Posted on 21 July, 2008

The AIS were forced to withdraw from the 2008 SEABL finals as the majority of the AIS team will be representing Australia in the Oceania World Championship Qualifying series against New Zealand from the 1-3 August 2008 in Adelaide.  Unfortunately, the Emus team, comprised mainly of AIS scholarship holders, returned from the William Jones International tournament in Taiwan more than usually fatigued and carrying a number of injuries.

AIS Head Coach Martin Clarke said “the participation of the AIS in the final series of the SEABL would be both detrimental to the welfare of his players and not in the best’s interests of the League. In the current state of the team’s fatigue and health, the prospect of the team contesting the possible preliminary final in Melbourne after playing an Oceania Qualifying match on the same day could lead to the team withdrawing at late notice.’ Coach Clarke feels that the league would be better served if the AIS withdrew now and the clubs were able to make other arrangements.

Kilsyth welcomed the opportunity to take part in the 2008 playoffs after being decimated by injuries throughout the year the Cobras have finally received some good news.  Now with a full roster of healthy players Kilsyth will go into the match knowing they have previously beaten the Chargers on the big stage.  Kilsyth made last year’s Grand Final after defeating NW Tasmania and then Hobart during the first two weeks of the playoffs.

Coach Grant Wallace jumped at the opportunity when informed by the League of the decision early this morning and has begun preparing his team for this knockout contest. “It was quite surprising, after going into off-season mode following yesterday’s loss we must now regroup and respond to the challenge put before us.  We have a talented group of players with the potential to win!”

“Despite key injuries throughout the year and six losses by less than 10 points the guys stuck to the task of representing the Club even when all hope of a finals appearance faded.  After winning 3 of our last 4 games we will go into the playoffs knowing we can match it with Hobart.”

Kilsyth will take on the Hobart Chargers this Friday Night at 8.00pm in Hobart.  Fans can keep track of the game via Live Stats on the SEABL website www.seabl.com.au

For all your Cobras news visit www.kilsythbasketball.com.au