Navan Women's 1st XV secure maximum points again against Arklow.

By Michelle Claffey

Navan collected a win on the road against a strong Arklow team. It was evident that Arklow were up for the game. It took Navan time to build into the game as they were unable to play their usual style of expansive rugby on the narrow Pitch 2. The usual space for the electric back three was found to be missing. 

The large travelling support for Navan was evident on the day. The supporters brought their voices behind a strong Navan squad.

Navan played smart rugby, putting the ball down into the Arklow end with a strong wind at their back. The Navan attack consistently put the Arklow defence under pressure with penalties for not rolling away at the breakdown, preventing quick ball for Anna Bolger at 10. With Arklow down to 14, Navan got a penalty in front of the posts and decided to take the three on offer & go again. Leaving it 0-3 at half time. 

Going into the second half, winger Áine Castles started to get more comfortable with the Navan flyer, nabbing her first of two tries at 55 minutes. She was unfortunate to have an earlier attempt called for a knock-on. Castles continued to push for her second try of the day with excellent skills from centre Michelle Stafford to put Castles down the left wing to grab her second.

Navan's defensive effort of quick line speed provided Cara Martin with an opportunity for an intercept try. Martin ran it in from 30 metres out, the extras added by Bolger. The Navan attacking lines were beginning to cut through the Arlow defence. Runs from Allanah Caffrey, Rachel Browne & Ava Galvin all making gain line and swinging the momentum for Navan. Good interplay between backs and forwards released Bolger down the right wing and over for a try, but she was put under pressure and deemed to have a knock-on. The resulting goal line dropout displayed excellent attacking rugby. Galvin showed her strength to dive over for her contribution to the win, most importantly securing the Bonus Point try. 

A huge defensive shift put in by all players and dominant carries and work rate by the forwards, especially at line out time, gave a great base for Navan to secure the win. 

Congratulations to all on the win, and thank you to all of our traveling supporters. It was a historic day for the Club. 

Last game of the division three league is away to Clontarf on 18th February.

Navan Women's 1st XV Squad "Sponsored by P. Bermingham's Bar":

Lauren Fitzpatrick, Chelsea McGroarty, Emma Looby, Shaunagh Keogan, Mairead Carty, Ava Galvin, Louise Crinion, Rosie Searle, Anita Lennon, Anna Bolger, Áine Castles, Michelle Stafford, Cara Martin, Alanna Caffrey, Aisling Kelly, Kelly Brady, Racheal Browne, Julie McCullagh, Victoria Quinn, Allie Flynn, Jackie Shiels, Aoife Hughes.