Laois 3-12 Carlow 2-1: LAOIS SECURED their first points of the current league thanks to a four-point victory at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise.
With 12 minutes remaining the score was level at 3-8 to 2-11, but Laois dug deep and, thanks a couple of points each from James Young and Jason Phelan, ensured a four-point win.
The hosts led by 1-5 to 0-1 at the end of the first quarter, with Owen Holohan bagging a goal. Carlow bounced back thanks to goals from Colin Hughes and Ruairí Dunbar.
A Willie Hyland goal ensured Laois held a 2-7 to 2-5 half-time lead. They began the second half with Holohan’s second goal.
Carlow responded well with four points to level the tie at 3-7 to 2-10 before Laois’ strong finish.
LAOIS: T Doran; K Fitzpatrick, D Maher, B Stapleton; JA Delaney, M Whelan, R Young; M McEvoy, James Walsh; Z Keenan (0-1, one sideline), J Young (0-5, three frees), W Hyland (1-0); J Phelan (0-3), J Rowney (0-1), O Holohan (2-2). Subs: B Dunne for McEvoy (34 mins, yellow), N Holmes for Rowney (46 mins), E Jackman for Hyland (54 mins).
CARLOW: D Miley; A Gaule, D Shaw, D Byrne; E Coady, J Rodgers, D Kavanagh; J Hickey, Paul Kehoe; R Dunbar (1-8, five frees, one 65), M Brennan (0-1), C Hughes (1-1); W Hickey, C Doyle, J Coady. Subs: HP O'Byrne for D Kavanagh (39 mins), R Foley (0-1) for W Hickey (43 mins), Paudie Kehoe for J Coady (50 mins), R Coady for Paul Kehoe (69 mins), M Keating for E Coady (62 mins, yellow), B Cox for Rodgers (71 mins, yellow).
Referee: J O'Mahony (Limerick).
