HEAD coach Josh Thorne was ecstatic after his Reading Rockets Ladies side secured a play-off championship final spot with a 69-66 win at home to Essex Blades on Sunday.

Having lost to the same opponents by a single point in the National Cup final two months earlier, Rockets gained a measure of revenge at the John Madejski Academy Sports Centre.

The game reflected the best in ladies basketball and was tightly-contested from tip to buzzer. with neither team able to open up a significant points difference and pull away.

Top scorers for Rockets were Cat Lutz with 28 points and Silvia Garcia Denche with 23 points.

After the game, Thorne commented: "We knew the game was about defence and winning the last quarter 16-9 showed that commitment.

"This has been an unbelievable season for us. Despite losing two players to season-ending injuries we have fought every hurdle we have faced. Juniors have learned fast and played their key part, and against Essex the bench was engaged and supportive, which really helped to stabilise the team."

The team now look forward to the final where they will take on Southwark Pride, who defeated Charnwood College Riders in the other semi final.

It will be played at the new Bellevue Arena in Manchester on Sunday, April 24.