Rockets' first round robin game in their defence of the National Trophy was a tough one in every respect. London Mets had a great preseason and have begun their cup campaign with a pair of wins. Rockets showed periods of composed basketball with clear strategies and good finishes rewarding them with wins in 2 of the 4 periods. However with Robbie Parker sidelined after collecting four personal fouls in the first six minutes of the game coupled to the loss of Jon May following an accidental elbow on his head and cheek, Rockets lost two influential and experienced players. May was taken to hospital when a broken jaw was diagnosed, clearly putting him on the side lines for a few weeks.

Mets' three point shooting prowess began in the first minute when Ajumobi scored the first of their 10 throughout the game. With Rockets on team fouls in the first three minutes of the game, all could see the part the referees were to play. Parker had scored half of Rockets' points before he was necessarily substituted in the sixth minute but a fine end line drive and finish by 17 year old Louis Sayers, kept Rockets within striking distance of Mets, though this period had been one of an unsure start for Rockets with some nervousness for the very young players but had encouraging signs.

Though 11 points adrift at 26 – 15, Rockets trimmed that to 5 very quickly through Captain Ryan Lohfink finishing a good move and Rockets' new Head Coach was particularly pleased when Dan McKay and Jason Sayers showed great hustle, even on the floor, as they double teamed Mets causing a turn over. Louis Sayers was having an outstanding game as he rose to collect the offensive boards off his own three point attempt only to see his second shot rim out. A fast break was again finished by Lohfink moments before Simon Kearney took a charge and a McKay drive scored two more valuable points giving Rockets just a 5-point deficit. However Mets 3 point shooting soon extended that to double figures though another highlight of this quarter was the Sayers brothers getting the defensive rebound releasing Jon May to finish with a lay up. An exquisite bounce pass by May gave Lohfink 2 more points and when he hit one from two from the free throw line, Rockets were just 30 points to 36 down. Kearney hit Rockets' one and only three in the first half from the top of the key but a Mets player-coach three on the half time buzzer was tough on a Rockets side who'd still taken the quarter 20 points to 19 but found themselves 10 adrift at the interval – 35 points to 45 points.

With Parker released to start the third period, Rockets' travelling supporters could see what they wished as he drained in a pair of threes to match those scored by Mets. Lohfink also scored from outside the arc before a superb hook shot from Jason Sayers again kept Rockets in the hunt for a win. However Parker was called for his fifth and final foul and Mets went on an 11 point to 2 point run to leave Rockets with a mammoth task at 53 points to 73 points.

With May injured the 18 year old Lithuanian Lukas Alexsandravicius stepped into the point guard duties immediately making an impression with a pair of penetrative drives, coupled to a brilliant pass to Kearney whilst being triple teamed on the half way line. Lohfink continued his excellent leadership by example and encouragement as Jason Sayers took a charge after scoring with a dunk, Louis Sayers took his personal points tally to 10 by finishing a fast break off his brother's defensive boards, before then giving a pair of assists to Lukas Alexsandravicius. Coach Sasa Punosevac made a complete bench change for the final 2 minutes giving court time to one 16 year old and four 17 year old Rockets Academy young men who more than held their own. Though Rockets lost the match 69 – 85, they had again won this quarter 16 points to 12.

Top scorers for Rockets were Ryan Lohfink 15 with Louis Sayers, Robbie Parker and Jason Sayers all on 10.