30 Mar Navan RFC Women’s Teams Kick Off Cup Campaigns in Style
Leinster Rugby Women’s Cups – First Round
Sunday 29th March | Balreask Old
Navan RFC’s Women’s teams launched their respective Leinster Cup campaigns on Sunday with a mix of dominant performances, hard-fought contests, and continued progression across all three squads.
Leinster Paul Flood Women’s Cup – 1st Round
Navan 84 Arklow 0
Sunday 29th March | Balreask Old
Navan RFC Women’s 1st XV produced a commanding performance to open their Leinster Paul Flood Cup campaign, running in twelve tries in an emphatic 84–0 victory over Arklow at Balreask Old.
Captain Anna Bolger led from the front, delivering a flawless kicking display by converting all twelve tries to cap off an outstanding team performance.
Player of the Match Emily Jo White was in scintillating form at inside centre, crossing the line four times and proving a constant threat in attack.
Up front, Emma Looby and Shona White provided a solid and reliable platform at scrum time, allowing Navan to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Lauren Fitzpatrick also made a significant impact, showcasing her pace with a superb 40-metre break after finding space in the Arklow defence.
Out wide, Molly Fitzgerald demonstrated her finishing ability with two well-taken tries, highlighting the strength and depth across the Navan backline.
Overall, it was a complete and dominant performance from Navan, setting a strong tone for the remainder of their cup campaign.
Navan now progress to the quarter-finals, where they will face Balbriggan away on 12th April.
Navan RFC Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central“: Emily Jo White
Navan RFC Women’s 1st XV “Sponsored by P.Berminghams Bar”:
Emma Looby, Ava Kiechler, Lauren Fitzpatrick, Katie Kearney, Shona White, Louise Crinion, Rosie Searle, Aoife Ryan, Anita Lennon, Anna Bolger (Capt), Sophia Murdock, Emily Jo White, Michelle Claffey, Molly Fitzgerald, Áine Castles, Ava Galvin, Martina O’Neill, Kaetlin Wallace, Tara Quinn, Anna McGarry, Jackie Shiels, Louise Coyle.
Leinster Paul Cusack Womens Cup – First Round
Navan RFC Women’s 2nd XV have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Leinster Paul Cusack Cup after receiving a walkover from PortDara.
While it’s always preferable to earn progression on the pitch, the result sees Navan move confidently into the next stage of the competition.
Navan will now face MU Barnhall J1/2nd XV away on 12th April, as they look to continue their cup campaign.
Leinster Division 5/6 Women’s Cup – First Round
Navan 17 Gorey 22
Sunday 29th March | Balreask Old
Navan RFC Women’s 3rd’s had an incredibly tight game against Gorey 1st XV. Rhiannon Hoey shined brightly, scoring two tries for the team. Mairead Carty at lock worked tirelessly throughout the game, and was rewarded with a pick and go, capitalising on a small space.
Aoife White had a brilliant game at 9, her first start at scrum half and making it look very easy.
Sarah Woodroofe managed the interchange with forwards and backs, with Ger Lynch dominating carries from inside centre.
The game finished 22-17, next up is the Division 5/6 Plate for the team. Opposition to be determined, fixture set for April 12th.
Navan RFC Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central“: Aoife White
Navan RFC Women’s 3rd XV “Sponsored by P.Berminghams Bar”:
Niamh Callaghan, Chelsea McGroarty, Hannah Ettie, Tanya Gilbane, Mairead Carty, Victoria Quinn, Shannon Mead, Niamh Yourell, Sarah White, Sarah Woodroofe, Sorcha Love, Geraldine Lynch, Allie Flynn, Rhiannon Hoey, Alanna Kelly, Sue Nisbitt, Róisín Watters, Anna Marchant, Thanuja Dharmasena, Shaunagh Keogan, Aoife White, Sophia FitzHerbert.
With two teams progressing to cup quarter-finals and another continuing their campaign in the Plate, it marks a strong start to the knockout stages for Navan RFC Women’s squads.
Thanks to Michelle Claffey for all match updates.
All support is welcome for the upcoming fixtures, keep an eye on club social media channels for updates and match details.
New members are always welcome, come join us and be part of a growing and thriving women’s rugby community at Navan RFC.