WICKFORD’S ice-hockey star Josh Batch was left suffering mixed emotions following Great Britain’s World Championship campaign in Holland.

The 24-year-old former Westcliff High School pupil was thrilled to be part of the British squad for the event in Eindhoven.

But Batch was also bitterly disappointed to have been edged into second place with a 3-2 defeat to Lithuania, in Britain’s last game, costing them promotion to Division 1A of the competition.

“Playing for the GB senior team was definitely the proudest moment of my career but losing to Lithuania was just heartbreaking,” said Batch.

“It cost us the gold medal and promotion to Division 1A and we were seven minutes away from tying the game which would’ve been enough for us to finish ahead of the Koreans in the standings but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.”

Britain beat Croatia 3-2, Estonia 2-1, Korea 3-2 and hosts Holland 3-2 before suffering their defeat to Lithuania.

And Batch, who plays his club ice hockey with the Cardiff Devils, was pleased with the winning sequence.

“I was very happy with the results in Holland,” said Batch.

“We beat the two top seeds in Korea and Croatia which was great but unfortunately we couldn’t finish it off against Lithuania.”

Batch has now returned home to Wickford and will be taking a well earned break before he returns to training to ensure he is again in top shape for next season.

“I'll be taking a week off before I get back in the gym,” said Batch.

“I train at Crossfit CM2 in Chelmsford where there is a great group of coaches who helped me get in the best shape of my life last summer.

“It’s somewhere I would definitely recommend to anyone in the area and I will be making sure I’m in good shape again for next season.”