Laois grap much needed win

Laois 1-13 Down 0-10

Down succumbed to Laois by six points, after a strong second half display by the hosts at O'Moore Park in Division 2 of the National Hurling League.

Jim McKernan's charges matched the hosts well until John Walsh's 55th-minute goal paved the way for a Laois victory.

Down started strongly and led by 0-3 to 0-1 in the sixth minute, thanks to three points in succession from midfielders Andy Savage and Ciaran Coulter and free-taker Simon Wilson.

However, Laois bounced back well to take a 0-5 to 0-3 advantage by the 22nd minute, and although free-taker James Young was dismissed on a 33rd-minute yellow card, the hosts foraged into a 0-8 to 0-5 interval lead.

Down rallied on the restart thanks to an Eoin Clarke point, and just two points separated the sides as the game entered the final quarter, following a Paul Braniff score.

However, the visitors could not withstand Laois' hunger and once Walsh found the net there was no looking back for the O'Moore men, who sealed the win with a fourth point from Zane Keenan.

While Keenan top-scored for the victors, Walsh (1-0), Young (0-3) and John Rowney (0-2) made considerable contributions.

Down's scoring was led by Wilson (0-3), Savage and Braniff (0-2 each).