SOLENT STARS 99 - READING ROCKETS 104

Reading Rockets gained revenge on Solent Stars in Saturday night's league match after their defeat in the National Trophy, writes Pete Axon.

In yet another close, pulsating encounter, in which the lead changed hands on numerous occasions, Solent once again came up short and the Rockets were able to hold on for a five-point success.

For Solent, the game began with American Matt Story getting in behind Reading's defence to score the Stars' first ten points and picking up several defensive rebounds.

But Reading were not overawed with Richard Wellings contributing the first of five three-pointers on the night and Irishman Peder Madsen, after swapping three-pointers with Alan Macdonald, causing a turnover to put the Rockets in the lead for the first time 26-25 at the end of the first quarter.

Stars captain Mark Jackson came to the fore at the start of the second quarter, scoring to put the Stars back in the lead and then being fouled. His two free throws gave Solent a three-point lead.

American Ted Smith forced Solent into a back court violation but Reading were unable to take advantage, missing two free throws, but a turnover from Mark Jackson did lead to Madsen reducing the deficit.

Further points for the Rockets led to Stars coach Mark Scott calling a time-out and the Stars responded immediately.

A string of baskets from Nick O'Harabe gave Solent a four-point lead and forced Reading coach Dave Titmuss into taking a time-out, but Solent simply responded by taking their lead up to six points.

After Matt Crawford had scored a three-pointer for the Stars, Smith stopped the rot with a three-pointer of his own and Reading made a comeback with Wellings levelling the scores with 19 seconds left in the quarter. A foul by Crawford on Jermaine Williams allowed him to restore a Rockets lead at half-time.

The third quarter was a free-scoring affair with both sides attempting to establish a match-winning lead. Story, Crawford and Macdonald all scored strongly for the Stars but these were countered by baskets for Williams, Wellings (two three-pointers) and Lloyd Gardner.

After a Solent time-out, the Stars responded with a three-pointer from Story and a slam dunk from 6' 10' Crawford.

But Reading were unruffled and established a five-point lead despite Story coming back with yet another three-pointer.

Solent had a torrid start to the final quarter with a 24-second violation on their first possession and Story called for a fourth foul.

But they persevered and first Crawford and then O'Harabe drew them level but when Story fouled with two minutes remaining and the resulting free throws put Reading into the lead, the game was up.

Scorers - Solent Stars: Crawford 29, Story 25, O'Harabe 16, Macdonald 15, Jackson 14.