The Laois senior hurlers have continued their winning start to Division 2 of the National Hurling League with victory over Kildare.
They enjoyed an eight point win over Kildare and below we take a more in depth look at the match.
1 – Man of the Match
Plenty of good performances for Laois – starting in goal where Enda Rowland made a brilliant save which turned the game and converted his frees.
Ian Shanahan and Liam O’Connell had fine games in the full back line while Tom Cuddy was excellent at wing back again.
Jer Quinlan was an outlet in attack all game which James Duggan was unplayable in the second half where he scored 1-1 and set up Mark Dowling for the first goal.
But we have gone for Rosenallis’ David Dooley. His workrate was immense as he routinely won back possession during the game. Was involved in many Laois scores and struck a lovely point himself in the second half.
2 – Young players impress again
Laois started the match with three players who are eligible for the U-20 grade this year.
Jer Quinlan and Tom Cuddy started for a second successive week while Cody Comerford came into the team at midfield.
All three showed again they are more than capable at this level and have huge futures ahead of them.
3 – Laois set to get stronger
Laois were without plenty of players on Sunday who will come back and bolster the panel.
Ross King is back in the country and back in training while Willie Dunphy will be back from suspension for the Carlow game.
Tomas Keyes, Lee Cleere, Donnchadh Hartnett and Ryan Mullaney didn’t feature either and they will strengthen Laois when fit.
4 – Tonne up for Rowland and Maher
Stephen Maher and Enda Rowland both made their 101st appearances for Laois in this game – a remarkable achievement for both lads!
Eoin Culliton of the Laois GAA Bible also confirmed that this was the first time in 13 years that Laois had three different goal scorers in a match – the last being against Clare in 2011.
5 – Results Elsewhere?
In the other games, Down defeated Kerry on Saturday by 2-23 to 1-19.
While Carlow continued their winning ways as they got the better of Meath – 3-22 to 1-16.
6 – What happens next?
Laois now have a week off before they return to league action. They will host Carlow on February 24 where a win would almost guarantee them promotion.
SEE ALSO – NHL Division 2: Solid second half sees Laois defeat Kildare to maintain 100% start
