Waterford up to the task

SHC Qualifier Round Three/ Waterford 2-17 Laois 1-13: As expected, Waterford picked up their second victory in the All-Ireland qualifiers in six days but had to fight all the way to hold a determined Laois challenge at rain-swept Portlaoise on Saturday.

The opening half was very evenly contested, Dave Bennett and James Young exchanging points from placed balls.

Laois goalkeeper Pat Mullany brought off three superb saves but nine minutes from half-time he had to retire after suffering a broken nose as he defied Waterford once again.

At the other end a great goal by Damian Culliton and a point by Young narrowed the gap to just a single point but in the closing minutes Waterford scored three great points, two from full forward Michael Walsh and one from Dave Bennett to leave them ahead 0-11 to 1-5.

On the resumption John Mullane stretched their advantage. Laois replied with points from Shane Dollard and Young but a superb goal by Mullane restored Waterford's advantage.

Laois, however, fought back with points from Joe Phelan, Young and Joe Fitzpatrick to leave just three points between the sides and a quarter of an hour remaining.

Waterford replied with another well taken goal, this time from Walsh, and points from substitute Séamus Prendergast and Bennett gave Waterford victory and sent them to the top of their group.

WATERFORD: C Hennessey; J Murray, K Moran, E Murphy; T Browne, D Prendergast, B Phelan; K McGrath (0-1), D Bennett (0-6); D Shanahan, E Kelly, S O'Sullivan; J Mullane (1-3), M Walsh (1-5), E McGrath (0-1). Subs: S Prendergast (0-1) for O'Sullivan, A Kearney for Walsh, J Kennedy for Kelly, S Molumby for Murray.

LAOIS: P Mullany; B Campion, P Cuddy, J Walsh; C Healy, P Mahon, M McEvoy; J Fitzpatrick (0-2), J Phelan (0-2); S Dollard (0-1), J Young (0-8), T Fitzgerald; D Culliton (1-0), M Rooney, D Carter. Subs: T Doran for Mullany, inj. G Delahunty for Carter, S Dwyer for Dollard, P Russell for Fitzgerald.

Referee: E Morris (Dublin)