Hockey: Resolute Charlton bolts to 100 tests

New Zealand Black Stick, Sam Charlton. Photo / File

When Midlands defender Sam Charlton debuted at the start of 2010 she didn't think she would be playing her 100th international test only four years later at the age of 22.

She did just that in the Black Sticks' opening 3-0 Commonwealth Games defeat of India, in which fellow Tauranga player Gemma Flynn opened the scoring.

"I think it took me two years to get to 20, so to think that I only played my 50th cap in April last year and to be playing my 100th about 15 months later is pretty incredible," Charlton said.

"They fly by so quickly because we play so many but it's always really special to be playing."

On reflection, Charlton thinks last month's FIH World Cup was her highlight, but is hoping that this Commonwealth Games could trump that.

"Although we didn't make the top four, after we drew that game against Australia, we did do the best we could which is really great.

"I think this is also a highlight, I have never been to a Commonwealth Games before so it is really exciting and hopefully we do well."

Charlton's father was in Glasgow and her cousin had also watched the game against India.

"It's pretty cool knowing family is over here ... I think there are 10 or so sets of parents here to watch us play."

Coach Mark Hager said Charlton had grown as a player. "I think the courage and the determination that she has had is fantastic - I remember talking to her in 2012 and saying that her chances of going to the Olympics were pretty slim," Hager said.

"She went away and worked on her fitness and at the national under-21 tournament she got player of the tournament. So we took her away on a series and she played really well at that.

"She turned her fitness levels around in six months which helped her to make better decisions on the pitch and she was able to stay on the field for longer periods and she really grew as a player. In the end, I think she was one of the better players at the London Olympics."

Now Charlton was one of the side's key players, he said, "and I think she is growing each time she steps out on the pitch".