Hawks Netball’s Championship team extended its winning streak to four games but were pushed every step of the way by a determined Boroondara Express in Round 7.

In a high-scoring opening quarter it was Express that took the early ascendancy, leading 17-16. The Hawks swung changes in the second quarter, calling on Kelsey Buxton at centre and Lil O’Sullivan at wing attack, with Tayla Kearns shifted to wing defence in a bid to water down speedy Express midcourter Sarah Wolff’s influence, and fought to hold the margin at a goal – 30-31 – at half-time.

A 17-12 third quarter had the Hawks seemingly ready to break the game open, but Express hit back again in the last and put themselves in a winning position, before Hawks goal keeper Shannon Rennison awoke for a five-minute burst, orchestrating a series of turnovers with goal defence Clare Pettyfor to help the Hawks creep clear again and hang on to win 57-54.

Goal shooter Kim Commane (35 goals from 38 attempts) was named best on court for the second game running, with the ladder-leading Hawks now ready to face perennial finalists City West Falcons in Round 8 on Wednesday evening.