Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat England Aside in Opening Ashes Match
The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.
The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.
Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh
Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.
They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.
Crucial Plays of the Game
The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.
Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt 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 backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.
That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.
Match Result and Outlook
By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.
- Home Side: Full team lineup.
- Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Try: Daryl Clark.
- Conversion: Lewis.
- Visitors: Starting lineup.
- Bench: Reserves.
- Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).
