Rockets hampered by pre-Christmas injuries
Shakila Barabhuiya • Published 20 Dec 2011 09:30
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AN injury crisis hampered Reading Rockets resulting in back-to-back defeats for the first time this season.
Tryston Lawrence is out for several weeks with ankle ligament damage, while Jon May and Lukas Alexandravicius also face lengthy lay-offs.
An even bigger blow is the news that Matt Guymon is out for the rest of the season after repetitive injuries.
A depleted squad of players were outperformed 59-73 against Medway Park Crusaders on Saturday but they fought gallantly in the last game before Christmas before going down 73-63 at Brixton Topcats on Sunday.
With the squad down to the bare bones, head coach Samit Nuruzade is hoping to make a new signing in the New Year.
The Rockets took to the court on Saturday missing four injured guards and, following a very competitive and tight half, a buzzer-beating three gave Medway a 40-38 lead at the interval.
Then a very poor third quarter performance saw Rockets go 19 points down.
They managed to rally themselves in the fourth but it was too little too late against a resurgent Medway Park.
The one highlight was 16-year-old Luke Nelson, who top scored with his highest personal tally in senior basketball with a haul of 26 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. In addition he he has been voted England Basketball's Under 16 Player of the Year.
There was an improved performance against the Brixton Topcats despite all the setbacks they faced.
Alexandravicius had to pull on a shirt just to make up the numbers on the bench and captain Ryan Lohfink played despite cutting his tongue in training. Elliot Churchley was also taken ill.
Rockets were 19-7 down after the first period as Harrison Gamble was forced off with a nosebleed.
They closed the gap to three points in the second period and despite several fightbacks, the Rockets trailed 33-27.
Unfortunately the Rockets were unable to get their noses in front and were edged out 73-63.
Top scorers were Harrison Gamble 16, Ryan Lohfink 14 points and 7 rebounds, Luke Nelson 13 and Robbie Parker 12.
The Rockets begin the New Year with a home match against Leicester Warriors on January 7 (6.30pm tip-off).
lROCKETS Ladies go into the Christmas break top of Division Two South West after beating Bristol Storm by the required 38 points.
The ladies got off to a good start with Mellisa Prunty and Becky Lear scoring the first two baskets before point guard Ramona Brown hit a huge three pointer to give the Rockets a
19-9 lead.
They continued to play well and were 34-20 up at half-time and went into the final stanza with a 35 point lead, three short of what they needed to go top.
Rockets were made to work hard in the fourth quarter but achieved their 38-point advantage to move to the summit.
The win is perfect preparation for the Trophy semi-final tie against Manchester Mystics in January.
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