Navan hockey focus

Navan 2nds lost out (1-3) following an exciting tussle against Corinthians in the Leinster Ladies League Div 9 at Mercy on Saturday morning.

The Navan women showed great improvement following a disappointing opening to the season and the first 20 minutes looked promising with numerous chances on goal.

However, Corinthians hit the front close to the interval. Eirin Dames showed great confidence between the posts for the Navan side and managed to keep out a wave of attacks from Corinthians shortly after their opening goal.

Navan claimed a penalty flick after being denied a goal chance from the 'keeper lying on the ball, but Helen Heaney's effort was deflected to safety.

 

 

This save spurred the Corinthians side to launch into attack mode and they found the net twice more in the second-half.

Navan were once more denied a late goal chance by an accidental clash of heads in the D. The Corinthians defender rushing in to block Bronagh Markey's shot found herself running straight into her. Navan were awarded a bully outside the D and from the resumption Sinead Dixon, who played a stormer, showed great vision and sent the ball pelting towards the waiting Clodagh Lyons who showed great reaction to slot home for a well-deserved goal.

Navan - Erin Dames; Jennifer McCormack, Centinne Lavina, Jane O'Brien, Mairead Canavan, Clodagh Lyons, Sinead Dixon, Amy Reid, Helen Heaney, Bronagh Markey, Ciara Casserley, Samantha Simari.

DIVISION 5

Navan 0
Rathgar 1

With a limited subs bench and many of the team having played a game already on Saturday morning, it was a huge ask of the Navan side to take on Rathgar.

It was a very tense game from the off with both teams testing the 'keepers early on with some finely executed passages of play.

Karen Dunne was in fine form between the posts and made some excellent saves and Navan grew in confidence with solid performances coming from the defensive line.

Sweeper, Grainne Hussey, was a key player and restricted Rathgar chances, making block after block before clearing the ball out of the D.

The return of Emma Fitzgerald gave Navan a fighting chance and she was a formidable hard hitter, creating numerous chances. The midfield line of Emily Davis, Alice Davis and Carla Mae Banks worked tirelessly to break down the Rathgar team. 

It was however, not to be for the Navan side and Rathgar found themselves in possession in the last few minutes of the game and caught the defensive line unawares for a late winner.

MEN

Navan 4
Mullingar 2

Navan continued their excellent start to Leinster League Div 4 with a superb win over Mullingar on Saturday. 

A second hat-trick in as many games from Ru Clarke and one goal from Martin Holland gave them the three points despite a spirited and sometimes fractious comeback from Mullingar.

Navan started brighter with Chris Booth and Philip Garry harrying the visitors at every opportunity, causing several interceptions high up the pitch.

With Mullingar on the back foot from the first minute, Navan's pressure resulted in two early penalty corners, which Clarke duly dispatched.

Clarke then turned provider with a run down the right and a cross into the circle. Holland was on hand to deflect the ball neatly into the bottom corner. 

Mullingar rallied however and scored a drag flick into the roof of Emmet O'Mordha's net. 

The second-half was an even more lively affair as Mullingar pushed further into Navan's half. Strong defending from Bryan Harley and Roger Warburton was vital and Garry's marauding runs made sure the Westmean men were never comfortable.

Despite some great efforts from Booth - one in particular kept out by the outstretched toe of the keeper - Navan conceded again. 

Navan slowed down the game winning frees and maintaining possession as high up the pitch as possible. Again, some swift counter attacks and solo runs from Garry, Eamon Lynskey and Booth gained territory.

Eventually, Navan managed to get a penalty stroke after a shot hit a Mullingar foot on the line and Clarke duly converted.