In spite of Rockets' good start to the game, Manchester Magic triumphed in the National Trophy game last Sunday. Though disappointed with the result, Rockets had put on a more than creditable performance.
This was certainly a game of two halves with Rockets more than matching the tournament favourites and leading for all but two minutes of the first quarter, though on the receiving end of some tough foul calls.
Robbie had opened the scoring with a three and Rockets' shortest player Jon May scored with a hook shot. Some good defence and six quick points by Kenny saw Rockets lead 13-6. However Robbie Parker and Kenny Saunders picked up their second personal fouls and with Fenny carrying a leg injury, most of Rockets' more senior players were sidelined. Despite another tough call Rockets led at the end of the first quarter by 17 points to 14
Rockets increased their lead to seven points again through another determined Jon May drive, an Adam Thoseby three and a Ryan Lohfink lay up. Though Manchester came back to level the scores, it was only momentary as Fenny Falamgne hit a three and Adam Thoseby finished a swift transition move. Manchester levelled again but Kenny restored Rockets' advantage which they held to the interval, mainly through two brilliant blocks by Jason Sayers and Jon May. Three Manchester players had scored all but five of their points with Goldsborough on 15 and Gill on 11 points. Kenny Saunders led Rockets scorers with 11 points but five other Rockets had troubled the scorers.
The single point advantage of 36-35 that Rockets took into the third period was short lived as both teams scored, swapping the lead for the first few minutes. Then a 13 point haul from Magic's most influential play maker saw his personal tally rise to 24 points as Manchester went on a 13-5 run. Rockets hit back through an Adam Thoseby three and four quick Saunders points to reduce Manchester's lead to six points, though a pair of tough foul calls saw Magic go into the final period 60 points to 48 up.
Rockets were being heavily punished as they missed their three point shots and Manchester converted off the next offence. However this Rockets team was not going to give up its three year hold on the National Trophy without a fight, led by their Captain who worked well inside to score seven points as Robbie Parker scored three from four from the free throw line. A Kenny Saunders steal and slam dunk saw Rockets seven points down but the next two minutes saw Robbie Parker, Kenny Saunders and Ryan Lohfink fouled out as the Rockets supporters shouted "selective calling ". Manchester finished well from the free throw line with ex Rocket TinTin Watts scoring 13 points in the second half and Gill top scoring with 31 points.
Rockets were very disappointed as they left the court knowing their rebounding and points in the paint just hadn't been as effective as they'd planned but they had put on a more than creditable performance.
Top scorers for Rockets
Kenny Saunders 20, Adam Thoseby 12, Ryan Lohfink 9 points.
