BALLARAT vs KILSYTH

For the second consecutive season the Kilsyth Lady Cobras playoff hopes will be determined by their last regular season game.  The Lady Cobras have been placed in the top four on the ladder for the majority of the season, but in a bizarre outcome will miss out on finals action should they lose to Ballarat and Knox beat Albury/Wodonga this weekend.  The women’s competition has been extremely close all season and proves that every game is vital for Championship glory. 

It will be an emotional night at the WIN Minerdome as long time Lady Miners coach Kym Cassells coaches what could be her last game.  If the Lady Miners lose to Kilsyth they will finish in seventh position and miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year.  

Ballarat produced a 3pt victory in rd8 earlier this season and will be confident of securing another victory this week, having won four of their past five games.  Jarry and Ashby have been the standout players all season, and they will need to produce another quality effort this week to defeat the Lady Cobras.

Lady Cobras Alice Kunek has been quiet in recent weeks and will need to produce a solid performance this week to assist Kilsyth leading scorers Deanna Smith and Ellie Manou.  If the Lady Cobras can get double digit scoring outputs from all three players it will benefit their chances of securing the win.

Our Tip – Lady Miners by 5

Nunawading are unable to make the playoffs, but they have caused a few headaches in recent weeks and having defeated Kilsyth last week has put their playoff aspirations in tatters. Australian Opals Marianna Tolo and Liz Cambage will do battle in the paint all game, and their tussle will have a major impact on the games final outcome.

Brisbane secured a 10pt victory two weeks ago and will be confident of recording their ninth home win this season.  Dandenong have other ideas as they welcome back Stephanie Cumming from injury, and her addition gives the Lady Rangers more frontcourt offensive firepower. Should Nunawading beat Launceston, the winner of this game will earn the Minor Premiership.

Hobart came so close to recording their first SEABL win last week against Frankston, losing by 1pt.  This is both teams last game for 2010 and both will be aiming to finish a tough year on a winning note.

Raiders travel to the Border knowing that a victory will lock away a playoff position.  Where they finish will be unknown until after the Ballarat vs Kilsyth game.  Should Ballarat win, the Raiders will finish in fourth position and earn a home final.  Knox will enter the game full of confidence having beaten the Lady Bandits comfortably by 52pts earlier this season and are currently on a 3 game winning streak.

Sandringham will be looking to secure the win to thank their loyal home court fans.  Sandringham recorded a comfortable 80-58 victory in rd3 and has been playing well at the late stage of the season despite two recent losses.  Sandringham average 72pts a game well more than Frankston’s 53 point average.