Posted on 7 March, 2009

After moving from the Big V Youth League to the SEABL Devleopment League in 2009 the Kilsyth Workforcexs Cobras joined Knox, Dandenong, Sandringham, Ballarat, Bendigo, Frankston and Nunawading at Frankston Stadium for the opening round of the new season on Saturday 7 March 2009.

In somewhat of a rivalry round to launch the new season, the traditional foes took to the court in the second match on the schedule and both teams showed why the D League should not be missed in 2009.

Knox shot out to an early lead on the back of a hot hand from new recruit Justin Aver (27 points) but Kilsyth were able to drag back the margin by quarter time to go into the first break down 21-17.

Both teams have embraced the Development League philosophy of Under 23’s and it was the Cobra young guns who found their feet early in the 2nd.  On the back of successive Cam Johnson three pointers (28 pts, 6/8 3pt) Kilsyth built a 36-27 half time lead while new recruits Liam McInerney (16pts, 4 blocks) and Brett Seljak (10 pts) teamed up to test the Raiders interior defence.

The 3rd quarter was a tussle with both teams building some momentum only to have the opposition come back with a big play of their own.  David Moore (9pts, 7 assists, 8 rbds) was the difference in the 3rd keeping the Cobras in check as Knox continued to frustrate Kilsyth star Joel Naburgs.  Despite the close attention Naburgs scored twice in the final minute of the quarter to hold the Cobras lead at eight.

Knox tried hard to stay with the Cobras in the 4th but despite the excellent defensive effort on Naburgs, they were unable to stop Kilsyth scoring with Johnson and Moore the main threats.  Kilsyth went on to close out a comfortable 13 point win and begin the season 1-0. 

The Kilsyth Workforcexs Cobras will now have a a week off before returning to the floor to take on the Bendigo Braves at home on Saturday 21 March 2009 from 6.15pm.  They are schedule to take on Bendigo prior to the Kilsyth Swinburne Cobras opening home game against Southern Districts at 8.15pm.

For all your SEABL Development League news visit www.cobras.net.au

Check out the D League Men’s Schedule here

The D League Men are encouraging fans to ‘Back the Black’ in 2009 by buying a Season membership or player sponsorship and getting to games throughout the Season.