A great crowd supported Rockets in this epic encounter in the BBL Trophy against the all conquering Newcastle Eagles.

Following last weekend's double header against the National Cup winners ( Sat ) and the National Cup finalists ( Sun ), this third game in 5 days was another gruelling challenge for the Rockets, especially with the influential point guard Fenny Falmagne still out injured. Newcastle scored the opening 6 points before a block, coast to coast run and a slam dunk by 18 year old Adam Thoseby opened Rockets account.  However Rockets just weren't getting the rub of the ring as most of their shots rimmed out and Newcastle took advantage in the clinical way you'd expect of probably the best team in British basketball over recent seasons.

A 24-8 first quarter deficit was increased as Newcastle scored the first seven points of the second period before a buzzer beating jump shot by Rockets captain Ryan Lohfink interrupted Newcastle's onslaught.   An 8-2 Rockets run via a Jason hook, another tip in and a Kenny Saunders three point play kept Eagles honest.
With Robbie Parker converting a pair from the free throw line and a superb Rockets move finished with a dunk from Kenny Saunders, Rockets went for the interval 22 points to 50 down.

The slight improvement in quarter two became a major one in the third period as Rockets only lost it by 7 points. The 20-27 quarter reflected a marked improvement in Rockets' penetration to the basket coupled to a greater sucess rate when there. Kenny Saunders scored 11 personal points as Adam Thoseby hit Rockets first three pointer.

The tempo and effort continued at the start of the final quarter with Ryan Lohfink working well inside and Lukas Aleksandravicius creating opportunities for Jason Sayers with spin moves, off the glass and jump shots as he totalled 8 points in this period. A Lukas Aleksandravicius drive and a Louis Sayers three were other highlights as Rockets bowed out of the BBL trophy.

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