Cobra’s Jon Croft shoots from a free throw.By Ben Turner
KILSYTH Cobras went down fighting 74-63 to the Bendigo Braves in the SEABL South Grand Final.
Despite the final 11-point margin, the game was not over until the final seconds as the Braves knocked down free throws to seal the victory. The Cobras have now been runners-up in two of the past three SEABL South Grand Finals, being beaten by Bendigo both times. The nerves were evident in the first period with both teams fumbling passes and missing easy shots. The Cobras went into the break with a 15-14 lead in a low scoring affair, which set the tone for the match. The Cobras shooting woes were hurting but the defensive effort was exceptional especially David Smith guarding Braves star Michael Hill.
Grand Final MVP Jason Cameron hit some big shots as the shot clock ticked and then Taylor Bell hit a three close to the final buzzer to give the Braves the half time lead.
Trailing 37-34 at the half, the Cobras were struggling to find the required scoring punch. David Smith (17 pts and 7 rbds) was inspirational showing his teammates what was required at both ends of the floor.
After a slow start to the third, which saw the Cobras trail by as much as 12, Adam Jackson injected some energy off the bench and the Cobras got back within 4 points heading towards three-quarter time. Captain DJ Taylor (10 pts and 6 rbds) hit a couple of shots as did Jon Croft and the Cobras were looking to go into the break with a lead. But another Bell three pointer on the siren gave the Braves a 7-point lead.
The Cobras came out in the fourth and gave up a 3-point play on the opening Braves position to get down by 10. A three by Chris Payne brought the margin back to 5 but the Cobras got no closer, as they were forced to foul the Braves, who converted their free throws to move on to victory.
