Posted on 26 July, 2008
Kilsyth went into the match confident after winning 3 of their last 4 games and defeating Hobart on the road in last year’s finals series but couldn’t get on top of the Chargers who used last year’s loss as motivation to extract revenge on the Cobras.
In a high scoring first quarter neither team could obtain the ascendancy as the Chargers took a 31-28 lead into the first break. In front of a full house at Aurora Stadium, the Cobras were looking to end the Chargers season but staying within striking distance was a key. Cobras stars Joe Werner (26pts, 19rbds) and Gerard Leonard (20pts) got the Cobras going in the first term yet couldn’t get Kilsyth in front as Hobart led for the entire term.
Charleston Long (36pts, 7rbds) proved a difficult defensive match up for the Cobras having his way on every possession. Anthony Stewart (26pts, 11ass) also proved a nemesis providing his team with the required leadership to guide his team.
After a tight opening to the 2nd term, Kilsyth took their only lead for the match, but the Chargers begun building a big lead on a Robert Inches (21pts) 3 point shot as Hobart went up 40-37. Hobart went on a 9-0 run before outscoring Kilsyth 26-18 in the quarter to take an 11 point lead into the long break.
Coach Grant Wallace let his team know they had been in this situation before over the past two seasons. The 3rd quarter had always proven the decisive one as to who would win the game. The second half was going to be a battle at the defensive end and the Cobras needed to convert at the free throw line to have a chance in the game.
Hobart came out and shocked the Cobras in the 3rd term extending the lead to 22 points and putting an end to the Cobras chances of an upset victory. With the Cobras unable to finish at the free throw line hitting just 12/25 the Chargers took control going 31/38 from the line. The loud home crowd helped Hobart to 13 more free throws from the referees but the Cobras poor shooting percentage was inexcusable.
Kilsyth won their only quarter in the fourth term 31-29 as the Chargers held on to record a big 20 point win. The Cobras will rue missed opportunities from the free throw line after equalling the Chargers in most statistical categories. Kilsyth shot at 48% from behind the 3 point line and 46% from the field but the Chargers had 19 more points from the free throw line which proved the difference in the game.
Hobart now move on to face the loser of the Geelong-Frankston semi final next weekend, while the Cobras enter their off-season for the second time and start preparing for 2009. The first task will be resigning Import Joe Werner who continued to put up quality numbers all season. The team will be back together Sunday 10th August to celebrate 25 years in the SEABL as we invite all past players, coaches and administrators to join us to remember past success.
Cobra fans can keep up to date with all the off-season moves at www.kilsythbasketball.com.au