Great Britain women’s handball team, featuring Ipswich’ Louise Jukes, stumbled to a 34-18 defeat against Montenegro in their opening Group Three Euro 2012 qualifier yesterday.

Montenegro are ranked fifth in Europe and were too strong for Jesper Holmris’ Brits in Herceg Novi, leading 21-6 at half-time after 11 unanswered points.

Kathryn Fudge led the scoring charts with five goals, while Britt Goodwin registered three.

GB welcome world number one Russia, who beat Poland 32-21 today, to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on Saturday.