New Delhi:
New Zealand opened their campaign in the Commonwealth Games women's hockey competition with a convincing 5-1 win against Wales in a Pool B match here on Monday.
Katie Glynn put the Black Sticks ahead in the 18th minute before Wales equalised through Abigail Welsford 15 minutes later, in a match played in sweltering temperatures of 35 degrees at the National Stadium.
But world number seven New Zealand denied their 27th-ranked rivals any further success, scoring in quick succession in the second half through Gemma Flynn (37) and Anna Thorpe's brace in the 51st and 59th minute.
Defender Clarissa Eshuis sealed the matter off a penalty corner just one minute before the final hooter.
New Zealand, bronze medal winners in the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, bagged three points with the win.
"We expected to dominate Wales," said Flynn.
"It was pretty hot and it was tough to sustain our energy levels. But the conditions were the same for both teams, so no excuses. We have got to be more clinical from now on.
"We need to improve in a few key areas, especially finishing. We should have scored more goals in the circle. We are working on our penalty corners as well as ball possession," added the 20-year-old.