Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant Australia Defeat England Aside in First Ashes Match

The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.