Red hot Tullamore continue promotion charge with bonus point win

Tullamore continued their impressive run of form with a commanding 43–22 bonus-point victory over fourth-placed Seapoint, recently crowned All-Ireland Junior Cup champions, in a rearranged Leinster League Division 1A clash played at St Michael’s College.

Senior Leinster League Division 1A: Tullamore 43, Seapoint 22

Coming into the fixture sitting second in the table and just three points behind league leaders Boyne following last week’s dramatic win, Tullamore arrived hungry and driven — and their intent was clear from the opening exchanges.

Early pressure was rewarded after five minutes when Conor Dunne opened the scoring with a penalty. Minutes later, Tullamore struck for their first try. Mark Kennedy produced the first of several big plays, stealing possession at the breakdown and forcing a penalty. From the resulting lineout, Marty Cummins rose high to claim the ball and set up a rolling maul. Held just short of the line, Sam Burns spotted a gap in Seapoint’s defensive line and glided in for the score.

Seapoint attempted to rally immediately, but Tullamore forced another turnover and capitalised ruthlessly. Karl Dunne moved the ball quickly to brother Conor, who drove the ball deep into the Seapoint 22. As the Seapoint full-back attempted to regather, Steven Joyce flew into the contest to force a mistake, allowing Conor Dunne to reclaim possession and stroll over for Tullamore’s second try and a 17–0 lead.

Tullamore were now in full flight and added a third moments later. The backline looked slick with every attack, while wingers Scott Bradley and Cathal Farrell were sharp under the high ball and dangerous in possession. Bradley was held up just short but cleverly forced a lineout. From there, Tullamore set another rolling maul in motion, with hooker Shane Minnock delivering a pinpoint throw before powering over himself for a superb front-eight score.

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Seapoint crossed for a try of their own before half-time, leaving Tullamore with a 24–5 advantage at the break.

The visitors picked up where they left off after the restart, continuing to probe and stretch the Seapoint defence. Lovely handling from Colm Heffernan, Adam Carthy, Barry Bracken, and Ciaran Ennis brought Tullamore agonisingly close to the line, with Seapoint infringing three times under sustained pressure. Eventually, the breakthrough came through Cathal Farrell, who showed quick feet and strength to beat multiple defenders and dot down for the crucial bonus-point try.

Tullamore went again soon after, producing some beautiful flowing rugby. Seapoint attempted a chip-and-chase during an attacking phase, but substitute Steven Pyke reacted brilliantly, blocking the kick and regathering possession. Burns shifted the ball to Karl Dunne, who shaped to clear before dummying the pass and sent Ryan Strong racing downfield. Strong was tackled high and earned a penalty, which Conor Dunne quick-tapped to drive Tullamore into the Seapoint 22. From the next phase, Karl and Ryan combined with soft hands to release Pyke into space. Showing grit and awareness, Pyke stepped the full-back and weaved his way over for a superb try that he initiated himself.

Tullamore added their sixth and final score on 71 minutes. Strong carries from Kalvin Mahon, Adam Strong, and John Dunican laid the platform before a clever trick play released Cathal Farrell into space. Farrell needed no second invitation, powering over for his second try of the afternoon and Tullamore’s sixth.

Seapoint, to their credit, refused to fold and scored late tries to secure a losing bonus point, but Tullamore remained in control to close out a deserved 43–22 victory.

The back-row trio of Ciaran Ennis, Colm Heffernan, and Barry Bracken once again impressed in both defence and attack. The half-back pairing of Sam Burns and Karl Dunne controlled through out, while Scott Bradley was immense on the wing, while Mark Kennedy was outstanding in the loose. Substitutes Steven Pyke, Ryan Strong, and John Dunican all made significant impacts upon introduction.

Another statement win for Tullamore as they maintain their title push, with momentum firmly on their side heading into the final stretch of the season.

Tullamore Starting XV:

1. Mark Kennedy

2. Shane Minnock

3. Adam Carthy

4. Kalvin Mahon

5. Marty Cummins

6. Ciaran Ennis

7. Colm Heffernan

8. Barry Bracken

9. Sam Burns

10. Karl Dunne (C)

11. Scott Bradley

12. Conor Dunne

13. Sean McCabe

14. Cathal Farrell

15. Steven Joyce

Replacements

1. Paul Galvin

2. Steven Pyke

3. John Dunican

4. Ryan Strong

5. Adam Strong