We have no divine right to win warns Pena Garces
READING ROCKETS v BRADFORD DRAGONS NBL DIVISION ONE PLAY-OFFS RIVERMEAD LEISURE COMPLEX SUNDAY, 5PM
MANUEL PENA GARCES says Reading will take nothing for granted despite a run of nine straight wins heading into this weekend’s play-offs.
Rockets (17-7) secured home advantage for their quarterfinal clash against Bradford (13-11) by embarking on an unbeaten run since early February to clinch third place in the final table.
But head coach Pena Garces is well aware that one poor showing could quickly undo all the hard work, as happened against Team Solent Kestrels last year.
“We have been performing better and better as the season has progressed and we have won some really important games,” he said.
“That should give us confidence as we head into the post-season.
“However, this does not give us a divine right to win so the preparation over the last two weeks has been key and something we have really prided ourselves on, especially in terms of defensive consistency.”
He added: “Bradford is a well-oiled, well-coached team and they are dangerous on any given day.
“They have talent at every position and coach Chris (Mellor) always has them fired up and ready to play with a good gameplan so we are expecting a real test in this winner takes all game.
“We are pleased to finish in the top four and secure home court advantage in this round of the play-offs.
“We are really looking forward to performing in front of our fans again who have been great all season and who will really need to get behind the team this Sunday.
“We are ready for the game with the continued aim of being the best version of ourselves in the moment we are in.”
Rockets welcome back captain Danny Carter, who missed the recent wins over Team Northumbria and Lancashire Spinners while Inigo Perez Baena is the only likely absentee.