Navan Senior Men's team hosted Galway Corinthians in Round 3 of the Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2A, aiming for their first win of the season after a defeat and a draw in the previous two weekends. However, they faced a formidable opponent in Galway Corinthians, who entered the match with two consecutive wins and a squad featuring a number of current or recent Connacht academy and Irish U20 players among their ranks.

The match began with Navan playing with the wind advantage and looking to play with a lot more pace and intent, and outhalf Tom Gavigan capitalised on early pressure by kicking two penalties within the first 10 minutes to give the home side a 6-0 lead.

However, Corinthians responded quickly, with inside-centre Tom Waters crossing for a try, converted by Sean Naughton, putting the visitors ahead.

Navan fought back and Hooker Jayden Henderson grounded a try following a penalty in Corinthians' 22 metre area, which Gavigan converted, giving Navan a 13-7 lead.

But Corinthians' clinical play soon showed, and they added two more tries before half-time, while Navan’s Gavigan kicked another penalty, leaving the score 16-21 at the break.

In the second half, Galway Corinthians dominated with six additional tries, showing their speen and clinical finishing. Despite Navan’s efforts, including a second-half try from lock Conor Hand, converted by Gavigan, they were unable to keep up with the relentless pace and skill of the visitors.

The final score of 63-23 reflected the gap between the sides, as Galway Corinthians secured their third consecutive win, while Navan were left to regroup ahead of their next fixture.

The Meath side will look to take the positives from their overall performance against a more clinical Corinthians side and regroup after the first block of games.

Navan will travel to Belfast in two weeks to face another unbeaten team, Instonians, the reigning Division 2B champions, on Saturday 19th October with a 2:30 pm kick-off.

Navan Men's 1st's XV Squad (Sponsored by Hannon Travel): Rory Gordon; Harry Devlin, Evan Dixon (capt), Kyle Dixon, Shane Walshe; Tom Gavigan, Mark Farrell; James Wyse, Jayden Henderson, Liam Carroll, Liam McAree, Conor Hand, Thomas Ciot, Ben McEntagart, Lazlo Pschorn.

Replacements: Gary Faulkner, Leigh Jackson, Jordan Finney, Jack Dixon, Mark Coen.