Following the disappointment of Saturday the 3rd XV lifted club spirits somewhat with a good win over Navan in the McGee Cup competition at Mill Road on a bright Sunday afternoon.
The game itself was a great match between two teams that tackled hard from start to finish. It was apparent that it would take something special to breach either defence and move fell to Rory Mc Ardle, who produced a slicing run past three Navan defenders to score under the posts. Aidan Reilly converted.
This settled the Dundalk team, a good blend of new and experienced players and they settled into a pattern of play which saw them attack Navan at every opportunity. The young pack, ably led by the experienced Alan Byrne, gained the upper hand on a much heavier and more experienced Navan unit. Then from a long clearance kick, Pierce Campbell gained possession inside the Dundalk half. He stuck the ball under his arm,upped a gear and raced down the touchline to score in the corner. The conversion drifted just wide.
Navan steadied themselves and attacked the Dundalk line from the restart but as sometimes happens Dundalk stole the possession in a ruck and Simon Byrne went over under the posts.
The second half continued in the same vein and coach John Mc Kevitt saw some of his work come to fruition with tight defence and good covering evident in the home team. Navan however remained dogged in their attacks and were rewarded ten minutes from time with a try.This score seemed to rouse Dundalk to greater effort and Chopper launched a huge Garryowen from just inside the half way line.As Navan screamed offside at the ref, Chopper came on the charge after his own kick,at a terrifying pace, and just as it seemed he would get the touchdown a despairing Navan boot put the ball out of play.
After Chopper’s recovery, Dundalk gained possession from the drop out and Will Matthews came from the right wing to collect a pass from Eamonn Roe and slide in for a try in the left corner. Chopper,despite instructions from his son, missed the conversion no doubt still in recovery from his amazing sprint.
Well done to all and keep up the good work
