Hurling round-up: Kavanagh on fire, Leitrim's first win

Carlow have taken a giant step towards the final of Division 2A of the National League following a 1-23 to 0-21 five-point win over Laois this evening.

Martin Kavanagh was electric on frees as Carlow built up a ten point lead by the middle of the second half and were never in danger of being caught.

It was a disappointing evening for Laois who will need positive results against Kerry and Meath to assure themselves of a semi final spot.

Chris Nolan was outstanding at centre forward for the visitors as he hit four points from play, whilst John Michael Nolan and Martin Kavanagh were also impressive.

Enda Rowland, Ryan Mullaney and Diarmaid Conway stood out for Laois and Paddy Purcell was on fire in the second half as he struck four from play.Laois started the game brightly but a goal midway through the half for Carlow gave them the edge and they held on to a four point lead at half time.

Carlow outscored Laois by six points to one early in the second half, but Laois found another gear in the final stages and rallied to bring the gap back to five, although it turned out to be too little too late.

There was a lot of shadowboxing in the opening five minutes as the sides felt each other out before Stephen 'Picky' Maher landed the first jab with a free from midfield.

Scott Treacy and Conor Kehoe hit back with one each to give the visitors a short lived lead as Jer Quinlan levelled with a speculative effort.Laois' midfield came to life on the eight minute mark with a point each from Tom Cuddy and Aidan Corby.

John Michael Nolan scored the first of his two outstanding first half points from a tight angle on the right wing, Laois still had firm control of the game at this point as Picky fired over two frees in quick succession.

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