Rockets Men’s First Team were victorious over St Helens Saints recording a 72-59 win in a thrilling affair at Nechells Wellbeing Centre in our last home fixture of October.
The game would see the end of one unbeaten run in the league, as St Helens had won their opening two games after being promoted from Division 3.
Rockets went into the game on their own unbeaten run having won their opening three league games up to that point.
Saints started strong, looking to cause Rockets problems from the three-point line.
Luke Okosieme looked efficient on both ends of the court, he kept Rockets within touching distance of Saints with some vital blocks.
The first quarter ended with Coach Gayle’s side trailing by one, 20-19.
Rockets began to grow into the game in the second as we found our feet offensively and started to trouble Saints defense.
Nathan Ramsdale-Owen’s efficiency from the three-point line was causing Saints problems, and Luke Okosieme used his presence in the paint to devastating effect.
However, Saints also looked strong and were a threat to the Rockets defense throughout, with the half ending level at 34 each after a fiercely contested half of play.
Rockets came out the blocks for the second half looking really strong. Martyn Gayle impressed offensively, looking a real threat going forward.
Rockets were on fine form offensively and were beginning to tighten up defensively, limiting Saints’ previously potent scoring threat.
The quarter ended 55-48 Rockets as they looked to hold onto their narrow lead and secure a crucial win.
A tense final quarter saw Rockets limit Saints to just 11 points while scoring 17 themselves.
In a competitive game that saw two high quality teams go head-to-head, it was Coach Gayle’s side that were able to stay composed and close the game out.
Rockets top creators on the night, Kayne King and Ronald Oberia, added to our lead as we won the game by a 13-point margin, 72-59.
Martyn Gayle led by example, finishing with 27 points, continuing his dominant start to the season in his new player/coach role.
Rockets extended their impressive unbeaten run in the league to 4 games, a run we extended to 5 after last Sunday’s win at Doncaster, and sit at the top of the Division Two North as the only remaining unbeaten team in the division.
By Joe Boon