Waterford bounce back to defeat Laois at Walsh Park

Waterford made a return to winning ways against Laois in their Allianz Hurling League Division 1B clash at Walsh Park, securing a first win in charge for Peter Queally.

The Déise were caught cold by Carlow last time out, but 0-13 from Padráig Fitzgerald and 1-04 from Patrick Fitzgerald proved crucial this time as they got their promotion push up and running.

Aiming for a first win against the Déise in 41 years, Laois got out in front with a point from Paddy Purcell but Jamie Barron was quick to respond for the home side.

Shane Bennett then sent over a superb effort from a tight angle as Peter Queally's side made a bright beginning, and it got even better when the game’s opening goal arrived with just two minutes played.

A long searching ball was fumbled by Laois goalkeeper Enda Rowland, and Patrick Fitzgerald was on hand to pounce on the mistake.

Laois made the perfect response to going four points behind, scoring the next five as Tomas Keyes fired over two frees either side of a point from play when capitalising on a loose pass from the Déise defence, while Rowland also pointed from a long range dead ball and Jordan Walshe found the radar from space.

Patrick Fitzgerald looked sharp throughout and brought the teams level again with a well taken score, but Laois were dominant in the air as Waterford struggled to take advantage of their assistance from the elements.

A free from Padraig Fitzgerald and a Jamie Barron effort moved Waterford two to the good before Charles 'Cha’ Dwyer responded.

Barron exemplified why he is a three-time All Star with a fantastic third point from well out the field, before frees from Keyes, Shane Bennett and Padraig Fitzgerald saw Waterford move five points ahead (1-10 to 0-8) on 25 minutes.

Michael