A strong second half performance has helped the WA Diamonds record a 3-0 win over the NT Pearls in their opening 2012 Australian Hockey League fixture in Perth.
The Diamonds struggled early to break down a resolute Pearls defence, but goals to Kath Slattery, Ashleigh Nelson and Jemma Buckley in the second half ensured the WA side got their campaign off to a solid start.
With the Diamonds fielding 2012 Olympians Kobie McGurk, Jayde Taylor and Nelson, it was anticipated the hosts would have too much fire power for the team from the Northern Territory.
The Pearls however, were difficult to broach in the first half, with both sides seeming slightly disjointed in attack.
The second half needed just three minutes to break the dead lock, with Slattery the beneficiary. WA seized on its opportunity to steal a 2-0 lead just two minutes later, when Nelson converted, before a nice team move resulted in Buckley scoring the third goal for the Diamonds.
The Diamonds face Tasmania in its second match on Wednesday.
