Posted on 25 July, 2010

Kilsyth were outstanding on Saturday night defeating ladder leaders Dandenong 80-68 before falling to Nunawading on Sunday 69-67.

Deanna Smith (26pts, 13ass, 8 rbds) was unstoppable against the Rangers as her and Ellie Manou (22pts, 14rbds) helped Kilsyth defeat the League’s top side for the second straight week.

It was Dandenong who started the game in blistering form racing to a 26-17 quarter time lead. Kathleen MacLeod (19pts), Larissa Anderson (15pts) and Amelia Todhunter (14pts) were all among the points.

Kilsyth stepped up the defence in the second term restricting the Rangers to just 12 points for the quarter to be within one at half time.

Both teams played top notch basketball in the third term, though neither side was able to gain the advantage. The game was their for the taking in the final quarter and Smith and co. could taste a victory.

Gemma Kerr hit a three early and sparked a Kilsyth run. The Swinburne Lady Cobras went on a 14-2 run through the last half of the quarter to send the Rangers crashing to their third straight loss. Gemma Kerr (10pts) and Hayley Moffatt (8pts) were also among the scorers for Kilsyth.

On Sunday the Swinburne Lady Cobras travelled to Nunawading knowing a win would secure a top four finish and first round home final.

The Spectres had other ideas and after Kilsyth built an eight point half time lead Nunawading came roaring back with a 19-12 third term.

Ellie Manou (25pts, 14rbds) backed up her big night against Dandenong while Alice Kunek (21pts, 6rbds) was the only other Kilsyth played in double figures.

Nunawading star Marianna Tolo (23pts, 14rbds) and Carly Wilson (17pts) both stepped up for Nunawading in the second half while Eleanor Brentnall (12pts, 8rbds) and Jess Gourley (10pts) also finished in double figures. 

In a hard fought final term Nunawading managed to gain the advantage out scoring Kilsyth 15-12 to secure the 69-67 win. Kilsyth now visit Ballarat knowing nothing less than a win would secure a finals berth.

Kilsyth will travel to Ballarat next weekend knowing a win will secure a home final while a loss would potentially drop the Swinburne Lady Cobras to 7th.

Details of finals will be available on www.cobras.net.au as soon as they are released.