After a COVID-enforced hiatus last weekend, the Spitfires had a less than ideal preparation for the weekend with training limits and key senior players Jeremy Payne, Tim Smith and Leigh Foulston all unavailable.

Central started very well with relentless attack throwing the Spitfires away from their structure and focus of the game.

The hosts scored a field goal in the seventh minute and a penalty corner on the stroke of quarter-time to lead 2-0.

It was an excellent response from the Spitfires in the second term as they absorbed pressure and maintained strong field position, but they were unable to make opportunities count in the attacking circle.

ALSO IN SPORT:

However, Central came out firing after half-time with two more penalty corners and a field goal to open up a 5-0 buffer at the final change.

It was more of the same in the last quarter as Central converted another three short corners and scored from the field to romp to a 9-0 triumph.

Spitfires' coach Shayne Newell wants to see more discipline from his side in regards to its preparation.

"This is the clear difference between a team like Central. They are very well drilled in the structure of the game," he said.

"Fitness is no issue and the basic skills are just a natural part of the game, but we can't expect to be on the same page without a full turnout to training."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: