WHEN A team scores three goals in the first 10 minutes and then loses a match there is very little excuse for defeat. Yet that is precisely what Laois did in Portlaoise yesterday and presented themselves with a major problem in regard to their status in the National Hurling League.

All Ireland champions Wexford showed none of the prowess which made September so emotional for them, for their supporters and, indeed, for hurling.

On a parched pitch with the sliotar doing weird things as it skidded about on the barren surface, nobody could have suggested that Laois would lead by three goals to a mere point after eight minutes.

Eamon Scallan kept Wexford in the hunt throughout and he ended up with 10 points - seven from frees - but it was a Larry Murphy goal after 20 minutes which put Wexford back in the hunt to bring the score at that stage to 3-3 to 1-4.

Wexford should have closed the gap even more when a penalty was awarded after Martin Storey was pulled down going through, but the shot by goalkeeper Damian Fitzhenry was blocked by a coalition of Laois goalkeeper Ricky Cashin and his corner back John Shortall, and Laois remained ahead.

Wexford's second goal arrived in the 19th minute when Liam Dunne's lofted ball from midfield was grabbed and driven home by Gary Laffan and half time arrived with the teams level 3-5 to 2-8.

From then until the end Wexford had the upper hand, although they could only express their superiority marginally until Billy Byrne appeared on the scene and within 25 seconds drove the ball to the Laois net past a bewildered defence.

Byrne's contribution and the consistency of Scallan from the placed ball took Wexford home clear winners of a match which Laois - given their extraordinary start - should have won.

Not surprisingly, Wexford are feeling the heat of what happened to them in the championship last year, but they are nevertheless putting together a team of some substance.

Liam Dunne and Rod Guiney continue to give hope for the future while Adrian Fenlon and Martin Storey will also be there when the real challenges are expressed.

In regard to Laois, John Shortall and Joe Dollard will always be dependable, but a little bit more cut in the attack would appear to be needed.

Surprisingly, for all the much vaunted growth in hurling attendances there were fewer than 3,000 in the crowd.