Posted on 27 June, 2010

With Deanna Smith and Hannah Zavecz both missing through injury, Kilsyth failed to contain Australian Opal, Carly Wilson (32pts, 7rbds). Wilson was given too much space at the offensive end which allowed her to shoot at 65% for the game.

Nunawading took the early lead in the match as Kilsyth struggled to find a consistent scoring option.  The Spectres led 22-14 at quarter time with Hayley Moffatt (13pts) the only Swinburne Lady Cobra to find some offensive rhythm.

The margin swelled to 18 points in the second term, as the talented Wilson continue to score at will.  Kilsyth were having all sorts of trouble restricting the big Nunwading front line with both Marianna Tolo (17pts) and Caitlin Cunningham (13pts) scoring in double figures.  When they did contain the middle Wilson was waiting on the perimeter.

Kilsyth managed to slow the Spectres scoring the third term but the deficit was still 21 points at the final change. With just 40 points to three quarter time, Kilsyth were heading for the biggest loss of the season before a last quarter fight back.

Led by Gemma Kerr (16pts), Jordyn O’Shea (14pts), Ellie Manou (14pts) Kilsyth came made a fourth quarter run. The Swinburne Lady Cobras scored 35 last quarter points, including 20 in the final four minutes, but the margin was too great. Despite getting within seven points with 45 seconds to play Nunawading played out the match to win by eight.

The Swinburne Lady Cobras now have a crucial match up against arch rivals the Knox Raiders this coming Saturday. Kilsyth have Bendigo, Knox and Ballarat all snapping at their heels for a place in the top 4.

Coach Cheryl Chambers will be looking for her team to commit to the rebounds against the Raiders.  Nunawading out rebounded Kilsyth 36-25 and had 16 offensive rebounds.

Get down to the Kilsyth Sports Centre on Saturday 3 July 2010 to support your Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras in action against the Knox Raiders.