By all accounts, the cup was running over at Rush's summer get-together on Saturday night, but the jollification did not continue at Kenure yesterday as Leinster bounced them out of the Conqueror Cup with victory by seven wickets and almost 16 overs to spare in their semi-final.

John Craven, who took four for 27, Dylan Clancy, who made 43, Mark Jones (38) and man-of-the-match Johnny Byrne (50 off 94 balls) were the architects of Leinster's success after the home side had looked to be in a pleasing position early in the game.

John Scanlan and Nazeer Shaukat helped Rush to a promising 106 for three off 35 overs at lunch.

But when they departed in rapid succession after the addition of nine runs, the rest of the Rush batsmen managed only a miserable 39 runs between them, 18 of which were contributed by Garrett Morgan.

Craven took the most wickets for Leinster, but Gavin Gilmore removed Scanlan and Shaukat and wicket-keeper Paul Reynolds had an excellent day, with two catches and two stumpings.

Shaukat, who also bowled very well, Cian Armstrong and James Carthy removed Joe Byrne, Jones and Hendy Wallace respectively for only 65 runs to leave Rush in with a shout. But Byrne and Clancy had other notions and patiently put on 91 in their unbeaten fourth-wicket stand to leave Leinster emphatic and deserving winners.

Meanwhile, one hesitates to tempt providence, but - mirabile dictu - there could be an all-Dublin Royal Liver Irish Senior Cup final this summer. Clontarf and YMCA have been drawn to play at home in the semi-finals on August 18th. Clontarf will play Donemana or Ballymena and YMCA will play Strabane.