Marlins shrug off star losses as Heuir helps scorch Heat

THEY may have lost two of their championship stars but they still have Damon Heuir ( above) and that was enough for the Cairns Marlins to topple Townsville last night in the opening QBL game of the season.

In their first game without Cameron Tragardh and James Mitchell, the new Marlins cocaptain stepped up to lead all scorers with 29 points as he beat his hometown club.

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.

Marlins guards Heuir and Anthony Fisher got going in the final term as they combined for 44 points for the night in the 88- 70 win.

Heat coach Rod Anderson said a lack of execution on offence hurt his side late.

“We moved the ball slow and our effort levels dropped,” Anderson said.

“It is an execution thing but this is just one game, we know it is going to be a process.”

Anderson also lauded the influence of Townsville boy Heuir who again torched the Heat. The Townsville Flames fared far better in their season opener with Mia Murray guiding the side to a solid victory over the Cairns Dolphins.