SAINTS centre Amy Hardcastle grabbed a hat-trick in England’s 72-4 victory over Brazil in the opening game of the Women’s World Cup.

The pick of those touchdowns was her third, coming from 40 metres out, when she powered down the left edge producing her trademark fend to see off the would-be tacklers.

Hardcastle was one of eight Saints on duty at Headingley – and there were strong displays across the board.

Skipper Emily Rudge produced some strong direct running on the left edge, with Jodie Cunningham also leading from the front.

There was an outstanding effort off the bench from interchange prop Vicky Whitfield after replacing fellow Saint Shona Hoyle.

Whitfield’s strong, direct carries in the middle of the field regularly took out numerous Brazilian defenders and regularly earned a quick play the ball to play off.

Hooker Tara Jones’ distribution from dummy half was exemplary and she was rewarded for an 80-minute display with a try – spotting the gap close to the line and crossing without a hand being laid upon her.

Fellow Saint Leah Burke also crossed for a well-taken try on the wing, following good work inside from Hardcastle.

Half back Zoe Harris showed some nice touches when she came on in the second half.

The performance was masterminded by Leeds’ 7 Courtney Winfield Hill who also scored a hat-trick.