​GB suffer opening defeat at Women’s U17 European Championship

Post published August 15, 2017 (Updated August 15, 2017)

The GB under-17 women’s team lost its opening game 18-36 against Finland at the EHF under-17 Championship in Lithuania.

With all the players making their international debut, the GB team entered the game with a healthy mix of nerves and excitement.

GB battled well in the first 20 minutes pushing the more experienced Finnish team all the way. Finland switched to a more offensive defence in the last 10 minutes of the first half. The change yielded some success as Finland went into the break with a nine-goal lead

GB started the second half positively and pulled the deficit back to six goals However, the Finnish team regained its composure and began to slowly take control of the match. As GB tired their inexperience at this level began to show. Finland punished their mistakes, scoring a succession of fast breaks. GB managed to stem the flow towards the end and scored the last two goals of the game.

GB joint-coach Gary McCafferty commented: “The girls are naturally disappointed, but they are keen to put right the mistakes of the day and take the improvements into the next game.”

GB’s top scorers were Alannah Thomas, Cameron Faulds and Kate Heginbottom with three goals apiece.