Posted on 2 April, 2009

Lady Cobras vs Launceston

The Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras finally play their first home game of the 2009 SEABL Season this Sunday 5 April.  Prior to the game the Lady Cobras will unveil their 2008 Championship banner in a presentation at 11.50am.  When the action starts at 12.00pm its sure to be a firer opening.

Kilsyth defeated Launceston in Tassie on the road to their Championship. While the make up of the Kilsyth team has changed only slightly the Tornadoes have had some signficant roster changes.  Sydney Flames import Rhonda Price has joined the team while 2008 Lady Cobras star Desiree Glaubitz is rumoured to have accepted a contract with the team following her return from Europe. Both teams have yet to hit their straps in 2009 with Kilsyth sitting 7th at 1-2 and Launceston 9th at 0-3. This winner of this game will gain some momentum moving into the middle of the season while the loser could be in trouble in a short 20 game season.

The Lady Cobras struggled against arch rival Knox Raiders in last weeks battle for the Cystic Fibrosis Cup going down 80-54.  Coach Jason Knight knows his team will rebound and with Erica McMenamin returning to provide the stability and leadership on offence the Lady Cobras will be dangerous.

Amy Denson 16.3 ppg and 9 rpg has started well for the Lady Cobras and will want to rebound after a less than impressive performance against Knox. Clare Papavs will not line up for the Lady Cobras but ther progonosis is for a April 24 return when the team travels to Brisbane to take on the Spartans.

The game against Launceston is scheduled for a 12.00pm tip off and the Lady Cobras will be looking for a win and move into the Easter break with a 2-2 record.

Cobras vs Hobart

The Cobras return home this week to take on defending SEABL Champions the Hobart Chargers.  Coach Grant Wallace will be keen to get the win against the unbeaten Chargers.  Having played Brisbane, Knox and now Hobart over the past three weeks, they have seen possible the top three teams in the competition with neither losing a game so far in 2009.

Kilsyth will need to be at their best if they are to knock off the versatile Hobart team.  Hobart will travel to Kilsyth on Sunday in the final leg of their three game road trip.  They will play Mt Gambier Friday night, Frankston Saturday and hopefully be tired for the Cobras on Sunday.

Joe Werner 11.3ppg and 12 rpg has struggled so far in 2009 and is due for a monster game.  Werner’s new front court team mate Chris Cameron 24.7ppg and 5.7 rpg has led the way for the Cobras.  Both Werner and Cameron should cause plenty of hassles for the Charges line up. 

Hobart have returned the majority of the 2008 Championship winning team with player-coach Anthony Stewart leading the way. Chuck Long, Mark Nash and Mark Banovic have all returned and they have added big man Matt Smith to the roster.  With all these players averaging double figures the Cobras will need to be tuned in at the defensive end.

The result of this game could well be decided by who can convert from behind the three point arc and Gerard Leonard is due for a big game after fouling out in just 19 minutes against the Raiders last weekend.

Coach Grant Wallace needs his team to get their second win of 2009 on Sunday before travelling to Albury over the Easter weekend.  Following the Albury trip Kilsyth will be back on the road travelling to Canberra and Brisbane.  Kilsyth will be happy to finish their first seven games at 4-3 after playing five of their first seven games on the road but need the win Sunday to build some momentum.

The game is scheduled to tip off at 2.00pm following the Lady Cobras contest with Launceston.

At half time of each game their will be a chance for one lucky fan to win $500 in the ANZ Shoot for Cash.  Get your raffle tickets at reception on your way in for your chance to win.