Scottish Rocks open BBL Trophy account with win

Posted: Wednesday 31st December 2008 | 19:00

SCOTTISH Rocks banked a narrow 85-80 victory over Sheffield Sharks in the curtain raiser to this year's BBL Trophy.

Twelve BBL teams are divided into four regional groups of three, with all teams playing home and away before two-legged semi-finals and a final in Guildford next March.

Rocks, twice beaten semi-finalists, have never won the competition and inspired by former Sharks Rob Yanders and Blake Shelton, they were value for their win.

Meanwhile, Leicester Riders have been hit by the resignation of star guard and last season's top point scorer Matt Martin - who is quitting playing to take up a coaching position with the University of Montana, his alma mater.

"We are disappointed with Matt's decision but we will not stand in his way if he wants to go another way with his career," head coach Rob Paternostro told the club's website.

"I know he has been homesick for some time, but we hoped he would see out the season.

"We have a number of options we are considering as a replacement, but we want to be sure we get the right quality of player who can make up for Matt's scoring. I expect to finalise a replacement in the next week or so."