Second half collapse costs Britain in Switzerland

A SECOND-HALF collapse proved costly as Great Britain slipped to defeat in their Yellow Cup opener against Switzerland in Winterthur on Sunday night.

Dragan Djukic's men finished 2009 on a sour note, leaving the Limburgse Handbaldagen Tournament in Holland winless, as captain Ciaran Williams suffered the recurrence of a foot injury.

But Britain showed signs of improvement in Switzerland as they stood toe-to-toe with the hosts before a succession of 11 consecutive strikes in the second half saw the Swiss cruise home 33-18 winners.

Keeper Jesper Parker was in fine form for the British, pulling off save after save to keep his side in touch, 12-10 down at the interval.

But after the hosts had extended their lead to 19-15 on 42 minutes, 11 goals in the next 14 minutes put paid to any lingering British hopes.

Teenager Gawain Vincent continued his scoring form into the New Year as he notched five.  However, there was little he could do to match the firepower of the rampant Swiss frontline.

Britain face Tunisia on Sunday afternoon in their second match of the four nation tournament.