Tired Britain fall to final defeat in Finland

FATIGUE proved costly for Great Britain's men as they fell to defeat against Finland in their final World Championship qualifying match in Vantaa on Sunday.

IMPRESSIVE: Steven Larsson scores 12 for Great Britain in a 35-21 World Championship qualifier defeat to Finland in Vantaa

The British team have played 13 games in 22 days and while their hosts were set to be one of their easiest opponents in recent weeks, a lack of squad depth cost Great Britain as they let an early lead slip before succumbing 35-21.

Steven Larsson, who bagged six in Saturday's 44-19 defeat by Bosnia Herzegovina, impressed again as he top-scored with 12 goals but nobody else managed more than three for Great Britain.

And assistant coach Bill Baillie insisted his squad had learnt valuable lessons from their hectic schedule.

"It's been a really difficult period for us," said Baillie.

"But it's been a great experience. We've shown we can compete with many teams but we just need to keep it together and learn from our mistakes.

"Perhaps we need a bit more strength in depth as well so we can compete for the full hour.

"But it's shown a lot of the players just where we need to be."