IN A BATTLE between two of the undefeated Victorian Youth Championship Women’s sides heading into Round 3, it was Kilsyth Cobras – courtesy of a dominant first half – that put Diamond Valley Eagles to the sword. The Cobras scored 18 points to eight during an eye-catching second term that was the difference between the side in the eventual 87-72 victory at Kilsyth Sports Centre on Sunday.

Notching up their third win of the season against McKinnon Cougars the day before, the Cobras entered the match brimming with confidence. The Eagles had impressed thus far in 2025 as well, and won their first two matches across the opening fortnight. However they ran into a brick wall against Kilsyth as the Cobras worked their way to a five-point lead before restricting Diamond Valley to just eight points in the second quarter.

The half-time score stood at 37-22 and it was essentially over, though Kilsyth took no chances heading into the second half. Keeping the foot down, the home team still outscored the Eagles in the third term, with a counter-contrasting high-scoring 10 minutes. Though the Eagles flipped that result in the fourth, the game was done and dusted by that stage and Kilsyth came away with the 87-72 win.

Krystal Arnason was the star of the show, picking up 17 rebounds – 13 off the defensive boards – to accompany 21 points which saw her shoot eight of 10 from the field. She finished with six assists, five steals and three blocks, while getting assistance from Hannah Day (19 points, three rebounds and three assists). Georgia McBean (14 points, four assists) was the other main scorer, while captain Katie Wilson managed eight points and eight rebounds in the win.

Diamond Valley had a trio of standouts in defeat as well, with captain Lucy Oakford leading from the front. She picked up 18 points – albeit shooting at a poor 29.4 per cent from the field – as well as four assists. Taya Hanan-Datson (18 points, six rebounds and two steals) and Isabella Nolen (14 points, seven rebounds and two steals) were also prominent on the day.

AROUND THE COURTS

It was a good weekend for the home sides with eight of the 11 teams winning on their home deck. Keilor Thunder produced the most ridiculous result of the round, obliterating Pakenham Warriors by 79 points (123-44), while Casey Cavaliers picked up two wins across the weekend including a rare one on the road up in Bendigo.

Waverley Falcons also won on the road before heading home to knock off Altona, while Sandringham Sabres split their Round 3 results. Ringwood Hawks, Nunawading Spectres and Melbourne Tigers were the other victors over the weekend.

ROUND 3: