🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Shines as Ruthless Australia Defeat The Hosts Away in Opening Ashes Match England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series. The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators. Brilliant Performance from Walsh Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970. They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers. Crucial Plays of the Game The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play. Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal 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 cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive. If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron 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 added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second. Match Result and Looking Ahead By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend. England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Bench players. Tries: Clark. Conversion: Lewis. Australia: Starting lineup. Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Goals: Cleary 5.