GB crash to Swiss

Dragan Djukic's men finished 2009 on a sour note, leaving the Limburgse Handbaldagen Tournament in Holland winless as captain Ciaran Williams suffered the recurrence of a foot injury.

But Britain showed signs of improvement in Switzerland as they stood toe-to-toe with the hosts before a succession of 11 consecutive strikes in the second half saw the Swiss cruise home 33-18 winners.

Keeper Jesper Parker was in fine form for the British, pulling off save after save to keep his side in touch as they trailed just 12-10 at the interval.

But the hosts extended their lead to 19-15 after 42 minutes, then added 11 goals in the next 14 minutes to kill off any lingering British hopes.

Teenager Gawain Vincent continued his scoring form into the New Year as he notched five but there was little he could do to match the firepower of the rampant Swiss frontline.

Britain face Tunisia in their second match of the four nation tournament.