The Navan players who achieved an historic victory over Three Rock Rovers (from left) back - Margie Loughran (coach), Clodagh McGauran, Laura Smullen, Fiona Madden, Rebecca Gahan, Rhona Murphy, Sarah Bannon, Bronagh Markey, Niamh Curtin; front - Roisin Byrne, Rebecca Roache, Karen Dunne, Mags Kilcooley, Nicolene Marais, Sinead Dixon.

Historic victory for Navan as Rovers are rocked

HOCKEY

Jimmy Geoghegan

Published: Fri 3 Dec 2021, 2:24 PM

Last updated: Fri 3 Dec 2021, 2:48 PM

Navan2

Three Rock Rovers1

Last Saturday turned out to be a truly historic day for the Navan hockey club as the ladies team claimed their first victory in Division 4 of the Leinster League, the highest division they've ever played in.

This was an occasion when the Navan side showed real character and determination to clinch victory in a close, tough encounter. They were sharp in attack and resolute and strong in defence.

Navan got off on the right foot, scoring the opening goal of the contest with Niamh Curtin finishing superbly. The chance was created after a great one-two between Curtain and Rebecca Gahan in the opening quarter.

The outcome was that Curtin was freed to swoop down on goal and she stayed calm and composed before firing the ball to the bottom right corner.

Nicolene Marais and Sinead Dixon worked well on the right to keep the ball in Three Rock Rovers' half and maintain the pressure on for the remainder of the first quarter. Navan led 1-0 at half-time but they had to survive some uncertain moments as Three Rock found their fluency.

Defensive heroics were requred and players such as Laura Smullen, Rhona Murphy, Roisin Byrne and Rebecca Roache were quick to smother their attempts on goal throughout.

The third quarter saw a few more openings created by Navan with Mags Kilcooley and Clodagh McGauran combining well. Both were unlucky not to convert some well placed shots on goal.

It wasn't until the last quarter that Navan got their second goal. Sarah Bannon whipped the ball across the D - and there waiting was Bronagh Markey who connected superbly to finish into the bottom left corner.

Three Rock Rovers came storming back. They earned several short corners in a row as the Navan side tired. Karen Dunne made several impressive saves including a shot which she expertly palmed away from the top left corner. It was touch and go for the remaining few minutes.

Three Rock Rovers kept pressing with Fiona Madden coolly sweeping the ball off the line in the closing minutes to sustain the Navan lead and achieve a wonderful victory.

Navan - Clodagh McGauran, Laura Smullen, Fiona Madden, Rebecca Gahan, Rhona Murphy, Sarah Bannon, Bronagh Markey, Niamh Curtin, Roisin Byrne, Rebecca Roache, Karen Dunne, Mags Kilcooley, Nicolene Marais, Sinead Dixon.