Duignan leads Offaly to nine-point victory over Laois

Offaly got their first win of their National Hurling League campaign after a comprehensive nine-point victory over Laois in O'Moore Park this afternoon.

Brian Duignan and Dan Ravenhill starred for the Joe McDonagh champions as they combined for 18 points in a fantastic attacking performance.

Laois led by two at half time after having a deceptively strong wind to their advantage, but the visitors got away from them in the second half and put in a much improved performance from their opening draw against Carlow.

Brian Duignan opened the scoring for Offaly with a free against the wind in the opening second, though it took little time for Aaron Dunphy to level at the other end.

The opening score from paly came by way of an audacious effort from Jordan Walshe to put the hosts in front for the first time.

A couple of goal chances went begging at both ends before a quick Duignan double saw the Faithful lead once more in the eighth minute.

David Dooley traded score with Duignan before youngster Donal Shirley galloped down the right wing in acres of space to fire over.

The yoyoing continued as Dunphy slotted a 65 after a saved effort from Tomas Keyes and Aidan Corby levelled things up once again in the 20th minute.

Offaly would dominate the following 10 minutes, starting with a goal chance for Charlie Mitchell that sailed over the bar.

Cha Dwyer marked his return to the intercounty scene with a long range effort and Walshe added his second of the game but Offaly bit back with a score from Dan Ravenhill followed by two Duignan points after he received a yellow card alongside Lee Cleere after a tussle.

The hosts rallied strongly late on and Dunphy benefitted with three frees in succession before Dwyer notched a second larte on to put his