Posted on 31 August, 2008
Townsville, last year’s National Champion, came into the game on a 45-game win streak and showed why they were team to beat in the ACC. Kilsyth put up a fight, as they have over past five weeks, but fell just short, sending the Flames back to the Championship game.
In a sometimes heated contest, neither team took a backwards step, making for a physical game. In a low scoring first term Kilsyth trailed by a single point after missing some easy chances in the paint. The physical contest sent both teams into the bonus in a stop-start opening term.
Townsville gained the early ascendacy in the second term building a five point lead after an offensive fouled followed by a technical from Gemma Kerr. With the momentum, the Flames were still unable to shake the Lady Cobras as Desiree Glaubitz (15pts, 5rbds) kept them in check. Kilsyth stayed with the Flames despite Rachel Flanagan’s (23pts, 7rbds, 6ass) impact on the game, to again go into the break down by one point.
Clare Papavs (21pts, 8rbds) shock off her first half woes and showed why she is one of the hottest young talent’s in the country, helping the Lady Cobras to a three point lead at the final break. Papavs will now continue her WNBL pre-season with the Dandenong Rangers, looking to step up and play more minutes in her second National League season.
Having been here many times before especially over the past five weeks, no one would have bet against the Lady Cobras in this situation but a more polished Townsville teams was able to win a rare close game. Throughout their 45 game win streak they have had an average winning margin of over 40 points.
Following a Gemma Kerr three point basket, Kilsyth held the lead but a mental error in defensive transition cost them a basket. The Lady Cobras had chances to win the game but following missed attempts, they fouled and allowed the Flames to seal the game from the free throw line.
Despite the disappointment of not going all the way, the Lady Cobras will look back on 2008 as a major success. After a difficult season on and off the court, the Lady Cobras have proven they are one of the Countries elite teams.
Most of the Lady Cobras will take a well deserved rest before beginning pre-season later in 2008. There will be no rest for three Lady Cobras who will now take part in the WNBL; Desiree Glaubitz will be looking to return Bulleen to the top four, possible with Sarah Parsons on the roster while Clare Papavs will return to Dandenong for her second season in the National League.
Lady Cobras fans can see Clare in action on Saturday 13th September at the Kilsyth Sports Centre when her Dandenong Rangers take on the Bendigo Spirit in a WNBL Preseason match. Tip off is scheduled for 7.00pm.
