ruan Cronje and Fionn Hand both took two wickets, while David Delany collected two. Andrew Darroch (3-25) and Ryan Hadley (2-10) had the Clontarf chase in tatters at 39 for 5, and from that there was no way back, despite resistance in a sixth wicket stand of 64 between John McNally (40) and David Vincent (33). Both were dismissed by Farooq Nasr (2-34), while Dylan Lues mopped up the final two wickets in a thoroughly convincing win.

Merrion won by four wickets at home to Malahide in a tough encounter. Hugh Kennedy's early hat-trick had Malahide in all sorts of trouble, and they were indebted to Ryan Hackney, who carried his bat for 68 (6 fours). Fintan McAllister made 23, while Hackney added valuable late runs with skipper Cameron Shoebridge and Peter Saville. Still a total of 169 of 169 is rarely defended at Anglesea Road and that's how it panned out. Stephen Doheny celebrated his Irish senior call-up by displaying the exact credentials needed to replace William Porterfield at the top of the order. Doheny's undefeated 76 included seven boundaries and his patient knock guided Merrion to a four-wicket win - valuable supporting knocks were provided by Jack Carty and Franco Marais, who both made 20.

Highest scoring game of the day was at The Vineyard where Poonish Mehta's brilliant 144 led Pembroke to victory over The Hills. Dylan Blignaut (3/52) had the visitors in early trouble at 26 for 3, but Mehta and skipper Theo Lawson (53) changed the complexion of the game in a fourth wicket stand of 126 in 28 overs. Mehta pummeled the home side attack as he plundered 18 fours and 4 sixes in his 128-ball knock. There was late carnage as he and Paul Lawson (34*) added 89 from 50 balls to take their total to 282 for 6. The Hills never shirk a challenge and they gave the chase a good rattle before falling 22 runs shy. Mark Donegan top scored with 51 from just 34 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes), while Levon Shields also scored quickly, hitting seven boundaries in his 46. There were runs too for Will Archer, Tomas Rooney-Murphy and Althar Farooqi, but three wickets apiece for Mehta and Piyush Sharma ensured the 22-run win.

There was something of a surprise at Claremont Road as Phoenix put a dent in YMCA's title ambitions in a 94-run win. Stephen Black (49) and Nic Pretorius (43) set Phoenix on their way with an 88-run opening partnership. Tyrone Kane hit 37, and 23 apiece from Theo Dempsey and Oliver Hald saw them post 214. There were three wickets each for Mikey O'Reilly and Harry Tector. Oliver Hald (3-10) removed openers Jack Tector and Mitchell Thompson, while Tyrone Kane accounted for the 'big two' of Harry Tector and Curtis Campher to leave YM floundering. Tim Tector (32) and Rory Anders (23) attempted a fightback, but three wickets for Devender Raniola saw them fall well short - 120 all out.

Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin scored a superb century as The Hills ran out convincing winners against Phoenix at The Vineyard. He hit 14 boundaries in his 134 from 143 balls, firstly dominating an opening stand of 85 with Andrew Kavanagh (24) to set them on their way. The second wicket partnership between him and Dylan Blignaut (66) saw them put on 140 in 153 balls and from then you got the feeling that the game was out of the reach of Phoenix. A final total of 291 for 7 became a target of 288 in 46 overs after the chase was interrupted. When Phoenix slumped to 133 for 8, it looked like an early finish, bit Conor Sheil hit 8 fours and a six in an entertaining half century, adding 81 in nine overs with Theeo Dempsey (19). However, wickets for Farooqi, Shields and Blignaut ensured the 67 run win that makes it two from two in the early stage of the season.

Another side suffering a post-final hangover were winners Pembroke who lost to near neighbours YMCA by 18 runs in a high scoring match at Sydney Parade. Jack Tector hit 11 fours as he top scored with 89 in YM's total of 258 for 6, with half centuries too for Aaron Bailey (68) and Rory Anders (50). Bailey's 68 came from 72 balls (7 fours, 1 six) sharing a fourth wicket stand of 73 with Tector, and also 54 for the fifth with Anders - whose half century took jyst 42 balls (6 fours, 1 six). JJ Garth continued his recent good form with 60, but a middle-order wobble saw YM well in control. Poonsih Mehta then hit 5 fours and 3 sixes in a hard-hit 72 from 70 balls, as he and skipper Theo Lawson (37) shared a seventh wicket stand of 98. They left themselves just too much to do with 32 needed from three overs, losing by 18 - three wickets for Johnson and a combined five for the Anders brothers.

Balbriggan have certainly announced themselves in the top flight of Leinster cricket after they trounced Malahide by 181-runs in the Fingal derby. A powerful batting display saw them rack up 278 for 6, with Chris De Freitas hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes in his 54, adding 62 for the second wicket with Ghanim Dara (31) to lay a solid platform. Skipper Greg Ford and Farooq Nasr (46) then added 82 for the fourth wicket, before the real fireworks began. Ford top-scored with 79 from 84 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) as he and Dylan Lues added 84 in the last six overs, with Lues clearing the ropes five times in his unbeaten 41 from just 19 balls. Malahide's chase started with a 35-run opening stand before disintegrating to 97 all out, with four wickets for the prolific left-armer Kashif Ali. On this form, Andre Botha's charges will take some stopping.

Clontarf suffered a League Cup hangover as they slumped to a four-wicket loss at Merrion. The Castle Avenue side were in trouble early on at 17 for 4, but rallied thanks to counter-attacking fifth wicket stand of 78 in just 12 overs between Ruan Cronje and teenager John McNally. Cronje hit nine boundaries in a top score of 44, while McNally's 41 came at better than even time (4 fours, 1 six). However, they lost six wickets for 30 runs to be bowled out for 125 in the 33rd over - three wickets apiece for skipper Tom Stanton and Amish Sidhu plus a brace for Max Neville. John Anderson's quickfire 31 (7 fours) got Merrion up and running and they were always in control of the chase despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Swapnil Modgill (27) and Sean Stanton (26) sealing a four-wickets win that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.

The dress rehearsal for this weekend's League Cup final was an exciting game, with Pembroke holding off a Clontarf comeback to win by 16 runs at Castle Avenue. Pembroke had posted 219, with Diarmaid Tucker scoring a breezy 35 at the top of the order. Elder brother Lorcan has been in prolific form this season, and he top-scored with 64 (6 fours, 1 six) as he shared a third wicket stand of 69 with skipper Theo Lawson (27). Gavin Hoey (23), Poonish Mehta (20) and Paul Lawson (19) all chipped in for the Sydney Parade side, while there were three wickets for Cillian McDonnell and two apiece for David Vincent and Fionn Hand. Mehta (4-16) soon had the Clontarf chase in disarray and it looked a one-sided affair as they slumped to 78 for 7. However David Delany (53) and Paul Ryan rallied with an 8th wicket stand 0f 89 in 18 overs, but they left themselves just too much to do, with Ryan (59) the last man out as Paul Lawson (3-29) sealed the 16-runs win in the penultimate over.

Balbriggan's Premiership debut got off to a winning start at Jack Harper Park as they beat Phoenix by 75 runs in low scoring game. The home side's total of 138 appeared modest, with only Dylan Lies (26*) and Ghanim Dara (20) getting past 20. Irish international George Dockrell took three wickets, while there two apiece for Oliver Hald, Theo Dempsey and Conor Sheil. Phoenix's reply was soon in tatters as none of the batsmen got started at all. Kashif Ali was the destroyer-in-chief taking aa five wickets haul, while Ryan Hadley took 2 for 21 as Phoenix were bundled out for just 63. A dream start for Andre Botha's charges, and they have shown they will be no mugs in the top flight.

The Tectors were to the fore as YMCA made a winning start with an impressive chase at Merrion. The home side had struggled against the left-arm pace of Mikey O'Reilly (4-24) and were indebted to a fine unbeaten 77 from Sean Stanton (5 fours, 1 six) for a semi-competitive score. He shared a fifth wicket stand of 58 with Swapnil Modgill (43) and he also dominated a 9th wicket partnership of 51 in seven overs with his brother Tom to get them to 188 for 8. YMCA Mitchell Thompson (33) and Jack Tector (14) got the chase off to a steady start with a 44 run opening stand, but it was a third wicket partnership between Harry and Tim Tector that ultimately decided the contest. Harry top scored with an excellent 63, while Tim made 44, before both fell with the finishing line in sight - two wickets for Tom Stanton (2-44). YMCA though sealed the six wicket win with plenty in the tank, and will be a tough challenge for any side on this form.

Dylan Blignaut was the first centurion of the Premiership season as he led the Hills to an emphatic 110-run win in the all-Fingal clash at Malahide. The German international has been in excellent all-round form this season, and he top scored with 101 from 121 balls (7 fours, 4 sixes) as the Milverton side made 253 for 9. Blignaut shared a fourth wicket partnership of 97 in just 14 overs with Mark Donegan, whose 47 from just 36 deliveries included 6 fours. Left-arm paceman James Newland (5-47) was the pick of the Villagers attack. Ryan Hackney (56) and Arjun Muntha (20) got the Malahide chase off to a decent start with an opening stand of 41, but it was all The Hills thereafter as Athar Farooqi (4-22) and skipper Tomas Rooney-Murphy 2-24) both bowled excellently to ensure the huge win and maximum points in their title quest.