A second half goal from substitute Damien Culleton proved the decisive score as Laois beat the weather and Down at O'Moore Park in Portlaoise to retain their Allianz National Hurling League Division One status for next season.
The game deteriorated like the conditions and while a Gareth Johnson first half goal for Down against the elements gave them hope of an upset it was the superior experience and craft of the home side that prevailed in the end.
Down were always in contention but lacked that final penetration in front of goals and relied on the shooting skills of free taker Martin Coulter who shot 0-9 while the Laois total was well distributed with eight players on the score sheet.
Laois played with the advantage of the strongest of breezes and driving rain in the opening half and dominated the early exchanges and points from James Walsh, center back Seamus O’Dwyer and Tommy Fitzgerald gave them an early advantage.
Paul Brannif opened the visitors account in the ninth minute and Martin Coulter quickly added another before Laois were rocked by a superb Gareth Johnson goal as he gathered the ball inside the defense and lashed it to the net.
A brace of points from James Young had the sides level after 14 minutes and scores from substitute Damien Culleton and Liam Tynan put Laois ahead.
Laois had three goal chances in the second quarter as James Young and Mark Rooney had efforts saved and the butt of the upright denied Liam Tynan. James Walsh, James Young and Liam Tynan shot some fine scores but Martin Coulter kept Down in touch with points from placed balls as Laois led at the break 0-11 to 1-5.
On the restart, substitute Rob Jones opened the scoring but two Martin Coulter scores narrowed the gap to two points but then 13 minutes into the half a superb pass from Mark Rooney found Tommy Fitzgerald inside the defense and when his rasping shot was saved Damien Culleton was on hand to walk the ball into the net for a decisive goal.
Again, points from Martin Coulter narrowed the gap to three points but scores from Young and substitutes Cathal Brophy and Phillip Russell gave Laois a six-point advantage with three minutes remaining.
Laois: K Galvin, B Campion, P Cuddy, C Healy, J Fitzpatrick, S O’Dwyer 0-1, M McEvoy, D Rooney, J Walsh 0-2, J Phelan, J Young 0-5, J Rowney, L Tynan 0-2, M Rooney 0-1, T Fitzgerald 0-1. Subs: D Culleton 1-1 for Rowney, C Brophy 0-1 for M Rooney, P Russell 0-1 for Fitzgerald, R Jones 0-1 for Fitzpatrick, C Coonan for M McEvoy (Y)
Down: G Clarke, L Clarke, S Murray, P Hughes, G Clarke, G Savage, S Wilson 0-1, A Savage, P Monan, E Clarke, P Braniff 0-2, B McGourty, M Coulter 0-9, G Johnson 1-0, S Clarke.
Subs: G Adair for Monan, J McCusker for B McGourty.
Referee: J Guinan (Kilkenny)
