IT WAS a mixed weekend for Reading Rockets who suffered a defeat to table toppers Derby before they claimed an overtime victory away at London Elite.
After captain Lewis Champion hit a treble to see Rockets lead, Derby hit four quick trebles themselves to take control of the tie opening up a 13-15 gap which they maintained for virtually all the game and finishing the final period with a powerful display to move into the Kitking Final.
Following last weeks’ 17 point comeback against Essex only to lose in the end game, Rockets were determined not to repeat that loss and ensured they took a league victory in London.
Having fallen 15 points behind an ever improving new comers to the league, Rockets showed huge spirit and excellent team play to take victory in overtime in north London.
Mitch Clarke started where he ended last weeks game in scintillating form as he stroked the first treble of the game before he sent an assist to Reis Pinnock to follow suit.
When Lewis Champion hit Rockets third treble in the opening 90 secs they enjoyed a 10-2 lead.
Clarke scored with an exquisite finger roll and then sent a further assist to Champion to hit Rockets fourth treble of the opening period moments before Fin Porter announced his arrival on court with a slam dunk and extended Rockets advantage to nine points at 18-9.
But London fought tirelessly and finished the quarter with a brace of trebles to lead Rockets 22-21 .
London continued with a purple patch of excellent defence and superb shooting to go on a 15-0 run before Elijah Maynard stopped the rot with a pair of free throws.
Pinnock, who was having his best game of the season struck another treble sandwiched by a brace from Maynard but still Rockets trailed 32-37.
Clarke took a charge and sent an assist to Porter to score moments before he picked up his third personal foul.
Jenkins hit a treble and Maynard another pair as Rockets came back to 56-58 in arrears but London hit three trebles in the remaining 2 minutes to go into the final period 69-63 ahead.
Pinnock was secure from the free throw line and Powell sank a treble to draw the game on 81. Both teams hit trebles, London’s was banked, so they couldn’t be separated on 84 inside the last 52.4 seconds.
Clarke took down a defensive rebound, raced towards the London goal, was fouled and hit both penalty points seeing Rockets up by one with less than 20 secs on the clock but London hit a treble to lead and appear to take the win.
However, Rockets played the ball inside to power forward Chris Alexander who appeared to score as he was fouled.
This would put Rockets head by a single point with a free throw to follow but he was adjudged to have his feet on the floor so went to the line hitting one of the two free throws and taking the game into overtime as it was tied on 87.
A resurgent Rockets now had the bit between their teeth feeling aggrieved of the last referees’ decision and were determined to come away with the victory as Clarke and Pinnock stole this overtime with great offensive and defensive performances to take this period 20-8 and keep Rockets in touch with other teams seeking top league positions early in the season.
Table topping Derby blazed a trail at Loddon Valley as they showed their immense strength in depth from tip to end game stifling Rockets offence whilst controlling the boards and scoring majestically.
