HANDBALL star Holly Lam-Moores admits facing Russia was a tall order – literally – but is full of confidence about the future of the sport in Britain despite suffering their second successive defeat in the Copperbox.

Following on from their 31-19 reverse to Montenegro on Saturday, Great Britain were again well beaten, 37-16, by a ruthless Russian team filled full of goliaths.

While the tallest player in the British team, Kathyrn Fudge, is just over six foot, the Russians had several players who towered over her and they used their height to their advantage.

But even though they were outmatched physically, Team GB never stopped working and for Lam-Moores, who scored with two of her four shots, insists there’s plenty of cause for optimism.

She said: “For me as a personal experience I am ecstatic, especially for the response from the nation and the way they are persevering with us.

“Three years ago we had three players playing in Denmark and Russia were winning all the medals so when you put into perspective that way we always knew it was going to be a tall order.

“This is the worst result we have achieved against Russia in the three times that we have played them. That’s the way it goes in sport but the crowd were just amazing.

“We always wanted the UK to love handball as much as we do and it is really catching on.

“Handball can be a success in this country and I am sure we can be as good as Russia in four years’ time.”

Lyn Byl top scored for Britain with five while keeper Sarah Hargreaves was the busiest player on the pitch, making several high-quality stops to keep the scoreline on the right side of respectable.

But Russia were a class apart, converting 66 per cent of their chances compared to the hosts’ 42 per cent with Emiliia Tueri leading the way with five goals from five shots.

Next up are Brazil, also a relative newcomer to the sport, and Lam Moores – who will become the first British player to play in the Champions League when she joins Danish team Viborg – feels a win is within their grasp.

She added: “They are quite a new team as well so it is a good chance for us – even if we lose I guarantee we will go down fighting.

“Brazil they will be tough again. We are under no illusions because these are the very top teams, but you never know and anything can happen in the Olympics, especially with this home crowd behind us.”

n Lloyds TSB, proud supporter of Team GB and proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Get closer to the Games at lloydstsb.com/london2012.