Navan scuppered by Skerries in opener
Skerries ...........44
Navan ..............22
Navan failed to make a winning start to their AIL Div 2B North campaign on Saturday as they fell to defeat against their regional rivals Skerries at Holmpatrick.
Despite the deficit, Dan Van Zyl’s side showed plenty of attacking intent and resilience which secured a valuable four-try bonus point on the road.
Skerries struck first through Rob McKey but Navan quickly found their rhythm and pressed deep into the home side's territory. In the 20th minute, after being held up in the in-goal area, Navan earned a penalty advantage and kicked to the corner.
From the resulting five-metre lineout, the pack set up a relentless catch-and-drive before Gary Faulkner touched down for Navan’s opening try.
Skerries struck right back off the restart to restore their cushion and added a penalty and a late first-half try to give them a lead of 18-5 at the interval.
Skerries extended their advantage immediately after the break but Navan fought back when scrum-half Kit Waddington sniped up the left-hand touchline to cross for a sharp solo try.
The introduction of Ireland Sevens Olympian Hugo Lennox off the bench injected fresh pace for the hosts and in turn yielded two tries for Skerries. Navan refused to back down and traded scores with the eventual winners in an entertaining final quarter.
Shaun O'Reilly rounded off a fine team move in the 59th minute with a try which was converted by Mark Farrell before captain Ben McEntagart powered over in the 74th minute to secure the four-try bonus point. McKey and Lennox added late scores for the hosts as they closed out the contest well.
Next Saturday will see Navan play their first home game of the season as they host Clogher Valley at Balreask Old.
Skerries: Ronan Mulcahy; David Goodman, Kevin McGrath, Michael Sherlock, Rob McKey; Jack Litchfield, Paul O’Loghlen; Kieran Leonard, James Brennan, To’e Lokeni; Rossa Gilbride, Sam Deering; Taidgh Keane-Boylan, Mike Branagan, Peter O’Neill. Replacements: Hugo Lennox, Ben McKiernan, Cal Marrey, Dara Twomey, Paul O’Loghlen.
Navan: Shane Walshe; Greg Edogun, Shaun O’Reilly, Ben McEntagart, Luke Bryan; Philip Smyth, Kit Waddington; Alex McGoey, Fionn Craik, Gary Faulkner; Eoghan Noonan, Koen Jansen; Callum Breeds, Ewan Groenewald, Niall Hurley. Replacements: Shane O’Connor, Mark Farrell, Alex Carter, Jack Smith, Jack Smith, Michael McAteer.