Boyd and Davies hit hat-tricks as England beat Wales 70-6 in World Cup opener

England began their Women's Rugby League World Cup campaign with a 70-6 victory over Wales in Perth, scoring 13 tries after the tournament newcomers briefly drew level early in the match. According to BBC Sport's match report, Connie Boyd and Anna Davies each completed a hat-trick as England took control of their Group A opener.

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Izzy Rowe supplied two tries and nine conversions for a personal total of 26 points. The BBC reported that her contribution matched the record for an England player in a Women's World Cup game. Amelia Brown also scored twice, while Georgia Wilson, Hollie-Mae Dodd and Jasmin Strange added a try each. Boyd and Strange were both making their England debuts.

Wales' first appearance at the tournament produced an early milestone despite the eventual margin. Brown opened the scoring after three minutes, but England errors gave Wales an opportunity to respond. Paige Travis crossed for their first World Cup try, with Preston adding the conversion to bring the sides level inside the opening 10 minutes. Travis had represented England at the previous World Cup four years earlier.

England then pulled away through a sustained spell of first-half scoring. Wilson finished in the corner before Dodd's offload helped create Boyd's first try. Dodd subsequently crossed herself after Fran Goldthorp had been stopped at the line. Boyd added another, Davies ran from beyond halfway to score, and Rowe also touched down before the interval. Seven first-half tries left England leading 40-6 at the break.

Strange and Rowe extended the advantage in the second half before Brown turned a Wales attacking opportunity into another England score. A Welsh chip towards the corner bounced favourably for Brown behind her own try line, and she ran 109 metres to score at the other end, according to the BBC. Boyd and Davies then completed their hat-tricks during a late burst of scoring.

For Stu Barrow's England side, the result opened a campaign in which they are seeking a first World Cup final appearance. Wales, coached by Tom Brindle, next face Samoa on Friday. Their group also includes defending world champions Australia, leaving the debutants with further opposition to come after an opening match that brought their first tournament try but a decisive defeat.