The MW Hire O'Moore Park scoreboard operator worked up overtime this evening after a thrilling Leinster U20HC clash between Laois and Westmeath went to extra-time.

Played in sweltering sunshine and from end-to-end for 80 plus minutes, Laois done enough to hold off a strong Lake County surge in a remarkably high-scoring match that finished 4-33 to 4-27.

The hosts were threatening to run away with the game when they led by 2-10 to 0-5 after 15 minutes.

Westmeath fought their way back into contention and whittled a fifteen-point deficit at one stage in the second-half down to two heading into injury-time, 3-21 to 1-25.

Then the game exploded into life.

The visitors struck their second goal through Josh Coll in the 57th minute to go in front by one point and were on the verge of completing a sensational comeback.

On 61 minutes, Laois raced upfield and James Duggan bagged his hat-trick which seemed to give them victory.

Laois were now leading 4-21 to 2-25 but the drama didn't stop there as Westmeath captain Jack Gillen hit the net from a 30-metre free!

Tomas Keyes then struck over the equaliser with the last puck of the game to send a crazy contest to extra-time.

Tonight's Leinster U20HC round 1 results
Antrim 3-17 Down 1-13
Laois 4-33 Westmeath 4-27 AET
Kildare 1-23 Carlow 3-16

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