Scotland women off to the perfect start with big win over Azerbaijan

An 18-1 run on either side of half-time helped Scotland women open their basketball campaign with a 73-54 win over Azerbaijan in the European Championship for Small 
Countries in Ochrid, Macedonia.

Scotland, who struggled to a 12-11 lead after the opening quarter, moved to 31-24 up at half-time and were led by a remarkable 29 points from Rona Corkindale (Glasgow Rocks), who added nine rebounds and four steals while clubmate Siobhan Moore 
supplied 16 points and five 
rebounds. Despite a torrid time with her outside shooting – she only scored two from 15 – US College player Mairi Buchan (Old Dominion) hit seven from seven from the free-throw line for an 11-point total and added five rebounds and a block in an encouraging 30-minute stint. Sole Edinburgh Kool Kats rep Emma Findlay was in the starting five and put in 25 minutes in the point guard position but also found hitting the target a problem and had just the one basket while Polonia Phoenix pair Lynsey Campbell and Julie Ritchie were both in the mix as Capital coach Ian Gordon used his bench to the full.

Deanne Hayward (Atlantic College) was another success, with five rebounds and seven points.

Scotland were due to play Malta today.