Following a first quarter deficit, Rockets recovered well and deservedly beat Sheffield Arrows at Rivermead by 15 points.  Much improved shooting and better work on the boards created many opportunities for Rockets as they led for most of the second half by around 20 points.

 

Top scorers for Rockets:  Robbie Parker 20, Ryan Lohfink 15 (with 9 rebounds) and Kenny Saunders 13 (with 8 rebounds).

With their highest points score of the season, Rockets won their last league game of 2009, convincingly.

Sheffield outscored Rockets in the opening quarter and had a 7-point advantage early in the game as Rockets missed many open shots. The highlight of the opening period was sound excellent defensive boards work by Robbie Parker as he released Louis Sayers, only to arrive fast, collect the return pass and score, giving Rockets the lift they needed. A double block by the taller of the Sayers boys and a one- two between them saw Jason score again to reduce the deficit to just 3 points at the first break at 12 points to 15.

Rockets' captain Lohfink again showed the importance of rising well on the offensive boards as he scored moments before the shortest player on court, Rockets' Jon May went coast to coast to score and draw Rockets level on 16 points. The next five minutes were key to Rockets as Kenny Saunders blocked a Arrows shot and set up a fast break for Rockets to score with a lay up as Jason Sayers hit a glorious three pointer, Adam Thoseby went the whole length of the court to score and a superb spin move by Lohfink saw Rockets begin to move away from Arrows. When Fenny Falmagne gratefully accepted a penetrating pass from Parker to score and quickly followed this with a dunk, the Rockets supporters were well pleased with the intensity and skill. A double handed dunk from Saunders took Rockets into the interval 35 – 25 up as Rockets' physio, Jess Pascall, took time to assess and then strap Sheffield's Purnell who dislocated his shoulder just 3 seconds before halftime.

Rockets' offence continued with the momentum it had built up in quarter two though Sheffield hit the first 7 points of the 3^rd period. A pair of threes from Parker and Louis Sayers created by good team play saw Rockets with a 15 point lead half way into this quarter. Whole court presses caused Sheffield turnovers from which Rockets passed quickly and accurately giving Saunders, Lohfink and May easy finishes. Thoseby hit a peach of a bounce pass for Saunders to score and then when a finger roll was coming back, Saunders pounced again to dunk for 2 more points. Falmagne finished this period strongly with 4 personal points as Rockets headed for the last quarter 65 points to 48 up.

When Saunders released Thoseby and Jason Sayers hit his second three of the evening, Rockets' lead was 22 points. Sheffield hit back momentarily but a big final quarter from Parker – 11 personal points - coupled to some excellent passing, effective defensive work and team play saw Rockets win comfortably by 92 points to 77.

Top scorers for Rockets: Robbie Parker 20, Ryan Lohfink 15 (with 9 rebounds) and Kenny Saunders 13 (with 8 rebounds).