Suttonians show admirable character

LEINSTER newest senior club, Suttonians, operating in the top sphere for the first time this seasaw off the challenge of Ireland's oldest club, Dublin University, at Anglesea Road floodlit Cup. In doing so they revealed not alone a dearth of skill but character as they wiped out an interval deficit of 11 points.

It was case of third time lucky for Suttonians who twice previously played in this competition as a junior club but had not previously won a match in it. Their win last night by 33 points to 25 was merited and it was achieved in an excellent match that produced some very creative play and was admirably refereed by Tom McCormack whose sensible, application of the laws contributed considerably to a most worthy spectacle.

The match produced 58 points and six tries and some of those scores were splendidly created, and executed. There was scarcely a dull moment with play swinging from end to end and the lead changing hands on several occasions. Both teams opted for the running game and in the end it paid the winning dividend for Suttonians.

Their full back, Rory Gallagher, set the trend for the night with a great try after 12 minutes, but two penalty goals by outside half Ian Quigley edged Trinity in front before outside half Russell Southam, who played especially well for the winners, kicked a penalty to leave Suttonians 8-6 ahead.

Trinity then, hit a golden spell in the five minutes before the interval when they scored 13 points with tries by full back Patrick Durkin - and a fine try it was - and another from left wing Darragh McElligott and penalty from Quigley. That left Trinity 19-8 ahead at the interval.

Far from being intimidated by their 11 points arrears Suttonians set about erasing it and had done so by the 54th minute. A try by hooker Eamon McKeon, and another by Southam which the same player converted, saw Suttonians move into a one points lead. Then substitute Tom O'Connor scored another try for Suttonians which Southam again converted to leave his team 27-19 ahead.

While Rob McMahon was a prolific ball winner for Trinity in the line out, the Suttonians pack was more effective in the scrum and the loose, but when Quigley - kicked a penalty for Trinity in the 65th minute his side trailed by only five points and lost a fine chance to level matters when right wing Bryn Cunninngham opted to pass inside instead of going for the line and the ball failed to go to hand.

Southam and Quigley exchanged penalties before Southam eased all Suttonians anxieties with a penalty just before the end for a personal contribution of 18 points.