The Northern Hawks have continued their supremacy at the top of the Tasmanian Netball League after a crushing win over Devon 68-39.
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The last time the Hawks visited the Silverdome they tasted defeat in last season's grand final to the Cavaliers but they quickly shook away that disappointment by marching to a 16-7 lead at quarter time.
Captain Danni Pickett said before the game that the side wanted to have a real focus on their defensive pressure across the four quarters with the consistent application the key to unpicking the visitors.
The Hawks were well led in that department by the defensive unit of Gemma Poke, Monique Dufty and Lydia Coote as they hassled Devon into several throwaway passes and turnover balls.
It was the second term where the Hawks really hit their stride as all aspects of their game-plan kicked into gear to deliver a 16-8 quarter and instil a match-winning buffer of 17 points at the half.
Coote and Poke spaced the defensive circle with authority, which forced the Devon mid-courters into relatively shallow feeds and longer range shots. Isabella Maskell was equally impressive in wing defence with her work on a few interceptions leading to scoring transitions for the home side.
Those transitions ensured the Hawks' scoring threat was maintained right to the half-time buzzer. Ash Mawer's height and athleticism caused Devon's defence headaches as she either seemed to score or scoop the rebound off a missed shot and convert that.
However, Devon salvaged some pride in the third term with their best period of the game as they out-scored the Hawks 17-16.
The Hawks' attackers were suffocated by Devon's amped-up defensive pressure and improved spacing which choked up the attacking circle.
Where Mawer, Treloar and Pickett had been able to find easy feeds over the top, it was suddenly cut-off by Lucy Vercher and Eloise Piper in Devon's defence. Jamie Easther was the main benefactor as she feasted on the visitor's faster transition to finish off several moves closer to the goal.
The Hawks seemed determined to finish the fourth quarter on a high after being stung into action by Devon's improved effort. Dufty enjoyed her best quarter of the game to be a key part in keeping Devon under 10 goals again as the Hawks ran away with the win.
The Hawks are the only team in the competition to score above 60 points in each game with scores of 73, 61 and 68 in their opening three games.
The ladder-leaders are yet to have a team break the 50 point barrier for points scored against them which further showcases their superiority.
The result means the Hawks will stay at the top of the open's ladder with a bye to come in round four.
In the under-19s, Devon secured a 54-24 win over the Hawks as they led from start to finish.
After a close opening term, Devon enjoyed a dominant second term to establish the match-winning lead.
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