Ulster counties fail to win in hurling encounters

Damien Fox's Laois hurlers got their NHL Division 2A campaign off to a blistering start at O'Moore Park in Portlaoise today, with a facile 3-26 to 2-9 victory over Derry.

Laois were always in command in this game and held an early 0-6 to 0-2 lead with points from James Young, John Brophy, Shane Dollard and Joe Fitzpatrick, while league debutant Gareth O'Kane kept the visitors in touch.