Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant Australia Defeat The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Test

The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. 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 large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption 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 a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane 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: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.