Dancer is happy with Britain's 'major leapforward'

Great Britain lost their final game to Korea here yesterday to finish third in the Four Nations Tournament, but there were some encouraging signs for their coach, Barry Dancer, in the build-up to the Olympic Games.

Great Britain lost their final game to Korea here yesterday to finish third in the Four Nations Tournament, but there were some encouraging signs for their coach, Barry Dancer, in the build-up to the Olympic Games.

Britain were stronger in defence after the introduction of Tom Bertram into the back four, more resolute in their tackling and with a greater understanding between the players.

Even so, it required two world-class saves by Simon Mason, named goalkeeper of the tournament, at the beginning and end of the first half to keep Britain in the hunt.

Dancer, said: "We have made a major leap forward at this tournament. We have sent a strong message to a number of people, but more importantly we have developed a stronger belief and understanding in our own play and for our matches in Sydney."

Germany won the tournament after beating the Netherlands 2-1 yesterday.

GREAT BRITAIN: S Mason (Reading); B Garrard (Surbiton), J Wyatt (Reading, capt), T Bertram (Bournville), C Parnham (Cannock); M Johnson (Cannock), D Hacker (Canterbury), G Fordham (Guildford); B Sharpe (Cannock), D Hall (Guildford), M Pearn (Reading). Substitutes used: J Wallis (Teddington), C Giles (Surbiton), B Waugh (Southgate).

KOREA: Yoon Kim; Seung Hwan JI; Kyung Seok Kim, Jung Woo Lim, Yong Bae Kim; Jung Chul Kim, Wonn Kon Yeo, Jong Ha Jeon; Seung Tae Song, Keon Wook Kang (capt), Jong Hyan Hwang. Substitutes used: Chul Hwan Kim, Hyung Bae Han.

Umpires: M Bruning (Neth) and C Blasch (Ger).