National Hurling League Division One/ Laois 1-16 Down 1-12: For the second year in succession Laois have fought a successful relegation battle. Yesterday, at O'Moore Park, Down got off to a dream start with four early points from Paul Braniff and top scorer Martin Coulter.

In the 14th minute full forward Gareth Johnson goaled for Down but two Laois points followed from James Young and a third from substitute Damian Culleton.

Down replied with points from Coulter and Braniff, but scores from James Young, James Walsh and Liam Tynan saw the home side lead 0-11 to 1-5 at the interval.

On the changeover, Laois brought on Robert Jones and he scored an early point. Coulter kept the visitors in touch with three points but a goal by Culleton after 42 minutes put Laois four points in the clear.

Cathal Brophy and Philip Russell added two points to guarantee Laois's survival in the premier division for another year.

LAOIS: K Galvin; B Campion, P Cuddy, C Healy; J Fitzpatrick, S Dwyer (0-1), M McEvoy; D Rooney, J Walsh (0-1); J Phelan (0-1), J Young (0-5), J Rowney; L Tynan (0-2), M Rooney (0-1), T Fitzgerald (0-1). Subs: R Jones (0-1) for J Fitzpatrick, C Coonan for McEvoy (yellow card), D Culleton (1-1) for Rowney, P Russell (0-1) for Fitzgerald, C Brophy (0-1) for M Rooney.

DOWN: G Clarke; L Clarke, S Murray, P Hughes; G Clarke, G Savage, S Wilson (0-1); A Savage, P Monan; J McCusker, P Braniff (0-2), B McGourty; M Coulter (0-9), G Johnson (1-0), S Clarke. Subs: E Clarke for McCusker; G Adair for McGourty; A Bell for Monan.

Referee: John Guinan (Kilkenny).