🔗 Share this article Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless The Kangaroos Defeat England Away in First Ashes Test England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series. The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators. Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970. They will have to be much better with the possession 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 tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers. Crucial Plays of the Match The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move. Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive. If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second. Final Score and Looking Ahead By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach 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: Daryl Clark. Goal: Lewis. Australia: Starting lineup. Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Goals: Cleary 5.