Big Improvements at Turkey Camp

GREAT Britain women put in a string of strong performances against top class opposition while on a training camp in Turkey last week.

Five games in seven days gave Jesper Holmris’ team a tough week, with training sessions in between the matches against Poland and Turkey.

“It was a chance to see the progress since the team last played Poland,” said Team Manager Melanie Chowns. “And also to gain more experience of the different style of play that Turkey adopt.”

There was also a trial for 17-year-old Charlotte Le Blanc, who plays for HC de Belley in France, and the 1.80-metre left-handed player seized her opportunity well.

Coach Holmris was delighted with the two outstanding performances against Poland, narrowly losing 19–21 in the first match and playing even better in the second match against a fired up Polish team, who won 20–25.

“These results show the improvement, particularly in attack but it was the performance in defence that draw praise from the Polish coach,” added Chowns.

“The matches against Turkey were tougher for GB who are not so used to playing against teams who play so much with a 1 on 1 style of attack and highly physical defence, and this inexperience showed as Turkey dominated both matches.

“GB struggled with their shooting and lacked the usual flow in attack, but the whole squad was given a good run out and gained invaluable court time before the European Championship qualifiers in June.”

After the first match a presentation was made to left winger Britt Goodwin (pictured) who became the first British player in the women’s squad to score 100 goals for her country.