🔗 Share this article Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Away in First Ashes Match The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes. The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators. Brilliant Display from Walsh Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970. They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers. Crucial Plays of the Game The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play. Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive. If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second. 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. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday. England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Tries: Daryl Clark. Conversion: Mikey Lewis. Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Goals: Cleary 5.