Worthing Thunder coach Gary Smith today declared: "There are no egos here."

In-form Thunder host holders Reading Rockets in a National Trophy group fixture tonight (8pm) and go to London Capitals tomorrow.

Thunder have won two out of two so far with minutes and points shared around.

Smith expects a tough battle tonight but said: "We've had lots of positives so far.

"There's lots of room for improvement but we are going in the right direction.

"We are playing tough, scrappy defence, getting up and down the court and playing for one another in the half-court. It's simple but you need the right guys to do it.

"There are no egos here, so far anyway, which is wild.

"Sometimes I recruit a team knowing two guys will be my main scorers but not with this team. I don't know who will score our points."

Former Fresno State big man Jon Woods has been used sparingly so far, with no complaints to the coach.

Steve Gayle has also seen his minutes reduced but others, like James Brame and Pat Bates, are getting more of a chance in the rotation.

Bates, in particular, has shone with points, boards and blocks.

Meanwhile new guard Steve Vear has fired out 23 assists in two games.

Reading will provide tough oppositon and Smith said; "Their coach Dave Titmuss is a legend."

brian.owen@theargus.co.uk