England have got off to a promising start in the women’s Ata Holdings Champions Challenge in
Baku. Playing
New Zealand in the
Azerbaijan capital this afternoon, it was
Canterbury’s Cathy Gilliat-Smith (pictured here playing for her club) who scored the only goal of the match in the 11
th minute, when she deflected a Kate Walsh drag flick into the net. The New Zealanders came back at
England strongly and early in the second half it looked as if they were they had equalised, but Caryn Peawi’s attempt
was disallowed. This is
England’s first win in four meetings against the Blacksticks and they will go into their match against
Korea tomorrow buoyed up by this victory.
Earlier in the day a former Canterbury player, US goalkeeper Amy Tran, had seen plenty of action between the sticks when the USA met Korea and lost 2-0, with goals by Seul Ki Cheon and Hye Lyoung Han. Korea are being tipped as the team to beat in this tournament.
China were due to meet the host nation this afternoon but we have been unable to get the result of that match. We will bring it to you as soon as possible.
Tomorrow (Sunday), England meet Korea, whilst China play the USA and Azerbaijan play New Zealand
