Posted on 27 June, 2017

With Maddie Garrick in the United States with Australian Opals commitments, and Emily Fryters and Rosie Moult still recovering from injury, Saturday’s matchup was a dangerous one for Kilsyth as they suited up just eight players. But with Chantella Perera and Angela Beadle leading the way, and Coach Sam Woosnam receiving some big production from her bench, the Lady Cobras were able close the first half with a flurry of baskets which proved to be the difference.

The Lady Cobras reeled off a 13-0 run in the dying moments of the first half to take a 19 point lead into the locker room, and Perera and Sarah Parsons made sure Kilsyth stayed ahead with a dominant third quarter. After Melbourne trimmed the Cobras lead to seven points early in the third period, Perera and Parsons went to work, combining for 14 of Kilsyth’s next 16 points as they pushed the lead to 61-47 to end the quarter.

The Lady Cobras would maintain a double-digit lead the rest of the way as they secured their thirteenth victory of the season.

Woosnam was happy with her team’s performance on Saturday night, which was a microcosm
of their season to date as they dominated with hard nosed defence and a disciplined approach throughout the evening, despite being shorthanded.

“It was a very pleasing win; everyone stepped up in the absence of Maddie and played really well,” Woosnam said.

“We shot the ball at a high percentage and except for a five minute patch in the third quarter, we stuck to our game plan and were able to have a convincing win.”

“Everyone is focused on continuing to get wins and Tony (Smyth) and myself are really impressed with the teams commitment to our goals.”

Perera led the Lady Cobras with a stellar all-around performance, scoring 19 points to go along with game-highs of 10 rebounds and seven assists. Beadle led Kilsyth with a game-high 20 points; Jordyn O’Shea added 10 points; Genna Ogier pulled down nine rebounds; and Parsons and Caragh Spicer were outstanding off the bench, with Parsons recording nine points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Spicer chipped in with eight points and five rebounds in the win.

The Lady Cobras record now stands at a league-best 13-2, and they’ll look to make it ten consecutive wins as they get set to face the Albury-Wodonga Bandits at home on Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 12pm, with the Cobra Men to follow at 2pm. The NWBL Cobra Men open the day as they host Queensland in wheelchair action at 10am.