Posted on 3 April, 2008

and Adam Jackson (4th quarter – head) having to leave the game to clean up heavy bleeding injuries which forced two extended game stoppages.

In front of a 700 strong crowd on SEABL Big Wednesday and on a wild night outside both teams put on a show for the fans.  The game lived up to all the hype expected from two of the top teams in the South Conference. The battle of the imports was an enthralling contest with Joe Werner (23 pts, 11rbds) and David Gruber (28 pts) going basket for basket in the first half.  Gruber finish with 18pts at the half while Werner had 14pts and 3 soft fouls which limited his minutes.

The Cobras controlled the game for most of the first half, pushing the lead to 12 with 6 minutes to play in the 2nd but Andrew Harms (21pts) and Robert Kampman (24pts, 8 rbds) fought their way back with the teams going into the half all square at 50 a piece.

Frankston continued with the momentum in the 3rd building a 10 point lead at the final break which they extended to 14 in the final quarter.  Some big time 3’s by Gerard Leonard (25 pts) pulled the Cobras back into the game but the Blues had all the answers hitting multiple replies to keep the lead.  After a 5 minute delay to clean up blood, after Jackson received an accidental elbow to the head, the Cobras moved to within 4 pts and looked to have the momentum.  A basket by Gruber and then some Frankston free throws put the game beyond doubt as the Cobras couldn’t hit the big shots when they counted.

With both teams shooting a high percentage (Cobras 48%, Blues 29%) and all the vital stats close, it was always going to come back to which import duo could get their team over the line.  Gruber and Kampman combined for 52pt compared to Malvik (22pts, 5 assists) and Werner who had 45pts.  The difference in scoring proved to be close to the final margin of 8, and with Frankston outscoring Kilsyth 54-42 points in the paint, the 29% from behind the arc was never going to be enough for the Cobras.

The Cobras must now back up Saturday night when they travel to Brisbane to take on Southern Districts in another test for group. Kilsyth will be keen to record a victory to stay in touch with conference pace setters Frankston and Geelong.

Game Highlights will be available in the video section of the website shortly

For more information on the Club Kilsyth Cobras visit www.kilsythbasketball.com.au