Posted on 8 August, 2010
The winner will travel to Bendigo to take on the Braves who will now host the Conference Final in two weeks time after defeating the Swinburne Cobras in this match.
Kilsyth started the game well, racing to an 11-2 lead in a low scoring opening term. Bendigo picked up their defensive efforts and restricted the Swinburne Cobras late in the quarter but Kilsyth still managed to hold a 16-10 lead at quarter time.
Ryan Bathie (23pts) scored the opening basket of the second term but Ivan McFarlin (16pts, 17rbds) and Adam Tanner (16pts) led a Bendigo fight back. The duo got their younger teammates involved and took a three point lead late in the term.
A three point basket from Bathie tied scores up in the dying seconds of the half but Bendigo returned from the locker room with all the momentum.
Last time the Braves hosted the Conference Final in 2007, their coach Ben Harvey was leading the team from the floor, as they defeated the Swinburne Cobras to take the Title. Harvey had his side return to the floor in the second half determined to host the Conference Final in Bendigo.
Kilsyth had no answer for the Braves, as they outscored the Swinburne Cobras 21-9 to lead 51-39 at the final change.
Playing in front of a loud and passionate home crowd, the Swinburne Cobras were not ready to succumb to the Braves pressure just yet.
Tim Lang (15pts, 12rbds) and Bathie lead a Swinburne Cobras fight back in the final term but not until the margin had ballooned to 16 points with under five minutes to play.
Bathie scored eight consecutive points and Lang restricted the Braves at the defensive end to pull Kilsyth within six. The Swinburne Cobras swarmed the Braves at the defensive end with Bendigo unable to score in the final six minutes of the game.
The margin was just two points after Matt O’Hea connected from the field with one minute to play. O’Hea then came up with the steal to give the Swinburne Cobras a chance to win the game.
Kilsyth had one final offensive possession but failed to connect handing Bendigo the game and the right to host the Conference final on Saturday 21 August 2010.
The Swinburne Cobras must now defeat the Knox Raiders, who defeated Brisbane in the second semi final. Kilsyth will take on the Raiders on Saturday 14 August 2010 at 7.30pm at the Kilsyth Sports Centre in front of an expected sell out crowd.
Tickets will be available by calling 03 9728 1033 after 10am on Monday 9 August 2010. All tickets must be paid for over the phone or in person at the Kilsyth Sports Centre at the time of purchase.