Another kick in the Derry air for struggling Navan

At one stage in this AIL Div 3A game at Judges Road ground in Derry on Saturday the Balreask Old side looked to be heading towards a heavy defeat only to stage a spirited revival in the second-half and put a considerably better reflection on the scoreboard at the final whistle. It was 12-3 to the home side at the interval, the scores coming from two tries and a conversion. Early in the second-half the Ulster side broke through for their third try which was also converted. Soon after that breakthrough the City of Derry added yet another converted touchdown to put them 26-3 in front on the road to a huge win. The small, loyal group who made the trip up north to support Navan must have feared the worst. Only some desperate defending from the Navan side prevented City of Derry from adding to their tally, but the visitors also put together some enterprising moves after the break. They were rewarded for their efforts when Simon Hogan was in the right place to get a try and Martin Coll converted to leave it 26-10. In the closing stages City of Derry ran in for a late try to wrap up the win. Navan's second-half display was encouraging as they played some fast-paced, expansive rugby and this contributed to a open, free-flowing game. “Navan played with plenty of fire and determination particularly in the second-half and they were caught by two breakaway tries from City of Derry. There were encouraging signs that we will get more points towards the end of the season,†said Navan official Gerry Williamson who was among those in attendance. City of Derry have a fine tradition in the oval-ball game with former internationals such as Noel Henderson and Ken Goodall among those to play for them in the past. Ironically, considering the final result, it was Navan who took the lead with out-half Martin Coll slotting over a penalty goal early on. Instead of the visitors pushing on from there it was City of Derry who took a stranglehold on the game and they particularly made good ground when they moved the ball out wide. Despite facing an uphill battle from early on Navan continued to battle throughout the 80 minutes with Hogan, John Davis, Maurice McAuley, Rory Gleeson, John Duffy, Bernard Smyth and Leigh Jackson impressive. Next Saturday Navan will be hoping to improve their standing in the league when they take on Nenagh at Balreask Old, 2.30. Navan - S Hogan, M McAuley, T Geraghty, M Harrington, J Davis, M Coll, A Hickey; R Gleeson, J Baker, A Keating, J Duffy, P Feeney, T Boyle, B Smyth, L Jackson. Subs - D McDonagh for Baker, R Reilly for Keating, T Clarke for Boyle.