THE Leinster success story continues to unfold. Two more wins this weekend, the second of which has booked them a spot in next Sunday's 50 Overs League final against The Hills, who overcame Old Belvedere by 16 runs at Cabra.

Again it was the Byrne trio who were largely instrumental in both victories. In the Conqueror Cup on Saturday, Johnnie's century saw his side past Trinity's 141 by the 28th over yesterday, elder brother Joe was left one run short of a ton by the end of the 50th over, by which stage Leinster had reached 215 for 5. Finally, it was Peter Byrne who was bowling when YM's Angus Dunlop holed out to deep square leg, swinging the game Leinster's way in the process. YM finished 38 runs short.

The Hills, who finished second to Leinster in Section A, had a similarly successful weekend, disposing of Phoenix by tea on Saturday and then outplaying Old Belvedere yesterday.

From 13 for 4, they did remarkably well to post a target of 159. After Glenn Prouten and Owen Butler had shattered their top order, Mark Clinton and the immoveable Johnnie Archer put the pieces back together.

Old Belvedere were in a comfortable mid innings position, but the drinks break broke Anto Canavan's concentration and then Joseph Clinton took two wickets from successive deliveries to change the game.

Matt Dwyer bowled his spell unchanged and unchallenged as just 16 runs were scored between overs 30 and 40. This left the lower order with too much to do and The Hills held their nerve to win by 16 runs.

. Derek Scott, the highly respected Honorary Secretary of the Irish Cricket Union, announced yesterday that he will be retiring from his position at the end of next year after 23 years of tireless work. The ICU will be seeking a successor in the coming months.