Big challenge awaits Navan but Banbridge victory gives real hope
Navan u-16 success also augurs well for the future
The challenge is clear. Navan's next big assignment in the Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2A is a clash with league leaders Nenagh Ormond on Saturday 2nd March.
It's the start of the final batch of games in what has been a topsy turvey season for the Balreask Old side.
A victory would be warmly welcomed by the Balreask Old faithful - and it is needed in their quest to pull away from the lower regions of the table.
However, the magnitude of the task facing Navan can be seen in the way they have 31 points while Nenagh Ormond have 57 which puts them six points ahead of MU Barnhall.
Navan coach and former Leinster and Connacht hooker Jason Harris-Wright will be hoping his side can can sustain the very encouraging recent form of late that included a full-on victory over Banbridge last Saturday.
Navan's ever diligent PRO Craig Williamson composed this report.
Banbridge 15
Navan 19
Rifle Park, Banbridge
In a crucial Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A Round Fifteen clash, secured a hard-fought 19-15 victory over Banbridge at Rifle Park.
This win is a significant step for Navan as they aim to secure their All-Ireland League Division 2A status for the next season.
Navan, coming off a positive win at home against Malone, started the game brightly with intent, taking the ball on hard carries and building phases.
Full-back Rory Gordon made an impact early on, running through a gap off a five-meter lineout to score and convert after Banbridge was penalized at the breakdown. Mistakes at the breakdown became a recurring theme throughout the match, with both teams facing penalties.
Banbridge's challenge was compounded when their blindside flanker was sin-binned for foul play, and Navan capitalized on the temporary advantage.
Liam Carroll touched down off a forward drive, and with Gordon's successful conversion, Navan took a 14-7 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Banbridge struck back with an early try, closing the gap to just two points. Navan faced challenges in converting opportunities near the home side's 5-meter line but maintained their commitment to tackle defense.
Banbridge took the lead with a penalty kick, but Navan responded with determination.
In the final minutes, an excellent catch and drive from a lineout led to Jamie Kavanagh scoring the winning try in the right corner. This crucial victory positions Navan well in their quest to secure All-Ireland League Division 2A status for the next season.
Navan will enter the last break period in the season's campaign before facing league leaders Nenagh Ormond at Balreask Old in Round Sixteen on Saturday, 23rd March.
The Central Player of the Match: Jamie Kavanagh.
Navan Men's 1st XV Squad sponsored by Hannon Travel.
Navan squad - Rory Gordon, Paddy Fox, Sean McEntagart (Capt), Peter McEntagart, Kyle Dixon, Evan Dixon, Mark Farrell, Liam Carroll, Jamie Kavanagh, Jordan Finney, Eoghan Noonan, Conor Hand, Ben McEntagart, Leon Akopian, Harry Hester, David Clarke, Leigh Jackson, Conor Ryan, Robbie Lailvaux, Harry Devlin.
Boy's U16 XV
Navan 63
Skerries 19
In an emphatic display of skill and strength, Navan U-16 Boys secured a remarkable 63-19 victory against Skerries in the Leinster North-East Area U16 Boys Youth Cup final at Balreask Old.
This win marked this particular Navan group of youth players third consecutive North-East Area Cup triumph, following their successes at the u-14 and u-15 levels.
Navan proved to be the dominant force in the final, showcasing their prowess with an impressive performance. The team's cohesion and attacking flair were evident throughout the match. Navan demonstrated their strength with a total of nine tries, scored by eight different players.
Try scorers for Navan included Conall Sheridan (two tries), Myles Doyle, Rhian Faherty, Jack Clarke, Aidan Lynch, Cormac Fagan, Conor Goodwin, and Luke Brady.
Lorcan Craik, Navan's out-half, was flawless in his kicking, converting all nine tries to boost the team's score.
Skerries displayed resilience and fought hard, managing to score a couple of tries towards the end of the game, finishing with 19 points on the board.
Deputy-President of Navan RFC, Scott Ennis, presented the trophy to Navan captain Conor Goodwin, acknowledging the team's outstanding achievement in securing the North East u-16 Cup.
With the North-East Area u-16 Boys Youth Cup secured, the Navan side are set for the Leinster Boys Youth Cup quarter-final in their age group, with a trip to Athy scheduled for this coming Sunday.
Navan u-16 boys squad - Oshan Varney, Daniel Robinson, Matthew Kieran, Myles Doyle, Jack McGettigan, Rhian Faherty, Conor Goodwin, Jack Giles, Jack Clarke, Lorcan Craik, Conall Sheridan, Cormac Fagan, Jay Gavigan, Aidan Lynch, Luke Brady, Dylan McGuinness, David Farrelly, Eamon Berwick, Sean Curtis, Aaron Roche, Joe O'Neill, Frederick James Woods, Tom Hynes.
Other Results:
Men's 3rd XV
Leinster Metro League - Division 7 (Saturday 2nd March)
Old Belvedere 5
Navan 10
Distillery Road, Drumcondra
Navan men's third XV squad - Richard Kennedy, Paul Caffrey, Craig Byrne, Ronan McIlwaine, Stuart Byrne, Thomas P Clarke, Ruairi Coleman, Anton Hoey, Ronan Walsh, David Delahunt, Peadar Flood, Thomas Geraghty, James O'Hare, Brian Cooney, James Macken, Arron Puddick, Gareth Ward, Philip Kane, Piotr Jankowski, Odhran Begley.