Reading Rockets (3-1) will look to build on their three game winning streak this weekend when they welcome Barking Abbey (1-3) to Reading on Sunday for round five of their NBL Division One campaign.
Rockets were victorious last weekend as they secured a hard fought 98-85 win over Nottingham Hoods moving the Reading team up to third position in the NBL Division One table after four games. Sunday’s opponents Barking Abbey currently have the reverse of Rockets’ record after a narrow defeat last weekend going down 84-79 away at Liverpool.
Sunday’s match-up will see the current Great Britain Under 16 and 18 coaches go head to head as James Vear, having taken over the helm from Lloyd Gardner at Barking, locks horns with Rockets play-caller Alan Keane for the first time in Division One.
The Rockets Head Coach was pleased with last weekend’s win over Nottingham Hoods but really appreciates how competitive the league is this season and knows Sunday’s opponents will be looking to getting back to winning ways. The Irishman said,
“Last Sunday’s win was pleasing against a talented and hard working Nottingham outfit and we have taken a lot of positives from the performance. However, another poor second quarter by our standards does need to be addressed if we are to perform at the highest level and be competitive at the top end of the table as well as on a consistent basis. As always, we will review, learn, and be better ahead of our next game to help us be the best we can.”
“We are really looking forward to Sunday’s game against Barking Abbey especially with James (Vear, Head Coach of Barking Abbey) at the helm of our opponents and I know he is working really hard with his young team to compete in the division as they grow and get better. They are a dangerous opponent as they play up tempo, fearless basketball so we will need to be ready for what they throw at us this weekend.”
Rockets go into Sunday’s game with no new injury concerns with Coach Keane hopeful of a fully fit squad to choose from. 2-time player of the game Nick Richards continues to lead the team in many categories with teammate Liam Davis continuing his good scoring run after his 22 points seven rebounds haul last time out.
