Posted on 21 June, 2009

Dandenong, who were looking to challenge the Cobras for the 4th place in finals, played like their season was over. The once mighty Rangers, who dominated the Big V Competition for many years, prior to the move back to the SEABL, have fallen back to earth and will have their work cut out for the remainder of the season.

Kilsyth (9-10) moved above Bendigo (9-10) into 3rd place with the win and sit just a 1/2 game back on Knox (10-10) in second place.  Brisbane at 17-1 have locked away 1st place but the battle for 2nd through 4th will heat up in the final weeks of the season.

Joe Werner was outstanding in the first term helping the Cobras build a 25-16 first quarter lead with 13 points while his front court partner Tim Lang (14pts) proved a difficult match up for Dandenong.

The Rangers fought back in the 2nd term reducing the margin to three with six minutes to play. In came Werner, who again scored another nine points and when Adam Jackson (10pts) hit from behind the arc and the margin was back in double figures with the Cobras taking a 12 point lead into the main break.

Quincy Henderson (10pts, 6rbds, 4 blocks) was outstanding restricting high scoring Rangers import Vince Inglima to just 6 points for the night. Dusty Jura (22pts, 13rbds) and Matt Witherden (20pts, 6rbds) gave their all for the Rangers but it was enough as Kilsyth again extended the margin in the 3rd term. The Cobras held Dandenong to just 16 points for the quarter and hit another 28 of their own to build a 24 point lead going into the final term.

Veterans Matt Shanahan (12pts, 10 ass) and DJ Taylor (14pts, 6rbds) put their stamp on the game in the final term helping the Cobras again outscore the Rangers 35-18 to extend the final margin beyond 40.

This was just the remedy the Cobras needed to get their season back on track and remain in the hunt for that elusive title. The test now for the Cobras is to put together a win streak and place a claim on 2nd place on the table.

Canberra will travel to Kilsyth next Saturday night with tip off scheduled for 8.15pm before the Cobras travel to Frankston on Sunday to take on the Blues at 2.30pm.

Coach Grant Wallace and the team will be taking it one game at a time but two wins next weekend would see the Cobras move into 2nd place on the ladder.

Keep up to date with all the Cobras news at www.cobras.net.au and remember next Saturday night is Junior Domestic Night with all players in their domestic uniform receiving free entry to the game.