Sport
7 June, 2026
Strong start to season
IT was a weekend to remember for Cairns basketball fans as both the Marlins and Dolphins claimed hard-fought victories over Gold Coast, showcasing grit, skill and unrelenting determination.
In an electrifying clash, the Cairns Marlins edged out Gold Coast 103-98 in a high-scoring battle that had fans on the edge of their seats.
From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets in a fast-paced contest, with the Marlins’ perimeter shooting proving the difference.
Gold Coast built an early lead in the first quarter, but Cairns refused to back down, staying within striking distance and forcing the Marlins to dig deep.
Key performances came from the Marlins’ star guards, whose combination of scoring and playmaking kept Cairns in front.
The final quarter saw the Marlins withstand a late surge from Gold Coast, holding their nerve at the free-throw line to secure a thrilling five-point victory.
Marlins Coach Joel Khalu said “it was a true team effort.”
He also praised the depth and composure of his squad.
Not to be outdone, the Cairns Dolphins also had a super impressive 87-78 win over Gold Coast in the women’s match-up.
The Dolphins controlled the tempo with smart ball movement and relentless
defence, gradually pulling away in the third quarter.
Gold Coast fought back, cutting the lead to just four points midway through the final term, but the Dolphins’ poise and well-timed scoring runs sealed the win.
Standout contributions from the Dolphins’ forwards combined toughness on the boards with crucial baskets down the stretch, while the backcourt ensured steady ball distribution and defensive
pressure.
The victory extends Cairns’ strong start to the season and demonstrates their depth and resilience across both teams.
With both squads delivering exhilarating performances, Cairns’ basketball is off to a thrilling start this season with both squads being 8-0.
