NHL DIVISION ONE B Limerick 1-24 Laois 2-12:LIMERICK ARRIVED in Portlaoise still hurting from a 14-point hammering from Clare, while Laois had a chastening experience last time out when going down to Offaly.

The small attendance was treated to some fine scoring by both sides. Limerick forward Graham Mulcahy posted three of the first four points, and after Laois goalkeeper Eoin Reilly made a point-blank save, the ball broke to Limerick captain David Breen who fired to the net after 12 minutes.

Willie Hyland and Brian Dunne pointed for Laois and ten minutes before the break a great Laois move resulted in Mick McEvoy added a superb goal, but the visitors still went on to lead 1-14 to 1-9 at the interval.

Shane Dowling added two early points for Limerick but unfortunately was then forced to retire injured.

Willie Hyland pointed twice for Laois in the second half but Conor Allis, who took over the freetaking role, landed five great points for the Shannonsiders.

In injury time Laois’s Brian Dunne caught a great delivery from Eoin Ryan to hammer home his side’s second goal.

LIMERICK: N Quaid; S Walsh; R McCarthy; T Condon; W McNamara; D O'Grady; G O'Mahoney; P Browne (0-1); J Ryan; S Dowling (0-6); D Breen (1-4); C Allis (0-5); G Mulcahy (0-7); Niall Moran (0-1); M Ryan. Subs: T O'Brien for S Dowling (40 mins); M Carmody for M Ryan (56); D Moloney for T Condon.

LAOIS: E Reilly; B Stapleton; D Maher; Brian Smith; C Dunne; J Fitzpatrick; M Whelan; J Walsh; B Dunne (1-2); W Hyland (0-9); M McEvoy (1-0); S Maher; J Brophy; N Foyle; T Fitzgerald (0-1). Subs: P Mullaney for B Smyth (25 mins); W Dunphy for J Brophy (45); S Bourke for J Walsh (56); D Peacock for S Maher (58 mins); D O'Mahoney for T Fitzgerald (65 mins)

Referee: Tony CarrollOffaly