Great Britain finish sixth from six in Olympic handball test event

Posted: Saturday 26th November 2011 | 21:46

GREAT Britain handball coach Jesper Holmris insisted his women's side had a 'great campaign' despite slipping to another defeat at the Olympic test event.

SOLID: British goalkeeper Jane Mayes had a solid game but her team still lost to finish last at the Olympic handball test event (Michele Davison)

A victory over Africa champion Angola was followed by a loss to Austria and Slovakia proved just too strong on Saturday, emerging 22-17 winners to leave the hosts ranked sixth in the six-team invitational tournament, part of the London Prepares Series.

Trailing 9-16 at half time, Great Britain responded with a stronger second half which they won 8-6, but it was not enough to overhaul the deficit.

Holly Lam-Moores top-scored with five goals while goalkeeper Jane Mayes also prevented the scoreline looking worse with a 41 per cent save ratio.

“We were very disappointed after the Austria game, but we have had a great campaign overall,” said Holmris.

“We have shown once again that we have a very strong defence, and against Slovakia the British fighting spirit was back again.

“But we missed too many opportunities and scored just 17 goals which was never going to be enough to win.

"Our defence was great and our keepers have done well all week, so we will go back to our home at Crystal Palace and work on our attacking, fast breaks and decision making.”