Heroes return to the fold as Navan get landmark season underway
Leinster Senior League - Section B
Navan 21
Wanderers FC 19
Craig Williamson
Navan RFC's senior men's team began their centenary season with a hard-fought victory over Dublin's Wanderers FC at Balreask Old in their opening home match of the 2024/2025 Leinster Senior League Section B.
The match was the first competitive outing at home for Navan, who are celebrating their one hundredth season of on-field activity.
The game started with Navan showing intent after a strong pre-season. Despite the intensity, the first half remained tight, with the only score coming from Ben McEntagart, who crossed the try line after a brilliant 55-meter run, fending off two Wanderers players. Rory Gordon converted the try, giving Navan a 7-0 lead at the break.
The second-half saw the game heat up as Wanderers responded with an unconverted try, narrowing Navan's lead. The match became even more competitive, with several players from both sides spending time in the sin-bin. Wanderers capitalized on this, adding two converted tries to take the lead.
However, Navan fought back with determination. Jack Dixon sniped through Wanderers' defense to score, with Gordon adding the conversion. Gordon then secured victory by converting his own try after benefiting from a well-placed grubber kick by substitute out-half Tom Gavigan.
Notable performances came from Evan Dixon and Rory Gordon in the backs, and Andy Beggy, Ben McEntagart, and Liam McAree in defence. Replacement back-rower David Brady impressed after coming on early for an injury cover, and former captain Bernard Smyth delivered a solid performance, showing his experience.
Navan will look to build on this momentum as they face Skerries away next Saturday, with the match set for a 3pm kick-off at Holmpatrick.
Navan - Liam Carroll, Gary Faulkner, Jordan Finney, Andy Beggy, Liam McAree, Harry Conlon, Bernard Smyth, Lazlo Pschorn, Jack Dixon, Evan Dixon, Cormac Horan, Ben McEntagart, Rory Gordon, Harry Devlin, Shane Walsh. Subs - Dara McHugh, David Brady, Tom Gavigan, Simon Hogan, Sean McEntagart, Tommy Geraghty.
Women's Exhibition Game:
Preceding the Men's match, an exhibition game was held between a Navan "President's XV" and a Navan "Captain's XV."
The teams consisted of players from last season's league and cup double-winning Senior Women's 1st and 2nd teams, as well as new players and those moving up from the Under-18 level.
Both teams showcased their talent and competitive spirit, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in Leinster Women's League Divisions 2 and 4.
Navan connections continue in Interprovincial action
Former Navan RFC youth players Abby Moyles and Jade Gaffney made notable appearances in the third round of the Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship on Saturday, representing Ulster and Leinster respectively.
The match was particularly significant as it saw the two former Navan teammates facing off against each other at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.
Abby Moyles, starting at out-half for Ulster, contributed two successful conversions, showcasing her skills and composure under pressure.
On the other side, Jade Gaffney earned her first start at scrumhalf for Leinster following her senior debut off the bench last week against Munster. Despite Moyles' efforts, Leinster emerged victorious with a dominant 39-14 win, securing their place in the Interprovincial Championship final where they will face Munster again next week.
In addition to Moyles and Gaffney, current Navan youth players Alex Carter and Katie Kearney also made significant contributions, representing Leinster u-18 Men's and u-18 Women's teams, respectively.
Their involvement at the provincial level highlights the strong rugby foundation being built at Navan RFC, with players progressing to represent their provinces in key competitions.