Hyland stars as Laois cruise to victory

LAOIS proved too strong for their Antrim hosts when recording a 2-19 to 1-12 victory at Casement Park yesterday.

Winger Willie Hyland rifled over 12 points in a man-of-the-match performance while the Laois defence was dominant throughout.

Two first quarter goals from Neil Foyle had Antrim playing catch up and their hopes were further dented with Liam Watson was red carded for a pull on Eoin Costello. Laois, after playing against the wind, led by 2-7 to 0-9 at the break. A Neil Mcmanus goal gave Antrim some hope soon after the restart but the midlanders, led by Hyland quickly set about ending reasserting their lead.

Meanwhile Carlow secured a narrow win over Down (3-11 to 3-9) at Mitchel Park Ballygalget yesterday. The hosts led 3-6 to 1-5 at the interval with Gareth Johnson, Conor O’Prey hitting the net for Down while Paudie Kehoe had Carlow’s goal on seven minutes.

On the restart, the Leinster men hit two goals in a devastating 60 seconds with Kehoe and Andrew Gaule on target.

Carlow finished the stronger with a point from Robert Foley and a free by substitute Shane Kavanagh for a deserved victory.

Two goals by David Carter helped Kildare to victory in this low-key NHL Division 2 game in Cusack Park, Mullingar on Saturday (4-10 to 0-11). David Harney and John Houlihan also goaled for the winners.