British Women's handball can be very optimistic for London 2012 Olympics
Last updated 10/28/2008 12:44:21 PM
British Womens handball can be very optimistic for London 2012 Olympics
Every minor sport bidding for a place in the 2012 Olympic Games in London can take heart from the remarkable British women's handball team.
In just two years the team have made such rapid strides they are already a recognised force in the European game and improving all the time.
Coach Jesper Holmris praised the squad after their victory in a Four Nations Tournament in Sheffield, saying: ""They get better with every match and they should be proud of themselves for what they have achieved in Sheffield."
Lynn McCafferty, who scored two goals against Latvia, said: "It was an unbelievable result. "We needed to work very hard against them because they are really tall and it was tough to get any goals in the net. "We were a bit disappointed with our finishing, but we got the win so couldn't have asked for anything better."
The team have only been together for little more than two years after a series of nationwide talent searches designed to build a team capable of being competitive at London in 2012, but are already proving a handful for some well established international opposition.
The British secured emphatic victories over Latvia and the Turkish Under-21 side to go into the final day of the tournament at the English Institute of Sport unbeaten. They eventually lost out 16-15 to the Faeroe Islands in their final match, but lifted the trophy on goal difference.
Holmris, the top Danish coach recruited by British Handball in January to help the women prepare, was impressed, adding:" It was a really good result and I'm very happy with how the girls have performed.