Scots win gold and a seat at the top table

cats’ Rachel Bain. Smith said: “It was a great way to win the tournament, I’m delighted for the girls. Overall I think we played the best hockey of the tournament and deserved to come out as winners.

“They proved that they can control games and play in different styles. They had to compete with the aggressive style of Russia. I’m really impressed with how they adapted.”

The first half was scoreless but keeper Jess Buchanan had to deal with four Russian penalty corners and other open play attacks. The Scots youngsters took the lead early in the second half when the Russian defence failed to clear the danger. The ball fell kindly to Ruth Blaikie and the Dundee Wanderers’ player somehow managed to force the ball into the net.

The lead was short-lived as Anna Golubeva levelled with a direct hit at a penalty corner. A draw and penalties seemed inevitable, but in the final minute Bain latched on to a cross from the right and slotted it home for the winner. There was no way back for Russia. The Netherlands ran riot in defeating South Korea 7-0 on day two of the Women’s World Cup yesterday, setting the tone with a goal after only 21 seconds through Frederique Matla, who netted twice in the match.

Lidewij Welten, Kitty van Male (2), Kelly Jonker and Laurien Leurink were also on target for the Dutch.

Earlier in the day, Italy – playing in the event for the first