The +50 and +55 Men’s teams were back in Nottingham this week, turning back the clock with some impressive training sessions.
Coach Short had the +50s running through a series of drills and plays, and they looked not just good, but comfortable and focused. This +50 team is one of the toughest to break into in recent times, with over 23 players vying for just 12 spots – the talent on offer is truly remarkable, and there’s even a waiting list!
Meanwhile, the +55s are a more settled side, with the team nearly complete and only 4 of the 15 places still available. Losing players to the older age groups means that Coach Williams has had to recruit, but it appears he’s done so with aplomb, adding height and size to the squad.
After putting the players through their paces with fundamental drills and plays, the +50s challenged the +55s to a scrimmage – a true battle of old men vs. younger old men.
From the start, the +55s showcased their mastery of the court with moves from a bygone era. It was as if the legends of yesteryear had come out of retirement for one last performance. The +50s, brimming with confidence and a dash of youthful exuberance, found themselves repeatedly outplayed by the elder statesmen. The +55s weaved intricate patterns around their opponents, mainly because they had forgotten the plays and were improvising as they went along.
As the game progressed, the passing became slicker, quicker, and more direct. The +55s slowed the run-and-gun game to a methodical crawl and pass game. With every possession, they displayed a level of cohesion and telepathic understanding that comes only with years of experience – and perhaps a secret WhatsApp group for play-calling.
By the end of the scrimmage, no scoreboard was needed to determine the day’s victors. The +55s left the court triumphant, having schooled their younger counterparts in the timeless art of basketball. They walked off with heads held high, clutching their backs with one hand and reaching for paracetamol and ibuprofen with the other.
The session was intense, and the game at the end was exciting. The 55s look very good indeed The 50s are a completely different package compared to last year. Although we were just having fun at the end, these 50s are a serious proposition for the World Cup and World Championships. The depth of the squad is excellent, and the talent of ex-BBL and NBL players means every drill is intense, focused, and competitive
