Phoenix opened up the Senior Two title race with a narrow two wicket win in the Phoenix Park against high flying Pembroke.

In difficult conditions Pembroke posted 145 all out with Andrew Balbirnie top scoring with 32, while Theo Lawson chipped in with 24 and Allan Eastwood 17.

Jan Steenkamp (3-42), Conor Kelly (2-27) and S Raza (2-10) were the main wicket takers.

In reply, Phoenix were indebted to South African Steenkamp who held the proceedings together with an unbeatn 54 to secure the win. Ahmed made a vital 25, while Rory Anders will never score a more valubale 0 not out!

Allan Eastwood (3-37) and Andy Balbirnie (2-12) toiled manfully but to no avail.

Leinster 2's produced the shock of the day with a fully deserved 50 run win over visitors Malahide.

Gavin Gilmore (39) and David Lucas (29) were the backbone of their 181 total, with Callum Riches (4-23) and the experienced Jim Govan (4-40) amongst the wickets.

Govan (48) did his best to hold the Malahide reply together but four wicket hauls for Hugh MacDonnell (4-25) and Gareth Delany (4-34) saw the village side dismissed for just 131 to put a serious dent in their promotion aspirations.