THE Ipswich Force are within two games of another NBL1 North championship after ending the Cairns Marlins’ unbeaten season with a commanding 102-91 semi-final victory at Trinity Ford Stadium on Saturday night.
The win sets up a mouth-watering championship showdown against the Gold Coast Rollers, a repeat of the 2023 championship series that saw Ipswich claim its first NBL1 North title and one of the club’s greatest achievements in more than 70 years.
Lachlan Anderson produced a performance for the ages, pouring in a game-high 43 points while shooting 15-of-27 from the field, including eight three-pointers. Every time the Marlins threatened, Anderson found another answer, delivering one of the finest finals displays in Force history.
Former NBL star Lamar Patterson was equally influential, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds and three assists as the experienced duo proved too much for Cairns to contain.
Inside, Merrick Small dominated the boards with 15 rebounds to go with eight points, while William Mahoney’s all-round contribution of 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals proved invaluable. Captain Jason Ralph again steered the team with composure, contributing six points and four assists while directing the offence when it mattered most.
After the final siren, captain Jason Ralph praised the collective effort that carried Ipswich into another championship series.
“We’ve believed all year that we had the group to compete with anyone, but belief only gets you so far – you still have to put in the work,” he said.
“Everyone has bought in, embraced their role, and that’s been a big reason we’ve put ourselves in this position.
“We stayed together, trusted each other, and Lachie came up with some big plays when it mattered. We know who we need to go to when it matters – LP and Lachie.”
Ralph said the squad was excited by the opportunity to return to the championship stage.
“It’s exciting to be heading back to the Gold Coast for another crack at a title,” he said.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often, so we’ll enjoy the moment, prepare well this week, and hopefully finish the job.
“Two more wins.”
Attention now turns to Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium, where the best-of-three NBL1 North Grand Final series begins on Friday night. Game Two will be played on Saturday, with a deciding third game, if required, on Sunday.
