BIG performance sees new look +55 Men blow through Manchester

After a less-than-stellar showing at the European Championships, Coach Williams decided it was time for a major shakeup.

Cue the new-look +55 Men, who strutted their stuff on the court this weekend with a fresh style and tempo and despite missing a couple of players due to injury, the new +55’s lineup looked impressive on paper.

Eyebrows shot up as Captain Dave Spindley led Torsten Lauschmann, Donald Wasterfall, Pete Milne, and Jerry Hanss onto the floor—an all Forward lineup without a recognised Point Guard. Coach Williams watched with an impassive poker face, and those raised eyebrows quickly turned to looks of awe as the game unfolded.

Wasterfall took over the Point with such ease and calmness, you’d swear he was born for the role. He dished out assists to Lauschmann and Milne, who were downright unstoppable, unplayable and unbelievable. Spindley and Hanss played their supporting roles to perfection, grabbing rebounds like they were picking apples off a tree. The team ran the court with the energy of teenagers, and their improved fitness levels were clear to see. The +55s dominated the first quarter, taking a 7-23 lead without breaking a sweat.

In the second quarter, an all-Guard lineup hit the floor, facing the bigger and stronger Grizzlies. Once again, eyebrows were raised as Kerry Lock, Paul Jansen, Phil Jebb, John-Noel Green, and Paul Daniell took over. These undersized warriors caused chaos in the front court and refused to be bullied under the boards. By halftime, the +55s led 19-40, but still left room for improvement despite their stellar performances.

The third quarter revealed the true magic of the new-look +55s. Coach Williams was seen to be smiling as the team took to the court and Lock, Milne, Wasterfall and Lauschmann dominated in their respective positions and the Grizzlies’ hopes of a comeback were thoroughly dashed. Jebb, Jansen, Hanss and Green added to the misery with a fast-break offense, swift ball movement, and high-percentage shots. After a nervous start, Forward Paul Daniell supported the Guards with clutch defensive boards and looked every inch the Forward he’s shown he is.

The game ended with a resounding 34-74 victory for the +55s, earning applause from both opponents and spectators.

Today was all about the players knowing and understanding each other’s roles. It was a team-building exercise that highlighted the hard work needed for the team to win. We’ve underperformed and underachieved in two tournaments, and that’s on me. So, we changed the style and tempo, brought in experienced heads, and I’ve been more demanding of the players.

Coach Williams

The +55s are now gearing up for a series of friendlies across the country as they prepare for the Masters World Cup and FIMBA World Championships.