READING Rockets Women's basketball team are appealing for help to get them to their National Championship play-off final this weekend.

The team is struggling to raise funds to pay for an overnight stay in Manchester this Saturday ahead of their final against Southwark Pride at 11am the following morning.

The early tip-off will prevent Josh Thorne's team – the first from Reading to make a national final - from travelling on the same day.

And as they receive no funding from Basketball England, the players are being forced to delve into their own pockets and fund the trip themselves.

However, Rockets Women are hoping a local business can help them raise the £500 needed to pay for the journey.

Reading Rockets Women player Stephanie Johnson said: “The team has made history by becoming the first from Reading to make a national final.

“But to get there it is going to cost the team £500 to travel and stay over the night before due to a 11am game in Manchester.

“This is an amazing achievement for the women and the club, but they need local companies to help them make this trip possible.

“We are looking for some much-needed financial support, so we are appealing for local companies and businesses to put forward £500 to help fund our play-off final trip.”

Rockets chairman Gary Johnson believes the difficulties facing the women's team highlights a general lack of support for the sport.

“It's ridiculous that Basketball England don't accommodate or pay for the Saturday night rooms,” he declared.

“As the ladies tip-off is 11am, they would need to leave Reading at 5am, then play the final.

“Needless to say, I have expressed my thoughts, but to no avail.”

This weekend is a historic one for Reading Rockets as the mens' team have also reached the National Basketball League Division One play-off final.

Manuel Pena Garces' team will travel to Manchester to face hometown side Manchester Magic this Sunday.

However, that final starts at 4pm meaning the team can travel up on the day in a bus provided free-of-charge by sponsors, Horseman Coaches of Reading.

Can you help Reading Rockets Womens' team?

Please email Gary Johnson at gary.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk