🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat England Aside in First Ashes Match England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series. Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000. Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970. They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions. Key Moments of the Game The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move. Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive. Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try. Match Result and Looking Ahead By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address 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. Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Try: Clark. Conversion: Lewis. Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Bench: Reserves. Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Goals: Cleary 5.