DODGES Ferry did what Sorell feared most at Pembroke Park yesterday -- swamping it early and shutting the gate on a home win. Notching up their sixth win on the trot, the ruthless Sharks look like one of the few teams capable of challenging a rampant New Norfolk, which stayed on top of the SFL ladder with a 186-point thumping of Triabunna on the East Coast. Sorell coach Fabian Ackroyd hoped his side would start well -- and the Eagles obliged. They kicked the first goal in the opening few minutes, despite kicking into an icy gale. However, Dodges Ferry answered with nine consecutive goals and it wasn't just the weather that was looking bleak for Sorell. Just when the Eagles looked plucked, they responded brilliantly and kicked three goals deep into time-on to reduce the quarter-time deficit to six goals. But the Sharks started the second term in hot form, blowing the margin past 50 points -- and it was all downhill from there for Sorell. The 25.17 (167) to 12.3 (75) win installed Dodges in second place on the ladder behind New Norfolk. ``We're happy with the way we're playing in general,'' said Dodges Ferry coach Danny Ling. ``We got off to a good start today and even though we missed some easy shots, we controlled the game all day.'' Ling attributed the Sharks' good form to an injection of talent and the club's young guns starting to mature. ``We picked up some pretty good players, mostly guys who have come back to the club, like Brad Curran, who's been a big pick-up,'' he said. ``The younger guys are getting more games under their belts and are starting to play good footy and are coming along nicely.'' Dodges Ferry midfielders Brad Jackson, Craig McLeod and Fabian Churchill were outstanding contributors. Up forward, Jeremy Howe rewarded their efforts by bagging five goals. The New Norfolk juggernaut showed no signs of easing, demolishing Triabunna, 32.27 (219) to 5.3 (33). Lindisfarne is the only other team to remain unbeaten after six rounds after it routed the Central Hawks 15.10 (100) to 4.8 (32) at Oatlands. Cygnet scored its first win with a telling 15.9 (99) to 11.7 (73) victory over Huonville at Cygnet, while Claremont edged out Kingborough 10.3 (63) to 6.21 (57).
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