Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat England Away in Opening Ashes Match

England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. 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. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).