In a hard-fought battle at Annacotty, the Men's 1st XV faced a challenging encounter against UL Bohemian in Round 11 of the Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2A. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short, and UL Bohemian secured a 26-17 victory on their home turf.
UL Bohs applied early pressure in Navan's half, but Navan's defense showcased strength and resilience, denying the home side an early breakthrough.
On Eight Minutes though, after a series of penalty concessions, UL Bohs were awarded a Penalty Try, putting them 7-0 ahead. Navan also found themselves down to 14 players after a yellow card.
Six minutes later, Navan responded impressively with a Penalty Try of their own, leveling the score at 7-7. The maul off a lineout from a penalty by the Navan's forwards proved effective, and UL Bohs had a player sent to the sin-bin.
Despite stout defense, UL Bohs managed to score a try just two minutes before halftime, taking a 14-7 lead into the break.
Six minutes after the interval, Rory Gordon scored a penalty for Navan, narrowing the gap with a strong wind across the field.
Just before the hour mark though, UL Bohs extended their lead with a well-executed try scored by their inside-centre, putting them ahead 19-10.
Navan fought back with determination and four minutes later, substitute Ryan Healy scored a try in the left corner. Rory Gordon's successful conversion brought the score to UL Bohs 19, Navan 17.
Less than ten minutes from time, UL Bohs secured their bonus point try, taking advantage of Navan being reduced to 14 players with a second yellow card. The conversion was successful, making it UL Bohs 26, Navan 17.
Despite a resilient effort from Navan, UL Bohemian emerged victorious. The match ended with a final score of 26-17 in favor of the home side.
Navan's will regroup for their next challenge on Saturday, 27th January, as they face Cashel at home in Balreask Old with a 2:30 pm kick-off. The squad remains determined and looks forward to bouncing back and finish the current block of fixtures positively.
Navan Men's 1st's XV Squad (Sponsored by Hannon Travel):1: Liam Carroll, 2: Jamie Kavanagh, 3: Jordan Finney, 4: Liam McAree, 5: Eoghan Noonan, 6: Conor Hand, 7: Ben McEntagart, 8: Shane Faulkner, 9: Jakob Matthews, 10: Colm O'Reilly, 11: Peter McEntagart, 12: Kyle Dixon, 13: Evan Dixon, 14: Sean McEntagart (Captain), 15: Rory Gordon.
Replacements:
16: Gary Faulkner, 17: Ryan Healy, 18: Robbie Lailvaux, 19: Paddy Fox, 20: Mark Farrell, 21: Harry Devlin.