A 21-0 run in the first quarter, along with 14 points and 11 rebounds from Sophie Khalaf, supported by 13 from Amy Andrews, helped the newly promoted side secure a comfortable 66-44 win over a short-handed Reading Rockets side at Cobham on Saturday.
However, Dowding still sees a potential to grow with the opening weekend now out of the way.
“I think they did really well; they stepped up for the first game, especially as we’re missing quite a few players as well, but we still have a lot to learn,” Dowding said.
“We came in slightly nervous, and I don’t think we played to our full potential, but we were positive, and it shows the potential that we have, and it’s definitely something to build on.”
The omens certainly look good for the Cobras, newly promoted following a 20-2 record in the WNBL2 last season. They reached the playoff final and pushed the mighty Sheffield Hatters II all the way before falling short.
And with a chunk of last season’s team retained for this campaign, such as Andrews, Khalaf, Modiegi Mokoka, Freya Bayne, and new faces Katie Richards and Carlota de Mergelina Alonso joining from Thames Valley Cavaliers, the Cobras don’t intend on slithering away.
But with a new division to adjust to, Dowding and the rest of the Cobham side are simply excited to compete.
Maybe, at times, too excited.
“We admittedly had to call a lot of timeouts against Reading just to calm the girls down and slow it down,” he admits.
“However, it just shows the potential and what we’re capable of, how we can work as a team, and when we get that locked down, I feel we will be a lot of fun to watch.
“We’re definitely here and want to stay at this level. It’s our culture within the game that we are trying to build.
“There are a good level of elite teams in WNBL Division 1, which is what we’re trying to prove, and for us, we want to be remembered for our defensive intensity and how we play as a team.”
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Words by John Hobbs
Main image credit - Paula Pralus
