Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Defeat England Away in Opening Ashes Match

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

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour 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 series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.