Balreask Old boys reach new heights to claim All-Ireland title

After controlling the game for lenghty spells Navan had to withstand some sustained late pressure before claiming a 5-0 victory over Bruff in the u-19 All-Ireland rugby final at Naas this afternoon.

The Balreask Old boys spent much of the game in attack and they were awarded for their adventurous approach with a try from Shane Faulkner that was to prove so decisive. The score arrived on the stroke of half-time.

The conversion attempt was missed by out-half Graham Garland and that looked like it might prove costly however Bruff were unable to get the try they sought.

Bruff dominated the closing stages and it was only some brave, desperate defending that kept the Limerick side at bay with Navan's Ciaran Stafford at one stage making a decisive intervention to prevent their opponents from getting a touchdown.

Bruff's out-half Paul Downes also missed from a close in penalty in the second-half.

The Navan pack were particularly impressive with the front row of Stafford, Daire Meegan and Faulkner particularly strong and influential in what was a game where forwards stepped into the limelight.