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The home side'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 motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.