Railway Union secured their place in the top half of the Leinster Premiership after an 18-run victory over Malahide ensured they finished sixth at the end of the first phase.

The result allowed Railway to survive the cut-off and remain among the leading group for the next stage of the competition, rewarding a strong all-round performance.

Batting first, Railway were dismissed for 244. Bruce Whaley gave the innings early momentum with 46 from 43 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, although Rob O’Brien and Hayden Hamilton fell cheaply.

Philippe Le Roux then steadied the innings with a patient 47 before Abhay Tipnis took charge. Tipnis top-scored with 60 from 76 balls, including eight fours and a six, and shared important partnerships through the middle overs.

Letlotlo Sesele supplied the late acceleration, smashing 42 from just 28 deliveries with five fours and two sixes. Ashil Prakash added 15 as Railway pushed their total beyond 240.

James Newland was Malahide’s most successful bowler with four for 47, while Jeremy Martins claimed three for 43.

Malahide’s reply began badly as Robbie Foulkes, Adam Doyle and Timcy Khanduja all departed with only 28 on the board.

Martins and Gregory Ford revived the chase with a 73-run partnership. Ford made 33, while Martins struck six fours in a composed 55 from 71 balls.

David O’Halloran added 30 and the lower order kept Malahide interested, with Aaron Doyle making 17 and Newland contributing 18.

However, Sean O’Brien proved decisive for Railway. He claimed four for 35, including three late wickets, as Malahide were bowled out for 226.

Liam McCarthy returned an excellent two for 16, while Sumit Kumar also took two wickets, sealing the victory Railway needed to finish sixth and survive the Premiership split.

The win was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Abhay Tipnis, who the Park Avenue side will be quickly back in action for the remainder of the campaign.