Ashbourne………………..12

Navan………………………40

Milltown, Ashbourne
(Half-Time: 5-14)

Navan RFC Men’s J1/2nd XV produced a commanding performance under the Thursday night lights at Milltown, running in six tries to claim a decisive 40-12 victory over county rivals Ashbourne RFC and secure their place in the Leinster North-East Jenkinson Cup Final. The home side struck first after 10 minutes with an unconverted try to take an early 5-0 lead.
Navan settled into their rhythm and responded at the 26-minute mark when Evan James crashed over for the visitors’ opening try, with Mark Russell converting to put Navan ahead 7-5. Just before the interval, Matthew Clinton crossed the line for Navan’s second converted try,
giving the visitors a 14-5 lead at half-time.
Navan carried their momentum straight into the second half. Ciaran O’Reilly struck five minutes after the break to extend the advantage to 19-5. Four minutes later, Cormac Horan powered over for Navan’s fourth try, with Russell converting to make it 26-5.
Just on the hour mark, Harry Hester sliced through for a converted try under the lights, extending the lead to 33-5.

Ashbourne stemmed the tide on 65 minutes with a converted try to reduce the deficit to 33-12. Navan capped off the performance in the final minute as Andrew Beggy touched down, with Russell adding his fifth conversion of the night to round out a 40-12 victory.

Navan now advanced to face fellow near neighbors North-Meath RFC in an All-Meath Jenkinson Cup Final Dates, venue, and kick-off time will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. A huge thank you to all the travelling supporters who made the trip to Milltown to roar the lads on!

Navan RFC Men’s J1/2nd XV Matchday Squad
Starting XV:
1: Adam St Ledger, 2: Matthew Clinton, 3: Cormac Horan, 4: Aaron Beirne, 5: James Duffy, 6: Ciaran O’Reilly, 7: Evan James, 8: Andrew Beggy, 9: Cillian Farrell, 10: Mark Russell, 11: Eoin McSherry, 12: Harry Hester, 13: Cormac Horan, 14: Luke Dolan, 15: Graham Brennan.
Replacements: 16: James Wyse, 17: Adam Mathews, 18: Michael Brady, 19: Rokas Lipinskas, 20: Cillian Murphy.

Navan Scorers:
Tries: Evan James, Matthew Clinton, Ciaran O’Reilly, Cormac Horan, Harry Hester, Andrew Beggy. Conversions: Mark Russell (5)