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Ice Hockey & Basketball

Reading Rockets lift National Trophy
Rockets lift the National Trophy

Rockets win National Trophy

The Atlantis Reading Rockets basketball team have made history, beating Worthing Thunder 91-85 to secure their first every National Trophy title. Watch our exclusive extended video report.

Watch a special extended report on Reading Rockets' National Trophy success from BBC Berkshire's Ollie Williams:
video Watch: Reading Rockets >
Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer

Rockets bounced back from their 100-84 league defeat to Worthing the week before to stun their bitter local rivals at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena.

Worthing had the better of the opening period and though the sides went in level, Rockets had spent the whole ten minutes playing catch-up.

Slowly the Reading team worked their way into the game and they took a slender lead into the changing rooms at the halfway mark, although coach Dave Titmuss vented his feelings on the advertising hoardings as the Rockets gave points away just before the break.

The fiery team talk that followed resulted in a classy, comprehensive third quarter display from the Rockets who amassed a healthy 15-point lead - Ryan Williams working his way to a haul of 28 points despite sustaining an early leg injury.

But the Thunder struck back with 14 unanswered points to set up a thrilling final few minutes, Rockets' Steve Humphreys sealing the historic win with a free throw one second from time.

'Thrilled' with juniors

Medal
A National Trophy medal

"Fantastic," said Rockets general manager Gary Johnson as the game finished. "I knew we'd do it - I told you. A wonderful win."

Coach Dave Titmuss paid tribute to U-18 starlets Dan McKay and Danny Carter, winning their second trophy in a week after the Rockets U-18s lifted the Sureshot National Cup in Manchester.

"I'm just so thrilled that we have two junior players here who've gone in and made a big contribution," he told us.

Worthing are now left having lost their last eight finals in big arenas, but for Reading there's now a choice ahead.

It's understood the club have been approached by the BBL and BBA to star in their rival leagues - Johnson and the Rockets management must now decide if they should return to the EBL or make the move.

last updated: 05/03/07
 
Have Your Say
Were you at the final? Are you a Rockets fan? Have your say here.
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Zack May
Richard wellings rules!

Charlotte Robards
Kick butt Steve!!!!! Your auntie charlotte

Coach Doug Stotler, Lewis and Clark CC, Godfrey, I
Congratulations to Richard Wellings and Reading Rockets!

Susie
Nice work guys! and congrats on the win! hope you continue the winning streak!

Sue Isaac
Fantastic result! Well done to all involved, both on and off the court; and for getting Reading in the headlines yet again for sporting prowess.

Paul Sainsbury
Fabulous team performance.Yet again the Rockets execute a great coaching plan in the big arena to win against the odds.

Phil
Well done boys way to work hard

nickinooski
Think the Rockets are awesome!! Tin Tin is my favorite!! Go Go Go the Reading Rockets !!

Antonio
Congratulations from Brazilian supporter! Cheers, Ryan, Peder and all the guys!!!

Holly
yes i was at the final nd i'm glad that i went i had a great time!!

ernest
I travelled to the final - the team showed their true class. The guys rose above the mindless comments from the crowd and did what they do best - played great basketball. Big congratualations to all the team and management. Come on reading get behind a winning side and make the rockets even better next season so we can win the league.

Tyreeka
nice

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