A sensational six-goal shut out final quarter gave England a 12-4 win and the best possible start to the 2022 World Championship against Australia.

Megan Whittle led with five goals, spearheading England in attack, while a resolute defence restricted the Aussies to just 15 shots to England’s 24, Britt Reed and Katie Greenwood combining for five saves between them.

A rematch of the 2017 bronze medal game, it was a tough, physical affair which limited scoring early on, England taking a 3-2 lead at the end of Q1 with Whittle, Claire Faram and Georgie Southorn all scoring.

This continued into the second quarter and despite holding plenty of the ball, England were finding it difficult to get clear scoring opportunities.

Whittle scored the only goal of Q2, while the defence repelled anything Australia could muster, and England went in 4-2 up at the half.

In warm conditions, things slowly started to open up in the second-half with Australia hitting their best spell of the match, and despite Whittle completing her hat-trick, the lead was closed to just one at 5-4.

But an instant response from England and Torz Anderson stinging the top corner rejuvenated England and they carried that momentum into the final quarter.

England came out flying from the break and put on an exhibition in the final 15 minutes to close out the match in some style.

England dominated at the draw, Liv Wimpenny, who led with five draw controls, and Liv Thomas working expertly in the middle while the players on the circle were brilliant in winning the ground ball battles to secure possession.

Whittle added two quickly to take her tally to five for the day before a brilliant one-handed sidearm goal from Olivia Hompe lit the fire for England’s attack in the closing stages.

Tilly Shires twice scored with strong drives to goal as she received close attention from the Australian defence either side of a second Anderson goal which typified England’s composure in attack with quick, direct ball movement freeing the lefty attacker to score.

A 6-0 final quarter was a bonus to what had been a dogged team performance against a major medal rival and sets things up nicely for the rest of the pool stage.

England now have a rest day, before playing Scotland on Saturday at 5pm EST/10pm UK Time.

England Points: Megan Whittle (5G), Torz Anderson (2G), Tilly Shires (2G), Claire Faram (1G 1A), Georgie Southorn (1G 1A), Olivia Hompe (1G)