Brits shine bright in Germany's handball Bundesliga

CIARAN Williams scored five goals for club side Essen as the six Great Britain team-mates at the Bundesliga club continued to impress.

The 21-year-old from Bolton was Essen's top scorer and his goals came in a spectacular 15-minute spell, which saw the British players make their mark on what was perhaps their best performance this season.

Despite losing out 38-26 to hosts MT Melsungen, the fighting spirit of the British boys shone through.

Eleven of Essen's 26 goals came from a British player.

Williams was joined on the scoresheet by Chris Mohr who scored a hat-trick, while Chris McDermott, Dan McMillan and Seb Prieto also netted.

"We went into the game with our first choice left back, and first choice playmaker both missing through injury so we knew it would be a tough day at the office from the off," said Williams.

"To have the other team's players, fans and officials approach us after the game, shake hands and admit their surprise at our ability really shows what we have achieved here.

"I have never felt such pride, happiness, achievement and motivation as I did in this match.

"Standing in defence and looking across the court and there in the black shirts of Essen were five other British players mixing it in the Bundesliga!

"Hopefully it will not be the last time, but we will definitely savour this very special moment which we have earned with the countless hours of hard work and training, put in over the years."