The FIMBA GB +40 Women returned from the World Cup with a Silver and 2 Bronzes to add to their growing collection and put them in a good position heading to the World Championships in Switzerland this summer.
Despite competing in the +35 age category, the two +40s teams competed well, taking two steps on the podium as well as an individual Bronze medal for Guard, Sarah Dormer, in the first ever 3pt shootout.
Because of the format of the World Cup, we decided to take two teams to give players good game time and experience of the intensity, speed and ferociousness of International basketball before the World Championships.
Assistant Coach, Bruce Lauder
The team branded +35 had a tough first game against eventual winners, Egypt, where an 11-1 Q2 gave them too much to do in the 2nd half as they ended up losing 27-16. For a group that had never played together and with 5 of the players making their FIMBA GB debuts, nerves were bound to be high, but they settled in the second half and set themselves up for the rest of the tournament.
Unfortunately the teams were drawn in the same group so next up they played each other. Being such a close group of players, the coaching team went back and forward deciding how to get the most out of the game, as they were conscious the players didn’t like the idea of playing each other. Before the game, both teams warmed up together, having fun and dancing in their usual way before splitting for the game itself. The game was of a very high standard, with a little less edge to what they were used to, and in front of a large contingent of other FIMBA GB teams, they played out an excellent game, that the GB Forties won 17-26. With no game until the following afternoon, both teams headed to the beach as one squad to enjoy the Adriatic coast together.
The following day was a roller coaster of emotions as both teams played out absolute classic games in front of their ever growing support. One team came from 12 down to lose by 1, whilst the other came back from 10 down to win by 2.
In a new addition to the World Cup, a 3-point competition took place, where each team entered one volunteer in a straight 15 shot, 1-minute shootout to make the final. Both players did incredible well as each shot was met with cheers from the large crowd. Gabby Navickaite went first and took 4th place overall, with Sarah Dormer qualifying for the final.
That evening the focus switched back to the final group game as the GB forties took on a tough team from Serbia, knowing a win would send them to the final and confirm the 35s a spot in the 3rd place match. The girls put in one of their best ever performances, dominating the game to a 30-12 win, met by huge approval and the 35s invading the court at the end as the squad celebrated together.
The Bronze medal match saw the 35s click as they rushed out into a 13-5 lead after Q1, only for it to be clawed back in Q2 as they went into the break tied. The 35s would not be denied though and after a nervy 3rd quarter, they pulled away in the 4th, riding the back of the noise from the crowd, to finish 27-34 winners and win the Bronze medal.
As the other 8 teams from GB looked on, it was GB Forties in the final against the much younger and faster Egyptian team. A strong 6-0 start was soon eradicated as Egypt went on a run to lead 12-19 at halftime. In true GB forties style, they fought back to tie the game as the noise levels continued to increase heading into the final few minutes, but they couldn’t get the shot they needed to regain the lead as Egypt finished the game off to take the 33-35 win.
To come so close to winning for the second year in a row was tough at first, but on reflection I am immensely proud of the girls and their performance. There were times in that final, and in the group games actually, where many teams would have crumbled, but they never quit and worked hard for each other on and off the court. We came hoping to win another medal and we’re leaving with 3! I am so privileged to be able to coach these inspiring ladies and watch them grow as individuals, as a team and as group; I’m looking forward to Switzerland and what they can achieve there. I want to give a big shout out to all our FIMBA GB Family of other teams, friends and family members who were supporting us all the way, cheering us on and pushing us to succeed, we couldn’t have done this without them and just shows what a special organisation this is to be a part of.
Assistant Coach, Bruce Lauder
After the game, the team rallied to support Sarah in the 3-point contest final as she took home the Bronze medal before heading back to the hotel for celebratory drinks with their families and friends who had all made the journey to be with them.
I have been around this game a long time, some may say too long, but in all that time, I have not had the privilege of coaching a squad like this one. In training they worked to and achieved improvements both individually and as a team; in games, they have succeeded in competing at a high level. They listen intently to instructions, looking around a changing room to find ALL players being fully engaged in the team talk was challenging and satisfying at the same time. They should all be proud of what they’ve achieved and there is real potential to improve even further. I would also like to thank my assistant, Bruce, and Michelle the Team Manager as I and the team could not be as effective without them.
Head Coach, Tony Harrison
For more details on the FIMBA GB +40 Women click here or to keep up to date with the their journey to the World Championships, follow gbforties on Instagram and Facebook.
If you are interested in partnering the +40 Women and support their journey in 2025, you can find all the relevant details on our partners page.
