WOKINGHAM will play host to Reading Rockets this weekend as Manuel Pena Garces’ side look to bounce back from opening day defeat.
Rockets, who lost to Worthing Thunder two weeks ago, will take to the court at Bohunt School against newly promoted Team Solent Kestrels in the National Trophy on Sunday (5pm).
With regular venue Rivermead Leisure Complex currently unavailable, the newly built Arborfield school, which is one of the club’s training venues, will see competitive action for the first time.
“This weekend’s game against Solent will be a real challenge for us,” said head coach Pena Garces.
“We know that Solent teams are always difficult to play against through the academy games and Matt Guymon has done a really good job with this.
“They have built on their core foundations over the years and approach Division One with two new Americans and two good quality English players.”
Having led for 33 minutes, Rockets eventually succumbed to a 78-71 defeat to Worthing in the first game of the season and Pena Garces admits it was a tough one to swallow.
“The defeat to Worthing was a difficult one to take,” said the Spanish play caller.
“We had been ahead in the game for a long time but in the end game missed some key assignments resulting in a narrow loss but highlighting the key areas we will need to be working on as we start the season.
“It was good for myself and Alan (Keane) to see where the players are at individually and what we will need to give them as well as how the team is as a collective and we feel this is the key area moving forward.
“I am hoping Sunday’s game will be much better and we will be able to record our first win.”
Rockets have a fully fit squad available for the Kestrel clash with up to five players in line for home debuts.
Tickets are available on the day at the venue from £8 for adults and £5 for children.
