20 Sep Seven-Try U18 Girls Triumph in Ashbourne Thriller
Leinster North-East Under 18 Girls – Friday 18th September
Ashbourne/Balbriggan 34 Navan 47, Ashbourne RFC
Navan Scorers:
Tries: Tessa Flynn (2), Clarissa Vlad (2), Helena Zucchini (2), Derinn McDonnell.
Conversions: Maggie Kerin (6/7).
Navan RFC’s Under-18 Girls delivered an outstanding away performance on Friday evening, September 18th, showing immense grit and firepower to earn a thrilling 47–34 victory over a combined Ashbourne/Balbriggan side in tough, windy conditions at Ashbourne RFC.
Playing into the wind during the opening period, Navan found themselves under early pressure as the hosts crossed for three first-half tries. However, Navan stayed right in the contest through sharp attacking play from Aisling Caffrey and Tessa Flynn. Tries from Flynn (2) and Helena Zucchini kept Navan on the front foot, with Maggie Kerin putting on a masterclass off the kicking tee, slotting all three conversions despite the swirling wind and rain to keep Navan within striking distance.
Navan stepped up the intensity significantly after the break, tightening their defensive line and executing with far greater precision in attack. The second half belonged to the visitors, with Clarissa Vlad grabbing a brace alongside tries from Derinn McDonnell and Zucchini as Navan took complete control of the match.
Up front, Cara Condra was monumental at the breakdown in the second half, hitting every ruck with purpose, while Abbiemae Quinn and McDonnell worked tirelessly in both attack and defense. Nicole Sweeney delivered an exceptional display at set-piece, providing accurate lineout throws through the elements alongside relentless work across the pitch.
Navan’s bench made a huge impact to seal the win, with Grace Evelyn McWeeney, Clarissa Vlad, and Tati Ayesa Garcia bringing fresh energy to close out a magnificent 13-point victory.
Navan RFC Under-18 Girls Matchday Squad
Starting XV:
1. Ellen Vuckovic, 2. Katie Lynch, 3. Amy Kennedy, 4. Nicole Sweeney, 5. Cara Condra, 6. Robyn Wall, 7. Sine Curley, 8. Helena Zucchini, 9. Maggie Kerin, 10. Aisling Caffrey, 11. Alanna Leonard, 12. Tessa Flynn, 13. Abbiemae Quinn, 14. Derinn McDonnell, 15. Alexa Wall.
Replacements:
16. Clarissa Vlad, 17. Layla Maiben, 18. Amelia Lynch, 19. Eva Farrell, 20. Ciara Byrne, 21. Grace Evelyn McWeeney, 22. Araceli (Tati) Ayesa Garcia, 23. Evie McDonnell.
A massive congratulations to the squad and coaching setup on showing fantastic character, teamwork, and intensity under pressure. A big thank you to Ashbourne RFC for hosting a fantastic contest!