Navan fell to a narrow five-point defeat away to MU Barnhall in a hard-fought contest. However, they secured two crucial bonus points, which could prove vital in their battle to stay in Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A.

Navan kept pace with Barnhall in the first half, with tries from captain Evan Dixon and Mathijs de Wit, along with a conversion from Tom Gavigan. However, Barnhall edged ahead 17-12 at halftime thanks to two converted tries and a penalty.

In the second half, both teams continued to trade scores, with Navan crossing for two more tries through Kyle Dixon and Gary Faulkner. Gavigan was accurate with the boot, adding two conversions and a penalty. However, Barnhall’s 100% kicking success and a second penalty saw them hold on for a narrow victory.

Despite the loss, Navan took two vital points from the game, ensuring a try bonus point and a losing bonus point.

Player of the Match for Navan was Michael Brady with a strong performance in the back-row.

Navan now turn their focus to a rearranged fixture away to Ballymena next Saturday (22nd February), a pivotal game in their survival push.

Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central”: Michael Brady

Navan Men's 1st XV Squad "Sponsored by Hannon Travel": Shane Walshe; Harry Devlin, Mathijs de Wit, Evan Dixon (capt), Mark Coen; Tom Gavigan, Mark Farrell; James Wyse, Gary Faulkner, Liam Carroll, Jordan Finney, Tom Ciot, Michael Brady, Ben McEntagart, Kyle Dixon.

Replacements: Shane O’Connor, Oisin Heffernan, Andrew Beggy, Jack Dixon, Noah Kavanagh.