A BULLET-PROOF first quarter performance set the Central Hawks up for a convincing victory over Sorell in round four of the SFL yesterday. There was no home ground advantage for the Eagles, who were served their first loss for the season, 13.10 (88) to 7.12 (54). The Eagles' traditional first quarter charge was no where to be seen, as quick centre breaks and strong marks by the Hawks took them to a 23-point lead at quarter time. Frustrations overflowed into a melee in the second quarter after the Eagles' attempts to swoop back were quashed by the Hawks' strong midfield. The Hawks extended their lead to 32 points at half-time thanks to tireless performances from Sam Burrill and Andrew Emery. Tempers cooled and the Eagles returned to the field hungry for the ball after a sterling address by coach Fabian Ackroyd, who was benched after the first quarter with a knee injury. Vocal locals roared from the sidelines, as the Eagles converted three majors in the first 10 minutes of play, closing the gap to 18 points at three quarter-time. Hawks coach Jim Rodgers sensed his team had become cocky, and called for focus and determination on the ball. ``This will go down to the wire, but if you can find some ticker; show some heart, we can keep our lead and win this,'' Rodgers said. The inspired Hawks again took control and dominated play in the final quarter, to remain undefeated with a 34 point win. ``They're a very hard side to beat and we knew we couldn't let them get away from us early,'' Rodgers said. ``I told the boys coming in to this match that if they wanted to play finals footy they had to be able to beat teams like Sorell, Kingborough and Huonville, so this is a very encouraging win.'' But it wasn't all positive Rodgers said, after expressing disappointment in his side's accuracy and focus. For Ackroyd it wasn't so much the physical game that disappointed him, it was more his team's mental approach. ``We had a couple of late pull-outs from the side and that just changed our attitude,'' Ackroyd said. In other matches New Norfolk remained undefeated, downing Claremont 30.24 (204) to 8.6 (54). The league's leading goal kicker Jamie Tubb booted eight goals, steering Lindisfarne to victory over Triabunna 30.17 (197) to 6.6 (42). Dodges Ferry made it four wins from four beating Cygnet 28.15 (183) to 5.8 (38).
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