JJ Garth top scored with 86 and gave a fielding masterclass as Pembroke made light of the absence of three internationals to beat Merrion by 84 runs in the League Cup semi-final.

The former Irish youth international shared a second wicket stand of 117 in 22 overs with Lorcan Tucker, who hit nine boundaries in a run-a-ball 62.

Garth and skipper Theo Lawson (35) added a further 77 as Pembroke piled on the runs.

Poonish Mehta had a point to prove against his former side and he will have relished his late blitz as he clubbed 8 fours and 2 sixes in his unbeaten 68 from only 48 balls as Pembroke finished on an imposing 275 for 5.

Merrion, without the influential John Anderson (attending wedding) would have been hoping for big runs from Stephen Doheny, so it was a big blow when he fell to Ryan Hopkins.

However, Merrion appeared to be rallying as Jack Carty made a fluent 42 as he add Michael Lewis (29) added 52 for the second wicket.

Garth's influence on the match wasn't confined to the bat, as he broke the stand with a direct hit - one of four run outs for the brilliant cover-point as Merrion failed to learn their lesson again and again.

Franco Marais made a patient 38, while Tom Stanton's unbeaten 21 merely delayed the inevitable as they finished on 191.

It's Pembroke versus Clontarf next weekend in what is sure to be a thrilling contest, albeit with two teams shorn of their interprovincial representatives.

Pembroke have shown their depth with this win - will Clontarf have the same resources in reserve? Given their form this year, you would think so.