The Swinburne Lady Cobras (12-3) are sitting in third position just behind 2010 SEABL champions Dandenong and Saturday night’s opponent the Knox Lady Raiders (14-1) who are in first position having won their past seven games in a row.

Last week Knox were challenged at home by Ballarat but they managed to come away with a six point win, after trailing by one point at the end of the third quarter the Lady Raiders won the last 20-13 to ensure that their unbeaten run at home continued.

Knox have one of the strongest starting five’s in the competition and last week’s MVP and ex-Cobra Amy Denson, who is averaging 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, needs to be stopped if Kilsyth are to do their bit in helping to retain the Ashes for Kilsyth.

There have been three positives for the Swinburne Lady Cobras over the past few weeks, firstly the form of Hayley Moffatt who in her last four matches has averaged 19 points and 7.75 rebounds as well receiving SEABL player of the week honours. Secondly the form of Kilsyth without star Abby Bishop, who returns this week from Australian Opal commitments, has shown the depth of the team and thirdly the improvement in youngsters Emily van Poppel, Rebekah O’Donnell and Jordyn O’Shea means that Head Coach Cheryl Chambers has options.

Last week Kilsyth got over the line by seven points against the Albury Wodonga Lady Bandits, the game was a tight tussle with 13 lead changes throughout. Scores were tied 53-all with four minutes left on the clock but the Swinburne Lady Cobras held fast and made all their baskets count. Chantella Perera (17pts), Hayley Moffatt (17pts, 13rbds) and Eva Afeaki (16pts) were Kilsyth’s best.

Saturday night’s game is set up to be one of the best of the season with both teams in good form and brimming with talent, the crowd will most certainly receive their money’s worth in a game that will be tough, physical and full of excitement.

The Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras take on the Knox Lady Raiders in the “Battle for the Ashes”; tip-off is Saturday 2 July at 6:15pm on Hugh McMenamin Court.

The Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras (9-8) will be looking for their second win in a row come Saturday night as they take on the Knox Raiders (11-5) in part two of  the “Battle for the Ashes”.

Kilsyth are sitting precariously in fourth position on the East-Conference ladder just behind Ballarat in third and two games ahead of Dandenong in fifth, Knox on the other hand are sitting in second position after a strong second half performance against Ballarat last Saturday night.

Lester Strong dominated with 32 points and 16 rebounds, his partner in crime CJ Massingale was also looking the goods after a 22 point and five assists performance, and both Strong and Massingale love to play against Kilsyth and this Saturday will be no different.  

The Swinburne Cobras pulled of a six point win up in Albury Wodonga last weekend on the back of Auryn Macmillan’s 25 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks and two assists. It was Macmillan’s best game for the Swinburne Cobras and with the support of Matt O’Hea and Tim Lang in the second half Kilsyth was able to get through for a much needed win.

With captain Quincy Henderson still out of action Saturday nights task becomes a whole lot tougher for Kilsyth, however never underestimate the underdog and the determination of the Swinburne Cobras to come up for the biggest rivalry in the SEABL competition.

The game will no doubt be exactly what we have come to expect from a Kilsyth v Knox game, 40 minutes of tough, uncompromising and edge of your seat basketball, in front of what will most certainly be a huge crowd at Kilsyth Sports Centre.

The Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras take on the Knox Raiders in the “Battle for the Ashes”; tip-off is Saturday 2 July at 8:15pm on Hugh McMenamin Court.

For all your news regarding Kilsyth Basketball, the Cobras and the Under 16 Championships head to www.kilsythbasketball.com.au.

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