Hockey World League: Gemma Flynn sparkles as New Zealand slam a dozen goals vs Poland

Gemma Flynn slammed four goals as New Zealand's women fired a dozen goals past Poland in their opening fixture of the Hockey World League Semifinals here on Saturday.

Captain Anita Punt opened the account for the Black Sticks in their 12-0 triumph in a Pool B match with a goal in the eighth minute before Flynn came into the frame with a flash strike in the 13th minute. She was again on target through a field goal in the 15th minute and then scored two more in the 32nd and 47th minutes.

Punt fired her second goal in the 34th minute, matching her two-goal feat was Olivia Merry (19th and 48th minutes), while Rose Keddell, Petrea Webster, Kirsten Pierce and Julia King made one entry each in the score-sheet.

Poland are currently placed 23rd in the world rankings.

New Zealand, No. 4 in the world rankings, and former Olympic and World champions Australia are the fancied teams in this group.

Australia's silver medal in the 2014 World Cup at The Hague has kept them at the no. 2 position in International Hockey Federation's rankings.