St. Patrick’s Navan 10
Skerries Community College 3

Skerries CC competed against St. Patrick’s of Navan in the Schools “A” Junior Cup Final played in Navan RFC on Friday the 5th of February 2010. The Navan side just edged out the Skerries team in this game played under light on a heavy pitch. Otherwise it was a cold, still night in which Skerries withstood an early onslaught by the Navan team. The 1st half ended with Navan leading by 3 points following a penalty scored by their outhalf.

After some positional changes in the backs wing Shane Hickey switched with Sean McAuley at centre, this enabled the latter to demonstrate sure handling in dealing with some very difficult Garryowens out wide. Skerries began to ask questions of the Navan defence which held firm but the home side conceded 3 points scored by fullback Paul O’Connor following an infringement in front of their posts. Connor Lennox, at outhalf, continued to get his back line moving with accurate passing and astute kicking from hand throughout the game. The front row of Ciaran McNally, Ciaran Leonard and Adam Carbury scrummaged well against the heavier Navan pack. Lineouts worked very well with Jean-Claude BotenaVey and Jamie Downing securing good possession. Effective in the loose were all members of the back row Jack Nealon, James Downey and David O’Connor. Damien Ward at scrum-half again displayed great skills in the tackle and with the pass. Darrach Roynane, at outside centre, snuffed out attacks with speedy incursions into the opposition’s line.

Little separated the finalists with the score at 3 all till, late in the game; Navan struck with a converted try and this left no time for Skerries to get back on terms. Understandably a very disappointing result and although the squad was sad they realised that they had had a great season and soon the banter in the dressing room was upbeat which is typical of this group. They can hold their heads high as they campaigned throughout the entire season having narrowly lost only 2 games.