Merrion’s bowlers produced a disciplined display to secure a 45-run victory over Leinster after defending a modest total of 169.

Merrion were made to work hard for their runs, slipping to 30 for three before John Anderson steadied the innings with a patient 37 from 65 balls.

Peter Forkin then provided crucial resistance lower down the order, finishing unbeaten on 32, while Mikey O’Reilly contributed a useful 15.

Joey Carroll was the pick of the Leinster attack, claiming four for 37 from his ten overs, with Bilal Azhar taking two wickets.

Leinster’s reply never recovered from the worst possible start as Thomas Johnson fell first ball to O’Reilly.

Luke Horgan and Saqib Bahadur also departed cheaply, leaving the chase in early trouble.

Monil Patel battled for 18 and Younas Ahmadzai top-scored with 29, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Tristen de Beer made 19 and Bilal Azhar finished unbeaten on 20, although Leinster were eventually dismissed for 124 in 31 overs.

O’Reilly completed an excellent all-round performance with three for 28, while Corne Botha also claimed three wickets, conceding just 29 runs from nine overs.

Andrew Doheny added two wickets as Merrion comfortably closed out the contest to keep alive their title hopes while dealing a blow to Leinster's aspirations.