Dolphins aiming to fight way back

CAIRNS Dolphins will don pink socks on Friday when they host Mackay at the Fish Tank for the NBL1 North’s PLAY4BCNA Pink Round.

The Dolphins are tenth with a 3-5 record, and a win against the struggling Meteorettes could be the Far North team’s best chance to fight their way up the ladder.

First-year Dolphins coach Sam Gruggen said this first portion of the campaign has been driven by the need to establish the culture and style of play they want to produce.

And this next block will be taking all of that, which is built on the work of former playercoach Myra Donkin, from the practice court to the bright lights of the NBL1 North.

“It’s been great, a great group of girls, they all get along,” Gruggen said.

“The first six weeks is forming our culture and what we want to be known for, as a group. Building on what Myra established was important.

“There’s been some tough games, it’s just about putting four quarters consistently together with this group, playing hard and playing the style we want to play to impress Cairns and represent Cairns in the way we want.

“We’re slowly getting there, but it will take some time.”

Mackay has won just two of their seven games to date, and while Cairns will be keen to add another loss to their NQ rivals’ tally, they will have to do so without star Penina Davidson, who is on international duty for New Zealand.

Gruggen said it was a big loss, but one that gave another player a chance to impress.

“Any opportunity they get to represent their country, it’s fantastic and we’re fully supportive of that,” he said. “Huge loss, losing anyone of Penina’s calibre will definitely hurt your offensive and defensive system.”

The women’s game tips off at 6.30pm, and the Marlins at 8.30pm.