Commonwealth Games: Cool Cullen comes up with the answer

ENGLAND'S WOMEN won their opening hockey match against New Zealand on the first day of the Commonwealth Games here, but Scotland lost to Australia and Wales to South Africa.

Played at a fast pace, a single goal by Tina Cullen separated England from New Zealand in the record books. The match swung from end to end with Karen Brown, the captain, saving on the line and Jane Smith going close at the other end before, in the 16th minute, Cullen latched on to a pass from Mandy Nicholson to score. In the only penalty corner of the first half New Zealand were charged down by Jane Sixsmith.

With Nicholson moved to centre forward after the interval, England won two quick penalty corners, one of which saw Denise Marston-Smith's shot going too high and then Lucilla Wright mishitting.

Wales did not deserve to lose 4-0 to South Africa, who were sharp enough to score three goals in the first 20 minutes. Scotland, however, held Australia for the first 31 minutes before they found their stride and the goals flowed, with Alyson Annan getting the first and last of the six without reply.