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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.