Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Defeat England Away in First Ashes Test
The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.
The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.
Outstanding Performance from Walsh
Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win 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 possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.
Crucial Plays of the Match
The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.
Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.
Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.
That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.
Final Score and Looking Ahead
By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address 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.
- Try: Daryl Clark.
- Goal: Mikey Lewis.
- Australia: Starting lineup.
- Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Kicks: Cleary 5.
