Posted on 8 August, 2017

It was a night to remember for Sarah Parsons and the Kilsyth Lady Cobras as they defeated the Sydney Uni Sparks, 87-67, to secure the league’s top overall record and a first round home final.

Boxscore

While Parsons was honoured pre-game on reaching the 300 SEABL game milestone, it was another Cobra who stole the show following tip-off, with Chantella Perera catching fire as she dialled in a sizzling first half offensive performance. Perera erupted for 19 first half points, helping the Lady Cobras put an end to their first half scoring woes as they took a 40-34 lead into halftime.

After a quiet opening 20 minutes, Maddie Garrick and Angela Beadle quickly went to work, spurring a 12-1 run to open the third period as the Lady Cobras blew their lead out to 52-37. Garrick finished the third period with a flurry of jumpers, capping her nine point quarter with a deep three-pointer to give Kilsyth a 13-point lead heading into the final stanza.

Following a nervous start, Parsons got going late, scoring seven quick points early in the fourth quarter to help push the Kilsyth lead out to as many as 25 points, capping an overwhelmingly successful evening for the Lady Cobras, much to the delight of Coach Sam Woosnam.

“It was really great to win our final regular season game,” Woosnam said.

“To win at home to secure a Semi Final at home and also to get the win for Sarah in her 300th game was fantastic.”

Perera led Kilsyth with a game-high 27 points on 10-for-13 shooting, with the veteran guard draining five three-pointers and adding four assists in the win. Beadle capped-off a stellar regular season with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double; Garrick added 13 points and three assists; while Emily Fryters was impressive in her second game since returning from injury, scoring seven points, pulling down eight rebounds and swiping three steals in 19 minutes of play. Parsons finished with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists in her 300th game, performing well considering the magnitude of her milestone.

“Sarah had a solid game for her 300th,” Woosnam said.

“They are always hard games to play in but she was her normal self giving the team valuable contributions across the board.”

Woosnam was particularly pleased with the play of Perera and Beadle, with the inside-out combination again coming up big in a key game.

“Chantella’s shooting and efficiency was amazing,” Woosnam added.

“Her three point shot never looked like missing and it is valuable for our team that she heads into finals with a lot of confidence. Angela recorded another double-double and was strong again, and it was great to have contributions from everyone.”

“We’ll need them both to continue their great season’s in the finals.”

The win was the Lady Cobras fourth in a row, and with an 18-4 record, they have secured the league’s best record for the second consecutive season. Up next is a Semi Final showdown at home against Geelong, with the Supercats entering the postseason as the SEABL’s hottest team. Geelong won its final seven regular season games to also finish at 18-4, and Woosnam knows that a big effort is needed not only from her team, but from the hometown Kilsyth fan base to help the Lady Cobras advance to a Conference Final.

“We’re looking forward to having a big home crowd on Saturday night,” Woosnam said.

“We are lucky enough to have a doubleheader with the VYC Men and we are hoping to secure a home Conference Grand Final, so bring your super-loud cheering voices!” 

Tip-off for the Women’s game is scheduled for 6.00pm, followed by the VYC Men at 8.00pm. Please see below for pricing changes for Saturday’s Doubleheader:

SEABL Entry

Adults (18+): $10

Kids (13-17): $5

Kids (12 & under): $3

VYC Entry*

Adults and Kids 13+: $5

Kids 12 & Under: FREE

Those wearing Cobra gear or Kilsyth Junior Domestic gear receive FREE entry.

*VYC Pricing change will take effect at 3/4 time of the Women’s game.