Laois secured their third successive victory when coming from behind to defeat Waterford by four points in Portlaoise, 0-18 to 1-11.

To say that the weather was unsettled would be an understatement; to suggest that Na Deise disrupted John Sugrue's charges tonight would not.

The sides were level for the sixth time eight minutes into the second half but the hosts floated over eight of the last twelve scores to preserve their 100% record and join neighbours Carlow at the top of the table, with fellow promotion contenders Antrim due to play tomorrow.

Having been made to fight all the way, the winners carried a narrow 0-8 to 1-4 advantage into the interval. Visiting full forward JJ Hutchinson's goal in the 17^th minute had Na Deise ahead by double scores, 1-3 to 0-3, but Gary Walsh (free), Paul Kingston and Kieran Lillis had the O'Moore men back on terms by the 22^nd minute.

Jason Curry's free restored the underdogs' lead but Walsh (free) and Ross Munnelly hit the last two scores of an even opening period. Hutchinson's brace had given the Suirsiders a brilliant start but Laois recovered with a brace of Walsh frees and an Alan Farrell score. 1-1 from Hutchinson turned the game on its head, although the home team just about managed to recover to get their noses back in front by the short whistle.

With a fierce wind blowing across the field, Donie Kingston entered the action for the second half. However, three Curry points ensured that it was all still to play for with 25 minutes to go. Laois stepped up when it mattered, firing over six successive scores between the 54th and 65th minutes to finally send their plucky opponents packing. Walsh finished the night with ten points to his credit, while Donie Kingston, Munnelly and Lillis each registered twice.

Laois - G Brody; D Holland, S Nerney, R C Fennell; T Collins, C Begley, G Dillon; J O'Loughlin, K Lillis (0-2); A Farrell (0-1), P Kingston (0-1), D O'Reilly; R Munnelly (0-2, 1f), G Walsh (0-10, 8f), E O'Carroll. Subs: D Kingston (0-2) for E O'Carroll, D Strong for R C Fennell, N Donoher for A Farrell, B Glynn for D O'Reilly, E Buggy for G Dillon.

Waterford - S Enright; B Looby, T O'Gorman, R O Ceallaigh; J McGrath, S Ryan, A Trihy; T Prendergast, M Curry; C Murray (0-1), K Power, D Guiry; J Curry (0-4, 2f), JJ Hutchinson (1-4, 0-1f), P Whyte (0-1). Subs: D Breathnach (0-1) for K Power, M Cummins for R O Ceallaigh, F O'Currin for A Trihy, J Allen for T Prendergast (BC).

Referee - J Bermingham.

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