Merrion moved to the top of the Premiership with two games remaining after a tense three-wicket victory over previous leaders Balbriggan in a potentially decisive title clash.

Balbriggan were in deep trouble at 40 for five after Mikey O’Reilly ripped through the top order, removing Prashan Naidoo, Kai Curran and Christopher De Freitas on his way to three for 26.

De Freitas had made 37, but the innings was rescued by a superb unbeaten century from Jordan Hollard. The all-rounder struck five fours and six sixes in 102 from 90 balls, dragging Balbriggan to 194 before they were dismissed in 41.5 overs.

Swapnil Modgill claimed four late wickets, while Cornelius Botha, Sean Stanton and Andrew Doheny also struck.

Merrion’s reply was far from straightforward as Stephen Doheny, Modgill and O’Reilly all fell with only 34 on the board.

Daniel Forkin and Rajwardhan Undre then rebuilt the innings with a crucial fourth-wicket stand of 90. Forkin ground out 51 from 96 balls with seven fours, while Undre provided the acceleration, striking three fours and four sixes in an excellent 49 from 40 deliveries.

Balbriggan fought back again, reducing Merrion to 153 for seven, but Andrew Doheny held his nerve.

Doheny struck five fours in an unbeaten 32 from 27 balls and, with Sean Stanton making 11 not out, guided Merrion home in the 43rd over.

The victory saw Merrion leapfrog Balbriggan at the summit, leaving the title firmly in their own hands with just two matches remaining.