Seven-goal Laois hammer Meath in Joe McDonagh Cup

Laois made it two wins from two Joe McDonagh Cup games with a huge 7-29 to 1-16 victory over Meath in Trim.

Willie Maher's men put seven goals past a hapless Meath side who suffered their second successive defeat after losing to Down in Round 1.

Laois had a dramatic comeback victory over Offaly last time out but this one was far more straightforward as they dominated from start to finish.

The first half was tight up until the 30th minute when Meath centre back James Toher pulled down Tomas Keyes for a penalty and received a black card.

Laois finished the opening half with 1-06 and held an 11-point lead at half time.The second half turned into a rampage as Laois attacked in drove and hit Meath for another five goals on their way to racking up a 50-point total.

Mark Dowling and keeper Enda Rowland both scored goals in the first half as Laois led 2-16 to 1-08, Mark Horan getting Meath's goal.

Potterton opened the scoring in the second with a point, but Laois hit back with a vengeance despite playing against the wind.

Tomas Keyes, Stephen Maher, David Dooley and Aidan Corby all pointed and then Maher scored probably the easiest goal of his career when Corby saw a shot at goal saved and the ball landed straight at Maher's feet just in front of the line and he kicked it into the net.

Meath rallied for a period after introducing some changes with Nicky Potterton, Eamon Og Donnchadha and Domhnall Rogers all pointing in succession.Willie Dunphy had an outstanding second half and he slotted his fourth point of the game before James Duggan made an immediate impact off the bench with a point followed by a goal when he rose to guide a high ball in from Dowling into the net.

The rampage continued with point a point from Aaron Dunphy and a goal