Walsh Shines as Ruthless The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Away in Opening Ashes Test

England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).