Watch a special extended report on Reading Rockets' National Trophy success from BBC Berkshire's Ollie Williams:
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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
 | | 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. |