A greater sprinkling of experience and an ability to convert more of their opportunities provided Navan with a seventh Smithwick's Provincial Towns Cup Final success at Mullingar. At times error-strewn, but also gritty and compelling, both teams deserve credit for the manner in which they approached the game.
The emphasis was on using the ball, with kicking generally a last resort. The forward exchanges were tough and abrasive. The victors enjoyed a decisive advantage out of touch through excellent second row Frank Hevey, but Ashbourne exerted the greater pressure in the set scrums.
For long periods yesterday's fare suggested a contest as to which team would prove the more profligate. Navan full back Stephen Beggy, a brother of former Meath GAA star David, managed just three successful attempts from nine with the placed ball, while Ashbourne out-half Brian Dillon failed with all five attempts. Clearly the pressure of the occasion took a toll on the quality of striking.
Navan's success can be attributed to their ability to punch holes in their opponents' defence, and in this respect none was more effective than former Wanderers number eight Peter Brady. His ability to break tackles, ably supported by Ciaran Brassil and Nick Crawford, allowed Navan to capitalise, scoring two tries in the process.
While the forwards provided a platform, it was Navan centre Tom Mullen who maximised the return from that possession by creating one try and scoring the other. Australian out-half and coach John Mulvihill was measured in most facets of play, particularly in the second half when it was most required.
Ashbourne, playing in their first final, should recall the occasion with affection despite the defeat. They demonstrated the greater enterprise behind the scrum and, in left wing Nathan Swayne, boasted the game's most elusive and effective runner. Robert Grimes, Padraig Costello and Jeff Mahon worked hard in the loose, as did Kevin Quinn, and all were willing ball carriers.
Beggy missed an early penalty before Ashbourne moved the ball swiftly across the three-quarter line to put Michael Moroney in space. He raced 20 metres, but his attempted chip over Beggy's head was blocked and the chance went abegging.
Swayne was next to spurn an opportunity when he failed to hold on to the ball after chasing Paddy Magill's chip over the line.
Beggy finally gave Navan the lead with a penalty on 28 minutes, only for Ashbourne to reply with a try three minutes later. Swayne made the crucial break and his perfectly-timed pass to Moroney allowed the right wing to canter over. Dillon missed the conversion.
Both sides missed several penalty opportunities before Mulvihill crossed for a try under the posts following good work by Mullen on 52 minutes.
Beggy converted, but failed to do so on 66 minutes when Mullen crossed after Brady and Mulvihill both made inroads into the Ashbourne defence.
The full back's second penalty on 71 minutes gave Navan breathing space and, despite a Magill try on 78 minutes, they finished the match in control.
Scoring Sequence 28th - Beggy penalty - 3-0 31st - Moroney try - 3-5 Half-time: - 3-5 52nd - Mulvihill try, Beggy con - 10-5 66th - Mullen try - 15-5 71st - Beggy penalty - 18-5 78th - Magill try - 18-10 Full-time: 18-10
Navan: S Beggy; J McGuirk, J Ward, T Mullen (capt), E Horton; J Mulvihill, C Reilly; C Moffatt, D Lynch, J McCartan; N Crawford, F Hevey; B Sherlock, P Brady, C Brassil. Replacements: H Nicholson for Sherlock (40 mins); P Reilly for Moffatt (48 mins).
Ashbourne: M Wilson; M Moroney, B Fitzgerald, S Broughton, N Swayne; B Dillon, P Magill; J Young, P McLoughlin, D Barrett; K Quinn, J McCaffrey; R Grimes, J Mahon, P Costello. Replacement: D Murphy for Magill (80 mins).
Referee: G Black (Leinster).
