Tullow RFC secured the Leinster Division 1b title with two games to spare on Saturday when they edged a 59 point thriller away to Clondalkin in tough conditions.

The Carlow side won 31-28 withstanding a late comeback by the team in second place who have been producing some scintillating rugby in recent weeks.

However it’s the men in maroon and white that have led the way all season unbeaten in 12 games averaging 28 points for and just 12 against one season on from finishing seventh in the division.

The sides were level a 13 all at half time before the winners opened up an eight point lead midway through the half, that didn’t stop the home side launching a late fightback and earning an invaluable bonus point in their bid to finish second.

Tullow will play top flight rugby for the first time and they will hope that this success can boost their momentum ahead of the Towns Cup as they look to go one better than last season.

Clondalkin can secure a promotion play off spot if they hold off the challenge from Portarlington and Longford in the coming weeks and with Tullamore already look like AIL round robin favourites, the Dublin side would gain promotion regardless of the play off result were the Offaly men to go up.

Result

Clondalkin 28, Tullow 31 (Did you go to this game? Write a short Knocket Match report)

The Table