(by Michelle Claffey)

Navan Scorers:

Try: Niamh Lister.

Navan RFC 3rd XV had their first competitive outing on Thursday night in Balreask Old. A cracking game under lights against Barnhall 2nd XV in the first round of the Leinster Division 5/6 Cup. 

Having not participated in the League, this game was going to be an exciting unknown for many players.

The game was an exciting physical battle with standout performances from Edel Farrell and Donna Finlay in the forwards. With Katie Kearney stepping into the outhalf role and guiding the team throughout. Niamh Lister getting the team on the score sheet with a great individual effort off of an excellent scrum set piece.

Congratulations to Katie Kearney, Anna Marchant and Kellie Behan on receiving their first senior caps, graduating from Under 18.5.

A further Congratulations to new caps Katie Bellew, Laura McCabe, Megan Lyons and Laura Dempsey. 

The team had a mixture of experience and youth, no one took a backwards step. Niamh Yourell led the back row challenge with Shannon Mead. Anna Mennis worked tirelessly at second Row, showing unbelievable character at try line defence time. Amanda Brady from scrum half dictated the pace of ball from ruck time.

Niamh Callaghan, Rosanna O Neill and Lisa O Neill played with great knowledge in her first season of rugby. Hitting everything in defence, and finding gaps to give the team go forward ball.

Anna Marchant, Alanna Kelly and Kellie Behan showed their understanding of the game and fancy footwork making line breaks and bringing youth with experience.

Sue Trehy-Nisbitt, Hannah Ettie and Sarah O’Brien physically made their presence known with strong ball carries and dominance at set piece.

Thursday night was a historic night for the club fielding a 3rd XV for the first time ever. More importantly Thursday night showed the progression of rugby in Navan and the appetite from the teams to play and compete at all levels. It showed that players want to play, for the love of the sport and are facilitated in the Club at all levels. 

Next up is the Division 5/6 Plate for this group.

Navan Women's 3rd XV Squad "Sponsored by P. Bermingham's Bar":

Edel Weldon, Sue Trehy-Nisbitt, Niamh Callaghan, Anna Mennis, Sarah O’Brien, Shannon Mead, Donna Finlay, Niamh Yourell, Amanda Brady, Katie Kearney, Lisa O'Neill, Anna Marchant, Niamh Lister, Rosanna O'Neill, Alanna Kelly.

Replacements:Kellie Behan, Hannah Ettie, Megan Lyons, Laura McCabe, Katie Bellew, Laura Dempsey, Lily Jane Smith.