Champions in full flight on netball court

The Scottish team's experience can be described thus: New Zealand led 16-2 after the first quarter, 36-9 after the second, 54-11 after the third and 71-14 at full time. These are stark figures that spell the word "tonking".

There was no surprise in this, of course. New Zealand have won gold at the last two Commonwealth Games. Scotland are making their first steps in such an elite competition.

The disparity can, perhaps, best be addressed by looking at the formidable figure of Cathrine Latu, New Zealand's 27-year-old goal shooter. She only entered play after debutant Ellen Halfpenny succumbed to an ankle injury. Her walk on to the court should have come with the accompaniment of the Funeral March by Chopin.

She has been criticised in her homeland over weight issues, but she is a fine, intelligent athlete. There is the misperception that netball is not a contact sport. Latu gave the inexperienced Scots a masterclass on how to lead an attack and how to score.

Her anticipation of where the ball was going to fall, particularly from rebounds, was uncanny. She held her position with strength and the odd nudge and she had the sort of "fast hands" and accuracy of shot that made her unplayable.

"I look different from the others out there," she said afterwards, nodding her head at the now empty court. "I am not as fast as some of the others so I have to be very good at other things. I work very hard on my ability to catch anything that comes within my range.

"I have often been told that I can think two or three paces ahead."

This was enough to put the Scottish defence on the back foot. The imperious Casey Kopua, 29, who has already won two Commonwealth golds, marshalled the New Zealand defence that pressurised the Scots mercilessly

There was also a stunning fluidity to the New Zealand team, particularly after they grew into the match. Yet, typically, the best are never satisfied. "We will get better," Latu said. "There were a few things that need to be worked on and we could do with a few more games to get up to full speed."

The Scots were impressively defiant. This was a contest that must have drained them and the breaks in the match were marked by players receiving urgent instructions and infusions of restorative drinks plus the passing about of a box of Haribo to increase sugar levels. They came out and ran, harried and strived but ultimately they were outclassed.

"We tried to put together a game plan that worked against what they were trying to do and worked to our strengths," Scotland's goal shooter Lynsey Gallagher said with a heavy sense of disappointment.

The energy, physicality and technique of the New Zealand side rendered any strategy redundant, however.

Scotland's ambition is to progress from the group. They have already beaten St Lucia and have still to face Jamaica, Malawi and Northern Ireland. The home side will have hopes that they can finish above Northern Ireland and St Lucia.

"We have the skills and the ability to progress," Gallagher said.

The battle for the gold has been between Australia and New Zealand in the past, but now England - narrowly beaten by Australia yesterday - Jamaica and Malawi have hopes of a medal, perhaps even one with a golden hue.

Latu is prepared for the challenge. "It used to be a two-horse race, but the other teams have picked up. That can only be good for our game,' she said.

But what of the Scots?

"They can definitely take positives from this morning," Latu said. "They worked us very hard and they can become a force to be reckoned with."

The next challenge for Scotland comes today as they face Jamaica. There may be no hen nights, but there might be a commotion.

Usain Bolt, the one athlete who could be guaranteed to stop traffic on Hope Street, has said he wants to see the Reggae Girls and he might take the opportunity today.