AFTER a promising start, James Fair has suffered a frustrating time with Great Britain at the Champions Trophy in New Zealand.

The Chester-born goalkeeper, 30, played in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Pakistan but then was unable to prevent a 4-1 loss to world champions Australia 24 hours later.

A bruised foot meant the former Deeside Ramblers player did not feature in Britain’s final Pool A fixture against Spain – a match which saw replacement keeper George Pinner concede eight goals in a disastrous 8-1 defeat.

The loss put Britain out of contention for a medal and top-four finish.

Fair may be fit when GB continue their Champions Trophy campaign today in Pool D, which is for the bottom four nations in the eight-team tournament.

The Champions Trophy is the last ranking event for men’s hockey before next year’s Olympic Games in London and it sits behind the World Cup and Olympics in terms of importance.

There were two good wins for Deeside Ramblers Ladies’ teams at the weekend.

The 1sts came from 2-0 down at half time to defeat visitors Preston 5-3. Debbie Kay (2), Vicki Woolton, Megan Stackpole and Allie Cheshire got the goals.

Deeside’s 2nds ran out 5-0 winners over basement side Brooklands Poynton 3rds thanks to goals from Harriet Walker (2), Lucy Fernall (2) and Lucy’s sister Ann.

The men’s first team are on their mid-season break but the 5ths were in action, beating Neston 4ths. Mark Goodyer got both goals, one a short corner and the other a blistering shot in open play.

Ramblers’ 7th team were unable to overcome table-toppers South Manchester.

Miles Lewis scored twice for the Cheshire side, for whom Ian King was outstanding in goal.