Holders into semi-final

IF Navan were looking for a tough, yet not-too-taxing type of game to get them back into the swing of things after a lengthy lay-off, then this All-Ireland Junior Cup encounter with Ballymoney on Saturday afternoon fitted the bill. Without having to extend themselves too much the Navan side notched up a comfortable win that ensures them a place in the last four of the competition they won last season. After the demoralising defeat by Seapoint in the league a few weeks ago this represented a perfect tonic for the Navan troops as they kick-started a few weeks of action that will define their season. Ballymoney brought a sizeable support to Balreask Old and they had some moments to treasure such as the two tries they managed to engineer in the second-half. Overall though, this game belonged to Navan who consistently demonstrated a sharper cutting edge and ability to find openings that meant their visitors from the north spent a lot of the game under pressure near their own posts. The break appeared to have energized the Navan players with Bernard Smyth among those who looked fresh and alert and he marked his display with two tries, one in each half. It was their fifth and final try in the closing minutes of the game that really brightened up a cloudy, if dry afternoon. Ballymoney were pressing close to the Navan tryline. Eoin King broke forward up the wing. Shane Dawson and Ryan Roberts all became involved as the ball was moved swiftly up the field. Full-back Maurice McAuley applied the coup de grace, taking a pass from Roberts before touching down beside the posts. It was a wonderful score that capped a classic breakaway move. Roberts converted and it was all over. The Navan three-quarters enjoyed a profitable afternoon with captain Simon Donnelly, Mark Harrington and Simon Hogan capping enterprising displays with a series of mazy runs through the middle. At the break Navan led 19-0 and never looked seriously troubled from then on. When they had to defend the Navan side displayed an impressive unwillingness to yield much ground although they are likely to face sterner examinations. Navan"s ball retention was impressive and their backs thrived on quick ball. Ballymoney, who are mid-table in the Ulster Senior League Div 1, were committed and determined, but lacked an extra dimension in attack that may have yielded more scores for them. Among the highlights of Navan"s performance was a series of tries. The five touchdowns they conjured up came about through a combination of good handling, swift passing and a willingness to have a go. Smyth showed he was on his game with one of his searing breaks that turned defence into attack after 15 minutes. Navan held on to possession through a number of phases before Kieran Mattson took the ball from a ruck 10 metres out and jinked his way through for the opening try, Ryan Roberts converted. The Leinster side took a firm stranglehold on the game 14 minutes later when Brad Harris pumped the ball forward into the opposition 22. Ballymoney full-back Christopher Watson collected. He had plenty of time however, he hesitated and his delayed, attempted clearance was blocked by Smyth who ran in to get the touchdown. Roberts missed the conversion although the out-half made up for it with a try just before the interval. The score was engineered by Hogan who won possession about 35 metres out and embarked on a mazy run. He ran gazelle-like through the bemused Ballymoney defence, jinking one way, then the other, leaving would-be-tacklers grasping air. Just as he came up to the tryline Hogan off-loaded to Roberts at his shoulder and the rest was easy. Roberts converted and Navan were on their way. For a spell just before and after the interval Navan did without Mattson who was sin-binned. He made a brilliant tackle to deny Watson from getting a try. However, the referee obviously saw or heard something and the busy Navan scrum-half was sent to the sideline. Navan"s two second-half touchdowns were a little special. Just 10 minutes in, Hogan again set off on one of his runs before setting up Smyth who dived over almost under the posts. And then shortly before the end we had the memorable move that culminated with McAuley"s clinching touchdown. Ballymoney gave themselves some hope with tries at the start and near the end of the second-half. They offered plenty up front and managed to put Navan under pressure for sustained spells. They didn"t have the spark in their attack to yield more than the two tries they got. Navan march on in the defence of a trophy they look reluctant to relinquish without a real battle. Navan - M McAuley, C Joyce, S Donnelly, M Harrington, S Hogan, R Roberts, K Mattson; E Dunne, D Harlin, D King, B Harris, J Duffy, P Feeney, T Clarke, B Smyth. Subs - S Byrne for Harris, C Brady for Harlin, E King for D King, Ballymoney - C Watson, N McCullough, C Beverland, D Colvin, C Harler, J Cleland, S Nelson; P Irvine, D Watson, R Hall, P Shields, A Graham, J Richmond, A Surgenor, J Hannah. Referee - Darragh McCormack (Ulster Branch).