New Delhi: England, the highest ranked team in the women's hockey competition at the 19th Commonwealth Games, opened their campaign in pool B with a 4-1 win against arch-rivals Wales at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here on Tuesday.
Playing the lead role in England victory was the experienced penalty corner specialist Crista Cullen who came up with three conversions (10th, 20th, 41st) while Charlotte Caddock (49th) added to the tally before Sarah Thomas pulled one back for Wales in the final minute.
Despite the clear-cut win, England, bronze medallists at last month's World Cup in Argentina, struggled in the hot conditions while Wales, who lost their opening game to New Zealand Monday, put up another fighting performance.
"The conditions were difficult, but I expect a much higher standard of play from my players, especially in the attacking circle where we missed a few chances today," said England head coach Danny Kerry.
For Wales, it was another tough outing. Though playing back-to-back matches, they showed plenty of spirit and determination, but had no reply to Cullen's penalty corner expertise.
"We showed a lot of commitment and did a good job of containing England, but the penalty corners did us in," said Wales head coach Joanna Nightingale.