Wine Gum Willie seals victory for Navan

'Wine Gum' Willie Staunton slotted the kick to push Navan into AIL Div 2A today against Rainey Old Boys.

"It was an incredible team performance today, never say die! What an amazing season. Well done to Alan, Dara, Ray, Kinger, Bryan and the entire squad" was the reaction on Navan RFC Twitter.

Navan RFC coach Alan Kingsley signed off on his term at Balreask Old as the Meath club clinched promotion to the AIL Div 2A for next season.

Navan made the journey to Magherafelt to tackle Rainey Old Boys in the Promotion Play-off Final and duly won by 16-14 in an exciting game.

The teams were level 6-6 at half-time, but Navan pulled out enough in the second-half to take the victory and achieve promotion for the second successive season after winning the AIL Div 2B last season. 

Navan trailed 9-14 with 10 minutes remaining but a late try and conversion secured a sensational victory.

Kingsley and his team travelled north today hopeful of repeating the kind of victory they achieved last Saturday when they made the journey to Greystones and came away with a 22-16 semi-final victory. 

Navan defeated Rainey Old Boys 15-6 in Magherafelt in early April, but last Septemer the Ulster side travelled to Balreask Old and chalked up a 20-13 victory, so it was all to play for today..  

A sizeable contingent of Navan supporters made the trip and will be enjoying the journey home at the moment and there will be some celebrations in the clubhouse tonight - but not too many!