Historic victory for Navan's young guns

Navan advanced to the u-20 All-Ireland final with a 42-31 victory over Dublin University at Balreask Old today, writes OSCAR ROGAN.

Navan RFC expected an uphill battle from the boys of Dublin University if they were to progress into the All-Ireland final. Prior to the game, many were tipping Trinity as strong favourites and that the home side would certainly be doing well to keep them at bay.

However, in a stark contrast to how many people saw the game playing out, it was Navan who started on the front foot.

A blistering opening period saw the home side score three tries in the opening 10 minutes through JJ O'Dea and a double from Cathal Duff, however Christian Byrne's conversion attempts sailed wide of the posts.

Not long after,  Dublin University put three points on the board themselves from penalty kick. However after this, it was Navan again who produced the goods.

A strong, darting run through the centre of the field from Ben McEntaggart, gave Navan another opportunity to put points on the board.

Although McEntaggart was eventually brought to the ground, the sheer persistence of the home side saw Keelan McKeever break through and score yet another try for the Balreask Old boys. Byrne converted. 

The sheer strength and persistence of this Navan side continued to keep Trinity at bay. After half an hour, the scoreboard was leaning heavily in favour of the home side who led 22-3.

However, the Navan boat was rocked temporarily as two players were sinbinned in quick succession, leaving them with only 13 men on the field.

Despite their best efforts, Navan struggled notably during this period as they conceded two tries. A weak scrum is what cost them the second try and Navan were eagerly awaiting half time and the return of their two men to the field of play.

At the break the score was 22-17 to Navan. The opening minutes of the second period saw the home side return to a full team of fifteen and the team's performace was noticeably improved.

It only took nine minutes for Navan to get behind the Dublin University defence once more as it was Christian Byrne who touched down to give Navan yet another try. This was converted by Byrne himself to give Navan a 12-point lead.

However Navan kept pushing on and after Cathal Duff instinctively picked up a loose ball, he found Keelan McKeever who strode forward, found Paddy Fox, who barrelled down the line to give Navan yet another try.

After a missed conversion attempt by Byrne, the score stood at 34-17 to Navan, only 13 minutes into the second period. The Navan strength and pressure continued to see them winning back possession and pushing the University side back whenever danger looked near.

Dublin University narrowed the gap to just 10 points after a converted try, setting this one up to go right down to the wire.

A deliberate knock on from Dublin University's Colm Hogan gave Navan the opportunity to widen the gap however the penalty was missed and the window opened for Trinity to find a way back.

Soon after, it looked like they'd do just that as they scored a converted try to narrow the gap even more and create an intense atmosphere as we approached the close of the game.

Once again however, Navan were on hand with a swift reponse. Substitute Shane Walsh grabbed a try to restore an eight point gap as we got into the final ten minutes.

The skill and pace of the  Dublin University side threatened to cause Navan some real problems in the dying embers of the match, promising that this one would go right down to the wire.

Navan scored a late penalty confidently fired over by Byrne and, heroically, managed to hold on for what can only be described as an incredible achievement for these young players.

Speaking to head coach Pat Kenny after the game, he said the key is to give players 'self belief'.

He said they 'definitely have the heart' it's just making them believe they can do it. And with 11 of today's starting team back for next season, the future certainly looks bright for Navan rugby.

All in all, a hugley successful day for the young lads of the Navan under 20s and everyone involved with the squad. 

The final will take place next weekend - opposition to be confirmed.