🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat England Aside in First Ashes Match England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes. Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000. Brilliant Display from Walsh Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s. They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions 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 Match The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play. Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum. If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second. Final Score and Looking Ahead By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend. Home Side: Full team lineup. Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Try: Clark. Conversion: Mikey Lewis. Visitors: 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).