READING Rockets will look to build on their first win of the season when they travel to Hertfordshire this Saturday to take on rivals Hemel Storm in their first NBL Division One game of the 2016-2017 campaign (7pm).

Rockets split their National Trophy pool games, losing out 78-71 to Worthing Thunder on the opening day of the season before claiming a 79-65 victory against Team Solent Kestrels last Sunday.

They finished second in their group, but miss out on the semi-final stage of the competition with Thunder beating Kestrels to finish with two wins out of two.

The Rockets will now turn their attention to league and National Cup duties with three games in eight days, the latter two being at home next week.

Rockets head coach Manuel Peña Garcés was pleased to see his team record their first win of the season but knows that there is still a lot of work to do if his side are to challenge for cup or league honours this term.

The Spanish play-caller commented: “I am pleased with Sunday’s win and I felt we took a positive step after our defeat to Worthing.

“We are working hard to find our identity and improve our performances week by week and that is something we will need to do if we are going to have success this season.

“At times, we moved the ball well and played some really unselfish basketball, but we need to make sure we defend better individually and collectively throughout games if we are to win and this is something we will work on.

“It was good to get our first win but now we must immediately turn our attention to our next game against Hemel.”

He continued: “They look a strong team and they have offensive weapons to trouble any side. Over the last couple of seasons they have become a lot stronger and we have had some really tough battles against them.

“It is always a difficult place to play because they have such a great support and really use that in their favour, but what is important for these games is to be focused on ourselves and make sure we improve during the week in practice and are prepared for the type of team and specific personnel we are going to come up against.

“The start of the league is an exciting time and we are really looking forward to Saturday.”

Rockets have no injury concerns to date despite Danny Carter’s ongoing Achilles problems.

Five players made their home debut against Team Solent Kestrels with American Chris Hooper proving his worth, pouring in 26 points and collecting eight rebounds on his first outing in Reading.

All five will begin their league campaign on Saturday against the Storm and will hope for better fortunes with the Hemel outfit winning all three of last season’s encounters.