Posted on 25 July, 2010

Kilsyth’s quest for top spot was helped along by arch rival Knox who defeated second placed Bendigo on Friday night.

The Swinburne Cobras have now won six straight games following their 95-78 win over Dandenong and 85-72 victory against Sandringham. Kilsyth will meet another of the League’s in form teams when they look to secure top spot on the road against Geelong next weekend.

Fernandez Lockett (20pts, 11rbds) and Tim Lang (19pts, 7rbds) were the standouts against Dandenong but it was the Swinburne Cobras spread of scorers that troubled the Rangers. Ryan Bathie and Auryn MacMillan both finished with 16 points while Matt O’Hea chipped in with 11.

Kilsyth blasted the Rangers away in the opening term outscoring Dandenong 31-14. Dandenong made a number of runs throughout the game but Kilsyth were up to the challenge, holding sway to defeat the Rangers.

The Swinburne Cobras backed up their home form on Sunday with the usual road effort by defeating the Sandringham Sabres.

Kilsyth again had an even spread of scorers with five players in double figures and Quincy Henderson (9pts) not far of the sixth. Ryan Bathie (16pts) and Auryn MacMillan (16pts, 9rbds) were the high scorers.

The opening term was close, as neither team gained the momentum.  Daniel Dillon (21pts) and Tom Garlepp (15pts, 14rbds) tried to get the Sabres going in the second term but MacMillan ensured it was the Cobras who gained the ascendancy.  He scored six straight points early in the second term to help the Swinburne Cobras build an eight point lead.

Sandringham fought back to within three points late in the term but Matt O’Hea (15pts) hit two free throws and DJ Taylor connected from downtown to help Kilsyth lead 44-36 at half time. 

Defence became the key in the third term with Kilsyth able to extend the margin to 15 points mid way through the quarter. Nathan Crosswell and David Moore got loose towards the end of the term as Sandringham cut the margin to single figures.

The scoring opened up in the final term and it was Auryn MacMillan and Matt O’Hea who were the most aggresive both getting themselves to the free throw line.  Sandringham were gallant in their fight back but they fell short as Kilsyth won their 18th game of the season.

The Swinburne Cobras will travel to Geelong next Saturday night looking to secure a home semi final.  All finals details will be released on www.cobras.net.au as soon as they become available.