Purcell shows way for Laois

LAOIS easily defeated a very poor and lethargic Westmeath side in this Hurling League Division 2 opening round game at Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday.

Inspired by a fine performance by corner forward John Purcell, Laois led by 1-9 to 0-5 at the break, with Purcell grabbing the only goal after just five minutes.

Westmeath were well off the pace and never looked likely to drag themselves back into contention.

Despite finishing the game with 12 wides, Laois ran out very comfortable winners with Matthew Whelan, James Walsh, Willie Hyland, John Brophy, John Purcell and substitute Owen Holohan all impressing.

Scorers for Laois: J Purcell (1-3), W Hyland (0-5, 0-4 from frees, 0-1 from a ‘65), J Brophy (0-3), O Holohan (0-3), B Dunne (0-2), N Foyle, J Walsh, N Costello (0-1) each.

Scorers for Westmeath: B Murtagh (0-3), A Mitchell (0-3 from frees), A Devine, B Smyth , C Flanagan (0-1) each.

LAOIS: P Mullaney; JA Delaney, B Campion, B Stapleton; J Fitzpatrick, M Whelan, C Dunne; J Walsh, S Burke; B Dunne, N Costello, W Hyland; J Purcell, N Foyle, J Brophy.

Subs: T Fitzgerald for J Brophy (51), O Holohan for N Costello (51), D Maher for S Burke (57), R Gill for W Hyland (64), B Galvin for JA Delaney (64).

WESTMEATH: P Burke; R Whelan, P Greville, E Price; P Gilsenan, A Mitchell, D McCormack; N Flanagan, C Flanagan; B Smyth, D McNicholas, B Murtagh; A Devine, B Lehart, D Carty.

Subs: J Shaw for D Carty (ht), C Curley for B Lehart (47), S Bardon for D McNicholas (55), A Craig for A Devine (68).

Referee: Tony Carroll (Offaly).