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Euro Challenge - Game 1 - Team GB 5-3 Lithuania

Paul Thompson's GB side started their Euro Challenge campaign with a stunning 5-3 victory over a Lithuanian side that had beaten them in last Aprils World Championship.

Team GB started like they meant to go roaring in to an early 3-0 lead. Steeler Jason Hewitt scored on his GB debut with a power-play strike at 7.27 (ass David Clarke). With GB controlling the first period it was left to another debutant Greg Chambers to double Paul Thompson's side advantage with an un-assisted goal at 16.12. It was only to get better as well when Ashley Tait broke down the left wing and centred a pass to Newcastle forward Colin Shields for him to bury the puck into the bottom corner. One slip of the period came in the dying seconds when the impressive Lyle was beaten for the first time by the Lithuanian forward Kulevicius after a goal mouth scramble

This inexperienced GB team were put under the cosh in the second period as the Lithuanians piled pressure on goalie Stevie Lyle and his GB defence. Early powerplays for Lithuania called on Lyle to make several outstanding saves. GB had their own one man advantage when first Jonathan Phillips and then Ben O'Connor drew Lithuanian penalties. The middle period was a lot tighter until Tommy Watkins visited the penalty box for the second time of the period. This time the Lithuanians made no mistake with Kelevicius scoring his second goal of the game on the 18-minute mark.

The Lithuanians once again came out strong in the final period and had an early powerplay with Nathan Remple sitting out an interference penalty. GB were again outstanding on the penalty kill with James Pease and Tommy Watkins keeping Lithuania at bay. Pressure though told five minutes into the final session as a long range shot found its way through a crowd of players and past Lyle to tie the game at 3-3. On a rare powerplay relief came in the way of a strike from David Clarke and a 4-3 lead. Again the Lithuanians came forward forcing several outstanding saves by Lyle, with 90 seconds remaining Lithuania pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. Newcastle Vipers winger Colin Shields won the important face off that followed and GB Captain Ashley Tait shot into the empty net for a 5-3 win and an outstanding start for GB in the Mont Blanc Euro Challenge

Period Scores: 3-1 / 0-1 / 2-1 - 5-3 Final

GB Scorers: Jason Hewitt / Greg Chambers / Colin Shields / David Clarke / Ashley Tait

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