Holders Pembroke survived a major scare before squeezing past The Hills by 13 runs to book their place in the Leinster Senior Cup final, where they will host Leinster in the decider on Saturday August 1.

The champions were in deep trouble at 104 for 7 after being asked to bat, with Yaseen Sherzad leading the charge for The Hills. He finished with excellent figures of 4 for 42, while Killian McGrane and Tomas Rooney Murphy took two wickets apiece as Pembroke’s top order faltered.

Tim Tector, Jonathan Garth and Addison Sherriff all fell cheaply, and although Jack Tector battled for 19, Pembroke were wobbling badly. Their rescue act came from Irish international Gavin Hoey, who produced a superb 113 from 134 balls, striking 12 fours and a six. He found a vital ally in Paul Lawson, whose 54 from 56 balls helped transform the innings.

Their eighth-wicket stand of 140 dragged Pembroke from crisis to a competitive 245 all out.

The Hills made a steady reply but were never allowed to fully break free. Joe Fletcher anchored the chase with 56 from 86 balls, while Max Robertson added 25 and Nathan Rooney gave them real hope with an attacking 48 from 49 deliveries.

At 213 for 6, the upset was still very much alive, but Pembroke held their nerve. Byron McDonough, Addison Sherriff, Olly Riley and Mark Berry all claimed two wickets, with Hoey adding one to complete a fine all-round display.

The Hills closed on 232 for 9 from their 50 overs, agonisingly short after a brave challenge. Pembroke march on, but only after being pushed all the way by a spirited Hills side.