The 2015 Men’s Under-21 World Championships Handball qualification tournament at Medway Park got off to a disappointing start for Great Britain as they lost against Israel in their first game, writes John Seager.

Despite having some good early possession through Liam Welsby and Will Moore, and taking the lead, GB soon found themselves 3-1 down with Shahar Levin scoring two for Israel - the first came after he ran the length of the pitch to score.

Levin went on to complete a hat-trick in the first half as Israel held a 15-8 lead at the break, Ryan Goodwin also netted three for GB.

In the second half GB hit back and got to within four of Israel at one point, but were eventually beaten 24-18.

Great Britain will have it all to do to qualify for the finals as the other game in the group saw Holland narrowly defeat Hungary 19-18 with a goal is the last minute by Luc Steins.

Great Britain: Frederik Pfeiffer, Stephen Clarke, Morgan Gillet, Josh Da Silva, Liam Welsby, David Klaening, Samuel Crocker, Jamal Braithwaite, Thomas Tysland, Alex Bradley, Ryan Goodwin, Oliver Barton, Jack Aguere, Tobias Venibles, Isaac Green, Will Moore

Israel: Ben Liberty, Barel Lanziano, Guy Kordova, Dor Pinhas Kalderon, Sahar Halfon, Yermiyahu Avihu Amiel Sidi, Tal Gera, Elad Matan Wienfeld, Dan Tepper, Sharon Peres Shlam, Matan Goltz, Yarin Ozer Rotberg, Omri Kushmaro, Ram Turkenitz, Shahar Levin, Guy Meir Aharonovich

Referee 1: Javier Alarvez Mata (Spain)

Referee 2: Yon Bustamante Lopez (Spain)

EHF Delegate: John Moller Nielsen (Denmark)