Posted on 14 June, 2009

Kilsyth began well and looked to have a positive approach following a difficult couple of weeks with the Club releasing Chris Cameron. Albury managed to built a slight lead in a low scoring first quarter shooting ten free throws to one for the term on their way to a 18-14 lead.

Joe Werner (30pts, 15rbds) continued where he left off after his 43pts outing against Ballarat – Werner was unstoppable from inside and out finishing with 10/16 shooting including 3/5 from behind the arc.

The game heated up in the 2nd term and both teams finding their range from the field.  Gerard Leonard hit successive three’s to give the Cobras a slight break but Albury fought back with a buzzer beater 3 pointer to take a five point lead at the major break.

Fernadez Lockett (25pts, 6rbds), James Quinn (22pts, 5/13 3 point) and Jermaine Williams (15pts, 12rbds) did the majority of the damage for Albury but it was Kilsyth who battled back in the 3rd term.

Matt Shanahan (19pts) and Quincy Henderson (16pts, 7rbds) both hit three long bombs for the game and helped the Cobras build a two point lead going into the final quarter.

With Werner still on fire and the Cobras shooting well from behind the arc, it looked as if they could cruise to victory.  Instead there was too much cruising at the defensive end, as the Cobras gave up 33 points for the quarter, scoring just 21 of their own. 

Albury was 16/16 from the free throw line in the final term and finished the game with a 19-9 run after the Cobras tied it up at 87. Kilsyth had opportunities down the stretch but poor execution of the offensive end ruined any chance of a win.

Kilsyth will be counting their opportunity cost in 2009 with single digit losses to Albury, Nunawading, NW Tasmania and Mt Gambier (all sitting out of the top 4 in the South Conference – with a combined 18 wins). So instead of being 12-6 the Cobras now face a do or die battle with Dandenong next weekend with the winner likely to take up the 4th place in the 2009 finals.

Knox (10-8) and Bendigo (9-9) look to be safe in the finals mix with the battle now for 4th position between the Cobras and Dandenong.

Kilsyth travel to Dandenong next week before taking on Canberra at home on the 27 June 2009 – Junior Domestic Night.  Wear your domestic basketball uniform for free entry to the game.

Keep up to date with all the Cobras news at www.cobras.net.au