(Match Report by Michelle Claffey)
Navan Women 2nd's welcomed joint table toppers Swords to Balreask Old in what promised to be a very exciting game of rugby. This was a battle between 1st and 2nd in Leinster League Division 5. The weather was potentially there to spoil the affair however both teams rose to the challenge of the conditions.
Racheal Brown produced a brilliant performance from the back of the scrum. She beat a number of defenders with her powerful carries with Louise Crinion in support throughout the day. Martina O'Neill in her first season in Navan showed her ball carrying ability, with her strong and dominant fends, never shying away from the hard work. At set piece Sue T found Tara Quinn seamlessly even in the poor conditions, delivering to the waiting Paula Keating at scrum half. Sarah O'Brien was a constant attacking threat, again in her first season of rugby, showing her strength around the park.
Navan were first to strike on the 30 minute mark, a platform provided at scrum time. Ciara Delahunt orchestrated a beautiful back line move with Niamh Lister racing down the right wing to dot down close to the posts. Sue T added the extras. Jess Moriarty showed her speed when released into space towards the end of the first but the Swords defence scrabbled very well shutting down any opportunity she had.
The score at half time was 7-0 in favour of the hosts
The second half began the same as the first finished. Both teams carried hard and neither defence was taking a backward step.
Navan produced an amazing team try in the second half. From the base of the scrum Ciara Delahunt, Ger Lynch and Lisa Keenan manipulated the Swords defence to release Niamh Lister down the right wing. Ciara Delahunt subsequently directed the pack through the middle of the pitch. Ger Lynch on the end of the pop pass to gain 10 metres putting Navan on the front foot. Leanne O'Neill jumped on a loose ball, securing possession for Navan. The attacking shape allowed Nour Kairy to power the team forward again duly supported by Martina O'Neill. Delahunt put width on the pass to Leah Morris who sat down her defender, allowing Lisa Keenan to find herself in space. Keenan was brought down less than a metre short of the line. The Navan forwards were ready for another go at the Swords line however quick thinking Ciara Delahunt spotted her opportunity and dotted down from a pick and go securing a lead of 12-0 going into the last 20 minutes.
In the remaining time Leah Morris took over the reins and used her boot very well getting down into Swords territory. Niamh Lister collected any returning kicks from Swords and found a way to jink through some Swords defenders but was hauled down.
This was a great game for both teams and was a strong contest between the top two teams of Division 5. Thank you to everyone for coming to support the team and providing such a wonderful atmosphere to play in.
Full-Time Score: Navan 12 Swords 0
Next Game: v Garda (Away), Sunday 3rd December, KO 1pm.
Navan Senior Women's 2nd XV Squad "Sponsored by P. Bermingham's Bar":
Nour Khairy, Sue Nisbitt, Sarah O'Brien, Tara Quinn, Meabh Sexton, Martina O’Neill, Louise Crinion, Racheal Browne, Paula Keating, Ciara Quinn, Jessica Moriarty, Geraldine Lynch, Lisa Keenan, Niamh Lister, Leah Morris, Anna Mennis, Thanuja Dharmasena, Mary-Louise Bridgeman, Keelan O'Connor, Leanne O’Neill, Aoife Hughes, Anna McGarry.
