Securing second-tier status crucial for GB, says Steelers’ Phillips

Only two days ago Tony Hand’s team were still harbouring faint hopes of a bronze medal finish but, following Thursday’s 5-0 defeat at the hands of Japan, they enter today’s encounter with Hungary in Slovenia unsure of their future status.

A win against the Hungarians – who enter the final day in a duel with Japan for the bronze medal position – would guarantee Britain’s position in the second tier for 2013.

But, should Japan defeat bottom team Ukraine in the opening game of the day in Ljubljana, then the result of Britain’s match will be immaterial as they are already one point ahead of the former Soviet Republic, who they beat 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday. Should Ukraine beat Japan then the pressure will be on for Britain to do likewise against Hungary.

Last year saw the British clinch a silver medal in Kiev. But a change in the structure of the world divisions below the top 16 nations saw them thrown into a tougher division, comprised effectively of seeds 17-22.

As a result, the prospect of a medal, let alone promotion, was always going to be difficult and with Hand coaching in his first international event, this year was always likely to be one of consolidation rather than further progress.

“It’s so important that we stay at this level,” the Sheffield Steelers’ captain told the Yorkshire Post. “We’re right in there with these other teams at this level and we have been for a few years now.

“We’re good enough to be in this division and, in terms of this team’s future, we’re not thinking about going down, we are only thinking about heading the other way.”

Phillips, installed as captain just before the championships, said the British squad was keen to end the tournament in positive mood with victory over Hungary, even if the pressure to deliver a win is taken away before face-off as a result of Japan defeating Ukraine earlier in the day.

“We’re not really thinking about the earlier game,” said Phillips.

“We weren’t at our best against Japan – don’t get me wrong they are a very good team and, like us, have been for a while now.

“Hungary will probably be favourites on Saturday but there’s no reason why we should go into the game as underdogs. We know we can play better than we did last time and we want to finish well.”

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