Posted on 3 May, 2008

Kilsyth started the game flying pushing out to a 12 point lead early in the first as Joe Werner (19pts, 11rbds) and Jon Croft (22pts, 10 rbds) converted at the offensive end. Adam Jackson (14pts) got into the action and the Cobras looked a completely different team to the one that was tranced by Mt Gambier last weekend.  Hobart were not to be outdone as Mark Banovic (22pts) and Anthony Stewart (28pts) lined up from two metres outside the 3 points on multiply occasions to pull the margin back and go into the first change down three.

David Smith returned for the Cobras and was a spark of the bench putting the brakes on sharp shooting Charger Stewart but missing the services of Gerard Leonard, the Cobras again struggled to score enough points.

Hobart came out playing a match-up zone in the 2nd and proved to be a handful, drying up the scoring opportunities for the Cobras. Zach Malvik (22pts, 8 assists) continued to find a way to score and hit his open teammates but Kilsyth gave up the lead going into the major break down 4. 

The Cobras made a conscious effort in the 3rd to shut down Stewart and Banovik, but just as they seemed to be clawing it back Robert Inches (32pts, 7 rbds) lit up sending Kilsyth in the last break down 6.

After trailing by 9 with 6 minutes to play, Jon Lee (10pts) provided some punch connecting from downtown as Kilsyth again managed to close the gap.  Down just 2 with a minute and a half to play the Cobras failed to connect from the free throw line (13/21) and as Inches hit a three as the shot clock expired, Kilsyth were forced to foul, sending Hobart to the line and victory.

A season with so much promise, two new young and exciting imports, the return of a favourite son Gerard Leonard, and a solid support cast, now looks in terrible trouble of going south quickly.  With a trip to the ACT coming up the Cobras must win both games to stay in the hunt in 2008. 

Coach Grant Wallace will be pleased with the play of some of his team, Malvik’s 8 assists and 14 points from Adam Jackson were great contributions but the team is going to need to find some way to defend. They have not won a game in over a year when the opposition scores 100 or more points.

Despite the loss Kilsyth will remain in 4th place but know there will be no repeat finals run unless they find a way to improve and grind out some wins.

The Cobras need your support Saturday week as they return home May 17th to take on three-time Conference Champion Geelong and former Kilsyth Cobra Brad Bridgewater.  This game promises to be a beauty and with your support and noise the Cobras can get the win and begin their move back up the ladder.  We challenge all Club Kilsyth Cobras supporters to get behind their team on May 17th, be loud, passionate and will them to victory. YOUR SUPPORY IS NEEDED – GET BEHIND YOUR CLUB KILSYTH COBRAS.

For all your Club Kilsyth Cobras new stay tuned to www.kilsythbasketball.com.au