Navan RFC claimed their first win of this season's Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B campaign with a composed and clinical 20–8 victory away to Buccaneers in Athlone on Saturday.

Navan travelled to the Midlands looking to put their last minute draw against Skerries the previous week behind them, but knew it would be a tough challenge away to a Buccaneers side that had their first League win for two seasons the previous week away to Enniscorthy.

From the kick off both sides set out their stall on how they wanted to play the game, Buccaneers looking to be competitive in the breakdown with their forwards and a strong off-loading game in their backs moving the ball quickly.

Navan though were up to the challenge with their defence much improved and able to withstand pressure applied by the home side.

Buccaneers’ only first-half points came via an early penalty from Dylan Duffy, as Navan’s defence—led superbly by captain Conor Hand—absorbed significant pressure and held firm.

A bright opening from Navan saw Tom Gavigan, who was making their first start of the season for the Balreask Old side, cross for the game’s first try after just nine minutes, with Mark Farrell adding the conversion and a penalty shortly after to push the visitors into a 10–3 half-time lead.

The lead could have been more with both Jordan Finney & Karolis Navickas getting over the Buccaneers line, however on both occasions they were held up over the goal area.

Early in the second half, Navickas powered over the line again but this time successful for Navan’s second try, again converted by Farrell, who later slotted another penalty to extend the advantage to 20–3.

Buccaneers despite Navan's lead didn't relent and continued to press in search of a score of their own.

Despite a late consolation try from Dan Donovan, the result was never in doubt, with Navan showing discipline and composure in both defence and attack. Particularly in the closing five minutes of the game with worsening weather conditions, making the handling of the ball a challenge. Navan’s composure and structure in the closing stages sealed a deserved victory built on commitment and control.

It was a strong team display from start to finish, led superbly by captain Conor Hand, who was named Navan's Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central” for his leadership and work rate around the park.

The win coupled with other results, sees Navan move up to seventh in the division ahead of their next opponents Rainey on points difference, who come to Balreask Old in Round Six on Saturday 15th November next.

Buccaneers:
Dylan Duffy, Tom Shine, Thomas Cotton, Corey Reid (capt), Orrin Burgess, Abel Bouwens, Leo McFarlane, Adam Cooper, Oisin Dolan, Charlie Byrne, Conor Sheehan, Samuel Meecham, Luke Balsiger, Dan Donovan, Niall Tallon.

NAVAN RFC Men's 1st XV Squad "Sponsored by Hannon Travel":
Harrison Astley, Mark Coen, Will Finegan, Ben Mc Entagart, Harry Devlin, Tom Gavigan, Mark Farrell, Liam Carroll, Gary Faulkner, Jordan Finney, Oisin Heffernan, Karolis Navickas, Johnny McKeown, Conor Farrell, Conor Hand (capt).

Navan Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central”: Conor Hand