A dramatic final day saw Ben Ackland produce one of the most memorable innings in Leinster history to secure Merrion's safety in Senior One and at the same time relegate Clontarf.

Ireland A player Ackland smashed 17 fours and 8 sixes in a quite superb 170 to lead Merrion to 291 for 8, with John Anderson (38) and Dom Joyce (33) offering valuable support.

Ackland has his critics but his breathtaking innings will silence the nay sayers for a considerable time.

Clontarf set off in pursuit of two targets - firstly 272 would guarantee them safety as their run rate would edge above North County, while of course 292 would secure the points.

In the end Clontarf fell short of both - Eoghan Delany hit 64 not out but they ended on 251 for 9, slipping down the relegation trapdoor.

North County had ensured their own survival after completing obliterating a Hills side still in celebartion mode after securing the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup last week.

The Richardsons - Eddie and Terry claimed four wickets apiece as The Hills were skittled for just 79.

Conor Armstrong them raced to an unbeaten 50 as the ten wicket win was secured and ultimately another season in the Leinster top flight.

Champions Leinster won against Railway Union in a game which had a distinctly end of season feel to it.

Joel Leacock hit 44 as they scored 127 with Singh (4-30) and Greg Lambert (3-11) the main wicket takers.

Railway though fell 16 runs short despite 33 from Patrick Collins at the top of the order. Stephen Moreton (4-34) and Anton Scholtz (3-26) spinning their side to victory.

In the final game in the division, Simmi Singh hit an unbeaten 105 to help YM to 266 for 7, with Albert van der Merwe (34) and Reinhardt Strydom (32) chipping in - Ken Brennan (3-39) and James Smith (2-53) the most successful Terenure bowlers.

Ben Hoey hit 41 in the Terenure reply which fell 113 runs adrift - Ali (4-30) and Van Der Merwe (3-25) getting the wickets.

IN Senior Two, Leinster 2's ensured that they stayed up by beating Cork County, while Pembroke defeated Malahide and Phoenix got the better of Rush.