Navan edge out Old Boys as Boyne await

Alan Kingsley's Navan side picked up another very significant victory in the AIL Div 2C yesterday when they travelled to Ulster and defeated top-of-the-table side Rainey Old Boys on a 17-13 scoreline. 

This was a game Navan dug out the hard way. They trailed 8-13 at the break with Declan Bannon scoring a penalty before Harry Hester passed for Conor Hand to go over for an unconverted try. 

The visitors kept battling away in the second-half with Bannon firing over from a penalty. Brian Haugh scored from another penalty to edge Navan ahead for the first time, 14-13 and in the closing minutes Ray Moloney scored with a dropped goal to secure the win. 

The win was another big step back into the sunlight after what was a very mixed start to their AIL Div 2C campaign for the Balreask Old boys. 

After securing a 26-22 victory over Sligo in the opening game of the campaign they lost to Bangor (19-23) and, most disappointingly 10-17 at home to Tullamore. 

It seemed, at that stage, as if Navan were struggling to find a foothold. Changes were made and what followed was something of a radical transformation. 

Among the changes was the move of new signing Bannon to a stint as out-half and that has helped to transform fortunes. Bannon picked up the man-of-the-match award after the victory over Rainey. 

Victories away to Kanturk (47-37) - when Simon Hogan made his 100th appearance for the team - at home to Bruff (32-22) and now away to Rainey have transformed the fortunes of the Balreask Old boys. 

Now Navan are just two points behind Rainey with the victories secured from forays into Munster and Ulster a real sign the team is on an upward curve. 

Next up for Kingsley's side is a home game against local rivals Boyne on Friday night at Balreask Old, 8pm and that promises to be an fascinating tussle. 

If the young Navan side can secure possession from the set-pieces they should secure another victory and add further momentum to their title charge.