Fast start fades as Panthers fall to disciplined Cobras

KILCUNDA-BASS was dealt another loss at the hands of Cora Lynn in trying conditions on Saturday.

Despite the scoreline, the Panthers played an exceptional first quarter, which unfortunately did not carry through the entire game.

Cora Lynn won the toss and kicked with the wind in the first quarter.

Kilcunda-Bass worked well to hold the Cobras to just three goals, reducing the potential for a blowout.

With a few extra defenders in the backline, Lochlan Scott led the charge to keep Cora Lynn’s Nathan Gardiner from causing too much damage and Dean McRae took some essential marks.

Intercepting was exceptional across the board.

Faced with a gettable margin, Kilcunda-Bass felt confident going into the second quarter.

However, the wind died a little bit, and, to the Cobras’ credit, they were able to hold the Panthers well and limit scoring opportunities.

Cora Lynn adopted the same strategy as the Panthers and had a few extra defenders in the backline, blanketting Kilcunda-Bass’ forwards.

The second half looked much the same as the second quarter.

Play was scrappy and the Cobras got the better of the Panthers.

By the fourth quarter, the Panthers mentally knew how this game would end, but went in with the mindset that it was nil-all and maybe it could win just one quarter.

The Cobras outplayed the Panthers once more and the 54-point margin was in keeping with the tone of the day.

Despite the loss, Kilcunda-Bass has held on to its sixth spot on the ladder.

Going into a tough game against Phillip Island, Kilcunda-Bass will need to be switched on to stop Inverloch-Kongwak from swiping its spot in the finals.

The Panthers last met Phillip Island in round three.

Coming back from a five-goal deficit at halftime, Kilcunda-Bass only lost that game by 18 points.

With a few more players coming back next week, bringing the team almost back to full strength, Kilcunda-Bass is up for the fight and hopeful it can come away with a win.