By Ben Turner
KILYSTH Cobras had a double loss with the ladies going down to Launceston and the men to Hobart in round four.
The Lady Cobras only shining light was import Amy Denson (23 points, 19 rebounds) as the Launceston Tornadoes won their first game of the season 67-62.
The result was even more disappointing for Kilsyth as the Tornadoes played the night before in Brisbane and only flew into Melbourne on the morning of the game.
Myra Donkin (36pts, 7rbds, 6/9 3 point) starred for Launceston as the Lady Cobras struggled to defend against her from behind the arc.
Shooting at just 27 per cent from the field and eight per cent from behind the 3-point line, the Lady Cobras will need to improve their shooting in coming weeks if they are going to defend their title in 2009.
After unveiling the 2008 championship banner before the game the Lady Cobras struggled to find their rhythm and will be looking forward to the return of Clare Papavs from injury in the coming weeks.
The Ladies now have a two-week break before travelling to Brisbane to take on the Spartans on Saturday 25 April. The Lady Cobras next home game is Saturday 2 May against Sandringham.
The men didn’t have much more luck going down 101-92 to reigning champions the Hobart Chargers.
Despite another stand-out performance from Chris Cameron (29pts, 9/12 FG) Kilsyth struggled against the Chargers.
Anthony Stewart (30pts) and Mark Banovic (27pts, 8 assists) again tore the Cobras apart.
Stewart was the difference in the game going 17/18 from the free throw line. Kilsyth as a team could only manage 14/27 at 51 per cent.
Joe Werner (15pts, 10rbds), Quincy Henderson (11pts, 9 rbds) and Gerard Leonard (2pts, 6 assists, fouled out) all played below expectations and must improve for the Cobras to win important games over the next fortnight.
Kilsyth travel to Albury this weekend before returning home for their Big Wednesday clash with Nunawading on April 15. The Cobras return to the road on the 24 and 25 April taking on Canberra and Brisbane.
Stay up to date with all the Cobras news at www.kilsythbasketball.com.au.