26 Jan Men’s Under 20’s in Thriller Finish
Leinster JP Fanagan (U20) – Premier 2 – Super Six Group 2
Wanderers 31 Navan 35
Friday 23rd January | Wanderers RFC
Navan RFC Men’s Under 20s produced a thrilling finish under the lights on Friday night, snatching a dramatic 35–31 victory away to Wanderers thanks to a last-gasp try and conversion.
In a fast-paced and fiercely contested encounter, Navan showed tremendous resilience and belief, refusing to let the game slip away in the closing moments. With time almost up, Tommy Kearns crossed the line for a crucial try in the final play of the match, sparking celebrations among the travelling support. Philip Smyth then held his nerve to slot the pressure conversion, sealing a memorable away win.
The contest was evenly balanced throughout, with Navan matching Wanderers score for score. Tries for Navan came from Noah Kavanagh, Robin Hamill, Declan O’Connor, Philip Smyth, and the decisive late score from Kearns. Smyth was impeccable from the tee, converting all five Navan tries to deliver a personal haul of ten points and keep the scoreboard ticking.
Declan O’Connor led from the front with a powerful and committed performance and was deservedly named “The Central Navan” Player of the Match. His leadership, physicality and composure were central to Navan’s ability to stay in the contest and finish strongly.
This hard-fought victory is another significant step forward for the U20s in the Super Six Group, underlining the squad’s depth, character and growing confidence as the season progresses.
Navan RFC Men’s Under 20 Squad:
Cormac Kenny, Caolan Duffy, Thomas Kearns, Ciaran Beggy, Saul Harris, Keelan McKenna, Ben O’Hare, Robin Hamill, Noah Kavanagh, Philip Smyth, Simon Dizon, Declan O’Connor, Michael Callaghan, Ciall Flynn, Evan Whyte, Jack Smith, Eoin McSherry, Alexander Iljin, Luke Kennedy, Sean Morris, Conor Browne, Lachlan Maguire.