In a gritty and hard-fought battle under challenging conditions, Navan secured a thrilling 15-13 victory against Dundalk in the first round of the Bank Of Ireland Leinster Provincial Towns Cup at Balreask Old on Sunday.

In the first quarter, despite Dundalk having the majority of possession and territory, Navan's resolute defense held firm. On 21 minutes, Navan's Cillian Farrell, facing a strong crosswind, scored a crucial penalty from the left of the posts, putting Navan ahead 3-0.

Fifteen minutes later, Dundalk responded with a penalty of their own after sustained pressure in Navan's half. The strong wind influenced the style of play, with the ball being kept mostly in hand. The score leveled at 3-3.

In the lead-up to half-time, although Dundalk continued to dominate in possession and territory, Navan's defense remained stalwart up to the break. The impact of the strong wind on the game was evident.

Thirteen minutes after the resumption, Dundalk secured a penalty in front of the posts, taking the lead for the first time in the match, 3-6. The game continued with possession switching back and forth, the weather conditions having a noticeable impact on the game.

Coming into the last ten minutes, Navan, pushing into the Dundalk 22-meter area, won a penalty, and Dundalk was reduced to fourteen players for an infringement. With Navan opting for an attacking scrum in a decision that paid off a couple of minutes later with exceptional forwards' work off the attacking scrum created an opportunity for winger Brian Byrne to cross the line. Cillian Farrell's successful conversion put Navan ahead 10-6.

Navan's wait for a second try only lasted a couple more minutes with a brilliant intercept off a charged-down Dundalk clearance kick allowed replacement hooker David Clarke torun-in and score from 25 meters out. The unconverted try extended Navan's lead to 15-6.
In the last play of the game, Dundalk managed to score a try and convert, but it was Navan that secured the victory and progressed to the Second Round with a final score of 15-13.

Despite challenging conditions, Navan displayed a great team effort, and Conor Ryan's notable contributions around the field were particularly acknowledged.

In the second round Navan's Men's 2nd/J1 XV will face Wicklow at home in Balreask Old. The ties are scheduled to be played on St. Patrick's Day (Sunday, 17th March) with a 3 pm kick-off.

Navan Men's 2nd/J1 XV Squad:

Ian Carolan, Anthony Martinez, Gary Faulkner, Andrew Beggy, Ciarán Reilly, David Brady, Harry Conlon, Conor Ryan, Jack Dixon, Cillian Farrell, Cormac Horan, Michael Brady, Harry Devlin, Brian Byrne, Sean Walsh, David Clarke, Eoin O'Reilly, Andrew Kiernan, Stuart Byrne, Simon Hogan.