🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Sweep England Aside in First Ashes Match The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes. Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators. Outstanding Performance from Walsh Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s. They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers. Key Moments of the Game The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play. Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum. Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second. Match Result and Looking Ahead By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday. England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Bench players. Try: Clark. Conversion: Lewis. Australia: Starting lineup. Bench: Reserves. Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).