Blow for British Water Polo as teams slip up in qualifiers

GREAT Britain's women's water polo team fell just short of qualifying for this summer's European Championships.

DISAPPOINTMENT: British captain Rosalind Griffiths praised her side, despite their failure to reach this summer's European Championships in Croatia 

After an encouraging victory over the Czech Republic, they were beaten 11-5 by an experienced Dutch team, backed by a partisan home crowd.

The defeat means Holland and Greece advance to Zagreb - a major blow to the British team, whose funding was savagely cut following the Beijing Olympics.

"We're disappointed, but all of the girls played really well this weekend," said team member Robyn Nicholls.

"We've got a much needed week off to rest and then we'll get back into training, practice a few things that we've taken away from here and prepare for the Kiriski Cup and World League."

Great Britain's men also failed to advance - following three straight qualifying defeats against Romania, Russia and Holland.