Fintan McAllister's Leinster Under-19 side were crowned Interprovincial champions after a dramatic final day that saw them snatch the title from Northern Cricket Union.

Leinster began the day knowing only a bonus-point victory over the North West would keep their hopes alive, and even then they would require Munster to defeat NCU. McAllister's side did everything within their control before enduring an anxious wait that ended in celebration when Munster edged a thrilling three-run victory.

Leinster's bowlers set the tone with a ruthless display, dismissing the North West for just 84 in 31.3 overs. Dan Murray was outstanding with 3 for 11, while Johan George claimed 2 for 14. Luke Murray, Conor Walden, Jack Devane and Seb Dijkstra all chipped in with a wicket as the North West never recovered after slumping to 4 for 2.

Only Luke Marillier, with 14, and Swarnim Jha, who battled to an unbeaten 17, offered prolonged resistance against a disciplined Leinster attack.

The chase was not entirely straightforward, but Leinster comfortably reached the 85 runs required inside the bonus-point target, finishing on 86 for 5 in 22 overs. Bruce Whaley made a brisk 15, Ethan Clarke anchored the innings with 25 and captain Rob O'Brien contributed a positive 19 before Shrav Biju's unbeaten 12 sealed the crucial maximum points.

Leinster's players could only watch events elsewhere as NCU took on Munster in the decisive final fixture.

Munster posted 251 for 9 after recovering from early setbacks through captain Darshit Sumanasinghe's 27, Zubair Khalid's impressive 60 and Ayan Ullah's well-made 57. Preston Searra added 16 late in the innings, while Lucas McKeown was the standout NCU bowler with 3 for 27.

NCU appeared on course for victory thanks to Seb Yeates' classy 67 and Zayan Malik's aggressive 39, before Adam Heasley kept hopes alive with an unbeaten 37.

However, Khalid produced the decisive spell of the match, claiming 4 for 44 to break the backbone of the chase. William Shields and Ayan Ullah also made vital breakthroughs as NCU were dismissed for 248, just three runs short of their target.

The narrow defeat proved decisive. Instead of lifting the trophy themselves, NCU were left to reflect on what might have been, while Leinster celebrated a title triumph earned through their own bonus-point victory and Munster's late intervention.

It completed a memorable campaign for McAllister and his young Leinster side, whose composure under pressure on the final day ultimately proved enough to secure the Interprovincial crown.