14 hours ago
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Australia wrapped up the Ashes series in a spiteful and hostile second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium that saw Reece Walsh and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui sent to the sin-bin.
The Australians overcame a rejuvenated English side that had a raucous English crowd behind them to claim the series with a 14-4 victory at the home of Premier League club, Everton FC.
The opening to this match was everything the first wasn’t. Intense, ferocious and spiteful.
Reece Walsh is tackled by England’s Harry Smith and Kai Pearce-Paul.Credit: Getty Images
England were embarrassed in game one and they came out with a point to prove. From the kick-off they went after the Aussies and tried to rattle their cages.
The two hookers, Harry Grant and Jez Litten, engaged in a scuffle on the deck that erupted into an all-in brawl.
The fight went on for eternity, breaking off into six or seven mini wrestling sessions as the two teams tried to establish their authority on the match.
Australia’s Patrick Carrigan is tackled by three players.Credit: AP
Referee Grant Atkins asserted his authority as a result, sending Fa’asuamaleaui and Dom Young to the sin-bin for their involvement in the melee that had the raucous Hill Dickinson Stadium crowd on its feet.
It gifted Nathan Cleary an early penalty goal to give the Aussies a 2-0 lead, but a stray flick pass from Mark Nawaqanitawase on tackle one at the other end of the field presented England with the same opportunity.
The two teams traded penalty goals to go into half-time locked up at 4-4, but it was England who had the upper hand.
There was a major attitude adjustment from Shaun Wane’s men that would’ve had the 52,106-strong crowd confident of levelling the series ahead of the third Test at Headingley.
Australia’s Mark Nawaqanitawase, top, is fouled by Engalnd’s Morgan Smithies.Credit: AP
However Australia had other ideas and managed to score the opening try of the match through Cameron Munster, who squeezed his way through England to slide over for an 8-4 advantage.
Cleary, playing in front of his girlfriend Mary Fowler and his family, put up the kick that ricocheted and led to Hudson Young crossing for the easiest of four-pointers. Cleary then converted to stretch the lead out to 14-4 mid-way through the second half.
The game was then turned on its head when Reece Walsh was sent to the sin bin for taking out Dom Young in mid-air while contesting a bomb with 14 minutes remaining.
The controversial decision evoked the loudest cheer of the afternoon as the locals gave Walsh a piece of their mind as he made his way to the sideline.
Cameron Munster goes over for a try.Credit: Getty Images
Unlike NRL games, where players make their way into the tunnel when binned, Walsh took his place on the bench and copped an absolute barrage from the locals.
They taunted him about his painted nails, but the Australian turned and smiled before dishing out a cheeky jibe that even the English fans enjoyed. Hudson Young then chimed in, pointing at the scoreboard.
Then, when they announced Cameron Munster as man-of-the-match over the speaker, an English fan behind the Aussie dugout couldn’t resist one last crack.
“If they want a six, give them Bevan French,” he yelled out. “Never heard of Munster. Shite.”
The scoreline begged to differ.
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.
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