It was heartbreak at the death for Navan Men’s 1st XV as a last-play converted try gave visitors Greystones a narrow victory in the final round of the Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A. With survival on the line, Navan knew a win coupled with a Ballymena loss, would be enough to secure eighth place and avoid the dreaded promotion/relegation play-offs.

The match opened with Greystones crossing for an early unconverted try in the corner after just four minutes. Navan replied on 12 minutes when Mark Farrell slotted a penalty to get the home side on the board. Just before the break, Harry Waters dotted down out wide to send Navan into halftime ahead, 8-5.

In the second half, Navan extended their lead with a superbly worked try finished by Michael Brady, pushing the score out to 13-5. But Greystones stayed in the fight, narrowing the gap with a long-range penalty on 65 minutes.

Despite fierce Navan defending with Navan No.8 Tom Ciot putting in a player of the match performance with relentless ball-carrying and physical presence at the breakdown., the visitors struck a cruel blow in the final phase, breaking through for a converted try to snatch the win 15-13 and the final play-off spot.

Navan, left stunned, now prepare for a Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Semi-Final against Galwegians at Balreask Old on Saturday, 19th April. With home advantage, the Meath men will be determined to bounce back and retain their Division 2A status.

Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central”: Tom Ciot.

Navan Men's 1st XV Squad "Sponsored by Hannon Travel": Rory Gordon; Harry Waters, Sean McEntagart, Kyle Dixon, Shane Walshe; Evan Dixon (capt), Mark Farrell; Liam Carroll, Anthony Martinez, Jordan Finney, Eoghan Noonan, Conor Hand, Michael Brady, Ben McEntagart, Tom Ciot.

Replacements: Gary Faulkner, Leigh Jackson, Conor Ryan, Tom Gavigan, Mathijs de Wit.