A bruising encounter in game 3 for Great Britain juniors - June 25, 2021

Great Britain have suffered a heavy 31-3 defeat at the hands of a very strong Russian side in their third game in Maribor.

Great Britain were overwhelmed both physically and technically in a game in which the opposition dominated from start to finish. The credit must go to the Russians, who are a cut above all the other teams in the group, even schooling Romania in their earlier game by 14 goals to 3.

Russia’s number four, Egor Kravchenko, was in formidable form, scoring eight goals in the game.

The positive part of Great Britain’s performances came from the three goals that Claudio Palumbo’s side scored. The first came from GB’s top goal scorer at the tournament so far, Charles Kingsmill, midway through the first quarter. Bradley Corran then scored at the beginning of the second quarter to take his tournament tally to six. The U17’s final goal scorer was courtesy of captain, George Glover.

Despite the defeat against a side fully expected not only to qualify from the group, but challenge to win the European Championships in Malta this September, the game will no doubt be a learning curve for many of our players going forward.

All the young British players will have to pick themselves up before their final game tomorrow against hosts, Slovenia. It will be a tough game, but one that GB can certainly compete in. The game begins at 18:00pm UK time.

Match report: James Spencer Boyce

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