Old Crescent RFC had a tough assignment last Saturday in Rosbrien when we faced Navan RFC, the only unbeaten side in our Division. Both teams earned promotion last season but Navan have made the better start in the higher Division with three wins from three outings.

 

Crescent’s match preparations were hampered when two players suffered injuries in the warm up, necessitating last minute changes to our starting 15.  Navan started strongly and they scored a try 15 minutes into the game, and another try four minutes later. Both tries were unconverted leaving Navan 10 points to nil ahead midway through the first half.

 

Navan continued to dominate and Crescent found it hard to get our hands on the ball.  Navan scored again five minutes before the break and this time they added the conversion to lead by 17 points to nil as half time approached.  However, Crescent never gave up and attacked deep into the Navan 22. We won a line out close to the Navan line and were awarded a penalty try when Navan pulled the maul down as we went over the line. Navan also had a player sent to the bin for pulling down the maul.

 

With the 40 minutes nearly up, we attacked again and won a scrum on the Navan five metre line, from where our popular Argentian player, Nahuel Dovala, playing his first AIL game, broke from the back of the scrum and crashed over for our second try.  Ronan McKenna was narrowly wide with the conversion attempt in the strong wind.  Having been under the cosh for most of the first half we were now in a much better position just five points behind at the break.

 

Crescent started strongly after the break and after some excellent ball handling Brian Touhy crossed the Navan line to touch down out wide five minutes into the second half.  Ronan was just wide with the difficult conversion attempt but we were now back in the game with the teams level at 17 points apiece.

 

Crescent continued to play much better in the second half and the game was more evenly balanced as each team had chances to go ahead.  However, the visitors got the decisive breakthrough when Crescent were penalised for a scrum collapse and had a man sent to the bin.  Navan converted their penalty attempt to go that vital three points ahead with fifteen minutes remaining.

 

Crescent threw everything at Navan defence in the closing stages, getting close to the Navan line once or twice, but despite losing another man to the bin, the visitors held out to claim a narrow victory.   A disappointing result despite a great effort from our senior team.  Final score, Old Crescent 17 Navan 20.

 

Next up in back to back home AIL games will be our clash with Highfield RFC at 2.30pm in Rosbrien next Saturday, 3^rd November.

 

Old Crescent Third’s had a good win a Gleeson League clash with Newcastlewest RFC played in the Crescent Comp grounds last Saturday.  Crescent won by 24 points to 7, with our four tries being scored by Cillian Mahony, Robbie Sweeney, Dave Dennehy and Adam Cunningham.  Well done, lads!

 

In fixtures next weekend, as already mentioned, our Senior side are back in action in Rosbrien when they take on Highfield RFC at 2.30pm in an important AIL clash.  We will have our usual excellent lunch before the game in the clubhouse. Only €25 for a two course meal with wine and free admission to the game. Contact Eddie Frost on 086 3537085 to book your place asap.

 

Our Third’s play Garryowen away in Dooradolye at 2.30pm next Saturday in a Gleeson League fixture, and our Under 20’s take on UL Bohemians on the 4G pitch in UL at 2.30pm next Saturday.

 

Old Crescent RFC Business Breakfast, Castletroy Park Hotel, 7.30am, 22nd November 2018

Places are filling up fast for the major Business Breakfast that Old Crescent RFC is hosting in the Castletroy Park Hotel on Thursday morning, 22nd November, with Munster Senior Coach, Johann van Graan, and his wife Melissa, as our special Guests of Honour.

 

Johaan and Melissa will share their views on crossing the Equator with a young family to relocate in Limerick, and we will also have some discussion on rugby matters. International referee, Joy Neville, has kindly agreed to facilitate the discussion with Johaan and Melissa.

 

Our Business Breakfast in the Castletroy Park Hotel on 22nd November will start at 7.30am with breakfast served at 7.45am. The event will conclude no later than 9.00am. Tables of ten cost €500 or individuals at €50 per head. Contact Liam Keehan 087 0670609 or Peter Doyle 086 3861054 asap to secure your booking.