Britain take benchmark win

It was the men's team's first victory in four years over European opposition as they seek to build a side capable of competing at the London Olympics in 2012.

To secure it they had to come from 14-10 down at half-time; after levelling at 14-14 they spent most of the remainder of the match leading.

"I can't tell you how amazing it feels," said captain Ciaran Williams. "There were a few wet eyes after the game and rightly so.

"Our time is coming, and soon everyone will see it."

Head coach Dragan Djukic (pictured) will now take his team for training in Loughborough and Crystal Palace ahead of the June 10-12 qualification tournament.

That takes place in the UK, with Cyprus, Estonia and Bulgaria the other teams involved.