Laois - 3-14 Dublin - 1-06 The two teams, who were pointless after three rounds, attracted less than 600 people in wintery conditions at Portlaoise yesterday. A week earlier, Dublin had been humiliated by Waterford, while Laois had lost out to All-Ireland champions Kilkenny by four points.

Laois got off to a great start and had three points on the board within five minutes; after 14 minutes they had a goal from Tommy Fitzgerald, but referee John McGrath blew his whistle and, from the resultant free, James Young scored a goal.

The midlanders, with points from David Cuddy, Séamus Dwyer and James Young, stretched their advantage. Dublin replied with points from Conal Keaney and Liam Ryan, but at half-time Laois led by 1-8 to 0-4.

Early in the second half, Dublin narrowed the gap to a point when Liam Ryan added a point and then shot a great goal. However, at the other end, David Cuddy responded with a goal and a point and with 15 minutes remaining Laois were 2-12 to 1-5 ahead.

In the final quarter, Laois substitute Eamon Jackman added a goal and the visitors had just one more point. On this performance Dublin looked destined for Division Two hurling, while Laois still have an uphill battle when they face table-toppers Galway next weekend.

LAOIS: K Galvin; L Mahon, Pat Cuddy, C Cuddy; J Fitzpatrick, Paul Cuddy, M McEvoy; J Young (1-7), J Walsh (0-1); C Coonan (0-1), D Cuddy (1-2), S Dwyer (0-1); T Fitzgerald (0-1), L Tynan (0-1), D Culleton. Subs: E Jackman (1-0) for J Young; R Jones for Dwyer; J Dunne for Fitzgerald; F Keenan for Fitzpatrick.

DUBLIN: G O'Meara; A de Paor, S Perkins, C O'Brien; S Hiney, K Wilson, S Daly; D Sweeney (0-1), R Fallon; C Keaney (0-2), L Ryan (1-2), M Cartan; K Flynn (0-1), S Martin, T Moore. Subs: S Mullen for Martin; S Callinan for Cartan; M Breathnach for de Paor.

Referee: John McGrath (Westmeath).