Navan’s opening round of the Leinster JP Fanagan (U20) League – Premier 2, Section B saw them travel to Energia Park to face Old Wesley. Despite a dominant first-half display that saw Navan lead by 19 points at the break, Old Wesley mounted an impressive second-half comeback to take a 38–30 victory.
Navan struck early against the run of play, intercepting a pass and running 90 metres to score under the posts for a 7–0 lead. Out-half Philip Smyth then showed sharp footwork to slice through midfield and double the advantage to 14–0.
Old Wesley’s hooker Jason Shirley was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on 14 minutes, giving Navan a numerical edge which they capitalised on shortly after — a clever cross-field kick from Smyth found fullback Luke Kennedy, who dotted down to extend the lead to 21–0.
Old Wesley finally got on the board with a well-worked try on the right wing, narrowing the gap to 21–7 after an excellent touchline conversion. A late first-half penalty from Smyth stretched Navan’s lead further, sending them into the break 27–7 ahead.
The momentum shifted in the second half as Old Wesley came out firing. A blocked kick was seized upon by No.8 Milo Campbell, sparking the home side’s comeback. Navan responded quickly through another penalty to make it 30–12, but Old Wesley continued to press, scoring three unanswered tries — the last from winger Jack Duffy, whose converted effort gave them a 31–30 lead.
A late try from second-row Andrew Gordon, converted by out-half Andrew McAdams, sealed the comeback victory for Old Wesley, leaving Navan to rue missed chances despite a strong first-half performance.
Navan Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central”: Cormac Kenny.
Cormac Kenny, Caolan Duffy, Thomas Kearns, Ben McCreary, Saul Harris,Ben O'Hare, Colin Jordan, Robin Hamill, Sean Newlands, Philip Smyth, Ciall Flynn, Michael Callaghan, Evan Whyte, Sean Morris, Luke Kennedy.
Replacements:
Fionn Craik, Jack Smith, Conor Browne, Cian Egan, Keelan McKenna, Simon Dizon, Luke Griffin.
Navan Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central”: Cormac Kenny.
