Malone:Tries: Ben Gibson, Tane Hotham 2, Cameron McCaughey; Con: Matty Rae
Navan: Tries: Gary Faulkner, Conor Hand 2; Con: Harrison Astley
Navan RFC travelled north to South Belfast for their final fixture in the opening block of this season’s Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B campaign, facing Malone RFC at Gibson Park. Following a tough outing away to Enniscorthy the previous week, Navan were determined to bounce back with a stronger performance.
The first half, however, was largely dominated by an impressive Malone side who showcased power, precision, and pace. Their winger Tane Hotham proved a constant threat, crossing for two tries in the right corner. Further scores from Ben Gibson and Cameron McCaughey on the left flank extended Malone’s lead.
Navan did find some reward before the break when Gary Faulkner powered over to the left of the posts following a well-executed forward drive, leaving the half-time score at 22–7 in favour of the hosts.
The second half turned into a more evenly balanced contest, with both sides battling fiercely in midfield. Navan began to gain territory and momentum, and their captain Conor Hand led by example, scoring twice on the left-hand side to narrow the deficit to just five points.
Malone had the chance to extend their lead with a penalty kick, but the effort struck the upright, giving Navan hope in the closing stages. Despite a strong late surge from the visitors, Malone’s defence held firm to secure the win.
While Navan will be disappointed with the result, their second-half resilience and improved performance provided plenty of positives to build on. The match also marked a notable first AIL start for former U20 Men’s Captain Oisin Heffernan, who impressed throughout and was deservedly named Navan’s Player of the Match, sponsored by The Central.
Navan now take a short break before returning to action in Round 4 — a much-anticipated North-East derby at home to Skerries RFC in two weeks’ time.
NAVAN Men's 1st XV Squad "Sponsored by Hannon Travel": Will Finegan; Mark Coen, Shane Walshe, Ben McEntagart, Harry Devlin; Harrison Astley, Noah Kavanagh; Liam Carroll, Gary Faulkner, Jordan Finney, Oisin Heffernan, Karolis Navickas, Johnny McKeown, Michael Brady, Conor Hand (capt).
Replacements: Fionn Craik, Andy Keating, Ben McCreary, Harry Hester, Mark Farrell.
Navan Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central”: Oisin Heffernan.
MALONE: Ben Gibson; Tane Hotham, Thomas Quigley, Davy Scott, Cameron McCaughey; Matty Rae, Dara Gaskin; Bailey Young, Dan Kerr, Ricky Greenwood, Logan Wakefield, Zach Devine, Jacob Edwards, David Greatorex, Ross Todd (capt).
