Posted on 14 July, 2008
Box Score – Lady Cobras vs Raiders
The passion in this intense rivalry was evident throughout this game from the opening tip off in the women’s to the final siren following the men’s contest. Every player, coach and supporter in the stand understood what was on the line. This could not have been more obvious than the final minute of the men’s game. Down 11 with a minute to go, the Raiders were unable to win the game but knew an 8 point loss would retain the Ashes.
The Raiders scored with 6 seconds remaining to reduce the margin to 9, with the Cobras leading by 1 point in the aggregate score, Knox pressed trying to force a turnover for one more score. Cobras import Joe Werner caught the ball at mid caught while Raiders Captain Glenn Siegle attempted a steal. In the fierce attempt an the ball Siegle dislocated his shoulder in an injury that could keep him sidelined for up to 12 months.
Despite the fierce rivalry, a mutual respect and friendship exist between both clubs and when Siegle went down both teams rushed to his aid. The Cobras physio escorted Siegle to the Cobras change rooms and attempted to assist him before he went off to hospital.
This was an unfortunate end to an epic contest of Australia’s mighty community basketball clubs but continued to show the passion in which these games are played.
The massive crowd on hand for this contest witnessed Australia’s two biggest Associations battling it out basket for basket in one of the most memorable SEABL games in recent history.
The Lady Cobras loss puts them on the brink of missing the 2008 playoffs but a win this week against NW Tasmania will allow redemption. A loss could end their season but a win will see them advance. This is the final home match of 2008 so get down to the Kilsyth Sports Centre on Sunday at 12.15pm to cheer your Lady Cobras into the post season.
The Cobras will finish in fifth place despite any results this weekend but they will be looking to finish on a high note taking on Nunawading away and NW Tasmania at home. It will be the last chance to see import Joe Werner and the team in action for 2008 so get down at 2.30 to support your Club Kilsyth Cobras.
