England suffered a 6-26 defeat to Australia in the opening match of the Rugby League Ashes series at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.The result marks AustraliaS first victory over England since the 2017 World Cup final and reignites a rivalry last contested as an ashes series in 2003.
The match began with a try from Walsh, set up by debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase, putting Australia on the board. England contested the try, citing a potential trip on scrum-half mikey Lewis and a possible forward pass, but it was upheld after review by video referee Jack Smith. Smith later disallowed a second Australian try before halftime, ruling that Dom Young had been illegally taken out by Josh Addo-Carr while attempting to catch a high kick.
Despite initial defensive efforts from England, including promising grubber kicks from George Williams and Tom Johnstone, Australia extended their lead with a penalty goal from Nathan Cleary before halftime, making it 8-0. Angus Crichton scored instantly after the break,exploiting a defensive lapse by Jack Welsby. crichton added a second try with 15 minutes remaining, and Walsh completed the scoring with a length-of-the-field effort. A late consolation try came from Daryl Clark for England.
Australia’s victory was tempered by an injury to captain Issah Yeo, who failed a head injury assessment in the first half and will miss the second Test.
A radiant spot for England was the promising half-back partnership of George Williams and Mikey Lewis, who “fitted like a hand in glove,” according to observers. The second Test is scheduled for Saturday at Hill Dickinson stadium in Liverpool, where England will attempt to secure their first win over Australia in three decades and end a 55-year drought for an Ashes series triumph.
