Posted on 4 July, 2010

A great team effort, led by Deanna Smith (26pts, 15rbds, 6ass) helped the Swinburne Lady Cobras to their 12th win of the season.

Gemma Kerr (18pts), Ellie Manou (14pts, 12rbds) and Hayley Moffatt (14pts) all supported Smith to help Kilsyth to the early lead in the Battle for the Ashes.

The opening term was a tough low scoring affair. Knox jumped out to an early nine point lead but Kilsyth quickly reeled back the margin and took a 14-13 lead into the second term.

The scoring opened up in the second quarter, and it was the Swinburne Lady Cobras who gained the early ascendancy.  Kilsyth raced to a seven point lead but not to be out done, Amy Denson (19pts, 7rbds) and Odette Andrews (19pts) helped settle the ship for Knox.

The Raiders went on a 12-0 run and to put Kilsyth on the back foot. Some late free throws by Smith and a score on the final possession of the half allowed Kilsyth to take a one point lead and the momentum into the second half.

The third quarter was to prove the difference with Kilsyth able to take their momentum from the first half and outscore the Raiders 27-18, taking a 10 point lead into the final term.

Both teams scored freely in the final term with the margin swelling out to as many as 15 points.  Knox managed to get back to within eight points with two minutes remaining but Kilsyth iced the game from the free throw line.

The Swinburne Lady Cobras returned to the early season form on the boards winning the rebound count 43-35 while they shot an impressive 85% from the free throw line.

The Swinburne Lady Cobras will now travel to Brisbane next Saturday 10 July, 2010 to take on the 4th placed Spartans.  A win would almost guarantee a top three finish.

Congratulations to the Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras in winning the 2010 Ashes Trophy.