A ring rusty and under strength Mullingar fifteen took to the pitch for the first time this season at this grade in Shay Murtagh Park on Saturday morning. Navan looked the much more determined from the start, battle hardened with a number of games under their belt. Mullingar began well and showed some good handling and aggression. Navan came with a big pack and their intentions were clear from early on, they controlled possession at the back of a multi phased play and forced over the first score under the posts followed up by a good try from their winger in the corner. The Mullingar line out was working extremely well, and is a good sign for the season ahead, marshalled by Nathan Gallagher it provided excellent ball for our backs all game, his second row partner Sean Casey was also to the fore. Navan’s line speed proved a big problem for James Kerrigan at 10 and the Mullingar back line, with little time on the ball they were predominantly on the back foot. Stephen Derham however did his best to halt the Navan onslaught and his tackling was a feature of the game. Just before the half Cian Cleary who was having a good game at 9 picked from behind the ruck faked a pass and skipped into space and across the Navan line for an excellent try. Our Number 8 Niall Derham had to retire before the half with a bloodied nose as did Matthew Looram with a knee injury. Mullingar’s stand out player was Brian Reidy a convert from hooker to flanker he showed great commitment,heart and aggression in a man of the match performance. Mullingar played the majority of the second half with 12 men and despite the numbers disadvantage acquitted themselves very well, however we will need to re discover our line speed, aggression and physicality if we are to hold our own in the weeks to come. Well done lads, with the return of a number of key players in the coming weeks the signs are good for the season ahead. Thanks to Anne Marie and Mark Derham, Patricia Kerrigan and Orla Cleary for organising the tea and after game refreshments.

TEAM; Chris Glynn, Brian Reidy, Matthew Looram, Nathan Gallagher, Matthew Doyle, Harry Ripley, Niall Derham, Stephen Wynn, Sean Casey, Peter Midic, Stephen Derham, Cian Cleary, James Kerrigan, Gavin Flood.