Great Britain's women suffer heavy defeat to France

GREAT Britain's women's handball team were given an education by world silver medallists France on Sunday - but head coach Jesper Holmris is backing his troops to learn their lesson.

HEAVY DEFEAT: Great Britain's women's team sink to defeat to France but head coach Jesper Holmris believes the experience was worthwhile

Left winger Holly Lam-Moores and left back Ewa Palies both scored four goals fir Great Britain, while Britt Goodwin, Nina Heglund and Lyn Byl all scored twice, only for France to run out easy winners, 34-15.

It was not all one-way traffic however with Great Britain stemming the tide after an early onslaught and Holmris is convinced his side have bettered themselves as a result of their performance.

"France led 9-2 early in the game," he said. "We looked nervous, but we soon got it together and played well for the rest of the half. We were only 16-8 behind at the break.

"We started the second half well too, but once France changed to a more defensive formation, we struggled to get past them as they're the most physical team in the world. We picked up towards the end of the match, but by then it was too late.

"We missed several shots where we could've scored on another day, but I'm really proud of the team. We defended well, and Sarah Hargreaves had another great game in goal.

"It's been a great few weeks for us, we've had some great results and good camps, and the players are going back to their clubs highly motivated to work hard and improve more before our next camp.

And Holmris believes his team might have just borne witness to the London 2012 Olympic champions.

"It was a very strong French team," added Holmris. "They are very good, and physically they are the best team in the world.

"They're very tall, strong and agile, and they've got great potential, and I think they can win the Olympics."