Merrion pipped Pembroke to the title by just one point after a thrilling conclusion to the Leinster Women's Premiership.

Isobel Joyce top-scored with a 34-ball 36 that helped Merrion to 121-7 - Isabel Light having earlier hit five boundaries in a 17-ball 25. Haley Moore (3-17) the pick of the Malahide attack.

Malahide couldn't get the momentum needed to force a win despite an unbeaten 35 from Sarah Condron, finishing on 101-5 - the 20-run margin proving crucial for Merrion as it gave them the bonus points needed to stay clear of Pembroke.

Pembroke won the battle but lost the war as their four-run (DLS) win over Balbriggan crucially meant no bonus points.

The Sydney Parade side were in trouble at 18-3, but rallied thanks to Clare Shillington, who thumped ten boundaries in a 53-ball 87, adding 95 in 11 overs for the fourth wicket with Izzy Mclean (18).

Madison Landsman (53) and Ella Marsh (25) shared an opening stand of 70 to make Balbriggan favourtites, but Pembroke fought back with the Maritz sisters dismissed in the penultimate over as the required rate climbed. Pembroke will reflect on the fact that they bowled 26 wides - the difference between a title win and second place.

The Hills welcomed back internationals Jane Maguire and Lara McBride from their successful European T20 WCW tournament and the pair took two wickets each as a depleted Leinster were bowled out for 103 - Joanne Loughran top-scoring with 29.

Jenny Sparrow (2-16) took two wickets in the chase, but The Hills won with 13 balls to spare thanks to 49 from Tahlia Dunne (7 fours) who shared a second wicket stand of 61 with Jane Maguire (23). The win wasn't enough to prevent The Hills from finishing bottom of the table.

Rush ensured they finished above The Hills in the table with a five-wicket win against an understrength Clontarf.

The Caste Avenue side limped to 74 for 8 with Julie McNally making 19 and two wickets for Mabel O'Donohoe.

Rush found the going tough too as Aoibheann Synnott claimed four wickets, and they were indebted to Aoife Beggs' unbeaten 40 from 36 balls (5 fours) to guide them to victory in the 13th over.