🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant Australia Defeat The Hosts Away in First Ashes Test The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured 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 definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators. Outstanding Performance from Walsh Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970. England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions. Key Moments of the Match The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play. Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive. Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try. Final Score and Looking Ahead By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday. England: Full team lineup. Substitutes: Bench players. Tries: Daryl 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: Cleary 5.