Reading Rockets are not in competitive action this weekend as they take a break from league and trophy action before the final two months of the regular season. The Rockets' last three games have all been decided by a single point with the Berkshire club winning their National Trophy quarter-final clash away to Brixton Topcats by 70 points to 69, however that was in between a pair of 76-75 losses at the hands of both Leicester Warriors and Derby Trailblazers at Rivermead Leisure Complex in the league. Four straight losses in the league have left the Reading outfit just outside of the play-off positions for the first time since they entered EBL Division One as the Berkshire club sit in ninth place with a record of five wins and six losses heading into the second part of the season. Rockets are however only four games back from league leaders Bristol Academy Flyers and only one win away from a play-off position with 13 games still to play and a mouth-watering National Trophy semi-final approaching in two weeks time away to Derby Trailblazers.
In reflecting on his team's efforts so far this season, Rockets Head Coach Samit Nuruzade remains upbeat as his side enters the latter stages of the season. He said, "Despite our current league position at the moment, and with all the injuries and personnel changes we have been subjected to, I am pleased with how we have done so far and feel we are not far off from being tough to beat in the second half of the season. We are still very much in the mix in terms of our league campaign which we are not even half way through yet, and we have a National Trophy semi-final to look forward to which gives us a great chance of reaching a national final this season which I feel would be a great achievement for this group of players. The last month especially has been hard for us and we have lacked some depth and experience in the close games we have played in: however, with the continued development of our younger players and a much more settled team, I think we will be difficult to play against heading into the play-offs. I feel we are still doing things right in terms of getting our team the best they can be; our practices are always detailed and very competitive and our preparation I think is always good. What we now have to do is take the next step up and turn these narrow losses into wins and we will be right back in contention in the coming weeks. It is still an exciting time here and I can't wait for the hard work and challenges that lie ahead!"
Injuries have been a major factor for the Rockets this season and Rockets physiotherapist Sarah Wilkins is pleased the team is able to have a weekend off as she assesses the players' fitness. She said, "We have had to deal with a lot of injuries this season, and any type of rest the players are able to have will be extremely beneficial going into a busy two months ahead. We know the situation with Steve (Vaughan) and his progress will be slow but he will be able to play some part later on in the season. Harrison (Gamble) is our biggest concern at the moment as he has quite a few niggling injuries but with treatment and some rest, I am hoping he will be near to full fitness by next weekend. At this stage of the season, it is all about managing the players and giving them everything they need so they have a chance of playing at the weekend and I feel that after a short break we should be back to having a nearly fully fit squad."
Rockets will be looking ahead to the following weekend when they face another double-header weekend as they visit Medway Park Crusaders on Saturday 4th February before returning home to Reading to take on National Cup conquerors Tees Valley Mohawks at Rivermead on Sunday 5th February (4pm tip-off). The following weekend sees them travel to Derby to take on the Trailblazers for the fourth time this season as the Berkshire club look to make it five National trophy final appearances in six years.
