ENGLAND shrugged off an early Welsh challenge to make a convincing start to their wheelchair World Cup defence.
It was just 18-12 to Tom Coyd’s team after 20 minutes at WIN Entertainment Centre but the 2022 winners soon found their groove, leading 46-12 at halftime.
Halifax’s Robert Hawkins, who suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, scored a stunning 11 tries in the 98-12 pasting.
Nathan Collins, who scored his first try after just 90 seconds, finished with a four – his final touchdown right on fulltime.
Hawkins’ personal total was 52 points, with four goals as well as the tries.
Wales’ next opponents are Ireland, while England meets the United States.
