Cobras Host Raiders in Battle for Ashes on Saturday Night
The Cobras/Raiders decades old rivalry is like no other, with two of the nations largest and most storied associations battling it out on the big stage once again - and there's more than just wins on the line. The Ashes trophy is up for grabs on Saturday - decided by the outcome of both the Men's and Women's games - with the prized trophy becoming a staple of the rivalry since 2006.
Saturday’s home showdown is the headline event for the league’s Heritage Round, earning NBL1 Game of the Week billing. It’s the second time the Cobras and Raiders have met this season, having played the opening game of the regular season at the State Basketball Centre. The Raiders got the better of the Cobras in Round 1, but with key additions to both teams since their first outing, Saturday night’s double promises to be an intriguing showdown.
The Cobra Men enter with a 7-5 record, having won three of their past four games to sit just outside the top-four in the South Conference standings. They will look to protect home court against the first placed Raiders, who carry an 11-1 record into Saturday night, with the Raiders much publicised roster featuring eight NBL and import players, including former Philadelphia 76er Norvel Pelle and 2024 Olympian, Sunday Dech. The Cobras will be leaning on their homegrown core - with nine former Kilsyth junior athletes set to take centre stage - alongside front court stars Khadim Sy and Dillon Stith, and the comfort of home court to challenge their bitter rivals. The Men’s Round 1 outing was an early candidate for a game of the year, with the Raiders squeezing out an 86-82 victory in the final minute, setting the stage for a fierce battle this weekend.
The Cobra Women will look to bounce back from a tough weekend, which saw them drop a pair of tight games to Keilor and Frankston. The Cobras pushed the Thunder - last year’s runners up - to overtime on the road on Saturday, and had Frankston on the ropes early on Sunday, but ultimately ran out of gas late. Despite the losses, the Cobras have been on a steady improve in recent weeks, with the addition of import Ana Virjoghe giving the Cobras a strong front court presence alongside star wings, Abby O’Connor and Nikita Young. The Raider Women enter the weekend in third place, with the recent additions of Australian Opal, Kristy Wallace, and collegiate star, Agnes Emma-Nnopu, adding to an already potent roster. The Cobras and Raiders have had a number of thrilling battles in recent seasons, with two of the past three outings decided by a single possession; could Saturday night mark a third such occurrence?
It's an unmatched energy and atmosphere at home when these two meet, so get your tickets now for this must see event.
