Cup wins for Ashes rivals

England and Australia posted victories in their second World Cup first-round games.

The world champions strolled to victory over the Netherlands, while the English

Brad Hodge's maiden ODI century pushed Australia to a 229-run win over the Netherlands in St Kitts.

Hodge struck seven sixes in his 123 from only 89 balls as Australia posted 358 for five.

Brad Hogg claimed four for 27 as the Dutch were bowled out for 129.

England withstood a middle-order stand by Canadians Ashif Mulla and Abdool Samad to record a 55-run win in St Lucia.

Ed Joyce (66) and Paul Collingwood (67) led the scoring as Michael Vaughan's side - without Andrew Flintoff - made 279 for six.

Vaughan and Joyce made 101 in an opening stand, while Collingwood led a late charge, with 98 coming from the last 10 overs.

Mulla (56) and Abdool Samad (38) put on 94 to assist their side's recovery from 65 for four.

However, England retained control to record their opening win of the tournament, following their opening defeat to the BLACKCAPS.