Finishing with a 5-1 victory over Harlequins at Belfield yesterday, Instonians retained the All-Ireland title in convincing style. Neil Cooke's squad may also have the ability to gain A division status for themselves in the European Champions' Cup in Milan later this month.

None of the other sides could match their overall technique and stamina over the weekend in the Nissan-supported round-robin tournament. Notably, Paddy Brown, having made the breakthrough to the National team, demonstrated his prowess as a versatile defender while Mark Irwin hinted that he could merit a recall to the Ireland attack. In the long term Stephen Reid is shaping as an incisive figure, too.

Irwin, taking a pass from Mervyn Cooke, plundered the Harlequins defence in an opening raid and put away a second goal in the 14th minute. Brown then found an opening for Reid, from an acute angle, to make it 3-0 by the interval.

Harlequins, with Jason Black making some impression, rallied for David Eakins to deliver a reverse-stick centre for Eddie O'Leary to add a neat finishing touch. But Instonians regained control for Reid to tuck away his second goal before, following a succession of short corners, Neil Cooke scored with a direct hit in the last minute.

While there was nothing at stake except second place, Pembroke Wanderers enjoyed a 4-3 win over Lisnagarvey in the season's finale, avenging a 2-1 defeat in an early round of the Irish Senior Cup. Julian Stevenson popped the Ulstermen into the lead but Pembroke replied with crisply taken goals by Francis de Rosa, Simon Kershaw and Dougie Good.

Although Robbie Taylor reduced the deficit from a corner before half-time, Peter Young created a gap for Devin Donnelly to make it 4-2 midway through the second half. Lisnagarvey replied only with another Taylor delivery.