Terenure emerged the surprise finalists in the Alan Murray Cup when they came out on top on NRR after they, North County and The Hills all won a game each in their group at Milverton.

Their 23 run win against the hosts proved crucial - 27 from Max Sorensen and 14 from Mike Baumgart had led The Hills to 76 for 6 in 13 overs, with Zander van der Merwe taking 2 for 7 and James Smith 2 for 14.

Dan Van Zyl then smashed four sixes in a rapid 36 from 19 balls as Terenure raced to 59 for 3 in 6.3 overs - enough for them to be declared 23 run winners under DL.

Terenure's loss had been to North County by just one run in a thriller. John Mooney hit 41 from 28 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) with support from Conor Armstrong (36) as the Balrothery side made 96 for 3 in 13 overs.

That didn't look adequate as Van Der Merwe launched a brutal attack hitting 5 sixes and 2 fours in his 54, receiving good support from Andre Botha (23).

However Ross Staunton took 3 for 10 as Terenure fell just short on 95 for 6 as the final ball saw a wicket with 2 runs needed..

In the other group game The Hills made 105 for 2 which was 33 too many for County.

Defending T20 champions Clontarf are through after comfortable wins against Railway Union and Malahide.

Kenny Carroll hit 7 fours in a 45 ball 54 as Railway scored 118/8 - Joe Morrissey (3-17) and Andrew Poynter (2-20).

Poynter then sent a timely reminder to the Irish selectors as he made 62 from 55 balls (7 fours, 1 six), with Alex Cusack hitting 29, Clontarf romped to a seven wicket win with 15 balls to spare.

They secured their place in the final with a 66 run win against Malahide. Alex Cusack got their innings off to a quick start hitting 36 in 19 balls (6 fours, 1 six), and Eoghan Delany (32) and Andy Poynter (31) helping Clontarf to 156 for 7.

Yet again Poynter starred with the ball taking 3 for 18 as Malahide limped to 90 all out.

Bowl-out kings Rush then triumphed in the final group - beating Phoenix 3-2 and Merrion 2-1 to complete three of the finals line up at YMCA on Sunday August 5th.

YMCA, Leinster and Pembroke will play their Group next week.