Navan celebrated a unique treble last weekend when the Under-13 and Under-16 squads joined the 1st team squad who gained Senior status and, with it, promotion to the AIB League…
The Under-13’s won their third Leinster title of the season, this time the Leinster Schools/Youth Cup after a magnificent victory over Blackrock, while the Under-16’s won the All-Ireland Final after a tense 18-10 victory over Galwegians.
So three cheers to the magnificent victories on a perfect weekend at Balreask Old!
With the support of a massive crowd, Navan became the 18th Leinster club in the All Ireland League following a convincing 40-20 win at home against Connacht representatives Monivea.
Distracted by the large turnout and playing into a stiff breeze, Navan were slow to settle and although the fell behind at one stage in the half, out half Alan Hickey and his half back partner Kieran Mattson scored two first half tries to give Navan a 12-8 interval lead.
In the second half, the Leinster League champions exerted their supremacy, gaining an edge in the scrum which brought the pacy Navan backline into the game and laid the foundation for a further four tries, by No 8 Silvanus Iro, a penalty try for a deliberate knock-on 5 meters out and a pair by Mattson securing the much-coveted AIL slot for the county Meath club.
Full Back Karl Manning kicked the remaining 10 points as Navan now move up to Senior ranks for the first time in their 85 year history.
The crowd stayed on long after the match was over, with clowns entertaining the kids, barbeques in full swing and music blasting out across the pitches. It was a day when history was made for Navan and everyone present was determined to stay and enjoy the moment!
