READING Rockets (11-5) will be looking to use last Sunday’s National Cup semi-final victory as a springboard in NBL Division One when they host Liverpool (2-14) at Rivermead on Sunday (5pm).

Rockets defeated Myerscough College 78-59 last weekend, securing a first final in four years where they will face unbeaten league leaders Solent Kestrels.

Head coach, Alan Keane, was pleased to reach his first final with Rockets, but is now fully focused on the Liverpool clash.

The Irishman said: “It is great for our club to be back in a national final and I am delighted for our fans and everyone associated with the team that we will have the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in an historic competition.

“Attention now must to turn Sunday’s game against Liverpool, who have been really unfortunate with their run of results so far this season and with a lot of changes to their roster.

"Their recent games against Worthing and Hemel show they are well up for the fight to stay in the division, having being tied with one of the best teams in the league right at the end of the game.

"We will need to be fully prepared for what they will bring to us because they still have a very talented team."

Sunday’s meeting will be the second of the season between the two sides with Rockets winning 90-86 back in November.

Reading go into Sunday’s clash having added 6ft 5in British forward Leome Francis to their roster on a short-term deal from NBL Division Three outfit Northamptonshire Titans.

The 29-year-old has had spells at Hemel Storm, Derby Trailblazers, and Leicester Warriors and joins the Rockets after the loss of American AJ Carr due to a season-ending hand injury.

Australian Ben Dixon will also be back in action after returning from his native country so coach Keane should have a fully fit and available squad to select from.