Dublin northside cricket took something of a lambasting on Saturday, as North County, Malahide and Rush all failed to make it through to the semi-finals of the Leinster Senior Cup, sponsored by Conqueror.

The draw for the semis, by the way, will be made live on NEAR FM 101.6 during next Wednesday's match between the Leinster President's Overseas X1 and Ireland at Castle Avenue, and did not take place yesterday, as this correspondent stated in error last Saturday; mea culpa.

The biggest upset of the day, arguably, was at Balrothery, where Railway Union unhorsed hot favourites North County by two wickets, with just three balls to spare. Sean O'Connor's undefeated 155 won him the man of the match award, but his fine innings was not enough to save North County, as Railway pulled off a notable victory.

YMCA's see-sawing form continued at Anglesea Road as they shook off the memory of two recent comprehensive defeats to beat Merrion by three wickets, despite Gus Joyce's knock of 63 runs. Alan Lewis was YM's match winner, as he contributed an excellent innings of 46 not out.

At Terenure, CYM toppled Rush to win comfortably by four wickets.

Meanwhile, in near wintry conditions at Malahide, Pembroke ran out the easiest of winners as they coasted home by 87 runs. Batting first, Pembroke at one stage looked like knocking up a hefty total, but were eventually contained to 250, which seemed well within Malahide's reach. Peter Davy top-scored for Pembroke with 48 (58 balls, six fours).