Laois look poised for survival

HURLING: Laois v Antrim- THESE TEAMS lost by a combined score of 37 points in the Leinster openers – Laois going down to Galway, Antrim to Dublin. Since then, Antrim have recorded a narrow win over Down in the Ulster final, yet Laois still look to have the edge here.

There weren’t all bad against Galway, and manager Niall Rigney has made just two changes, introducing Colin Delaney for the suspended James Young at midfield, while Eamon Jackman takes over the right half forward position from Dane Peacock.

Young is a loss, but Antrim are in a worse position as key forwards Shane McNaughton and Karl Stewart are on an arranged holiday in Portugal.

In fact joint manager Sambo McNaughton, father of Shane, only managed to get back on Thursday and Antrim’s preparations look a little suspect.

There is, however, plenty to play for as the losers go straight into the relegation play-off, where the price of defeat there is the automatic drop to the Christy Ring Cup.

Antrim came out on top in a similar relegation battle last year, but, with home advantage, Laois look a little better poised for survival.

LAOIS:T Doran; JA Delaney, D Maher, B Stapleton; M Whelan, B Campion, M McEvoy; C Delaney, J Walsh; E Jackman, O Holohan, W Hyland; E Costelloe, J Rowney, J Purcell.

ANTRIM:TBA.

Referee:P O'Connor (Limerick).