By David Gold

Jo_Leedham_June 19 - Britain's women's basketball team fell to a battling 60-45 defeat to the Czech Republic tonight, meaning they face a must-win clash against Israel tomorrow for a place in the second round.


Petra Kulichova put the Czechs ahead before Julie Page levelled, and the same player then gave Britain their first lead before two points from Jo Leedham made it 10-7 as the Czechs took a timeout.

Leedham then helped extend Britain's lead to 13-9 at the first break in an excellent start against the World Championship silver medallists.

The Czechs fought back to level the score and then proceeded to rattle off another eight points before Leedham interrupted their scoring by netting a three pointer.

Kim Butler and Page both scored as Britain tried their best to resist the Czech attack and make the score 27-23 at half time.

The Czechs continued to extend their lead though, and Rachael Vanderwal struck to keep Britain competitive, and though Leedham and Rose Anderson both struck, Britain trailed 48-35 at the break.

Leedham again scored at the start of the final quarter, but the Czechs were too strong and clinched a comfortable win by the final whistle.

Britain's coach Tom Maher praised his team despite the defeat.

"It was a good game and I am happy we played it, congratulations to the Czechs," he said.

"When you play Belarus or the Czech team it is a miracle if you win.

"We were better than yesterday, and that's encouraging.

"Tomorrow is a high pressure game against Israel; I will be as nervous as every other time when you play these kind of games and that's not a bad thing."

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