Navan: Tries: Mark Farrell, Harry Watters x2, Shane Walshe; Cons: Harry Watters, Mark Farrell x2; Pen: Mark Farrell
Galwegians: Tries: Darragh Kennedy, Jack Winters x2; Cons: Ryan Roche x2
(Half-Time: Navan 17 Galwegians 12)
Navan RFC’s Men’s 1st XV produced a strong all-round performance on home soil to overcome Galwegians in Saturday’s AIL Division 2A/2B Play-Off Semi-Final, securing a 29–19 win and a place in next weekend’s final against Dungannon.
Following a tough end to the regular season that saw Navan slip to ninth due to a last-minute defeat against Greystones, the team refocused and came out determined to defend their Division 2A status — and it showed from the off.
Navan struck early, with Mark Farrell crossing in the right corner after slick work from Kyle Dixon, and Harry Watters landing a pinpoint touchline conversion. Galwegians replied with a try from Darragh Kennedy before Jack Winters powered over for their second. With a successful conversion, the Connacht side led 12–5.
Farrell narrowed the gap with a penalty, before a key moment just before half-time saw Harry Watters read the play perfectly and intercept for a try under the posts, giving Navan a 17–12 lead at the break.
Navan were reduced to 14 men early in the second half when Eoghan Noonan saw yellow, and Galwegians capitalised through another Winters try, converted to edge them ahead 17–19.
However, the final ten minutes belonged to the Meath men. Shane Walshe touched down from a well-executed lineout maul, with Farrell converting to retake the lead. Moments later, Watters added his second try of the afternoon to seal the win.
With composure, physicality, and strong tactical execution, Navan held firm to advance to next Saturday’s Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Final, where they will host Dungannon at Balreask Old (KO 2:30pm) in a winner-takes-all clash to remain in Division 2A for 2025/2026.
Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central”: Sean McEntagart.
NAVAN Men's 1st XV Squad "Sponsored by Hannon Travel": Rory Gordon; Harry Watters, 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, Liam McAree, Jack Dixon, Tom Gavigan, Shane O’Connor, Cormac Horan.
GALWEGIANS: Darragh Kennedy; Eoghan Fahy, Rob Deacy, Cian Brady, Oisin McKey; Ryan Roche, Cameron Carruthers; Jack Winters (capt), Eoin Ferry, Guerschom Mukendi, Oisin Halpin, Rob Holian, Paddy Dolphin, Dylan Keane, Jarrad Butler.
Replacements: Ryan Smith, Kobi Joyce, Jack Quinn, Liam Angerman, Éanna McCarthy, Mark McHugh, James Deacy, Ben Donnelly.
