In a very competitive game with both teams’ defences strong, it was the free throw line which influenced the result as Bristol went to the line 47 times compared to Rockets’ only 13.

It was a game with neither team having a substantial lead until the third quarter when Bristol went on a 11- 0 run. Rockets fought back to within 2 points but the National Cup winners edged to a 10-point victory, 78 to 68.

Top scorers for Rockets:  Ryan Lohfink 17, Robbie Parker 17, Louis Sayers 12

Reading Rockets 68 Bristol Academy Flyers 78

In a game blighted by sixty free throws, of which Rockets got just 13, Rockets first half efforts and lead were overcome by a third quarter 11 – 0 run by Bristol which they held for victory by 10 points.

Fenny Falmagne was not yet ready following injury but Jon May and Robbie Parker had fully recovered. Rockets’ new Head Coach, Matt Johnson saw his charges in competitive mood from tip with Louis Sayers and Robbie Parker hitting key threes to edge Rockets ahead in the first quarter 18 – 15. Defences were on top throughout the game with a pair of key offensive rebounds in the second period by Lohfink enabling Rockets to go into the interval 33 – 31 up. Parker had finished a couple of crisp Rockets moves and hit a pair of threes in his 12 first half points.

After the break Bristol blitzed out of the stalls scoring, stealing and dunking before a Kenny Saunders arrow pass to Rockets captain and another Parker three quelled the attacks. When Saunders took the defensive boards releasing Louis Sayers to dunk, Rockets had a four point lead just three minutes into the third quarter. Bristol though finished this period with a 19 – 8 run including 11 unanswered points, a pair of threes and repeated scores from the free throw line.

Bristol’s 55 – 48 advantage at the start of the fourth period was rapidly reduced by Rockets through a Lohfink three, coast to coast by Jon May and 5 quick points from Louis Sayers taking Rockets to just two down at 60 – 62 with 7 minutes remaining. A couple of minutes of lack of concentration caused Rockets to turn the ball over three times in quick succession giving Bristol more confidence and a 9 point cushion. Though a Thoseby three reduced the gap, Bristol held on by scoring more points from the free throw line to secure a 10 point win – final score being Rockets 68 to Bristol Academy Flyers 78.

Top scorers for Rockets were Ryan Lohfink 17, Robbie Parker 17 and Louis Sayers 12.

.