In a pivotal fixture at Balreask Old, Navan RFC Women's 2nd XV secured the Division 5A league title and automatic promotion with a resounding 24-10 victory over Roscrea. The win capped off an outstanding season and set the stage for their upcoming challenges in Division 4.
Navan started brightly, claiming an early lead with a try from Lisa keenan in the right corner after some forward carries into the visitors' 22m. The conversion was unsuccessful. Despite Roscrea's attempts to gain control and apply pressure, Navan's stout defense held firm, and they cleared their goal-line area.
On the stroke of half-time, Racheal Browne extended Navan's lead with a try to the left of the posts, converted by Anna McGarry.
In the 61st minute, after hard carries by the forwards into Roscrea's 22m, Lisa Keenan touched down for her second try of the afternoon to the right of the posts. Anna McGarry added the conversion, bringing the score to 19-0.
Roscrea responded with a try in the 67th minute as their No.8 grounded the ball over the line to the right of the posts. The conversion attempt went wide, making it 19-5.
In the 74th minute, Roscrea secured a second try with their winger scoring in the right corner. The conversion was unsuccessful, closing the gap to 19-10.
An exceptional run by Niamh Lister in the dying moments of the game secured Navan's victory with a try to the left of the posts.
After the match, team captain Paula Keating was presented with the Division 5A trophy, this marked a unique double after the Women's 1st XV captured the division three title the previous week, all in the first season Navan RFC were able to field two adult women's teams week-in week-out in their history. All of which was ably led by Women's Head Coach Jackie Shiels and her coaching & management team.
The celebration marked not only the triumph of the day but also the anticipation of the Navan Women's 2nd's team competing in Division 4 next season.
Before that though Navan will look forward to potentially adding more silverware with a Division 5 Cup Quarter-Final away to Newbridge on Sunday 24th March.
Navan Women's 2nd XV Squad "Sponsored by P. Bermingham's Bar":
Lauren Fitzpatrick, Mary-Louise Bridgeman, Nour Khairy, Anna Mennis, Shaunagh Keogan, Martina O’Neill, Tara Quinn, Racheal Browne, Paula Keating, Ciara Quinn, Lauren Kelly, Geraldine Lynch, Lisa Keenan, Anna McGarry, Rhiannon Hoey, Niamh McManus, Sarah O’Brien, Keelan O'Connor, Leanne O’Neill, Leah Morris, Jessica Moriarty, Niamh Lister.
