Reece Walsh Shines as Ruthless Australia Defeat The Hosts Away in Opening Ashes Test

The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.