Fresh from securing the Leinster Women's Division 2 title, Navan Women's 1st team began their debut Leinster Paul Flood Women's Cup campaign with a home first round tie against fellow North-East club, Balbriggan.

Having gone through the entirety of their league campaign in Leinster Division 2 unbeaten, the visit of the Final side who were this season's Division 1 runners-up looked to provide a good litmus test to where the Navan Women's 1st's were in their team development.

Navan started brightly with four tries with three converted in the first 20 mins. Strong phase play from the pack led to space out wide, which was exploited by Molly Egan (two tries) and Aine Castles. Anna Bolger added the 4th with an intercept on the 5 metre line before running the length of the pitch and dotting down between the posts.

Balbriggan responded strongly with 3 unanswered tries converting 1, leaving the score 26 -17 at half time.

After half-time, Balbriggan began with intent, seeking to get a first score after the resumption, however bolstered by the bench, Navan started the second half strongly. Good team play helped Navan find gaps in Balbriggan's defensive line, which Maria Smith and Molly Fitzgerald (two tries) were happy to take advantage of.

Navan forwards were keen to get on the score sheet and flanker Sinead Ryan dotted over for her first try of the season.

Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central”: Michelle Claffey

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

Emily Jo White, Ava Kiechler, Kelly Brady, Áine Nangle, Emma Looby, Kayleigh Crinion, Aoife Ryan, Rosie Searle, Anita Lennon, Anna Bolger, Molly Egan, Michelle Claffey, Molly Fitzgerald, Áine Castles, Lauren Kelly.

Replacements:

Lauren Fitzpatrick, Shona White, Sinead Ryan, Louise Crinion, Victoria Quinn, Siobhain Beggy, Maria Smith, Ava Galvin.