Allianz Hurling League Division One Group B

Sunday March 1

Clare v Dublin, Cusack Park, 2pm

Laois v Kilkenny, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2pm

Wexford v Carlow, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm

By Cian O'Connell

It has been a satisfactory start for Clare under new manager Brian Lohan.

A place in the knockout stages has already been secured, but the Banner will secure top spot in the group if they can defeat Dublin at Cusack Park.

Last Saturday's loss to Wexford in Croke Park hurt Dublin, who were caught out by a late flurry.

Mattie Kenny will be demanding a response as Dublin seek to earn a place at the quarter-final stage.

UPMC Nowlan Park is now the venue for Laois' tussle with Kilkenny, who have chalked up five points.

Boosted by the return of a string of Ballyhale Shamrocks' clubman there is a powerful cut to the Kilkenny panel once more.

Adrian Mullen's injury is a real blow, though, but Kilkenny will plough on defiantly.

A victory on Sunday would guarantee the Cats a place in the next stage.

Carlow were gritty in Portlaoise, but still suffered a loss against Laois.

Wexford showed admirable battle qualities to take the spoils with a dramatic rally beating Dublin.

Paul Morris and Rory O'Connor landed the scores which truly mattered for Davy Fitzgerald's outfit, who are motoring well.

There is no shortage of hope in the south east and these are most encouraging times for Wexford.

KILKENNY (v Laois): Darren Brennan; Tommy Walsh, Huw Lawlor, Ciaran Wallace; Conor Delaney, Padraig Walsh, Darren Mullen; Richie Leahy, James Maher; Martin Keoghan, Eoin Cody, Alan Murphy; Billy Ryan, Walter Walsh, Ger Aylward.