Fresh from a stunning victory over Israel, Kim Butler and Julie Page struck to put Britain in front after Lithuania had taken the early advantage.

Sandra Linkeviciene and Egle Sulciute then struck to put the Lithuanians ahead, but Butler hit back to keep Britain in touch.

Natalie Stafford then struck as Britain went into their first time out 15-11 behind.

Good work work from Jo Leedham helped narrow the deficit to a point at the first break, and Page then scored after the restart to put Britain ahead, but Marina Solopova hit back as Lithuania regained the lead.

Page struck another to restore Britain's lead, but Lithuania then went on a scoring run as they opened up a five point lead which was interrupted by Leedham's conversion, and Azania Stewart then levelled the scores.

Butler put Britain in front in the dying stages of the half and she then extended the lead further at the start of the second period.

Stafford further increased the lead before Page scored another, but then Lithuania started to pile on the conversions as Britain took a time out just 40-39 ahead.

Linkeviciene put her side back in the lead after the restart but Leedham once again tipped a topsy turvy encounter in Britain's favour.

Stafford netted and Page followed up as Britain took a three point lead, but Lithuania pulled back two points in the last seconds of the third quarter.

Leedham once again extended the advantage, with Butler and Stafford both helping themselves to points as Britain went six up with six minutes to play.

Though Bimbaite pulled three points back, Page struck to give Britain their six point lead back, but Linkeviciene scored again as Britain's lead looked increasingly fragile.

Britain took a time out at 63-62 ahead with just moments remaining, but were left deflated as Sulciute converted two late points to give Lithuania a late win.

Britain's coach Tom Maher was pleased with the performance despite the agonising loss.

"We matched up well against one of the best teams in Europe.

"Our shooting was good, and other than the last minute, you'd take that performance any day.

"We did well defensively and had good possession for most of the game, we just need to punish teams more when they're struggling, because at this level you'll get punished when you're struggling.

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