Coulter helps Down stay up

Sunday, April 30, 2006

A tally of 1-7 from Martin Coulter condemned Laois to Division 2 hurling next year after this high scoring NHL Division 1 relegation final playoff.

Down 2-16
Laois 0-19

Coulter was in brilliant form as the Mourne men maintained their Division 1 status with a fine second half display at Pairc Tailteann.

Laois looked the more fluent side early on but a Paul Branniff goal helped Down stay in touch at the break as they trailed by the minimum at half time, 1-8 to 0-12.

The start of the second half saw Laois points from James Young and Seamus Dwyer propel their side into a healthy three point advantage as the Leinster men seemed to take control of the game.

However, a run of four successive Down points turned the game on it’s head as Coulter (2) and Branniff levelled the game before Johnny McGrattan put his side ahead, 1-12 to 0-14.

Laois responded strongly with points from Young and James Rooney to retake the lead but Coulter then scored a decisive goal which propelled his side to safety.

That goal put the Mourne men two ahead and another Coulter point gave the Ulster men a three point advantage.

Laois hit back but Down matched them point for point in the final eight minutes to ensure their Division 1 status for 2007.