Laois are off the leash

NHL Division Two: Laois coasted to a 20-point (3-26 to 2-9) victory over Derry in Division Two A at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise, yesterday.

The home side led from start to finish and took an early 0-6 to 0-2 advantage thanks to scores from James Young, John Brophy, Shane Dollard and Joe Fitzpatrick - while league debutant Gareth O'Kane kept the visitors in touch.

Derry's failure to score between the fifth and 23rd minutes was to prove costly as Laois tagged on scores at will - and goals from Portlaoise duo Noel Costello and Tommy Fitzgerald saw them take a 2-13 to 0-2 advantage.

A Seán McBride goal gave Derry some hope, but Laois still held firm command at the interval with a 16-point lead.

Derry matched Laois well in the second half, though Laois did find the net again, this time through Philip Russell.

SCORERS - Laois: N Costelloe 1-9, 0-6 from frees; P Russell, T Fitzgerald 1-2 each; W Hyland, J Brophy, J Young (all frees) 0-3 each; S Dollard 0-2; J Fitzpatrick, D McGill 0-1 each. Derry: G O'Kane 0-7, five frees; S McBride 2-0, one free; O McCloskey, P McGlade 0-1 each.

Meath went into their opening league game at Páirc Tailteann as hot favourites, but they were no match for a Wicklow side boosted by a fine display from Jonathan O'Neill.

O'Neill contributed nine points of the 0-17 to 0-11 winning total. Also in Division Two A, Carlow had a one-point (2-12 to 0-17) victory over Armagh at Keady.

Meanwhile, an injury-time goal from Brendan Byrne snatched a dramatic 1-10 to 0-11 victory for 14-man Kildare over Mayo in yesterday's Division Two B game at Newbridge.

Seven points from Mayo's dual star Keith Higgins had the visitors leading by the minimum margin entering the 71st minute, but Byrne's scorching strike denied the visitors the points.

In the only other Division Two B tie yesterday, an injury-time goal from substitute Mike Boxer Slattery snatched victory for Kerry over London, 3-10 to 1-13, in Tralee.