Navan Senior Men's 1st XV continued their preparations for the upcoming 2024/25 Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A campaign with a challenging Thursday evening encounter against Division 1B side, Dublin University FC, at College Park, Trinity College Dublin.

On a pleasant evening for rugby, the home side started brightly, scoring a converted try within the first five minutes. However, Navan responded swiftly, just three minutes later, as Harry Devlin crossed the line in the corner after a sweeping pass from Evan Dixon. Mark Farrell, unfortunately, missed the conversion, leaving the score 7-5 in favour of Dublin University.

Navan's luck took a turn midway through the first half when they lost both Harry Hester and Jordan Finney to injury. Despite the setbacks, Navan remained composed and pushed forward. A well-placed kick from Mark Coen was collected by Mark Farrell, who ran in under the posts and converted his own try, putting Navan ahead 12-7.

Dublin University retaliated ten minutes before halftime with a converted push-over try from a lineout, regaining the lead 14-12. Navan had the final say before the break, though, with Mark Coen making a brilliant burst down the wing and grubber-kicking the ball through to himself for a try in the left corner. Mark Farrell nailed the tough conversion from the touchline, giving Navan a 19-14 lead at halftime.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Dublin University side as they quickly scored two converted tries to take a commanding 28-19 lead. Despite this, Navan fought back, scoring a push-over try from a lineout, which Jack Dixon successfully converted, narrowing the gap to 28-26.

However, Dublin University capitalized on a dropped ball by Navan, going over for another converted try to restore their two-score lead. Navan struggled with injuries as the half wore on, which affected their intensity, and the home side took full advantage, scoring the final converted try to secure a 42-26 victory.

Despite the loss, there were a number of standout performances from Navan, including Ben McEntagart, new number 8; Lazlo Pschorn, Evan Dixon and Kyle Dixon.

Navan Senior Men's 1st XV will now turn their focus to the start of their 2024/25 Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A campaign. They begin their league season on Saturday, 21st September, with a visit to Dr. Hickey Park to take on Greystones.

Navan Men's 1st XV Squad "Sponsored by Hannon Travel":

James Wyse, Gary Faulkner, Jordan Finney, Tom Ciot, Liam McAree, Harry Hester, Harry Conlon, Lazlo Pschorn, Mark Farrell, Evan Dixon, Mark Coen, Ben McEntagart, Kyle Dixon, Harry Devlin, Shane Walshe, Anthony Martinez, Liam Carroll, Rokas Lipinakas, David Brady, Dara McHugh, Jack Dixon, Cormac Horan.