GB women lose to France in London

GB's Louise Jukes in action against France (Pic: Ken Kamara)

Great Britain's women suffered their second European Handball Championship qualifying defeat this week, losing 16-42 to 2003 world champions France.

The visitors took the lead after 22 seconds at Crystal Palace, through winger Siraba Dembele.

GB never looked like competing and were in even worse shape when defender Lyn Byl was sent off for foul play.

"I would have liked it to be a little bit closer, I would have liked it to be 35-16, " said coach Jesper Holmris.

"It was a good experience; we are playing one of the best teams in the world."

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For the second time this week, Britt Goodwin led GB's scoring with five goals, and goalkeeper Sarah Hargreaves impressed despite the score-line.

After a narrow defeat in Austria on Wednesday, GB have their work cut out in four remaining matches, including a trip to France in May, to gain a place at the European Championships in Denmark and Norway in December 2010.

Their next qualifying match is not until 31 March, when they face Iceland at home - possibly in Liverpool.