Thumping win not enough to keep British hopes alive

GREAT BRITAIN coach Paul Thompson was left to rue what might have been after his side ended their Olympic qualifying campaign on a high despite seeing their Vancouver dreams ended.

Ten goalscorers contributed to an 11-1 victory over Romania but defeats to Poland and Japan had already ensured there will be no Brits on the ice in 2010.

Nottingham Panthers David Clarke was the one player to find his name on the scoresheet twice while Greg Chambers of the Basingstoke Bison chipped in with four assists as GB finished third in the group above their Eastern European opponents.   

And Thompson, who saw his men crash out in the cruellest of fashions with a penalties defeat to Poland and a narrow 2-1 loss to Japan, is already looking to the future.

I'm a realist and know it wasn't much of a challenge for us today but the important thing was that we went out there with the right attitude," said Thompson.

"It's good to finish with a win in the tournament. But there is undoubtedly a big part of me that is thinking 'what if ?

"There were many positives to come from this and overall I think the younger guys have gained more experience to take into the next challenge at the World Championships."

Captain Jonathan Weaver put GB on their way early on with a goal on five minutes before turing provider, minutes later, for Colin Shields to slot home.

Russ Cowley then notched after good work from Paul Sample and the result was beyond doubt when Clarke grabbed his first in a five-on-three powerplay.

Ashley Tait then chalked up his 21^st international goal before Zsombor Antal caught GB cold for Romania.

But further goals from Greg Owen, David and Jonathan Phillips, a second from Clarke, Mark Richardson and Leigh Jamieson completed the rout.  

GERARD MEAGHER