WORCESTER Rugby Club's flying winger Nicky Crawford scored a brace of tries as England's women made a strong start in their World Cup campaign.

England beat Italy 63-9 in the first round of the showpiece tournament at the Cornella Ground in Barcelona.

They led 46-6 at half-time, after a hat-trick of tries from centre Sue Day, two from centre Assunta De Biase while scrum-half Emma Mitchell, winger Emily Feltham also touched down along with Crawford.

Fly-half Susie Appleby added three conversions while Italian counterpart Monica Zanetti kicked two penalties.

In the second half, two further England tries came from Day and another from Crawford -- with Appleby converting Crawford's effort. Italy's Zanetti added another penalty goal.

"It was a really good start, especially in the first half," said England's head coach Geoff Richards.

"We fell away a bit in the second- half, when we failed to control the ball as well, but it's good to get the first game out of the way and there are now four days to prepare for the next one."

England face Spain in the second round on Saturday (2.30).