Walsh Cup/ Laois 1-17 Dublin 1-16: Laois hurlers got out of jail on Saturday in Rathdowney as a late point from John Brophy ensured they edged past Dublin.

A wind-assisted Dublin relied heavily on frees from David Curtin during the opening half - in contrast to Laois, who scored at will from open play.

Dublin led by 0-3 to 0-2 after six minutes, when the first goal chance fell to Laois half-forward Eoin Holohan, but he had his shot well saved by Alan Nolan.

Willie Hyland and Brophy were effective for Laois on the half-forward line as the sides matched each other point for point. After they had been level six times, a point from John McCaffrey put the visitors ahead at half-time, 0-10 to 0-9.

Two points from James Young on the restart gave Laois the lead for the first time before substitute Noel Costelloe goaled in the 55th minute.

Dublin responded and the teams were level several times, including three minutes from the end, when a goal from Keith Dunne for Dublin made extra time a real possibility. But Brophy's 68th-minute point gave the hosts victory.

LAOIS: T Doran; B Campion, B Mulligan, K Fitzpatrick; C Dunne, J Young (0-6, four frees, one 65), C Healy; J Fitzpatrick (0-2), S Dollard; W Hyland (0-2),O Houlihan, J Brophy (0-2); P Russell (0-1, free), T Fitzgerald (0-1), J Phelan. Subs: JJ McHugh (0-3)for Houlihan (35 mins); S Dwyer for Dunne (half-time); N Costelloe (1-0)for Fitzgerald, M Bermingham for Mulligan (inj) (both 50).

DUBLIN: A Nolan; P Brennan, K Ryan, A Downes; R Reid, R Fallon, S Hiney; T Moore, J McCaffrey (0-2); D Curtin (0-10, nine frees), D Qualter (0-2), K Dunne (1-1); P Carton, K Flynn, J Kelly (0-1). Subs: J Boland for Moore, P O'Driscoll for Carton (both 46 mins); G O'Meara for Reid (58); L Ryan for Flynn (62); E Carroll for Kelly (67).

Referee: M Bartley(Meath).