Laois pick up first SHC qualifier point

WESTMEATH 2-09 LAOIS 2-15

Laois picked up their first win of All-Ireland SHC qualifier Group A as they saw off the challenge of Westmeath in Mullingar.

James Young was Laois' star man as he scored 1-13. A long delivery from Darren McCormack squirted into the Laois net in the 11th-minute, but Dinny Cahill’s men fought back to lead 1-07 to 1-05 at the break.

Mark Rooney goaled in injury time after a mistake by Mark Briody.

Young’s goal, four minutes into the second period, pushed Laois six points clear. Derek McNicholas grabbed a late major for Westmeath, but the visitors were out of sight.

Westmeath: M Briody; C Jordan, C Murtagh, P Greville; G Gavin, D McCormack, N Gavin; J Shaw (capt), B Connaughton; D McNicholas, B Murtagh, A Mitchell; B Kennedy, D Carthy, J Clarke.

Laois: P Mullaney; B Campion, Packie Cuddy, J Walsh; C Healy, D Rooney, M McEvoy; J Phelan (capt), J Fitzpatrick; E Meagher, J Young, Z Keenan; T Fitzgerald, M Rooney, D Culleton.

Referee: Jason O’Mahony (Limerick)