Laois 2-16 Wexford1-16:FOR THE second week in a row Laois hurlers had their backs to the wall and for the second time they survived.
Wexford fielded an experimental outfit and they looked in serious trouble when they conceded two goals to Laois duo Willie Hyland and Chris Murray in the space of three minutes halfway through the first half and trailed by 11 points with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
Wexford produced their best hurling in the closing 10 minutes of the first half when they shot four unanswered points.
They continued their revival in the opening minutes of the new half as they rifled over three more points without reply.
Laois finally responded with points from Michael Bermingham and Hyland but a goal by Peter Atkinson after 50 minutes left just two points separating the teams.
Laois responded with a succession of points, however, to secure their deserved win.
LAOIS:E Reilly; B Smith, B Campion, Brian Stapleton; M Bermingham (0-1), M Whelan, C Dunne; S Burke, J Walsh; C Murray (1-1), E Holohan, W Hyland (1-9); J Purcell (0-1), T Fitzgerald (0-1), J Brophy (0-2). Subs:B Dunne (0-1) for E Holohan, Joe Fitzpatrick for S Burke John Delaney for M Bermingham;
WEXFORD:N Carton; D Kehoe, M O'Hanlon, B Hobbs; R Kehoe, C Kenny, W Doran; C Farrell, E Martin (0-2); PJ Nolan (0-2), T Waters (0-2), S Banville; P Atkinson (1-1), K Burke (0-1), J Berry (0-7); Sub:E Furlong (0-1) for J Berry.
Referee:David Hughes (Kilkenny).
