Laois ... 2-12 Down ... 2-9NATIONAL HURLINGLEAGUE/Division Two semi-final: An early goal from Damian Culleton gave Laois a good start, but they had to battle to win at Drogheda yesterday. A Gerard McGrattan goal for Down just before half-time left the sides level 1-5 apiece at half-time.
After the interval, Laois substitutes were to play a huge part; Niall Rigney regained the lead with a good point and minutes into the half, another substitute, Brian Ferns, scored a great goal.
Down took the lead with points from Gerard McGrattan, Noel Sands and John McGrattan. Laois sub Michal Dunphy helped them back into a lead which they held despite a late Pat Coulter goal.
LAOIS: J Lyons; PJ Peacock, P Cuddy (0-1), L Mahon; P Mahon, P Drennan, M McEvoy; J Phelan, D Conroy; J O'Shea, R McEvoy, D Rooney; D Culleton (1-1), D Cuddy (0-5), J Coogan (0-3). Subs: N Rigney (0-1) for J Phelan; F O'Sullivan for D Rooney; B Ferns (1-0) for R McEvoy; M Dunphy (0-1) for J Coogan; M Kirwan for D Conroy.
DOWN: G Clarke; J Browne, S Murray, L Clarke; M Coulter, G Clarke, M Pucci; G Savage, N Sands (0-1); G McGrattan (0-2), M Braniff (0-1) E Trainor (0-1); J McGrattan (0-2), P Braniff, P Coulter (2-2). Subs: L Clarke for B Coulter; B Coulter for L Clarke; T McMahon for M Branniff;
Referee: G Harrington (Cork)
Down were forced to line out without midfielder Pat Monan who withdrew after the sudden death of his father on Saturday. A minute's silence was observed prior to the game.
