Navan Senior Men's hosted UL Bohemian's at Balreask Old for their final home game of 2023 in Round Eight of the Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A. The game unfolded in challenging conditions, with the powerful wind from "Storm Elin" adding an unpredictable element to the contest.

The opening minutes saw Navan attempting a kick by full-back Rory Gordon, but the swirling wind proved challenging. UL Bohs capitalized on the wind advantage, scoring a try near the left corner, though the conversion was missed. Navan responded with a try by Liam McAree after a robust forwards effort, leveling the score at 5-5.
Half-Time: Navan 5, UL Bohemian 5

In the 51st minute, Navan orchestrated a brilliant phase of play, initiated by a break from Rory Gordon. Peter McEntaggart went over close to the right-hand corner, giving Navan a 10-5 lead. However, UL Bohs swiftly equalized with a try on the left side, making it 10-10.
As the game progressed, UL Bohs secured a crucial try in the 67th minute, with their winger winning a foot race to touchdown, and the successful conversion extended their lead to 17-10.

In the closing moments, UL Bohs had a player sent to the sin bin, reducing them to 14. Despite this advantage, Navan faced disappointment as they conceded a penalty in the resulting lineout for crossing. The final whistle blew, concluding the match with a score of Navan 10, UL Bohemian 17.

Full-Time: Navan 10, UL Bohemian 17

Navan looks ahead to the next challenge, traveling to Leixlip to face MU Barnhall in the first of the round nine and ten fixtures. These home & away games against MU Barnhall bookend the Christmas/New Year period.

The return fixture against UL Bohs is scheduled for round eleven in Annacotty, Limerick, at the end of January.

Navan Senior Men's 1st XV Squad "Sponsored by Hannon Travel":
Ryan Healy, Gary Faulkner, Liam Carroll, Jordan Finney, Liam McAree, Robbie Lailvaux, Ben McEntaggart, Harry Hester, Jake Matthews, Evan Dixon, Peter McEntaggart, Kyle Dixon, Sean McEntaggart (Capt), Paddy Fox, Rory Gordon, David Clarke, Leigh Jackson, Jamie Kavanagh, Leon Akopian.


Energia AIL Men's Division 2A - Round Eight Results (Sat 9th December):
Ballymena 14 MU Barnhall 12, Eaton Park, Ballymena.
Banbridge 17 Malone 31, Rifle Park, Banbridge.
Navan 10 UL Bohemians 17, Balreask Old, Navan,
Nenagh Ormond 38 Greystones 5, New Ormond Park, Nenagh.
Old Crescent 6 Cashel 20, Takumi Park, Limerick.