The GB Maxi 55+ Men’s squad returned from Dublin this weekend with silver medals, battle-hardened experience, and growing momentum ahead of their ultimate target — the World Masters Championships in Athens.
Nine players made the trip to the Dublin Masters Over-50s Tournament, and from the opening tip-off it was clear this squad means business.
Building Through the Draw
The tournament opened with a nervy but character-defining one-point victory over Phoenix (26-25) — the kind of grinding win that tells you plenty about a team’s mentality. Game two against the Dublin Lions was a different story entirely. GB found their groove, played their trademark fast, flowing basketball, and ran out dominant 40-13 winners.
The semi-final against BNAF was where the squad really announced themselves. Controlling the boards, forcing turnovers, and scoring efficiently from inside and out, they shut down a formidable opponent and progressed 34-21.
A Final to Remember
The gold medal match against Dublin Ballers was the stuff of masters basketball drama. GB led by five points with three minutes on the clock — and looked set for gold. Then the Ballers found their range from beyond the arc, and a late flurry of three-pointers flipped the contest on its head. A final possession with seven seconds remaining couldn’t produce the miracle, and the final whistle confirmed a 42-43 defeat.
One point. That’s all that separated GB from gold.
Eyes on Athens
Coach Alasdair Sinclair was proud of his team’s performance: “The weekend offered immense value. Competing in high-pressure, meaningful games under tournament conditions is essential preparation as the squad nears their ultimate goal in Athens.”
With strong showings already banked in Prato and Scotland, this Dublin silver is the latest proof that the GB Maxi 55+ Men are building beautifully. The road to Athens just got a little more exciting.
Congratulations to every player who represented GB with such pride and determination in Dublin. The best is yet to come. 🏛️🏀
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