New Delhi:
Crista Cullen smashed a hat-trick as England posted a 4-1 win over Wales in a Pool B women's hockey match of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old defender put England ahead in the 10th minute before scoring her second goal in the 20th to help her side go into the half-time with a 2-0 lead at the sun-baked Major Dhyan Chand stadium.
Cullen converted her third penalty corner six minutes into the second half to make it 3-0 before Charlotte Craddock scored a goal from open play to increase England's lead.
Wales managed a consolation goal just one minute before the final hooter through Sarah Thomas, who played an integral part in Britain's Olympic campaign in Beijing in 2008.
England, the world number six, lived up to their billing as one of the favourites to lift the gold with their deft passes and neat possession throughout the match.
Wales will have their task cut out after suffering their second loss in as many days. They lost 5-1 to New Zealand in their opening match on Monday.