 Antrim's Dan McKillop battles with Laois' Matthew Whelan |
Antrim look certain to be playing Christy Ring Cup hurling next season after Laois clinched a deserved win over the Saffrons at O'Moore Park. Willie Hyland notched seven points for the hosts as Laois avenged last year's qualifier defeat. Karl McKeegan hit four points as the sides went in 0-6 to 0-6 at half-time. Hyland missed a penalty after the break with Neil McManus scoring an Antrim penalty but Laois then hit nine out of 11 scores to take a decisive grip. Michael Herron and Paddy Richmond hit late points for Antrim but the damage had already been done for the understrength Saffrons. John Brophy and James Walsh hit early scores for Laois but two McKeegan points helped Antrim move ahead. Antrim had a wind advantage in their first half but they were unable to use it productively as the sides went in level at the break. However, the initiative appeared to be with the Saffrons after half-time when Ryan McGarry saved Hyland's penalty and McManus then hammered in a three-pointer from a placed ball to put Antrim two ahead. However, Laois then took complete control to hit nine of the next 11 scores to move into a 0-17 to 1-9 lead. Antrim had the better of the closing stages but it was too late. The Saffrons now look certain to be relegated from the Liam McCarthy Cup with a play-off against either Offaly or Cork to follow.
| 
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?