10-January 2010

A great crowd supported Rockets in this epic encounter in the BBL Trophy against the all conquering Newcastle Eagles.

Following last weekends double header against the National Cup winners ( Sat ) and the National Cup finalists ( Sun ), this third game in 5 days was another gruelling challenge for the Rockets, especially with the influential point guard Fenny Falmagne still out injured. Newcastle scored the opening 6 points before a block, coast to coast run and a slam dunk by 18 year old Adam Thoseby opened Rockets account, However Rockets just weren't getting the rub of the ring as most of their shots rimmed out and Newcastle took advantage in the clinical way you'd expect of probably the best team in British basketball over recent seasons.

A 24-8 first quarter deficit was increased as Newcastle scored the first seven points of the second period before a buzzer beating jump shot by Rockets captain Ryan Lohfink interrupted Newcastles onslaught, An 8-2 Rockets run via a Jason hook, another tip in and a Kenny Saunders three point play kept Eagles honest.

With Robbie Parker converting a pair from the free throw line and a superb Rockets move finished with a dunk from Kenny Saunders, Rockets went for the interval 22 points to 50 down.

The slight improvement in quarter two became a major one in the third period as Rockets only lost it by 7 points. The 20-27 quarter reflected a marked improvement in Rockets penetration to the basket coupled to a greater sucess rate when there. Kenny Saunders scored 11 personal points as Adam Thoseby hit Rockets first three pointer.

The tempo and effort continued at the start of the final quarter with Ryan Lohfink working well inside and Lukas Aleksandravicius creating opportunities for Jason Sayers with spin moves, off the glass and jump shots as he totalled 8 points in this period. A Lukas Aleksandravicius drive and a Louis Sayers three were other highlights as Rockets bowed out of the BBL trophy.

Top Scorers for Rockets: Jason Sayers 20; Kenny Saunders 18; Ryan Lohfink 18

W/e 17-January 2010

Less than 12 hours after completing their home victory over Newcastle, WorthingThunder were on their way to the National Indoor Arena to play the Manchester Magic in a first round BBL Trophy match-up as the warm up game to the BBL Cup Final.

Following a sluggish start, Thunder trailed 26-25 after the first quarter before Sam Cricelli hit 10 points in the second period as Thunder established their superiority with a 32-21 quarter to lead 57-47 at the half.

Evaldas Zabas had 10 points and Reggie Bratton 8 as Worthing won the third quarter 27-8 to stretch the lead to 84-55. Guard Stefan Gill was the shining performer for Magic throughout and had 6 of the 8 points on his way to a game high 33.

With the game secured, coach Dave Titmuss gave the support players a chance to impress and they won the final quarter 25-17, Ryan Marrast hitting 10 points as the final score was 109-72.