Cats get maiden win

Killkenny 2-14 Laois 2-10

Kilkenny 2-14 Laois 2-10

Reigning NHL Champions Kilkenny, who were seeking their first brace of points at the third attempt, had to come from behind to beat Laois who were also in search of their first win.

In earlier rounds, the holders had lost to Galway and Waterford while Waterford and Clare had seen off Paudie Butler's men.

Kilkenny got off to a dream start when midfielder Henry Shefflin scored a goal with ten seconds on the clock.

Points from Martin Comerford and Conor Phelan saw Kilkenny lead 1-3 to 0-0 before Laois opened their account with points from David Cuddy and James Young.

Laois, with the aid of a strong breeze, hit several bad wides but their defence played very well and with points from David Cuddy, Liam Tynan and James Young, they took the lead just before half time.

When Laois were awarded a 20 metre free, James Young drove all the ways to the Kilkenny net. Henry Shefflin replied with a Kilkenny point to leave the half-time score Laois 1-7 Kilkenny 1-4.

When Laois added their second goal from Damien Culleton five minutes after the restart it looked as if the visitors would score their first win in 10 years over the league champions.

However Kilkenny's experience saw them claw their way back into the game and a Tommy Welsh point saw the sides level after 60 minutes.

Conor Phelan and then in injury time sub Eddie Brennan secured victory with a well taken goal.