The Navan players who were on duty for the victory against Old Alex (from left) were: back - Ruthy O’Dea, Emma Lyons, Emma O’Rourke, Sarah Mullen, Amabel Townshend, Bronagh Markey (coach); front - Andrea Grogan, Zoe Monahan, Kate Clarke, Katie Martin, Phoebe Harty.

Winning start for Navan girls against Old Alex

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HOCKEY

Navan Hockey Club under-age and adult teams were in action at the weekend with the campaign for the sixth class girls producing a 3-0 Leinster League Div 5 victory against a well-regarded Old Alex side.

Amabel Townshend registered a hat-trick of goals in the Navan side's debut.

Old Alex fought ferociously to the end and Navan goalkeeper Kate Clarke had plenty to do between the posts to earn her clean sheet.

She was supported well by defenders Sarah Mullen, Emma Lyons and Emma O'Rourke who built a solid wall of defence that saw Old Alex unable to breach the D from short corners.

Old Alex had the momentum in the second-half and they managed to keep a clean sheet and withstood the immense pressure that came from mids Andrea Grogan and Katie Martin.

They surged forward with the ball and Zoe Monahan, Phoebe Harty and Ruthy O'Dea were very unfortunate not to score further goals towards the end of the game.

Navan (panel) - Kate Clarke; Katie Martin, Ruthy O'Dea, Emma Lyons, Emma O'Rourke, Sarah Mullen, Amabel Townshend, Andrea Grogan, Zoe Monahan, Phoebe Harty.

ADULT

Navan continued their journey in Div 4 on Saturday, but despite a spirited display they lost (0-1) to Our Lady’s. The goal came in the first-quarter from a well-aimed deflection into the bottom corner.

Navan held their own for the remainder and were unlucky not to convert with great chances coming from Mags Kilcooley, Clodagh McGauren and Bronagh Markey.

There was also a fine performance from Karen Dunne in goals once more, this time pulling off a quadruple save to keep the opposition at bay. Her reaction times were impeccable between the posts.

Strong performances from Rebecca Roche and Helen Heaney in the defence allowed Navan to stay in the game but unfortunately time ran out on finding a much-needed goal.

Coach Margie Loughran was happy with the performance of her side as this is the first time Navan have been in such a high grade. They will now look ahead to the next outing on Saturday 30th October away to unbeaten UCD.

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