(Match Report by Michelle Claffey)
Navan RFC took the field on Sunday the 12th of November against a strong Clontarf side. This was the Navan women's last match of the first block of games.
Clontarf were first out of the blocks with a try off of set piece. The scramble wasn't enough to prevent Clontarf from securing a seven point lead.
After the shaky start, Navan settled in to their stride. Aine Castles, a consistent thorn in the Clontarf defence, produced an amazing solo effort on the right wing to score with a giant single arm reach.
Rosie Searle got herself over the white wash with a trademark powerful carry, with the extras tagged on. From the kick-off receipt, Navan managed to recycle quick ball to release Kayleigh Crinion to dot down under the posts, ensuring maximum points secured. Leaving the score 19-07 at halftime.
Clontarf started the second half well, scoring a try early on, bringing the score to 19-12. However, Niamh Listers' introduction ten minutes into the second half gave a new edge for the attack on her first appearance for the Division 3 team. As Navan continued to pressure Clontarf in their own 22 it resulted in them exiting by boot. The ball was collected by Lister for her to return the attack. The attacking pressure and carries by Emma Looby, Emily-Jo White and the tireless Aoife Ryan kept Navan in the Clontarf 22. Quick ruck ball found Lister to get her first of four tries. Navan got back into the Clontarf 22, Rosie Searle spotted the gaps and the dominant carries gave the backs an opportunity for quick hands. A whip of a pass from Kayleigh Crinion to Allie Flynn who displayed excellent skills to hold the last defender and release Niamh Lister for her second try of the day.
Anna Bolger displayed a master class of skill deep into the second half. Bolger spotted open space in the back field and chipped over the top to collect herself and dot down to the right of the posts. Navan collected maximum points.
Navan RFC Womens 1st & 2nd XV's are looking forward to their next double header at home on Sunday the 26th of Nov.
Navan Senior Women's 1st XV Squad "Sponsored by P. Bermingham's Bar":
Emily-Jo White, Chelsea McGroarty, Róisín Watters, Emma Looby, Victoria Quinn, Kayleigh Crinion, Ava Galvin, Rosie Searle, Anita Lennon, Michelle Claffey, Allie Flynn, Michelle Stafford, Molly Fitzgerald, Aisling Kelly, Anna Bolger, Áine Castles, Mairead Carty, Racheal Browne, Alanna Caffrey, Ciara Kennedy, Louise Crinion, Rhiannon Hoey.
