The home crowd were left happy thanks to a 12-6 win over British rivals Wales at the Surrey Sports Park.

It was a tight first half and England only led 6-5 at the interval.

They then clicked into gear to seal an opening victory in Group A. 

England boasted eight different scorers including a hat-trick courtesy of Megan Whittle.

The match was the only contest to take place on the opening day of the tournament.

Every team in the "elite" Group A is guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals in a bid to ensure the greatest amount of competitive matches.

Defending champions the United States, Australia, Canada and Scotland will also contest the group.

The winners of the other four groups will all progress to play-offs for the right to earn the final two last eight places.

Group B features South Korea, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland and a team representing the Haudenosaunee Native American confederacy. 

Israel, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, China and Belgium will play in Group C with Japan, Germany, Latvia, Spain and Mexico contesting Group D.

Ireland, New Zealand and Sweden and Colombia will play in Group E, a four-team group.

Action continues tomorrow.