Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Sweep The Hosts Away in First Ashes Match
The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.
Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.
Outstanding Display from Walsh
Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win 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 ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.
Key Moments of the Game
The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.
Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.
If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past 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 breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.
Match Result and Outlook
By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.
- England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
- Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Tries: Daryl Clark.
- Conversion: Lewis.
- Australia: Starting lineup.
- Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Goals: Cleary 5.
