In a low scoring game Leopards depth of experience with their three lead guards, together with their two new European signings, was the determining factor in this round robin National Trophy game.

Rockets began the game well with Ryan Lohfink scoring all of their early seven points until he was called for a second personal foul and rested. Jason Sayers had a huge block and Simon Kearney shot sweetly as Rockets played well. However the first of five first half three pointers from Leopards gave them a four point first interval lead of 18-14 which they extended to 35-25 at half time.

Lukas Alexsandravicius went coast to coast and Jason scored with a double handed slam-dunk whilst Robbie Parker hit Rockets second, but unfortunately last, three of the game. Rockets shooting stats weren't at their normal high percentage, not helped with many efforts rimming up only for Leopards to capitalise at the other end. The half way stats of Leopards being at the free throw line eight times to Rockets once was significant but Leopards five threes was the score difference.

After Coach P's half time chat Rockets scored the first four points of quarter three only for Leopards to score again from beyond the arc, and this three epitomised the luck that was not going Rockets way as the shot hit the rim hard, went 2-3 m above it, hit the top of the backboard and fell sweetly through the net!!! This started Leopards nine points rush as Lohfink was called for his fourth foul, but Rockets replied with some of their best passing and scoring and good intensive defence, winning the quarter by twelve points to eleven but still nine points adrift at 37-46.

The final period saw Rockets stop Leopards scoring for nearly four minutes with Kearney taking two charges and together with Lohfink showing great hustle on the floor for possession. Unfortunately both Jason Sayers and Lohfink were attributed with their five fifth and excluding fouls as Rockets missed shots at crucial times to give them a true end game scenario, with Steve Vaughan scoring 6 well earned points and Alexsandravicius gaining experience on the court. Coach P rested Parker and McKay for the last two minutes giving 17 year old 6'10" Harrison Gamble and 17 year old Kofi Josephs more court time and experience. Gaining such for this young and talented squad is sometimes painful at times but a very necessary exercise as Rockets have a ten day break before their opening home game on Thursday 22^nd October at 7.45pm at Rivermead.

Top scorers for Rockets, Ryan Lohfink 12, Robbie Parker and Simon Kearney 8 apiece.