By Anand Philar, IANS,
New Delhi : New Zealand overcame first match nerves to post a 5-1 win over Wales in their opening pool B match of the women’s hockey in the Commonwealth Games at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium here Monday.
The Kiwis took a while to settle down to the conditions and were held 1-1 in the first-half before they found their bearings to overrun a fast fading Wales.
New Zealand’s victory was built around goals by Katie Glynn (18th minute), Gemma Flynn (37th), Anna Thorpe (51st, 59th) and Claissa Eshuis (68th). Wales scored through Abigail Welsford (33rd).
“It was our first game and the girls were a bit nervous. Also they (Wales) held us well in the first-half. Our decision-making was not up to the mark and we tended to dribble too much.
“In the second-half, we moved the ball better once we settled down,” said New Zealand coach Mark Hager, an Aussie Olympian.
The Kiwis could have added to the tally, but skipper Kayala Sharland found the post with a 42nd minute penalty stroke.
Wales coach Joanna Nightingale attributed the defeat to some “silly mistakes” in the second-half that led to goals, but was hopeful of a better performance in the remaining matches.
“It was a high intensity game. We made too many mistakes in the second-half and let in goals,” Nightingale said.
Initially, the Kiwis ran into a determined defence, but Glynn’s penalty corner conversion in the 18th minute got them going before the Welsh equalized nearing half-time through Welsford who put home a penalty corner.
On change of ends, the Kiwis took control to slam four goals, the best of which was by Flynn who dived to deflect Glynn’s diagonal ball into the circle.