Posted on 13 April, 2008

Foul trouble again plague the Cobras as Import Joe Werner (20pts, 10rbds) was forced to sit as Ballarat run riot in the first half to outscore Kilsyth 61-39.  In a big hole and in need a some desperate scoring punch Jon Croft (24pts, 9 rbds) managed to lead the Cobras back to within 12 at 3 quarter time, to give them a shot at winning this important road game.

Despite some impressive shooting from Zach Malvik (19pts, 4 assists) and Jon Lee (8pts, 5 assists) in 4th, the Miners were able to hold on and extend the final margin to 15.

Ballarat import Jamal Brown led the way with 30 pts and 11 rbds and with his supporting cast of Adam McSwain (25pts) and Brett Goodgame(23pts) the Cobras didn’t get enough defensive stops to record the victory.

Adam Jackson 10pts and DJ Taylor 9 pts provided more production for the Cobras but with sharp shooter Gerard Leonard finishing with just 4 pts including 0/5 from behind the arc it was going to be a tough ask for Kilsyth.

Coach Grant Wallace will be preaching consistency with his team who have managed to get down by as many as 22pts in their last three losses before trying to fight back and record a win.  In a very even SEABL competition the Cobras can not allow opposition teams a 22pt lead and expect to fight back.

The form of Jon Croft was a major positive and if Wallace can get imports Werner, Malvik and local Leonard and Croft firing at the same time the Cobras will be a tough team to crack. 

Despite the big margin the Cobras never relieved the defensive intensity forcing 33 Ballarat turnovers compared to just 16 but were unable to capitalise and after losing the rebound count 51-35 were behind the eight-ball for much of the match.

Kilsyth have faced a tough schedule over the past four games but it doesn’t get any easier next Saturday night as the Cobras return home to take on local rival Nunawading Spectres (4-2).The local fans will be hoping for an improved performance and another win in this important clash to move back to .500 and stay in touch with the South Conference leaders Geelong and Frankston.

Kilsyth tips off against Nunawading Saturday 19th April at 8.15pm.  For all your Cobras news, results and stats visit www.kilsythbasketball.com.au