Newbridge………………………….41
Navan………………………………..33
Friday 16th January | Newbridge RFC
Under 13 Boys Leinster Youth Boys U13 Grading Group A
The Under-13 Boys produced a spirited and thrilling second-half performance on Friday evening, but ultimately fell just short in a high-stakes league decider away to Newbridge, with promotion to the Premier League on the line. Played on Newbridge’s main pitch, the fixture saw third-placed Navan travel to face second-placed Newbridge, knowing that only a win would secure promotion. Led out by captain Shay Smyth, Navan started with good intent but found themselves under sustained pressure in the opening half. Newbridge were ruthless in taking their chances, crossing for four unanswered tries to establish a 20–0 half-time lead, despite Navan creating several promising attacking opportunities of their own.
The second half told a very different story. The introduction of the so-called “bomb squad” injected energy and momentum, and with the slope now in their favour, Navan began to impose themselves physically and creatively. Within a minute of the restart, Shay Smyth opened Navan’s account, igniting hopes of a remarkable comeback. Casey Reynolds followed with Navan’s second try before Smyth completed a superb hat-trick with two further scores. Reynolds then added Navan’s fifth try of the half, capping an outstanding individual performance. Out-half Freddie Davis was exemplary from the tee, converting four of Navan’s five second-half tries, keeping the pressure firmly on Newbridge right up to the final whistle. Despite the late surge and a relentless finish, Navan narrowly missed out, with Newbridge
holding on for a 41–33 victory.
Player of the Match went to Casey Reynolds for an exceptional all-round display. Starting on the wing, moving into the second row, and finishing the game at number six, Reynolds showcased his versatility, work rate and attacking threat. One of Navan’s leading try scorers
this season, his pace and agility were constant dangers, and he is set to captain the side in their next outing.
While disappointment was inevitable, there was plenty of encouragement for the coaches to take from the performance, particularly the boys’ resilience, fitness levels and second-half intensity. Newbridge were gracious hosts and deserving winners on the night, welcoming
both teams in for refreshments after a highly competitive and sporting contest.
Thanks to all the supporters who made the journey to Newbridge on a busy Friday evening. Division 1 fixtures will be released in the coming weeks, with parents kept fully informed. The squad now turns its focus to finishing the season strongly, starting with a return to training on
Monday.
Navan RFC Under 13 Boys Squad:
Freddie Davis, Cillian Murtagh, Ben Battersby, Gene Murray, Henry McGivern, John Graham, Briain Kennedy, James Burns, Shay Smyth, Freddie Kearns, Casey Reynolds, Jack Macken, Tadhg Sheridan, Alex Patterson, Conor Lyons, Eoghan Clarke, Bobby Swan, Leon Irwin Byrne, David Feeney, Aidan O’Connor, Ethan McKenna, Seamus Tobin, Kealan
Rogers.
Pictured above; Aoife White being presented by her Referee jersey by North-East ARLB representative David Jenkins.
