Posted on 29 April, 2009

The Swinburne Lady Cobras (1-4) have struggled so far in 2009 and look in danger of missing the playoffs after winning the 2008 Title.  At 1-4 the Lady Cobras must improve quickly if they are going to compete with the likes of Bendigo (6-0), Brisbane (4-0), Knox (6-2) and Dandenong (4-2). 6 of the 11 teams will make the 2009 SEABL finals and the Lady Cobras will likely need to win at least 11 games to ensure themselves of a spot.

Sandringham (0-4) make their first visit to Kilsyth after moving from the Big V competition in 2008.  Despite their winless record the Sabres will prove a tough task for the Lady Cobras after bolstering their roster with Australian Opal Natalie Porter and WNBL Championship player Chantella Perera this past week.

Kilsyth’s shinning light so far in 2009 has been import Amy Denson who is currently averaging 18pts and 10.2 rebounds per game. She has provided the much needed backbone for the talented Lady Cobras line up.

Clare Papavs has now returned from injury and the Lady Cobras will be at full strength to take on the Sabres.  Coach Jason Knight knows this is a must win and will be calling on the never give up spirit that propelled the team to last years championship.

The game is scheduled to tip off at 6.15pm

The Swinburne Cobras (4-4) have begun hitting their straps after a slow start to the 2009 Season, after dropping to 1-3 the Cobras have won 3 of their last 4 games to ensure they remain in contention for the 2009 Championship.

Joe Werner 18.4ppg and 14.4rpg has once again found the form that made him an All Star in 2008.  Last weekend in the Cobras 1-1 split of the Brisbane-Canberra road double her averaged 25.5ppg and 19.5rpg. Quincy Henderson has also found his role in the team putting up impressive numbers at 13ppg and 9.4rpg but it is his defensive ability and hustle that has made him a fan favourite at the Snakepit.

This weekends game against Geelong begins the Cobras toughest 5 week period of the season.  Kilsyth will play 9 games over the next 5 weeks including a trip to Tasmania.  The stretch will ultimately determine where the Cobras will fall in 2009.  Currently sitting 3rd on the ladder behind Brisbane (8-0) and Knox (6-4) the Cobras will be keen to push into 2nd position over this stretch. (Note the AIS will not play finals in 2009 due to their International schedule).

Geelong currently sit in 4th place on the South Conference table at 5-5.  The most dominant team in the League over the past five years has come back to the pack but still has the potential to beat anyone on its night.

In last years game against Geelong, import Zach Malvik broke his foot and ending up returning to the US and the Cobras Season went from bad to worse dropping a winnable game in overtime to the Supercats.

With Gerard Leonard averaging just below career best numbers at 15.6ppg, 3.4rpg and 2.4apg the Cobras will be hoping he can lift to another level after an improved four game output.

Kilsyth take on the Geelong Supercats following the women with tip off scheduled for 8.15pm.