Navan………………………34
Malone……………………..35
Saturday 21st March | Balreask Old, Navan
(Half-Time: Navan 15 Malone 7)
Navan RFC Men’s 1st XV were narrowly defeated 35–34 by Malone in a dramatic Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B encounter at Balreask Old, with a late comeback falling just short. Prior to kick-off, both teams and supporters observed a minute’s silence in memory of Luke Kenny, a touching and respectful moment for the club.
Navan then made a strong start, with Fionn Craik powering over for the opening try, converted by Tom Gavigan. Malone responded through their forward pack, but Navan regained control with a well-worked move finished by Mark Coen in the corner. A late Gavigan penalty ensured Navan led 15–7 at half-time.
Malone came out with renewed intensity after the break, scoring early before a penalty try and yellow card shifted momentum firmly in their favour. A second sin-bin period for Navan compounded the pressure, and Malone capitalised with further tries to stretch their lead to 35–15 heading into the final quarter.
Navan showed tremendous character to mount a dramatic comeback in the closing stages. Mark Coen crossed for his second try. Captain Conor Farrell scored twice in quick succession and Gavigan added crucial conversions With the gap reduced to just one point, Navan pushed hard for a winning score in the final minutes, but Malone held on to claim the victory.
While the result was a frustrating one particularly in respect to the penalty count, there were plenty of positives for Navan; A strong first-half performance, Excellent resilience and attacking intent in the closing stages and valuable experience for a developing squad. With no relegation this season due to upcoming league restructuring, Navan can continue to build and develop as they head into the final rounds.
With results elsewhere Navan dropped to 10th place, but with Enniscorthy visiting Balreask Old next weekend, there is an immediate opportunity to climb the table.
Navan RFC Player of the Match Sponsored by “The Central”: Mark Coen Navan RFC Men’s 1st XV Sponsored by “Hannon Travel”: Shane Walshe, Will Finegan, Ben Mc Entagart, Tom Gavigan, Mark Coen, Jeaic Timmons, Kit Waddington, Shane O’Connor, Fionn Craik, Gary Faulkner, Ben McCreary, Karolis Navickas, Johnny McKeown, Michael Brady, Conor Farrell (capt). Replacements: Liam Carroll, Thomas Kearns, James Duffy, Andrew Beggy, Mark Farrell.
Malone: Ben Gibson, Tane Hotham, Cameron McCaughey, Josh Pentland, Davy McMaster, Mathew Rae, Dara Gaskin, Ben Halliday, Dan Kerr, Ricky Greenwood, Ben Grimley, Logan Wakefield, Callum Knox, Ross Todd (capt), Michael Crothers.
Replacements: Sam Green, Bailey Young, Jacob Edwards, Callum Soper, Michael Melville.
Scorers Navan: Tries: Fionn Craik (5′), Mark Coen (17′, 72′), Conor Farrell (77′, 78′). Conversions: Tom Gavigan (6′, 73′, 78′).
Penalties: Tom Gavigan (40+1′).
Scorers Malone: Tries: Dan Kerr (10′, 43′), Callum Knox (62′), Tane Hotham (70′), Penalty Try (50’). Conversions: Mathew Rae (11′, 44′, 63′, 71′), Penalty Try (50’).
Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 2B – Round 16 Results:
(Saturday 21st March)
● Enniscorthy 52 Skerries 19, Alcast Park, Enniscorthy.
● Galwegians 0 Clogher Valley 31, Crowley Park, Galway.
● Navan 34 Malone 35, Balreask Old, Navan.
● Sligo 31 Rainey 21, Hamilton Park, Sligo.
● UL Bohemian 70 Buccaneers 22, University of Limerick 4G.
Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 2B – Round 17 Fixtures:
(Saturday 28th March, all 2:30pm KO)
● Buccaneers V Sligo, Dubarry Park, Athlone.
● Malone V Clogher Valley, Gibson Park, Belfast.
● Navan V Enniscorthy, Balreask Old, Navan.
● Rainey V Galwegians, Hatrick Park, Magherafelt.
● Skerries V UL Bohemian, Holmpatrick, Skerries.
