Tullamore deliver powerful statement with great win over unbeaten Suttonians

Tullamore delivered a powerful, season-defining performance on Saturday, handing league leaders Suttonians their first defeat of the campaign in a commanding 22–8 victory at Spollanstown. Suttonians arrived boasting a perfect record — six wins from six — while Tullamore were eager to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Wicklow.

Leinster Rugby League Division 1A: Tullamore 22, Suttonians 8

With the season finely balanced, the stakes could not have been higher. Defeat would have left Tullamore drifting in mid-table, but victory put them right back among the contenders.

Tullamore exploded into the game with intensity and accuracy, creating multiple early scoring chances. However, despite seven promising opportunities, the home side couldn’t convert. Suttonians, known for their slick backline, needed only one glimpse. On 15 minutes, they moved the ball wide with pace and finished smartly in the corner. The conversion was missed, leaving them 5–0 ahead against the run of play.

The response from Tullamore was immediate and emphatic. The home pack began to dominate every facet of the contest. Scrum time was a major platform, with Matthew Murphy, Mark Kennedy and Cathal Behan outstanding throughout. In the line-out, Martin Cummins was the fulcrum, securing clean ball and disrupting Suttonians repeatedly.

Sustained pressure yielded Tullamore’s first points through a well-struck Conor Dunne penalty. The breakthrough try soon followed — and it was a superb team effort. Off a line-out play, Martin Cummins’ delicate hands found Mark Kennedy, who punched a hole in the Dublin sides rearguard. ‘Mini’ sent the ball to Sam Burns. Spotting space, Burns fired a crisp skip pass to Ciarán Ennis, who showed great composure to gather and release Sean McCabe. McCabe finished expertly in the corner to give Tullamore the lead.

Half-time: Tullamore 8–5 Suttonians

The second half was dominated by the men in red and black. Tullamore controlled territory through clever tactical kicking from Sam Burns, Brendan Heffernan and Karl Dunne, repeatedly pinning Suttonians deep in their own half. The pack continued their dominance in the loose and in defence.

A huge baring on the game was the return of Barry Bracken, making his first appearance for Tullamore since March 2023. His impact was immense — his work rate, physicality, and defensive presence lifted the entire team and added serious steel to the forward effort. Conor Dunne added two further penalties between the 40th and 65th minute, stretching Tullamore’s advantage. Suttonians replied with a penalty of their own, but they struggled to break down a defensive line marshalled superbly by Bracken, Ennis, Colm Heffernan and Kalvin Mahon.

The decisive score came late in the second half. After earning a penalty and kicking to the corner, Tullamore executed another excellent line-out move, driving to within inches of the line. The ball was flashed to Sam Burns, who released Karl Dunne. With defenders rushing up, Dunne showed real poise — catching, attracting the defence and whipping a beautiful long pass wide to Cathal Farrell. Farrell accelerated into space and finished brilliantly, delivering the try that sealed the match.

A final Conor Dunne penalty put the result beyond doubt.

Full-time: Tullamore 22 – 8 Suttonians

This was a statement win and one that sends shockwaves through Division 1A. Tullamore are now firmly back in the top four and very much in the hunt as the season heads toward the winter break.

Outstanding performances were found across the pitch. Sean McCabe and Cathal Farrell provided moments of class out wide. The pack was immense, with Bracken’s return, Behan, Murphy and Kennedy dominant in the scrum, and Cummins superb at line-out time. Defensively, Ennis, Bracken and Mahon were exceptional.

Man of the Match: Kalvin Mahon

The young star produced a brilliant all-round display, showing strength, determination, sharp attacking bursts, and superb defensive commitment.

Tullamore now turn their focus to next weekend’s clash with Wexford Wanderers, kicking off at 2.30pm, as they look to close out the year on a high. 

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TULLAMORE: Mark Kennedy, Matthew Murphy, Cathal Behan, Martin Cummins, Kalvin Mahon, Ciaran Ennis, Colm Heffernan, Barry Bracken, Brendan Heffernan, Sam Burns, Cathal Farrell, Conor Dunne, Sean McCabe, Steven Joyce, Karl Dunne ©.