Laois v Antrim
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
LAOIS 1-20 ANTRIM 1-19
By Alan Hartnett at MW Hire O'Moore Park
CHA Dwyer was Laois's hero as his incredible over-the-shoulder point in the third minute of injury time saw them defeat Antrim in Portlaoise.
It was a remarkable win for Laois who had to play for almost 50 minutes with 14 men following the dismissal of Jack Kelly in the first half. They led for most of the game but fell behind in the 69th minute when Paddy Burke curled Antrim ahead.
However, a free from PJ Scully drew Laois level and then they won it through Cha Dwyer.
It is a win that means they are safe for another year at this level with a game to spare as Antrim cannot catch them.
Even if the Saffrons defeat Tipperary next week and Laois lose to Dublin, Laois will stay ahead of them on the head to head rule.
Antrim will face either Offaly or Limerick in the relegation playoff after the round robin phase of the competition concludes.
Laois hurled with the breeze in the first half but it was Antrim who scored three of the first four points via Neil McManus, Conal Cunning and Michael Bradley.
Podge Delaney of Laois in action against Conor McCann, left, and Conal Cunning of Antrim during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group B match between Laois and Antrim at MW Hire O'Moore Park in Portlaoise, Laois.
But Laois announced their arrival in the third minute when Paddy Purcell skillfully made his way up the wing before burying the ball into the net.
They almost had another goal shortly after when Willie Dunphy collected a long puck-out from Enda Rowland but Ryan Elliott made a brilliant save from point blank range.
It was tit-for-tat after that with the sides exchanging points but Laois led 1-6 to 0-7 after 22 minutes when they were reduced to 14 men.
Nevertheless, Laois responded well to the numerical disadvantage and outscored their visitors from there to half time.
Cha Dywer, Willie Dunphy, James Keyes and keeper Enda Rowland all pointed to leave Laois 1-11 to 0-8 ahead at half time.
Antrim came roaring back at Laois when play resumed and scored the first three points of the second half via David Kearney, Ciaran Clarke and McManus.
Laois kept their noses in front with Stephen Maher flawless on frees and every time Antrim came at them, they kicked on again to keep ahead.
James Keyes and Fiachra C-Fennell was also superb in this period as they broke up a lot of Antrim attacks and helped Laois stay in the game.
Laois were also helped by Antrim's inaccuracy - particularly in the second half where the visitors fired wide on 11 occasions.
But despite that, the extra man eventually looked like it was going to tell when Antrim went ahead as we went for four minutes of injury time. Neil McManus was their main man on that front as he fired over seven frees.
However, Laois showed incredible character to dig it out. PJ Scully came off the bench to fire over an equalising free - shortly after he had converted a sideline.
Antrim went looking for the winner from the resulting puck out but they turned over the ball and Cha Dwyer pounced to score an outrageous point to win in.
Antrim went in search of an equaliser but it didn't come as Laois held on to win.
Scorers for Laois: Stephen Maher 0-8 (four frees, two 65s), Cha Dwyer 0-4, Paddy Purcell 1-1, James Keyes 0-2, Willie Dunphy 0-2, PJ Scully 0-2 (one free, one sideline), Enda Rowland 0-1 (free)
Scorers for Antrim: Neil McManus 1-7 (seven frees), Conal Cunning 0-2, Ciaran Clarke 0-2, Michael Bradley 0-2, Paddy Burke 0-2, Sean Elliott 0-1, David Kearney 0-1, Gerard Walsh 0-1, Eoghan Campbell 0-1
LAOIS: Enda Rowland; Diarmaid Conway, Podge Delaney, Sean Downey; Jack Kelly, Liam O’Connell, Ryan Mullaney; James Keyes, Fiachra C-Fennell; Stephen Maher, Cha Dwyer, Paddy Purcell; Ross King, Willie Dunphy, Mark Dowling. Subs: PJ Scully for Dowling (50), Aidan Corby for King (55), Stephen Bergin for Maher (70), Ciaran Comerford for Dunphy (73)
ANTRIM: Ryan Elliott; David Kearney, Gerard Walsh, Stephen Rooney; Paddy Burke, Eoghan Campbell, Ryan McGarry; Daniel McKernan, Michael Bradley; Conal Cunning, Keelan Molloy, Domhnall Nugent; Sean Elliott, Neil McManus, Ciaran Clarke. Subs: James McNaughton for Nugent and Conor McCann for Elliott (both ht), Conor Johnston for Kearney (58), Eoin O’Neill for Molloy (61), Ryan McCambridge for Bradley (68)
Referee: Shane Hynes (Galway)
