After claiming a vital victory over Wodonga last week to climb back into the top three, the Hawks were on fire again on Saturday as they put in a strong four-quarter performance to account for the previously undefeated North Albury 42-34.

Needing a win to maintain their hold on third position, the Hawks started the game brilliantly, attacking with plenty of flair and intent on putting the Hoppers under immense pressure.

Jess Clarke and Lindsey Tanner were on target in the goal circle and at the first change the Hawks were leading the home team by three goals.

Determined to continue the momentum in the second quarter, the Hawks remained on their game with defenders Amanda Coote, Bronwyn Forrest and Maddie Byrne doing a sensational job in restricting the influence of Hoppers shooters Breda O’Kane and Fiona Boyer.

The constant rebounding from defence into attack had the Hoppers lost for ideas with the Hawks powering further in front.

By the time the halftime whistle blew, the Hawks had extended the margin out by a further three goals and led 22-16.

The third quarter saw the Hoppers begin to fight back with Alicia Van Emmerik and Alyssa Fletcher starting to get their games going.

Ellie O’Kane and Steph Booth were having a terrific battle in the centre of court with both players providing plenty of run for their respective sides.

But despite their bright start, the Hoppers could not match the Hawks’ intensity for a sustained period and by the final change the game was as good as over with the visitors leading by eight goals.

Only a remarkable fightback was going to prevent the Rovers from claiming a fantastic victory and despite their best efforts, the two-time reigning premier was unable to come up with anything to put the Hawks off their game.

Tanner and Clarke both finished with 21 goals for the Hawks as they went goal-for-goal with the Hoppers in the final term to maintain their eight goal advantage.

With Yarrawonga defeating Wodonga, the Hawks now have a six-point buffer over the Bulldogs in third position, however, if they can beat Lavington next week they could go as high as second with the Hoppers facing the Pigeons.

Written by JEREMY WILSON.