Late heartache for Navan as treacherous play-off route awaits

The kind of heartache and joy sport can trigger, the emotional turmoil that can be stirred up, were on stark display at Balreask Old today.

It was all there to be seen at the final whistle of this AIL Div 2A encounter that was played in bright, early spring sunshine. While Greystones celebrated a 15-13 victory, that was dug out of rock their arms raised toward the perfectly blue sky, Navan players fell to the ground in dark dejection.

The contrast in emotions was triggered by the closing act of this thrilling game. As the final few seconds ticked away Navan tenaciously, heroically, held on to their narrow 13-8 lead.

With news filtering through that Galway Corinthians had defeated Ballymena 19-12 the scoreline at Balreask Old meant that Navan were secure from relegation as their scoring difference was better than the Ulster team's tally. Redemption was within reach. They just needed to hold on to that tenuous, narrow advantage.

However in a final, last-gasp shot at redemption Greystones, who sought the victory to ensure their place in the play-offs for promotion from 2A, made one last assault on the Navan line. They pushed and pushed and blew and blew until they found a way through a gap in the home team's defensive battlements with Killian Marmion eventually going over for a try. The sealing conversion from out-half Marmion was the last kick of the game.

That's how close Navan came to securing the win they so badly needed and for which they so heroically fought. The result means that Jason Harris-Wright's team now must participate in a treacherous, four-team play-off to ensure they stay in the division.

They will be justifiably encouraged by the way they played in this game recovering from the concession of an early, unconverted try scored by Greystones Craig Kenny to lead 8-5 at the break. Their cause was helped by the way they scored with a well-worked, superbly taken try scored by the outstanding Harry Watters. The conversion was missed but Mark Farrell did later contribute a further three points with a penalty goal.

Early in the second-half another well-constructed Navan attack ended with the influential Michael Brady going over for a try. Farrell's conversion attempt hit the post and bounced away. The home side now led 13-5.

At times Navan played some swashbuckling, attacking rugby with Evan Dixon and Watters among those to embark on surging runs. Walshe's kicking was also exemplary. At times too Navan tackled heroically, defended with vigour and concentration. They courageously prevented their opponents from finding gaps in the defensive ramparts.

At times too the concession of penalties let the home side down and in the end it proved costly. Killian Marmion scored from one of those to leave it 13-8 after 64 minutes. As the minutes ticked away Greystones launched a series of attacks. A knock-on within inches of the Navan tryline saved the home side. It looked like they might hold out for a famous win.

Then Greystones launched one final, assault. This time they scored a try with Marmion's victory-securing conversion trigging the scenes of dejection among the home players at the end.

Now it's onto the the play-offs for Navan and another chance to save themselves from the drop.

Navan - Rory Gordon, Harry Watters, Sean McEntagart, Kyle Dixon, Shane Walshe, Evan Dixon, Mark Farrell; Liam Carroll, Anthony Martinez, Jordan Finney, Eoghan Noonan, Conor Hand, Michael Brady, Ben McEntagart, Tom Ciot. Subs - Gary Faulkner, Leigh Jackson, Conor Ryan, Tom Gavigan, Mathijs De Wit, Liam McAree.

Greystones - Conor Balmaine, Ferdia Kenny, Andrew Lynch, Matt O'Brien, Craig Kenny, Killian Marmion, Ben Stephens; Shane Fikken, Rob Byrne, Conor Pearse, Eoin Marmion, Reeve Satherley, Ken Murphy, Stephen Bourke, Danny Kenny. Subs - Freddie Happonen, Gerhard Zdunkek, Jamie Mulhern, Conor McAleer, Dylan Henry.