Navan players shine in two interprovincial triumphs
Craig Williamson
It was a week of triumph for two of Navan RFC's rising stars, who contributed to Leinster’s success in their respective PWC U18 Interprovincial Championships.
In the PWC u-18 Women’s Interprovincial Championship final, Navan’s Katie Kearney played her part in Leinster’s hard-fought 17-14 victory over Connacht at Dubarry Park, Athlone.
This win marked a reversal of last season's final outcome, with Leinster reclaiming the title in a thrilling contest.
Meanwhile, Alex Carter (pictured below), another promising talent from Navan, featured in Leinster’s u-18 Club/Youth side, who completed a clean sweep in the PWC u-18 Clubs Interprovincial Championship.
In their decisive third-round fixture, Leinster overcame a determined Ulster side 21-15 with a late try, sealing the championship at Energia Park, Donnybrook.
Both players' performances contributed to Leinster's regional dominance, and their success showcases the strength of Navan RFC’s youth development.
Other events happening at Navan RFC
Navan u-20s
Navan...26
Buccaneers...41
Navan Men's u-20's welcomed Buccaneers to Balreask Old for a pre-season challenge match on Sunday.
Buccaneers, who played in a higher division in last season's Leinster JP Flanagan u-20 League and featured several Connacht academy players, showed their strength, but Navan held their own for large portions of the game.
The visitors opened the scoring with a converted try, but Navan responded with an unconverted try from Oisin Heffernan, closing the gap to 7-5 after 25 minutes.
The first half turned into a midfield battle, with both sides contesting possession fiercely and delivering powerful tackles. Just before half-time, Navan gained momentum, allowing Heffernan to score his second try, this time in the right corner. Philip Smyth successfully converted, giving Navan a 12-7 lead at the break.
Buccaneers came out strong after the restart, capitalising on a lapse in Navan's concentration to score a quick converted try, reclaiming the lead.
However, Navan responded by forcing the visitors into errors, with a Buccaneers prop yellow-carded for repeated infringements. Navan exploited their numerical advantage, setting up Finney McNally for a try to the left of the posts, which Smyth converted, restoring their lead.
Buccaneers regained control, launching a 20-point spree without reply. They closed Navan's lead to two points with a penalty and followed it with three tries, two in the corners and one to the right of the posts, exploiting defensive lapses from Navan.
Despite this, Navan managed a late try from Shane O'Connor, converted by Smyth, narrowing the gap to 26-34 with five minutes remaining.
However, Buccaneers sealed the game with a final converted try under the posts just before full-time, ending the match at 41-26.
Despite the loss, Navan’s strong showing against a formidable opponent provided valuable insights for their preparations ahead of the upcoming Leinster JP Flanagan U20 League.
Navan will continue their pre-season next week when they host Ulster side Clogher Valley at Balreask Old on Saturday, with a 3:30pm kick-off.
NRFC Adult Results w/e 8th September 2024
Friday 6th September 2024
Leinster North-East Jenkinson Cup
Navan Men 3rd's 0 Balbriggan 33
Sunday 8th September 2024
U20 Friendly/Challenge Match
Navan Men U20's 26 Buccaneers 41
Navan/Ashbourne President's Club challenge
On Friday 13th and Saturday 14th September Navan RFC will be hosting teams from Ashbourne RFC in what will be a Club Challenge to mark both Navan's Centenary and Ashbourne's 50th Anniversary marking the milestones for both County Meath clubs.
The two days will see minis, youth and a number of adult teams from each club play each other play, with the club winning the most games taking home an inaugural Club Challenge Cup.
The program of matches over the two days is as follows:
Friday night (13th September):
U-18 Girls
U-18 Boys
Senior men J3 game
Adult over-35s mixed tag rugby
Matches on Saturday (14th September):
Minis Festival in the morning featuring Boys U8, U9, U10, U11, U12 & Girls U12.
Youths matches featuring Boys U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 & Girls U14, U16
Senior women’s J1 match
NRFC Adult Fixtures w/e 15th September 2024
Thursday 12th September 2024
Senior men's friendly/challenge match
Men 1st XV V's Dublin University (Trinity), away, 8pm.
Friday 13th September 2024
President's club challenge
Men 2nd XV vs. Ashbourne, Balreask Old, 8pm.
Saturday 14th September
President's Club Challenge
Women 2nd XV V's Ashbourne, Balreask Old, 1pm.
Senior women's friendly
Women 1st XV V's Clontarf, Balreask Old, 1pm
U20 men's friendly
Men U20 XV vs. Clogher Valley, Balreask Old, 3.30pm.