READING Rockets (7-3) will start 2018 with a home double-header when they host Lancashire Spinners (0-11) on Saturday (5pm) before welcoming NBL Division One new boys Team Newcastle University on Sunday (5pm) with both games being played at the Rivermead Leisure Complex.

Rockets finished 2017 disappointingly as they lost 82-67 to Bradford Dragons in their final game of the year, but they remain in a healthy position in the table just two games back from league leaders Team Solent Kestrels (9-2).

The Reading team will be looking to keep Lancashire’s winless streak running while also seeking to do the double over Team Newcastle University, who they beat 72-68 in a hard-fought game back in October.

Rockets head coach Manuel Peña Garcés has used the break to reflect on the season so far, but is looking forward to getting back to action as his team look to keep up the pace at the right end of the table.

The Spanish play-caller said: “I am really looking forward to getting the players back in and working really hard to be the best team we can in the second part of the season. We have had a good first part of the year, but there are still a lot of improvements to be made and I know the group will come back in fresh and ready to go and rise to the challenges that lay in front of us.

“It is a great way to start 2018 in my mind with two games because it means we can get some early competition under our belts ahead of a busy month of games and practices. We play two teams that will have used the two weeks off to re-focus and re-energise, so we will need to be ready for both opponents as they will be really wanting to start 2018 with a win and push themselves up the league table.”

He continued: “As a group, we are all very excited about what we could achieve in this part of the season and being out of both knockout competitions means we can solely focus on the league.

"Let’s see what we can do, but we know the support at our home games is crucial and we can’t wait to see our fans on Saturday.”

Rockets have no injury concerns so Peña Garces should have a full squad to choose from. American duo Tim Gill, who is leading the league in rebounds, and Scotty Hendricks, who is third in steals per game, will both be hoping to improve on their productivity so far with both players remaining in England over the Christmas break and working out in preparation for the resumption of the season.

The trio of Australian Declan Soukup, Brit Sydney Donaldson, and Italian Alex Drincic have all recovered from their bout of illness they endured before Christmas and will be fully fit ahead of the weekend.