Pembroke lifted the Leinster T20 Cup after completing an impressive five-wicket victory over Leinster in the final at Sydney Parade, capping a dramatic day in which both sides had first come through contrasting semi-finals.

Winners Pembroke: Pic by Cricket Leinster

Leinster, who had beaten Malahide by seven wickets earlier at Park Avenue, were dismissed for 145 after being asked to set the target. Monil Patel anchored the innings with a composed 54, while Tom Johnson added 33, but Pembroke’s bowlers kept making important breakthroughs to prevent the total from getting beyond reach.

Byron McDonough was outstanding, claiming three for 13, while Man-of-the-Match Gavin Hoey returned three for 21. Addison Sherriff also played his part with two for 37 as Leinster lost their final wicket with one ball of the innings remaining.

Pembroke’s reply was driven by a powerful top-order effort. Harry Tector led the way with 41, while Sherriff completed a fine all-round performance by striking 39. Lorcan Tucker then produced an unbeaten 34 to ensure there would be no late drama.

Despite the efforts of Bilal Azhar, who took three for 29, and Joey Carroll, who claimed two for 34, Pembroke raced to victory in the 16th over. The winning runs arrived with 26 balls still remaining, sealing a deserved triumph on home soil.

Gavin Hoey: Pic by Cricket Leinster

Pembroke had been forced to work much harder in their semi-final against Phoenix. They posted 154 for nine from their 20 overs, with Harry Tector making 57, elder brother Jack contributing 28 and JJ Garth adding 24.

Phoenix remained firmly in contention through George Dockrell’s 46, but the chase slipped away in the closing stages. Sherriff was again the key figure, taking four for 30, while Paul Lawson claimed three for 19 and McDonough two for 15. Phoenix were bowled out for 146 with one ball remaining, leaving Pembroke eight-run winners.

Leinster’s passage to the final was more straightforward. Malahide made 143 for seven from their 20 overs, led by Greg Ford’s 47 and Robbie Foulkes’ 33. Mark Tonge took three for 32 and Azhar two for 25 to keep the target manageable.

Johnson then struck 48, Tonge added 36 and Patel made 26 as Leinster coasted to victory. Foulkes claimed two for 13, but Leinster completed a comfortable seven-wicket success.

The final, however, belonged to Pembroke. Their attack restricted Leinster to a modest total before Tector, Sherriff and Tucker ensured the chase was completed in convincing fashion. After surviving a tense semi-final, Pembroke saved their most commanding performance for the decider and were worthy Alan Murray Leinster T20 Cup champions.