London GD Make History at European Handball Championships
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October 5, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
London GD became the first ever British team to reach the third round of the European Challenge Cup in Malta.
The team, formerly Great Dane, secured three tight victories in the group stages to progress to the next round of the competition where they will face Greek club AC Doukas.
On Friday night they faced London rivals Ruislip Eagles and won the tightest of matches by a single goal – 30-29. They followed that up with a 29-24 win over the hosts Aloysians ProMinent on Saturday, before defeating Dublin International 31-26 on Sunday afternoon.
The results complete a hectic summer of physical training which blooded in new players who improved the quality of the team and helped create competition for places.
Coach Phillipe Seray was delighted with the effort and application of his team in a competitive tournament, saying: “I am very happy with the teamwork and professional attitude of our players. Bearing in mind that this was the first few games of the season, bar a few friendly games, we have done extremely well.”
With AC Doukas on the horizon, more effort will now have to be put in to the training because whilst London GD are a part-time outfit with a couple of training sessions a week, their opponents are a professional side who are paid to play and train. The fixtures will take place either in late November or early December but a decision is yet to be made on whether both matches take place in Greece or whether a home and away tie is instigated.
Seray accepts it will be a big challenge, saying: “It will be very tough indeed.
“But even if we did very well this weekend, there is still room for improvement. We have to keep focusing and train very hard over the next two months and just do the best we possibly can when it comes down to it.”
By Leigh Gruffydd Sanders
[Image courtesy of Snowdons PR]
I am the Head Coach of the London GD HC and I invite any handball player to join our team to experience this fantastic sport. You can be an expert or beginner as we have a development team.
We train Tuesdays (BGTC) and Thursdays (Leyton SCORE centre) have a look at our website.
Looking forward to seeing you and hopefully after a victory against our Greek friends.