Posted on 2 June, 2008

Adam Jackson and Jon Croft both made the trip despite their injuries knowing this was a must win game for the Cobras.

Both teams started slowly in this game with the Pioneers taking the early first quarter lead 18-16.  A low scoring game was always going to suit the Cobras and defensively they started well aiming to hold their opponents under 80 for the game. Gerard Leonard led the Cobras charge with 29pts including 5/6 from behind the arc.

Mt Gambier made life difficult for Kilsyth in the 2nd term crashing the boards hard and keeping Cobras big man Joe Werner (20pts, 8 rbds) out of the rebounding contest as they pulled in 43 boards to the Cobras 26.  Despite the lopsided rebound count Kilsyth continued to make baskets as they won the 2nd term 24-18 and took a 4 point lead into the half.  Jon Lee (14pts, 5 ass) continues to step up in the starting point guard role delivering for the Cobras and keeping them organised at the offensive end.

Both teams heated up in the 3rd term as Mt Gambier regained the lead with a 30-24 quarter.  The Pioneers shot at 60% as the Cobras struggled to contain their explosive opponents.  Dallas Jeffree did most of the damage on his way to 25pts for the game. DJ Taylor (14pts) kept the Cobras in check but another high scoring quarter and the Cobras would have been unable to match the pace shooting at just 46% from the free throw line.

Coach Grant Wallace put it to his players at 3rd quarter time, a loss would have almost certainly ended the season, the Cobras responded holding Mt Gambier to just 19 points for the quarter and scoring 26 of their own to record their 3rd straight win. 

Kilsyth improve to 7-10 on the season but still trail fourth placed AIS (8-8) who split their weekend double.  The Cobras have next weekend off before taking the season defining trip to Tasmania where two more wins are a must.  With the season now back on track Kilsyth will be keen to get all their players healthy and ready for a tilt at finals.

The Cobras next return home on June 21st when they take on conference rival AIS in a game that could decide who can claim 4th place in the South Conference.  The AIS defeated Kilsyth early in the season 101-89 so the Cobras will be looking for a 13 point win and the all important split on the Institute boys.

For all your Club Kilsyth Cobras new visit www.kilsythbasketball.com.au