Panthers rattle the Cobras

A COMPETITIVE Kilcunda-Bass side went toe-to-toe with top-of-the-table Cora Lynn and was narrowly defeated by 17 points.

Cora Lynn needed a win to retain its minor premiership title, so it was not resting in the final game of the season.

Kilcunda-Bass started the game well, gaining a nice 13-point lead in the first quarter.

Anthony Daraio and Dean McRae played well up forward, kicking three and two goals for the game respectively. 

However, it also kicked three points that on any other day could’ve been goals, which would’ve made the difference.

These were set shot misses that couldn’t be converted under pressure, but Kilcunda-Bass is taking the positives from the experience, knowing it has the capability to make plenty of forward entries against the most dangerous sides.

Cora Lynn adjusted to Kilcunda-Bass’ brand of footy in the second quarter and increased the pressure, tying up the scores before halftime.

Dale Gawley dominated in the ruck for Kilcunda-Bass, with the club hoping to see him in contention for the league medal after a sensational season. 

By the third quarter, it was all guns blazing for Cora Lynn.

The Panthers’ Lochlan Scott played an excellent game in the defence, holding Nathan Gardiner back from his 100th goal for the season until the third quarter.

Scott has been in great form all year and has been crucial in defensive contests.

Gardiner acknowledged the strength of Scott’s game at the end of the match. 

Sam Watson also gave an impressive performance in the defence, which saw him named in Kilcunda-Bass’ best alongside Scott. 

Cora Lynn was a goal in front with one term left in it.

With 11 points in it with five minutes to go, Kilcunda-Bass had its chance to decrease the margin but was unable to convert.

Cora Lynn kicked one last goal on the siren, taking the margin up to 17 points.

Regardless, Kilcunda-Bass proved it was up for the fight against the best and was encouraged by the fact Cora Lynn played an extra man in defence to try and slow the Panthers’ run. 

Kilcunda-Bass ended the season sixth – three games clear of seventh – and will play Nar Nar Goon in the first elimination final on Saturday.

This game is set to be played at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve.

Nar Nar Goon defeated Kilcunda-Bass convincingly earlier in the season, but the Panthers were not playing with a full-strength team.

This time, the Panthers feel they are up for the task ahead with a full lineup ready to go.

This is the first time Kilcunda-Bass has made it through to the West Gippsland finals series and they’re eager to show what they can do.