🔗 Share this article Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless Australia Defeat The Hosts Away in Opening Ashes Test England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series. The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000. Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain 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 home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions. Crucial Plays of the Match The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play. Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive. If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second. Match Result and Looking Ahead By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend. Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Try: Daryl Clark. Conversion: Lewis. Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).