Posted on 2 June, 2010

Kilsyth (11-5) share the longest win streak in the SEABL having won their last three games and will be looking to snatch top spot from fierce rival Bendigo (12-4) at home.

The Swinburne Cobras have already defeated Bendigo in 2010, a 74-61 win on the road back in Round 5. A second win over the Braves would not only take top spot but ensure the all important split over their Conference foe.

Matt O’Hea has been in outstanding form during the Swinburne Cobras three-game win streak averaging 26 points per game. Head Coach Grant Wallace will again need O’Hea to be a threat at the offensive end against Bendigo.

Kilsyth’s main advantage in 2010 has been their even spread of scorers with Ryan Bathie (13.3ppg), Fernandez Lockett (17.8ppg), O’Hea (15.5ppg), Lang (14.4ppg) and Henderson (9.6ppg) all making major contributions. 

With the audition of Auryn MacMillan (11pts, 5rbds, 10 mins) against Geelong Wallace has all the pieces he needs to topple the Braves.

Bendigo are in top form having lost just one game since being defeated by Kilsyth in Round 5. Their 96-86 loss to Geelong is their only blemish since their loss on 17 April against Kilsyth.

Like Kilsyth, Bendigo have a wealth of talent and Coach Ben Harvey has got his team playing together. Ivan McFarlin (18ppg, 12.6rpg) and Luke Meyer (19.9ppg, 6.4rpg) will be the main threats for Bendigo with Henderson and Lockett likely to get the job of shutting down their fellow US imports.

Former Cobras Junior Adam Tanner (11.5ppg) will again line up for the Braves and provides another scoring option while Chris Hogan (9ppg) will also need close attention at the defensive end.

This could well be a preview of the East Conference Grand Final so Swinburne Cobras fans are urged to get down to the Kilsyth Sports Centre and help support the guys as they look to regain top spot on the Ladder.  Tip off is scheduled for 8.15pm.

The Swinburne Lady Cobras will enter their match against Albury needing a win to stay in touch with ladder leader’s Dandenong and Launceston.

Kilsyth will be without Australian Opals squad members Deanna Smith and Hannah Zavecz, who be in camp preparing for the Opals International Series against Japan.

The Swinburne Lady Cobras have already defeated the Lady Bandits in 2010 without the services Smith, Zavecz and Erica McMenamin, so will go into the game knowing they have the depth to get the win.

Albury currently sit 10th on the ladder at 4-9 but despite their lowly record have the ability to defeat anyone of their given day, they defeated the talented Sandringham earlier in the Season.

Alice Kunek (14.3ppg, 7.8rpg), Ellie Manou (13.5ppg, 12.3rpg) and Hayley Moffatt (10.9ppg, 6rpg) will need to up their scoring averages to help replace Smith’s 21 points per game while the rest of the Swinburne Lady Cobras supporting cast will need to bring their best performance to ensure a win.

A win for Kilsyth would keep them in touch with the ladder leaders while ensuring the gab between 3rd and 4th placed Brisbane stays in tact.

The Lady Cobras will take on Albury at 6.15pm on Saturday 5 June 2010 and will return to their home court on Tuesday 8 June 2010 at 6.15pm to take on Japan before taking a well deserved mid-season break over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.