Merrion followed up their All-Ireland T20 Cup success by clinching the Leinster Women’s Premiership in dramatic fashion, edging Phoenix by just two runs in a rain-affected contest.

Batting first, Merrion posted 139 for eight from their 20 overs, with Annabel Squires leading the way.

Squires struck five fours and a six in a fluent 50 from 40 balls, while captain Niamh MacNulty added 21 and Bella Armstrong 11.

Phoenix shared the wickets around, with Darcey Dalwood, Arisha Foysal and Lily McDonagh all claiming two apiece.

Rain then reduced the Phoenix reply to 15 overs, leaving them with a revised target under DLS.

The chase was driven by an excellent 57 from Aditiba Chudasama, who struck seven fours and two sixes from only 36 deliveries.

However, Merrion kept chipping away with crucial wickets.

Armstrong removed Foysal, while MacNulty dismissed Chudasama and later Juliet Gargan in a decisive spell of two for 13 from three overs. Aoife Hayden and Ashwi Manoj also struck.

Phoenix entered the final over still with a chance, but Merrion held their nerve superbly.

Chudasama fell at 106 before Gargan was dismissed four balls later, leaving the chase agonisingly short, as Phoenix finished on 111 for six from their 15 overs.

The two-run DLS victory secured the Premiership crown for Merrion and capped a superb period for the club. Having already lifted the All-Ireland T20 Cup, they added the Leinster league title in the most dramatic fashion possible, surviving a late scare to complete a memorable double.