03 Mar U18.5 Boys Open Darcy Cup Campaign with Gritty Win
Leinster Youth Boys Under 18 Tom Darcy Cup – 2nd Round
Navan 30 Naas 25
Saturday 28th February | Balreask Old
Scorers Navan:
Tries: Rihan Faherty, Lorcan Craik, Oshan Varney, Conor Goodwin
Conversions: Lorcan Craik (2)
Penalty: Lorcan Craik
Drop Goal: Lorcan Craik
Navan RFC Under 18.5 Boys launched their Tom Darcy Cup campaign in impressive fashion on Saturday, securing a hard-earned 30–25 victory over a strong Naas side at Balreask Old.
It was a contest that demanded resilience, composure, and physicality, all of which Navan produced in abundance.
Naas controlled much of the opening 20 minutes, playing with pace and precision to claim an early try and penalty. Navan were forced onto the back foot during this period, showing strong defensive resolve as they absorbed sustained pressure.
Gradually, however, the home side began to find their rhythm.
Clever contestable kicking, an aggressive chase, and improved ball retention allowed Navan to claw their way back into the game. An interception opportunity, though ultimately unawarded, lifted energy levels, and out-half Lorcan Craik steadied proceedings with a superbly struck drop goal, followed by a long-range penalty to bring Navan firmly into contention.
From that point, Navan asserted themselves physically. The forward pack carried with intent, dominated contact, and built sustained pressure inside the Naas 22.
The breakthrough scores reflected a complete attacking display; Rihan Faherty crossed following sharp support play. Lorcan Craik added two conversions and dictated territory throughout. Oshan Varney finished a dynamic line break. Conor Goodwin powered over following sustained multi-phase pressure.
A well-organised maul also yielded crucial territory and momentum. Craik further added a penalty and a composed drop goal to round off an influential performance from the boot.
Captain Conor Goodwin led the pack superbly, setting the tone with relentless work rate and physicality.
Myles Doyle and Rihan Faherty were immense up front, consistently winning collisions and driving momentum.
Meanwhile, Lorcan Craik once again demonstrated excellent game management, combining tactical awareness, kicking accuracy, and decisive attacking contributions to steer Navan through key moments.
With Naas pushing late in search of a decisive score, Navan showed composure and defensive organisation to close out the contest and secure a deserved cup victory.
A strong start to the Darcy Cup campaign, and plenty to build on in the rounds ahead.
Navan RFC Under 18.5 Boys Squad: James Martin, Daniel Robinson, Antonio Rattigan, Killian McAniff, David Hanratty, Myles Doyle, Conor Goodwin (Capt), Rhian Faherty, Cillian Murphy, Eoin Burke, Aidan Lynch, Lorcan Craik, Daniel Heverin, Dylan McGuinness, Luke Brady, Josh Collins, Oshan Varney, Darren Murphy, Eamon Berwick, Daniel Kenny, Sam Wall, Sean Curtis, Aaron Looby.