Good sign for Marlins as Heuir takes charge
Import hopes as Dolphins await Pirates
AFTER losing their inspirational skipper over the summer, it was always going to be a query who would step up for the Cairns Marlins in 2017.
If their Round 1 victory over the Townsville Heat is anything to go by, Damon Heuir will slip nicely into James Mitchell’s colourful shoes this QBL season.
In their first game without Cameron Tragardh and Mitchell, the new Marlins co-captain stepped up to lead all scorers with 29 points as he beat his hometown club.
Heuir was handed the cocaptaincy, with point guard Aaron Bin Tahal, but did not just carry the title, he played like a leader.
He hit 11 of 17 shots, handed out five assists to go with two steals as he sparked the Marlins in their 36-14 final term that sealed the 88-70 win
“Damon is continuing on from where he was last year in the QBL,” Marlins coach Jamie Pearlman said.
“I felt like even though with our lack of team chemistry, he showed he was an NBL quality player.
“He made the big plays when they mattered and he showed he is the right guy to lead this team.
“It was a critical performance from him.”
In a game of constant momentum swings, the Heat controlled the first and third terms while the Marlins held sway in the second, and the one that matters most, the last.
The defending champions trailed by four points at the final change, which quickly became a ten-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.
The hosts got going in the second quarter on the back of contributions from new faces Kody Stattmann and Michael Demertze.
“We were a bit rusty and the team chemistry was lacking at both ends of the floor,” Pearlman said.
“But, our energy and effort was terrific, we battled the whole game.
“We got after it and stayed positive.
“Even though we went behind, we always had the belief we could get back in it.
“The team chemistry and all that will grow over the weeks.”
Heat coach Rod Anderson lauded the influence of Townsville boy Heuir who again torched them from the inside and out.
“We tried to get him, I think every one did,” Anderson said.
“I love the kid and watched him grow up.
“He took over there for a while and I really hope this season spurs him on to an NBL contract because he really deserves it.” THE Dolphins are optimistic of having their new import in uniform this Saturday against South West Metro Pirates after dropping their first game of the 2017 QBL season.
The WNBL-stacked Townsville Flames got the jump on the Dolphins on Friday night, outscoring the hosts 36-10 in the opening term.
Dolphins coach Mark Worthington said the opening stanza was the difference between the two teams as his squad competed hard for the next three quarters, winning the second and third terms.
Worthington is hopeful of having his new import for their second-round clash on Saturday night at home.
“It is visa stuff at the moment; we are hoping to have one here soon,” Worthington said. “Hopefully she will be here soon.
“That is the plan. WOMEN Rockhampton Cyclones 61 — Mackay Meteorettes 80 Cairns Dolphins 67 — Townsville Flames 95 Ipswich Force 97 — Toowoomba Mountaineers 43 Brisbane Spartans 90 — Logan Thunder 77 USC Rip City 85 — Sunshine Coast Phoenix 66 Gladstone Port City Power 49 — Mackay Meteorettes 87 Brisbane Capitals 76 — Gold Coast Rollers 38 South West Metro Pirates Bye
“But we need to get paperwork going our way.”
Rachel Pryor led the way with 18 points as Jade Kennedy grabbed 10 rebounds while Myra Donkin handed out five assists in the 67-95 loss to the Flames.
“Our first quarter was the downfall but after that the girls played really tough for the other three quarters,” Worthington said.
“Townsville is loaded with talent.
“We got it down to 15 at one stage but unfortunately momentum swung back in the opposite direction.
“I thought the girls fought hard three quarters but the second five minutes of the first quarter, they shot well and we gave them too many open shots.
“Our communication defence was not great.”
Worthington said Pryor deserves a WNBL chance after dominating the QBL for years. on
Johnston an Eagle
CAMERON Johnston, the Geelong-raised Ohio State punter who dabbled with an AFL career, has been signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. His name was not called during the three-day draft. Minutes after the NFL draft ended yesterday, Johnston announced he had been signed by the Eagles as a free agent. “Excited for the opportunity to sign with the @Eagles! Looking forward to getting to Philadelphia to compete and learn!” the 25year-old tweeted. He was drafted by the Melbourne Demons in 2010, but the AFL club delisted him at the end of the 2011 season.
Smith’s big chance
YOUNG Australian golfer Cameron Smith closed in on a maiden victory and some huge rewards after surging to a fourshot lead with partner Jonas Blixt in the US PGA Tour’s first team tournament since 1981. The 23year-old Queenslander was a picture of serenity as the pair defied wind gusts of up to 55km/ h and posted a four-under 68 in foursomes – alternate shot – to reach 19 under after three rounds of the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. If able to convert their lead into victory this morning (Qld time), both players were set to earn $1.02 million and earn twoyear exemption on tour.
Senden pulls out
FORMER Australian Open champion John Senden will take an indefinite break from professional golf, announcing son Jacob has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Senden, a two-time winner on the US PGA Tour, revealed the news after withdrawing from this weeks’ Zurich Classic of New Orleans to be with Jacob, 13, and wife Jackie. The 46-year-old Queenslander will put his golf career on hold to remain at his Texas home in Dallas, where Jacob is expected to undergo treatment. The Brisbane native’s six worldwide victories includes lifting the Stonehaven Cup at the 2006 Australian Open at Royal Sydney.
Stars recover
DEFENDING NBA champion Cleveland and season win leader Golden State, each seeking a third consecutive Finals appearance, are well rested as the second round of the playoffs began overnight. Boston was due to face Washington in their Game 1 clash, the Celtics having taken the conference top seed over the Cavs. “The sky is the limit for this team,” Boston guard Avery Bradley said. This morning’s Game 7 decider between the Utah Jazz and LA Clipper will determine who takes on Golden State.
Nadal advances
RAFAEL Nadal moved within one win of a 10th Barcelona title yesterday when he swept past Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos 6-3 6-4 in the semi-finals. World No. 5 Nadal, who captured a 10th Monte Carlo Masters last week, was to face Dominic Thiem in his 106th tour final overnight after the Austrian stunned world No. 1 Andy Murray 6-2 3-6 6-4. Nadal, 30, won Barcelona in 2005-09, 2011-13 and last year.