SUFFOLK handballer Louise Jukes admits facing Russia was too tall an order after their 37-16 defeat but was proud of the way Britain’s bulldog spirit came to the fore.

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

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 Ipswich Olympian Jukes maintains they never took a backwards step.

She said: “We like to give as good as we get and show that British bulldog spirit.

“This is our first major tournament on the world stage – most of us have only been playing for five years whereas the Russians have been playing since they were five years old.”

Next up are Brazilon Wednesday, also a relative newcomer to the sport, and Jukes 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 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.