READING TAKE WIN IN ROCKETS DERBY

READING ROCKETS took the points in the battle of the Rockets with victory over their Midlands visitors.

The hosts led for almost all the game and kept a strangle hold on Birmingham whenever they got close to taking the lead.

Rockets captain Lewis Champion opened the hosts account with a brace of trebles in the early minutes before some great play saw Jermiah Jenkins hit the first of his and helped Rockets to a 21-14 first quarter advantage.

Champion was fouled at the start of the second period and was secure with three points from the free throw line. Isaac Round finished another smart Rockets move whilst Chris Alexander made the first of his five crucial blocks.

Rockets enjoyed a double digit lead at 34-24 but Birmingham went on a 9-0 run and took the lead at 43-41 though moments later Jenkins hit five quick points before Zack Powell drained a treble and Champion a buzzer beating one to see Rockets 50-45 ahead at the interval.

Reis Pinnock showed his value to Rockets with one of his six assists to Mitch Clarke to stroke a treble.

When Pinnock repeated the service to Round moments later and Clarke hit another from down town Rockets enjoyed a 13-point lead.

Despite Birmingham draining three trebles, Rockets stood firm with Alexander prominent with his major defensive plays with a rejection followed by a huge ‘get out of here’ block bringing the packed Valley to a crescendo of noise with appreciation.

A Clarke treble and pair of free throws from Alexander saw Rockets go into the final quarter with an 81-70 lead.

Rockets extended their advantage as Alexander scored, was fouled and hit the free throw and Rockets shortest player, Jenkins, hit another trademark treble.

Seeing the hosts with a 91-74 lead but the visitors ignited with a 13-0 run to close in at 87-91.

Jenkins was fouled and hit three from the free throw line to see the Rockets seven up.

Birmingham fought back again with a brace of shots to gain momentum and chase Rockets as the deficit was cut to just three points with less than two minutes on the clock.

Clarke steadied the ship with a pair of free throws as Birmingham missed one of their pair from the free throw line with 47.5 seconds remaining.

Rockets strength in depth showed as excellent team play saw Elijah Maynard out deep and wide.

He took aim and stroked a brilliant treble to effectively see Rockets to victory at 99-92 in another thriller at Loddon Valley.