Posted on 27 July, 2008
Kilsyth have made a further step forward in 2008 after being defeated in last year’s semi final the more experienced Lady Cobras are now a real chance to end the Lady Braves season. Bendigo won just one of the three games against the Lady Cobras in 2008.
The Lady Cobras jumped out to the early lead against Launceston before the Tornadoes pulled in the margin to go into the first break up 14-13. A defensive theme became apparent in the game as both teams locked down the opposition’s stars. The team that could sustain this defensive intensity was going to win the contest.
Nat Hurst (13pts) and Christa Hays (12pts) got their team rolling in the second term as Kilsyth looked to have lost control of the game. Launceston extended the lead to 11 and were putting the stops on the high scoring Lady Cobras. Clare Papavs (22pts) hit a three point shot on the last possession of the half to pull back the margin to seven going into the long break.
Coach Jason Knight let his team know that another quarter like the 2nd and it could be season over. The Lady Cobras came out focused on stopping Hurst and Hays in the 3rd and turning around the score. Desiree Glaubitz (17pts, 8rbds) got involved at offensive end and helped her team turn a seven point deficit into a three point lead at the final break.
The Lady Cobras smelled a victory and with Hays in foul trouble Sarah Parsons (10pts, 10rbds, 8ass) took control getting it done all over the floor. The Lady Cobras weren’t overly impressive in any statistical category but were able to come up with a series of defensive stops to extend the lead to 12 to close the game.
Kilsyth went into the game needing to shut down Hurst and Hays if they were going to advance to the SEABL Preliminary Final and they did just that holding the high scoring Tornadoes team to just 57 points and causing the upset.
Knight and the team will now turn their attention to Bendigo and will go into the match confident of causing another upset on the road. With two wins over the Lady Braves at home, Kilsyth has the players to match the talented Bendigo roster.
Congratulations to the Club Kilsyth Lady Cobras on making the 2008 SEABL Preliminary Final. Kilsyth will travel to Bendigo next Saturday night to take on the Lady Braves at 8.00pm. Any fans wishing to travel to Bendigo should contact the Kilsyth office to organise tickets on 9728 1033.
For all your Lady Cobras news visit www.kilsythbasketball.com.au
