Hurling League: Antrim 1-14 1-18 Laois

Paul Shiels scored Antrim's goal against Laois

Antrim have slipped to the bottom of Division 1B after this defeat by Laois in the Armoy basement battle.

Seven points from Zane Keenan helped Laois into the lead before Paul Shiels netted for the Saffrons on 25 minutes.

Laois led 0-11 to 1-5 at the break but Antrim moved level on the restart thanks to three Shiels frees.

Paul Purcell's goal halted Antrim's momentum and Laois went on to win with ease to leave the Saffrons without a win from three league games.

Laois had also lost their opening two matches but they made the better start with Keenan's accuracy providing early control.

Shiels pounced on a poor clearance to score Antrim's goal while he also slotted over three frees for the hosts.

Chris Dwyer added two points for Laois, who enjoyed a three-point advantage at half-time.

Antrim's impressive start to the second half was halted by Purcell's goal, with his shot creeping underneath keeper Ryan McGarry.

The challenge from the Ulster side faded and they ran out of ideas as Laois tagged on the points.

Antrim lost out by a point to Wexford in their opener before suffering a 0-23 to 1-12 defeat by Limerick at Ballycastle a fortnight ago.

Saturday 7 March

Hurling League Division 1A

Dublin 1-20 0-34 Cork

Division 1B

Offaly 1-14 2-18 Waterford

Division 2B

Donegal 1-4 2-15 Meath

Armagh 3-14 3-23 Kildare

Division 3B

Warwickshire 5-14 0-14 Sligo

Sunday 8 March

Division 1A

Clare 0-20 2-19 Tipperary

Galway 0-20 0-18 Kilkenny

Division 1B

Wexford 3-18 4-16 Limerick

Antrim 1-14 1-18 Laois

Division 2A

Derry 1-13 1-15 Carlow

Kerry 0-12 3-18 Westmeath

Wicklow 2-12 3-12 London

Division 2B

Mayo 0-15 2-20 Down

Division 3A

Fermanagh 2-8 3-24 Tyrone

Fingal 1-11 3-24 Roscommon

Louth 2-13 2-18 Monaghan

Division 3B

Leitrim 0-10 1-17 Longford