🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Aside in Opening Ashes Match England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series. The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000. Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s. They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions 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 Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers. Key Moments of the Match The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move. Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive. Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it twenty to zero 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. Match Result and Looking Ahead By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday. England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Substitutes: Bench players. Try: Clark. Goal: Mikey Lewis. Australia: Starting lineup. Bench: Reserves. Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Goals: Cleary 5.