Britain's women suffered two straight sets defeats to France on the opening weekend of the European League.

The French won the opening encounter in Calais 25-22 25-12 25-11 and followed it up with a 25-21 25-18 25-18 success in Saint-Die-des-Vosges.

In both matches, the British women - who are starting their preparations for the 2012 Olympics in London - led midway through the opening set only to surrender the lead.

Lorne Sawula's side face a double header at home to Turkey next weekend with a trip to Romania following that.

All four teams will play 12 matches in the second tier of the European League.