YORK Valkyrie ace Tara Stanley was among the try-scorers as England secured top-spot in Group ‘A’ of World Cup thanks to a 42-4 victory over Papua New Guinea at Headingley Stadium.

Stanley crossed for her sixth try in three World Cup matches thus far before half time, side-stepping her way through down the right flank from York team-mate Hollie Dodd’s pass.

The reigning Woman of Steel also added five conversions from eight attempts.

Stanley’s try followed earlier scores from Leah Burke and Amy Hardcastle. Burke completed her hat-trick after half time - all three tries coming from Courtney Winfield-Hill kicks - while Hardcastle completed her brace and Victoria Whitfield and Caitlin Beevers got their names on the scoresheet.

England responded strongly after falling behind on four minutes through Martha Molowia’s early finish.

Stanley, who continued at right centre, was one of four Valkyrie players representing their nation, with Dodd, Olivia Wood and Grace Field also in the 17, the latter two returning after missing Saturday’s 54-4 win over Canada at Wigan’s DW Stadium.

Wood started at prop forward, with fellow front-rower Field coming off the bench as an interchange. Dodd was removed late on for a head injury assessment.

England head to the LNER Community Stadium on Monday evening (7.30m) to face the runner-up of Group ‘B’, which will be loser of tomorrow night’s match between Australia and New Zealand (7.30pm), also to be held at the Community Stadium.