Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Sweep England Aside in First Ashes Match

England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory 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 the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved 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 Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour 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 a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).