Leah leads the way

LEAH BURKE’S hat-trick ensured England women’s side finished as Group A leaders ahead of Monday’s World Cup semi-final after beating Papua New Guinea 42-4.

Each of the St Helens winger’s treble came from catching pinpoint Courtney WinfieldHill chips on the full. PNG had won their first two games and opened with Martha Molowia’s try after just four minutes.

It was the first time unbeaten England had fallen behind in the tournament.

But Burke got them off the mark in the 24th minute, Amy Hardcastle surged over soon after and Tara Stanley scored for a 14-4 interval lead. Burke (2), prop Vicky Whitfield, Caitlin Beevers and Hardcastle added further tries as Craig Richards’ side romped home.

■ ENGLAND’S wheelchair team thrashed Ireland 121-0 at the Copper Box. The host nation ran in 21 tries, with Joe Coyd and James Simpson each going over four times.