Commonwealth Games: Black Sticks cruise past Scotland in opener
The New Zealand women’s hockey team have overrun Scotland 6-1 in their opening match of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games but will be sweating on the fitness of Anita McLaren.
The higher-ranked Black Sticks led 4-0 at half-time through Brooke Neal, Rosie Keddell, Kelsey Smith and Shiloh Gloyn, as they dominated possession and territory at Gold Coast Hockey Centre on Thursday.
2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games: Hockey
Scotland then held the New Zealanders scoreless until the buzzer on the end of a rain-drenched third quarter when Keddell scored her second with a simple tap-in from a penalty corner.
Gloyn added her second in the final quarter, before Scotland scored a consolation through Alison Howie, following their best period of possession and attack.
New Zealand will have concerns for the experienced McLaren, who took a blow to the leg limped off minutes before the end.
New Zealand managed 21 shots on goal to Scotland’s seven. They next play Ghana on Friday, followed by Canada and finally Australia.
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