Posted on 19 June, 2010

Kilsyth (12-7) will remain in second place but once again missed a big opportunity with Bendigo (14-5) falling at home. Dandenong (9-10) meanwhile have won their fifth straight game and remain a finals chance.

Dandenong jumped the Swinburne Cobras in a low scoring first term with Luke Fitzgerald (22pts, 7rbds) scoring nine first quarter points.  Kilsyth managed to contain the Rangers other import Vince Inglima whose frustration caused him to foul out in just 15 minutes.

Ryan Bathie (16pts), Tim Lang (15pts, 5rbds) and Matt O’Hea helped the Swinburne Cobras fight back in the second term after Lucas Walker (19pts) and Fitzgerald helped Dandenong build a 12 point lead mid way through the term.  Kilsyth were able to cut the lead to two points at the half and went into the break with the momentum.

Dandenong lifted their defensive efforts in the third term and exploded at the offensive end, scoring 28 points for the quarter, and with Kilsyth only able to manage 12, extended their lead to 18 at the final break.

Kilsyth failed to pull back the margin in the final term with the Rangers closing out their fifth straight win.  Dandenong shot at 56% from the field compared to the Swinburne Cobras 31% and out rebounded Kilsyth 34-26.

The Swinburne Cobras must now prepare for the toughest stretch of the Season with three home games in 8 days as they face in form Nunawading on Saturday 26 June before taking on Frankston on Wednesday 30 June and Knox on Saturday 3 July.

Kilsyth must win all three of these games if they are going to remain in second place on the East Conference Ladder.  With Brisbane, Ballarat, Knox and Dandenong all knocking on second place, wins in this three game stretch could decide their season.