READING Rockets (6-1) will take on reigning NBL Division One champions and current league leaders Solent Kestrels (7-0) in a top-of-the-table clash at Solent Sports Complex on Saturday (6pm).

Rockets extended their winning streak to seven matches in all competitions and six in league play last weekend when they defeated Leicester Warriors (3-4) 82-67 to keep up the pace at the top of the division alongside Saturday’s upcoming opponents and Hemel Storm (6-1).

Kestrels have won all of their seven contests so far this season and remain the team to beat having secured the league championship last term, including a league double over Rockets with an 86-75 home win before securing victory in Reading by the narrowest of margins 91-90.

Rockets head coach Alan Keane was pleased to see his team overcome a gritty Leicester Warriors outfit and is relishing this weekend’s match with Kestrels, stating: "Sunday’s win was a really important one for us.

Leicester are a really hard unit to break down with some very good talent.

"Our performance in the second half was a lot better and I am really pleased with the progression the players are showing in their behaviours and tactics.”

He continued: “This weekend’s game promises to be one of our hardest tests yet against a very very impressive Solent outfit.

"The great thing is we have been ready for every challenge so far this season and, while we respect the current league champions, this Saturday will be no different in terms of how we prepare and look to execute.

“Defensively, we will have to be at a very good standard and commit to every action and if we do this then we can definitely have a very positive performance.

"For us, it is another stepping stone to be the best we can be, but we are certainly relishing the chance to play the top team in the league thus far."

Rockets will be hoping to go into Saturday’s clash with no injury concerns after American AJ Carr was declared fully fit for last Sunday’s win. Coach Keane will be looking for his first ever win in Solent since taking over the head coaching reigns, with Rockets' last win over their Southampton rivals coming in March 2018 at Rivermead Leisure Complex.