English women got off to a dream CWG start, defeating Wales 4-1 in their campaign opener today at the majestic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Crista Cullen hattricked Wales with a fluent dream three-goals, all from penalty corners.
She scored in the 10th, 20th and 41st minutes, before letting Charlottee Craddock complete the tally in the 49th minute.
The Wales’ conslolation goal came in the dying minutes, and if the celebration of the goal by them is any indication,the losers not too disapppointed with the result.
The Wales goal was a beautiful reverse flick of Sarah Thomas in the 69th minute.
The match was played early in the morning, 8.30 to be specific, and that did not deter a few hundred fans turning up to support their sides.
Wales coach did not agree the back to back match had anything to do with the poor result. “No, Not all. The English were better side, they are skill ful etc”, said Joanna Nightingale.
Sally Walton of England had summed up the team’s mentality before the game.” “Its really a big summer of hockey for us with the Champions Trophy and the World Cup. We played against the most skilful forwards in the world, defended against the best. We went into this match with that mentalliy.
Emphasising the team did not take Wales easiyly, she commented: ”
We also treated Wales as world class team, with respect, and defended them accordingly.”
She had to say this with respect to the great sporting rivalry between the teams from Great Britain. “There is always a bit of rivary with Wales and Scotland. The games are abit more built up. So it is always nice to win them. Wales has improved they are scoring and oing well”.
English captain Kate Walsh, while commenting on the late goal, said: “We have got to be ruthless in these games, as the goal difference might count at the end of the tournament”
Wales captain Philippa Jones hopes to win the remaining two matches and expect the better things to happen. “At least we got to play not under hot sun” she further quipped.