Hard lesson for Navan as they lose out

The realities of life in the AIL Div 1B were forcefully brought home to Navan when they lost 18-23 to St Mary's College at Balreask Old today. 

The game turned out to be a engaing encounter that swung one way or the other before St Mary's pushed on to win.  Navan led 10-0 after 26 minutes with the help of a super Evan Dixon try and a penalty and conversion from Colm O'Reilly.

Ray Moloney's side were also in front 13-7 at the interval however the visitors fought back to equalise with two penalties from Ruairi Shields. 

In the closing stages Navan went 18-13 in front with Riaan Van Der Vyver going over with O'Reilly's conversion attempt narrowly sailing wide. Immediatly afterwards Hugo Conwary broke through for a St Mary's touchdown under the posts with Michael O'Gara converting. The home side also conceded a series of penalties that proved costly in this tense closing minutes. 

Dixon's try was one of the highlights of the game for Navan as he ran half the length of the pitch before touching down. 

Coach Moloney said he was disappointed with the result but happy that his team got up and running with a bonus point. 

SEE MATCH REPORT, QUOTES AND PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GAME IN NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE.