READING Rockets will go in search of an historic treble this weekend when their Under 18 girls, U18 boys and ladies teams all bid for National Cup glory at the University of Essex.

It is the first time in Rockets' 21-year history they have had three sides competing for national honours, with the girls kicking things off against Charnwood College Riders on Saturday (2.30pm).

They will be followed by the boys, who take on Haringey Hawks (4.45pm), with the ladies looking to grab silverware the following day against Loughborough Riders (1pm).

U18 girls' coach Blai Benlloch is relishing the opportunity and said: "I am really excited and proud of my team for reaching the cup final as I think they deserve to be there after showing a high level of determination and competitiveness in the first part of this season.

"We can’t wait to play and enjoy the final as it promises to be a very special day.”

Centre Saffie Jarju added: "Playing in the finals is a huge achievement for us and an exciting experience in our basketball careers. It will give us a chance to play to our full potential and be strong together as a team.”

Coach Ben Fisher is equally excited for his U18 boys' side, commenting: “To reach a national final is always such a special achievement and we are all really proud of our guys in being able to achieve this feat.

"Haringey will be a tough opponent but if we can continue to commit to everything we do and be relentless with everything over the 40 minutes then we have a great chance of success through our performance. It promises to be a great weekend for our club and we can’t wait to compete.”

Captain David Obediah said: “We are all really looking forward to playing in the cup final and for most of us it is the first opportunity to do so.

"We have been working really hard this season to be the best version of ourselves and in turn be a difficult team to beat. We will go out and give everything against Haringey as we try to put in a performance worthy of a national final and ultimately a win.”

Daniel Sanchez, the ladies' coach, concluded: "From a coach’s perspective it is fantastic to reach a final.

"This one is my second year as the head coach of the ladies team and we were thirsty to get into a final with these girls. From my point of view, this year was going to be hard, as we have many young girls, but they bring lots of energy.

"Both teams have a lot of talent and in my opinion the winner of the game will be the one who maintains their concentration and makes less mistakes. We feel ready for the challenge and excited to have this chance to bring the trophy to the club."

l THIRD-PLACED Reading Rockets men (9-4) suffered mixed results from their double-header in NBL Division One last weekend.

They secured a fine 87-74 victory at Derby Trailblazers on Saturday, but were then outgunned 84-67 by the side one place above them, Worthing Thunder, at Rivermead on Sunday afternoon.

Rockets do not have a game this weekend, returning to action at Hemel Storm on Saturday, January 26.