from QBL / BQ website

Dennis' Computers Townsville Flames vs Cairns Dolphins  (in Cairns)

The northern rivals go head-to-head for the second time this season, with Cairns having the home-court advantage this time around. Both teams suffered defeats at the hands of Bundaberg last week, so will be looking to bounce back. Cairns are yet to secure a win so far and will be on the back-foot without Cayla Francis, who last week shot 17 points in her first game for the team this season. With Jade Kennedy and Shanieka Ross carrying the bulk of the scoring in recent weeks, they’ll be out to put big points on the board again to try and get the win over Townsville. The Flames themselves have had a tough run in the league, with two losses in as many weeks. They’ll field a full side in the match and the reliance will be on Lisa Braunberger and Aroon Edgar to continue their recent strong form on points and rebounds, with Braunberger sitting on an average of 16.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Townsville can hold their own and Cairns will have their backs against the wall without the extra power of Cayla Francis, but they’re bound to give it their all to try to get a win on the board.

Townsville McDonald's Heat v Cairns Marlins (in Cairns)

The Heat are sitting undefeated in the competition so far with five wins, the young side managing to outplay a number of more experienced teams in the league. They’re taking on their local rivals Cairns for the second time this season, who in contrast have only secured one win so far— defeating Bundaberg by 20 points last week. Townsville, who also had a win over Bundy last week, take to the court again without injured captain Keegan Tudehope, and are also without the talents of Mitch Norton, who has been reliable on points. But Chris Cedar strong on at the three-point line and Blanchfield and Rees both dominating inside the key of late, the Heat still have plenty of sizzle in their lineup. The Marlins will be boosted with Aaron Grabau back in the side this week, no doubt he’ll be ready to get in the mix in a Cairns side that controlled the game last week. Vale, Adekponya, Comino and Williams all came through the win against Bundy with big points, they’ll need a repeat performance of last week to even the score against their southern cousins.