ESSEX Leopards coach Robert Youngblood cannot wait for this weekend’s Final Four showdown as his team look to end the season by lifting the Division One play-off crown.

The Big Cats won the competition last year with victories against Leicester Warriors and Derby Trailblazers at the Manchester showpiece.

But Youngblood is looking to win the event for the first time.

“I haven’t been in one since 2002 with London Towers, and I was two seconds away with the old Leopards back in 1990s,” said Youngblood.

“I’ve won a lot of trophies in England but not this one and I want to get my hands on it this time.”

However, Youngblood and his team, who finished fourth in the league table, will face a tough task against Reading Rockets in the first semi-final at the Amaechi Centre tomorrow.

Rockets were beaten just four times in 26 league games throughout the season and Youngblood is fully aware of the size of the challenge facing his players.

“We’ve had two weeks to prepare and I’ve done a lot of scouting,” said Youngblood.

They’re a tough team to guard inside and out.

“He may be only 17-year-old but Luke Nelson leads their team – as he goes, they go, so we need to keep him under control if we’re going to win the game.

“He’s not their only guy though because they have two really good inside players in Ryan Lohfink and Danny Carter.

“They complement each other and play well together, they’re tough around the basket and play smart.

“They’re well-coached and organised, and they’re a tough to play against so we’ll have our hands full.

“We will need to stick to our game plan but I’m really looking forward to it.

“Everyone’s fit and ready to go, we’ve practiced every day this week and we’ll be ready for them.”

Leopards have lost out in both of their games against Division One regular season champions Rockets this season.

A poor start in the home game was erased by a stunning second half comeback and they could have won the game with the last shot of regulation time before losing 84-76 in overtime.

The Rockets also finished strongly when the sides met at Rivermead in January, outscoring them 28-19 in the final period to win 74-63.

The winners of tomorrow’s game will face either Team Northumbria or Worthing Thunder in the final on Sunday.