Wales 3 India 2

Natasha Marke-Jones bagged the winner as Wales women got their Commonwealth Games hockey campaign off to a stunning start.

Wales, ranked 26 in the world, upset the No 10 ranked Indians at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.

Marke-Jones struck with three minutes left in the Pool A opener to give coach Kevin Johnson’s squad the perfect confidence booster with England the next opponents on Friday.

And it was the perfect start for new captain Leah Wilkinson who was making a record 142nd appearance.

Forward Lisa Daley gave Wales the lead after just seven minutes with Sian French’s 26th minute effort doubling the advantage before the interval.

India hit back in the third period with two goals to draw level.

But Wales were not to be denied despite the 16 place difference in the rankings with Bridgend-born Marke-Jones’ goal sparking wild celebrations.