Posted on 12 April, 2009
In his first game back since being electrocuted at work in February 2008, Payne played 21 minutes and scored four points after entering the game during the 1st quarter.
Cobras Head Coach Grant Wallace praised Chris’ determination to get back onto the floor, “Chris has been at nearly every training session and game since his injury. His hard work and dedication to get back on the floor has been a motivation for the team.”
“Chris provided a much needed spark for the team tonight, one which we hope can continue. He provides us with balance on the floor we have been missing. Once he finds his shooting touch he will again be pushing for a starting role,” said Wallace.
Joe Werner found the form which made him an All Star in 2008, finishing with 25pts and 17 rbds to lead the Cobras to their second win of the season.
Kilsyth jumped out of the blocks in the opening term racing to a seven point lead within two minutes. An Albury timeout did not stop the Cobras momentum as they extended the lead to 11 at the first break.
Quincy Henderson (13pts, 7 rbds) set the defensive intensity for Kilsyth exploiting the Bandits struggles at the offensive end. Gerard Leonard (18pts, 4/6 3 pt) found his range from behind the arc as suddenly the lead was 25 at the major break.
“Joe, Quincy and Gerard were great for us tonight, to be a contender in 2009 we need these guys to fire,” said Wallace.
With Chris Cameron missing the game, Cobras Head Coach Grant Wallace reinforced his defensive message at the half knowing another quarter of pressure would sink Albury.
Adam Jackson (19pts, 7rbds) and Leonard set the tone helping Kilsyth hold the Bandits to just nine points for the quarter to push the lead towards 40. Payne scored his first basket nearing the end of the quarter bringing the bench to its feet.
Wallace praised the early efforts of veteran Adam Jackson, “Adam has provided an impact of the bench so far this season, he has shoot the ball well from behind the arc and played a superb veterans role,” he said.
Fernandez Lockett (11pts, 19rbds, 5/28 FG) tried to ignite Albury in the 4th but shooting at just 18%, never really rattled the Cobras. Kilsyth spread the minutes in the final term eventually running out 44 points winners.
It was the most complete performance of the season for Kilsyth who despite shooting below expectation from the free throw line (71%), shot at 40% from behind the arc, 37% from the field and out rebound the Bandits 56-49.
Kilsyth now have the short break before taking to the court on SEABL Big Wednesday. The Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras are set to take on the Nunawading Spectres on Wednesday 15 April 2009 at 7.30pm from Hugh McMenamin Court (Kilsyth Sports Centre).
The Cobras will be looking to improve on their 2-3 record by winning back to back games before preparing for a Canberra-Brisbane road double on April 24 and 25 2009.
Stay tuned to all the Cobras news at www.cobras.net.au
