Ireland’s World Cup heroes shone on the opening weekend of the Leinster season as the title contenders in Division One posted some impressive results, writes EMMET RIORDAN .

Railway Union hammered Pembroke by 230 runs at Sydney Parade, with Kevin O’Brien and Trent Johnston impressing in front of national coach Phil Simmons.

Railway posted 345 for seven off their 50 overs, with Tom Fisher top-scoring with 74 and Johnston making 63 off 47 balls. Conor Mullen chipped in with 48, while O’Brien hit five sixes in making 46 off just 23 balls. O’Brien then starred with the ball, taking four for 15 runs as Pembroke were bowled out for 115.

The bowling performance of the weekend went to Clontarf’s international all-rounder Alex Cusack, who took five for 19 in a seven-wicket victory over Merrion at Anglesea Road, while John Mooney scored 81 in North County’s 81-run victory over Phoenix in Balrothery.

In the tightest finish, The Hills won by three runs in a low-scoring affair against YMCA at Claremont Road.