CLONTARF need a maximum of three points today to retain the Division 1 league title but if nearest challengers Pembroke lose to Railway Union on the final Saturday of the regular season, Irish Cup holders Merrion will be playing Division 2 cricket next season.

Weather permitting everything will be decided today with the champions able to lose at home to Phoenix, by up to 59 runs or three wickets and still keep the league trophy in Castle Avenue.

Railway Union had been bottom of the league table all season – until their 20 overs victory over Merrion on Tuesday and it gives them the chance of avoiding the automatic relegation place.

Merrion must now win at North County today, and hope Railway lose, but the Ballsbridge side can now finish no higher than seventh, and that team have a play-off match against the runners up in Division 2 to keep their place in the top flight.

Leinster lead that league, but only by 4.5 points from Cork County going into today’s final games, both at home, against Terenure and Balbriggan respectively.