ENGLAND Women started their World Cup journey in Australia on a high with a 36-8 victory against the Papua New Guinea Orchids with the Bradford Bulls players scoring five of their seven tries.

Despite being 8-6 down not long into the match, England produced a dominant display and secured a win in their opening game of the group stages.

Bulls captain Kirsty Moroney was denied what would have been their first try by the video referee.

In her World Cup debut Moroney's Bulls colleague Shona Hoyle was first to score for England with Tara-Jane Stanley converting to put them ahead.

Another Orchids try saw them regain the lead before Bradford's Amy Hardcastle provided the highlight of the game with a 90-metre try to restore England's lead.

Before half-time, Stanley and Bradford's Charlotte Booth added further tries to make the score 18-8.

Danielle Bound increased the lead with a try which Stanley converted early in the second half.

Booth crossed the line for her second try before England were awarded a penalty with two minutes remaining and Bradford's Beth Sutcliffe was able to touch down near the sticks. Stanley converted to close out the game at 36-8.

England's next opponents will be Australia at Cronulla on Sunday.