Cobras import Joe Werner steals the show in an encounter against Albury/Wodonga.By Ben Turner
KILSYTH Cobras’ import Joe Werner pulled in 26 boards and finished with 29 points in a dominant display as his team disposed of Albury/Wodonga Bandits in a 110-59 victory.
Werner was impressive against former NBL player Andrew Rice (11pts, 9 rebounds) having his own way in the post.
After a huge Alley-oop play in the first quarter from Gerard Leonard, Werner had two further dunks over the stunned Bandits.
The first quarter could have been mistaken for a lay-up drill as the Cobras reeled of fast break after fast break to scoot ahead 30-5 at quarter time.
The second period was much the same as Jon Lee (19 points) made two steals and converted the breaks.
The Cobras took a 51-23 lead into the main break after taking the foot of the pedal and shooting at 37 per cent.
After a rev up from coach Grant Wallace, the Cobras fired again in the third, putting on a further 36 points to the Bandits’ 15.
Zach Malvik (18 points) found his groove in the third with some classy drives but couldn’t connect from downtown.
Paul Burgess, celebrating his 200th SEABL game for the Cobras, played a cameo role as he finished with 8 points and 11 rebounds in the 51 point win.
Wallace was able to give his bench extended minutes in the contest and the bench came to play with Ryan Fooks finishing with 8 points and 10 boards.
The Cobras will look to capitalise on their two early victories with a win over archrival Knox on Thursday night and go into the Easter break with a 3-0 record.
Meanwhile, the Lady Cobras defeated the Albury/Wodonga Lady Bandits 84-64 in a scrappy encounter.
The Lady Cobras put Albury away early but the Bandits kept themselves in the match with some long range shooting.
But despite this, the result was never in doubt as the Lady Cobras picked up win number two for the season and stayed in touch with the top four.
Gemma Kerr 18 points and Sarah Parsons 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists led the way for the Lady Cobras but it was again another balanced performance.
Hayley Moffatt finished with 17 points, Clare Papvas 12 pts and 12 rbds and Jessica Lonon had 10 pts.
The Lady Cobras were dominant on the boards out rebounding the Lady Bandits 50-36.
The Lady Cobras shot at 41 per cent from the field and 67 per cent from the free throw line as they lead for 38 minutes of the match.
After leading by as much as 22 the Lady Cobras finished up with a comfortable 18 point victory and will go into next week’s battle with confidence.
The Cobras take on Knox on Easter Thursday at Knox, the women tip-off 6.15pm, and the men 8.15pm
Stay up to date with all the Cobras news throughout season at www.kilsythbasketball.com.au
