Another bonus point on the road for Navan

Navan travelled to the heartland of Munster rugby to take on Nenagh Ormond last Saturday and while coming away with a bonus point restored pride they will feel that they left a victory behind them. When the two teams met last year at Balreask Old, Nenagh won by a point 9-8, in a bruising encounter. On the evidence of that display Navan travelled to New Ormond Park on Saturday knowing a result was within their capabilities despite the heavy loss at home to an exceptional Cashel team the previous week. Against Nenagh the Balreask Old side started brightly and were camped on the opposition line for a spell. However, a home player kicked the ball downfield and Nenagh got over for a try in what was a classic breakaway score. Nenagh struck again in the 20th minute when they broke from midfield for a second try, also converted. With the excellent Navan set-pieces providing a platform for attacks the visitors put together some good phases of play and Leigh Jackson found a gap for a try to give his side hope and leave them trailing 5-14 at the interval. Navan continued to display keen attacking skills in the second-half and in one attack a superb switch pass enabled Maurice McAuley to score in the corner. Shortly afterwards Riaan van der Vyver got one of his trademark tries where he mixed individual brilliance, quick feet and pace to work his way through the middle of the Nenagh defence and get a touchdown. It was van der Vyver who also added the conversion as Navan led 17-14 with the real prospect of a victory. Nenagh stormed back and hauled themselves on level terms when they scored from a penalty. Almost straight from the kick-off Nenagh moved the ball wide and with one long pass, which looked like it was forward, they were able to release their winger who touched down in the corner. It was not converted by Nenagh who still led 22-17. With the Navan forwards retaining the ball well the visitors won a penalty, but van der Vyver's kick rebounded off the woodwork. Paul Feeney was particulary impressive in the closing stages as Navan sought to save the game, but Nenagh held out. Navan - M McAuley, D Geraghty, R van der Vyver, D Sheridan, S Hogan, J Mullins, D Delahunt; M Liddle, J McGahy, D King, J Duffy, T Boyle, P Feeney, S Dawson, L Jackson. Subs - J Davis for Sheridan, R O'Brien for Delahunt, C Brady for McGahy.