Hockey: Carroll and Clement strike for Scotland

Resolute defending and an element of luck saw Scotland spring one of the surprises of the women's World Cup here yesterday with a 2-1 victory against New Zealand.

"It was very hot. We wanted to have a go and I was pleasantly surprised," the Scotland coach, Mike Gilbert, said after the lowest-ranked team in the 16-country tournament had defeated the Black Sticks, who are ranked fifth in the world and are expected to make the semi-finals here.

After earlier defeats to Ukraine and China, Scotland opted for a more attacking style, pushing the Kiwis back on the defence in the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the 22nd minute with a penalty stroke when Helen Walker, pushing forward, was floored in the circle. Louise Carroll scored the penalty which prompted New Zealand to mount an all-out assault, with Diana Weavers sweeping in at a penalty corner for the equaliser in the 31st minute.

As expected New Zealand came out strongly for the second half led by Suzie Pearce, but it was Scotland on the break four minutes after the interval who took the lead. Sam Judge, moving down the left wing, swept behind the New Zealand defence to pull the ball back to Linda Clement for their second goal.

The Kiwis, bearing down on the Scottish goal with fierce determination, penned Scotland in their twenty five for long periods, during which the goalkeeper and captain, Tracey Robb, and her defence held firm with courage and a slice of luck.

Argentina, with a goal six minutes from time, beat Germany 1-0 in an exciting game of high speed to maintain their 100 per-cent record in Pool A.

WOMEN'S WORLD CUP (Perth, WA) Fourth day: Pool A: Scotland 2 New Zealand 1; Korea 2 Ukraine 2; Argentina 1 Germany 0; Russia 1 China 2. Standings (after three games): 1 Argentina 9pts; 2 China 7; 3 Korea 5; 4 Ukraine 4; 5 Germany 3; 6 New Zealand 3; 7 Scotland 3; 8 Russia 0.