🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant Australia Defeat England Away in Opening Ashes Match England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series. Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000. Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970. They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions. Key Moments of the Game The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play. Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum. Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second. Final Score and Looking Ahead By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday. Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Tries: Daryl Clark. Goal: Mikey Lewis. Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Interchange: Reserves. Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).