An outstanding century partnership between Hayden Clinton and Joseph Russell ensured The Hills triumphed in the Leinster Under 15 Boys Cup final with a ten-wicket win over local rivals Balbriggan at The Vineyard.

The pair - rated as outstanding by that wise sage Deryck Vincent - ensured a nerveless pursuit of their 105-run target, knocking it off with relative ease on a lovely summer's evening to lift the trophy for the first time since 1997.

Winners The Hills; Deryck Vincent/Cricket Leinster

Hayden Clinton comes from Hills cricketing royalty - son of Joseph and Barbara, and grandson of the legendary late Joe - hit 8 fours in a 31-ball unbeaten 51, while opening partner Joseph Russell - another name synonymous with the club - hit six fours in his 38 not out from just 26 balls.

Balbriggan's Ryan Keenan (grandson of Albert Harper) top-scored for his team with 34 (6 fours), while there were runs too for Aadi Wankhade (26*), Jacob Phillip (13) and Euan Bannsiter (11) in a total of 104 for 5.

Billy Kelly (2-13), Max Stead (1-14), and Hayden Clinton (1-20) were the successful bowlers for the hosts.

Alan Courell (jun) collected the trophy from Leinster President Siobhan McBennett, also following in family tradition, as it was almost 35 years to the day that his father Alan (snr) won the Man-of-the-Match award as a 17-year-old as The Hills beat Carlisle to collect their first Leinster Senior Cup.

Alan Courell jun gets trophy from Siobhan McBennett; Deryck Vincent/Cricket Leinster

A great night for all at The Hills - congratulations to them, their parents, coaches and supporters. They will now go forward to represent Leinster in the All-Ireland Under 15 Cup later this month.

LEINSTER UNDER 15 CUP FINAL

At The Vineyard, Milverton, The Hills beat Balbriggan by 10 wickets

Balbriggan 104/5 (20 overs; Ryan Keenan 34, Aadi Wankhade 26*; Billy Kelly 2-13)

The Hills 107/0 (9.4 overs; Hayden Clinton 51*, Joseph Russell 38*)