This Sunday sees Hemel Storm head to Manchester to match up against Reading Rockets, in a bid to claim a third National Cup title in their history. They face a Reading side, who have proved to be an extremely tough opposition over recent years.
Over the recent period, Storm and Reading have endured some spectacular battles, with Storm victorious in the last encounter as they won 94-100 on the road against the Rockets. Reading’s last victory over Storm came in last season’s campaign as they took down Storm on the road, winning 84-92. However, the Rockets will be eager to avenge last season’s Playoff Final in Manchester as Storm narrowly won 87-84.
Storm have grown as a team throughout the season, leading the league with a 10-0 record, alongside the final they will play on Sunday. The roster contains a serious threat, with talent in both the starting five and the bench. In the Semi Final victory against Newcastle Knights, Storm were able to grow into the game, with Trent Monkman leading all scorers having showed his impact off the bench. Storm showcased an excellent team performance, with some fantastic decision making alongside the accuracy from both inside and outside the three point arc. Darien Nelson-Henry was able to take advantage of the mismatch he had inside the paint, and will look to replicate his efforts, with exemplary performances in recent matchups against Reading.
On the other hand, Reading come with a serious threat, and have proved to be a team that can play to a high quality on both ends of the court. Their quality is evident throughout their roster, with a combination of experience and promising talent. The Rockets have looked to Mitch Clarke in many games throughout his time at the club, as the Australian guard has developed his game throughout his time at the club. He has the ability to shoot the ball accurately, as well as his playmaking, with a lot of the offense running through Clarke. Reading reached this stage of the National Cup Final last season, losing to Milton Keynes Breakers in what was a game of exceptional quality, especially in the last quarter. Storm will need to be alert to each of the player tendencies, as the Rockets will be hungry to gain a victory in Manchester.
Both teams have a history of success attached to each other, with both teams having excellent organisations. The most impressive achievement of both teams was that they have both gone unbeaten in campaigns, with Storm going 41-0 in the 2022/23 season, whereas the Rockets went unbeaten in the 2008/09 season. With both teams backed by fantastic communities, they have been known for their incredible support over many years and will look to continue this on Sunday.
Overall, it is sure to be a thrilling matchup between two quality teams. Both rosters contain immense quality and have encountered many battles over a long period of time. However, both Storm and Reading will want to win the first trophy up for grabs this season and kick start the second half of the season with success.
Written by Ollie Heathcote