Navan edge out rivals in Battle of the Boyne

Sean McEntaggart scored two tries as Navan held off the challenge of north-east rivals Boyne to consolidate their place at the top of the AIL Div 2C with a 30-17 victory at Shamrock Lodge, Drogheda tonight. 

The Balreask Old side were red hot favourites going into this encounter played in freezing conditions but they had to battle hard to pick up their victory. 

Navan coach Alan Kingsley had expected a tough battle and that's exactly what his side got. 

The visitors led 15-14 at the interval with Brian Haugh and McEntaggart going over for tries while Colm O'Reilly added a penalty and a conversion. 

Playing with the help of the Arctic breeze in the second-half Navan did most of th pressing moving the ball through the phases. 

Young front-row players Sean Healy powered over for a touchdown while McEntaggart finished off a fine, controlled move in the corner for the bonus point try. 

O'Reilly also added a penalty and a conversion in the second-half as Navan drove home their superiority in terms of tempo they played the game.

Hugh Carolan and Rory Hennessy went over for Boyne tries while Niall Kerbey added convertsion. Kerbey also scored a penalty goal in the second-half.  

Boyne pressed hard in the closing stages looking for a converted try that would earn them a bonus losing point. 

Anchored at the bottom everything Boyne get they will need to avoid the drop while Navan sit at the top with promotion very much in their sights.