"He's the Denis Law of Leinster cricket",  gasped CricketEurope scribe Ger Siggins. "Back-heeling that last six sends the Hills down."

40 years ago in the 1973/74 season, Manchester City beat city rivals United 1-0, a result which condemned them to second tier football.

The goal which put them down was scored by Denis Law, a United legend and icon.

Fast forward to Claremont Road last night and a similar scenario unfolded  as Albert van der Merwe came back to haunt his former club.

The biggest match of this or any other season was reaching a thrilling climax - YM needed 29 from the last three overs to win the league chasing a Hills total of 120.

Mark Dwyer gave the chase a boost when he fired five wides down the leg side reducing the equation to 24 from 18 balls.

Van der Merwe then struck consecutive fours through point and third man leaving YM needing 16 from 16 balls.

Any thoughts that they'd be achieved with low risk singles were quickly dispelled by Van der Merwe who smashed a six over mid-on - dropped by Bill Coghlan - one of many spectators along for the game.

Albert then drove boundaries though mid on and mid off to tie the scores, before dispatching the winning hit for six over midwicket to spark scenes of great jubilation among the home support - matched only by the utter dejection of The Hills facing a season in the lower league.

The Hills had looked on course for a total in excess of 150 when after the early loss of Nic Pretorius in the first over for 0,  Mike Baumgart hit 7 boundaries in a rapid 46 from just 33 balls.

However from 72 for 2 in the 8th, just 48 runs were added in the final 12 overs, with spinner Albert van der Merwe and Simi Singh picking up two wickets apiece.

Trent Johnston, in his last game for YM before departing for NSW, also bowled tightly, taking 1-23, as did Yaqoob Ali (1-19).

Any thoughts of a routine run chase were dispelled as Tom Fisher, Alan Lewis and Johnston all went cheaply and at 32 for 3 it was very much game on.

Simi Singh (33*) anchored the innings, with PJ Moor (24) and van der Merwe producing the fireworks at the end.

A dramatic end to the season, with YM edging Merrion to the title, while the Irish Senior Cup champions The Hills drop down.

SCORECARD

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