Pembroke will be playing Championship cricket in 2023 after they lost at home to Merrion by 44 runs.

Stephen Doheny's 87 was the bedrock for the visitors total of 204 for 7, with runs too for Sean Stanton (41*) and Jack Carty (36).

The early loss of both openers meant the chase was a tough one, but Lorcan Tucker (31) and Theo Lawson (26) looked to be steadying the ship, before a flurry of wickets.

Big signing Nigel Jones (18) couldn't save them, and with the Merrion attack all in the wickets, Pembroke were all out for 160.

David Delany and Murray Commins were the heroes for their respective sides as Clontarf and The Hills did what they had to do to ensure they didn't suffer the dreaded drop on a tension filled afternoon.

David top-scored with 65 (12 fours), while elder brother and skipper Eoghan also passed 50 as the Castle Avenue side posted 235 for 9 - runs too for PJ Moor, who hit 3 sixes in his 37, while there three wickets for Ash Bain and Tomas Rooney-Murphy.

The hosts needed 195 to secure the three bonus points needed, and despite a few early scares, Commins century settled the frayed nerves.

He added 117 for the fourth wicket with Mark Donegan (42), hitting 14 boundaries in his 110. Delany ensured the win for Clontarf with his fifth wicket, much to the relief of the home faithful.

Phoenix won the battle but lost the war, and they like Pembroke will be plying their trade in the Championship next year despite a three-wicket win over Malahide.

Agnibesh Paul (55) and Fintan McAllister (33) got Malahide to 192 for 9 - three wickets apiece for Ben White and Devender Ranolia.

Opener Stephen Black's half century was pivotal in the win, with George Dockrell also making 33. It was all in vain though as the combination of results elsewhere confirmed their drop into the second tier.

No play was possible in the scheduled clash between YMCA and new champions Balbriggan.

A wet pitch and run-ups saw the umpires call off the match in early afternoon.

The teams shared the 25 points which ensured that YMCA remained in the top flight irrespective of results elsewhere.