Rockets aim for final date
READING ROCKETS will battle Loughborough Riders for a spot in the National Trophy final this weekend.
With Rivermead unavailable, the two sides will face off at the John Madejski Academy, starting at 5pm.
Rockets topped their National Trophy pool following victories over Thames Valley Cavaliers and Hemel Storm whilst Riders saw off Leicester Warriors and Nottingham Wildcats to reach this stage.
And Reading head coach Alan Keane is expecting a physical encounter against a side who last weekend clinched the National Cup with victory over NBL Division One leaders Team Solent Kestrels.
"Loughborough really showed their true class during Sunday's final so they will be a tough opponent for us this weekend," said Keane.
"I had a good chance to look at them so I am hoping with great preparation as well as committing to everything we have been doing, we can be ready to compete with them for 40 minutes.
"We have been making steady progressions this season and I like where we are at right now because there is a lot more to come from the group and there really isn't any barriers stopping us this weekend.
"I am really looking forward to seeing what we can do against the Riders on Sunday."
Rockets will be seeking to book their spot in the Trophy final for the seventh time in their 21-year history, having won it five times.
Ronan O'Sullivan (wrist) and Danny Carter (ankle) are both expected to be fit for the contest.