Laois destroy Carlow by 20 points

Leinster SHC: Carlow 0-08 4-19 Laois

First-half goals in the 19th and 31st minutes from corner forwards Damien Culloten and Tommy Fitzgerald enabled the visitors to establish a commanding 2-11 0-01 interval lead.

Carlow's only score of the half was a 17-minute point from a free by full forward Karl English.

Paidi Butler's Laois side continued to dominate in the second half showing the benefit of competing in Division One of the National Hurling League.

Substitute Eamon Jackman score a third laois goal midway through the second half to pile on the agony for Carlow.

The game attracted about 600 which must be an all-tine low for such a fixture.

The game peytered out with Laois running in five second-half substitutes.

Tommy Fitzgerald top-scored with 1-3 while a total of eight players shared in the massive Laois tally.

Overall, this was complete mismatch and Laois will have learned little as they prepare for a second round home meeting against Meath.