Pembroke’s title ambitions suffered a significant setback as a superb unbeaten century from Philippe Le Roux inspired Railway Union to a four-wicket victory in a tense contest.

The former Ireland youth international captain has endured an injury-disrupted season, but he underlined his undoubted pedigree with an exceptional 115 not out from 140 deliveries, guiding Railway to victory with an over to spare in pursuit of Pembroke’s 265.

It was an innings built initially on patience before Le Roux increasingly showcased the power that has long marked him out as one of the most talented batters in Leinster cricket.

Railway had been rocked early as Olly Riley removed Robert Carr without scoring and Robert O’Brien for eight to leave them 19 for two.

Le Roux steadied the chase alongside the highly-rated Bruce Whaley, the pair adding 112 for the third wicket to wrestle control away from Pembroke. Whaley made 46 from 61 balls before Tim Tector bowled him with the score on 131.

There was no opening for Pembroke, however, as Le Roux then shared a further 78 with Abhay Tipnis, one of the standout performers of the season. Tipnis contributed an important 37 before also falling to Tector.

Tector bowled superbly for three for 28 from his ten overs, but Le Roux remained unmoved, striking six fours and three sixes before Connor Walden’s unbeaten 23 helped complete the chase.

Earlier, Pembroke had recovered from 74 for three to post 265, largely through an excellent 95 from overseas professional Addison Sherriff.

Sherriff struck seven fours and a six from 91 balls, holding the innings together after Tim Tector made 26, JJ Garth 27 and Macdara Cosgrave 18.

Fiachra Tucker added 22 and Daniel Murray 21, but Pembroke were unable to produce the explosive finish that might have pushed the total beyond 280.

Connor Walden and Ashil Prakash claimed three wickets apiece, while Sean O’Brien took two.

For Pembroke, it was a damaging defeat at a crucial stage of the title race, but they have the chance to bounce back right away when they face CSNI in the Irish Senior Cup at Clontarf on Sunday.