Thursday 11 September 2014 16:55, UK
England's women thrashed Wales 8-0 in the opening match of the Investec London Cup.
An 11th place at the World Cup in Holland last month was England's worst finish in the event and led to coach Jason Lee leaving his job less than a month before the Commonwealth Games.
But in their final warm-up event before heading to Glasgow, England, having slipped to sixth in the world after their dismal display in The Hague, comfortably swept aside opponents 26 places below them.
Reading striker Alex Danson took just two minutes to score the first goal at the new Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on her return to Olympic Park for the first time since 2012.
Sophie Bray, Susannah Townsend and Laura Unsworth made it 4-0 at half-time with Ellie Watton, captain Kate Richardson-Walsh, Giselle Ansley and Danson doubling the scoreline after the break.
"I don't remember the last time we scored eight goals," said Richardson-Walsh.
"We're really pleased - it's been a tough few weeks so we were keen to show we have fight and we've done that."
South Africa beat Scotland 2-0 thanks to a double strike from Kathleen Taylor in the other match of the round-robin tournament.
Two penalty corners from Ashley Jackson eased England's men to a 6-0 victory over Scotland.
The East Grinstead midfielder opened the scoring after two minutes and Henry Weir, Mark Gleghorne and Simon Mantell added further goals before the break.
Scotland held out in the second half until 10 minutes from the end when Phil Roper and Jackson rounded off victory.
Ireland's men beat South Africa 4-2 with Alan Sothern (two), Shane O'Donoghue and Michael Darling on the scoresheet.
