The Navan Ladies officially began their 2026/27 league campaign on Saturday, 19th September, travelling to Wesley College for an opening fixture against a strong YMCA side.
Wearing the white away kit, Navan took to the pitch for a 1pm push-back knowing they faced a challenging opening test.
YMCA applied pressure early in the match and found the opening goal after a shot from outside the circle took a touch on its way towards goal. From there, Navan faced an uphill battle against an experienced opposition.
It developed into a physical and sometimes stop-start encounter, with a number of tackles and decisions disrupting the flow of play. Cards were shown to both sides during the match, including two yellow cards for Navan.
There was another unusual interruption before the final quarter when it emerged that the match could no longer continue on the original pitch. Both teams were required to relocate before play could resume.
Lessons to Take Forward
Once the fourth quarter restarted, YMCA increasingly looked to retain possession and move the ball around their defensive line.
For Navan, the match highlighted one of the areas the team has been working on throughout pre-season: remaining patient in possession and using the width of the pitch.
At times, Navan struggled to consistently build play around the back and instead attempted to move the ball directly through the centre. Against a strong and organised YMCA side, those rushed passes were quickly closed down and made it difficult for Navan to establish sustained possession.
There were still positive individual performances and periods where Navan showed what the squad is capable of, but the challenge now is bringing those moments together consistently as a team.
A Long Season Ahead
The opening fixture may not have produced the start Navan wanted, but one match does not define a season.
With a squad containing both experienced players and younger players continuing their development into senior hockey, there is plenty of work—and plenty of opportunity—ahead.
Training now turns towards improving communication, structure, movement and confidence on the ball. The lessons from the opening match provide a clear foundation for what the team needs to work on together.
October brings four more league fixtures, beginning with an away trip to Botanic on 3rd October.
We train together. We learn together. We improve together.