England wrapped up a series victory against Tonga with a game to spare after a hard-earned but deserved win in the second Test in Huddersfield. Shaun Wane’s side have been the superior team in the two matches and they were worthy winners here, with two tries from the Warrington winger Matty Ashton helping secure victory and ensure next Saturday’s third and final Test in Leeds provides an opportunity for the hosts to produce a clean sweep.
England handled the conditions much the better, with Tonga unable to produce any sort of fluency. They fell behind early on as some fine handling from Harry Newman freed Ashton to score his first, Harry Smith converting from the touchline to make it 6-0.
A penalty from Smith extended the lead to eight and while Tonga came close to breaching the England line on several occasions, it was always the hosts who felt the more threatening. That was emphasised when a pinpoint kick from Mikey Lewis found Ashton unmarked in the corner to make it 12-0.
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England’s stronger game-management was underlined when another penalty from Smith after half-time made it 14-0 and, while Tonga responded on the hour mark courtesy of a fine finish from Toluta’u Koula, there was never really any threat of a comeback in the final quarter.
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A combination of profligacy from Tonga in attack and some impressive defence from England meant the hosts were able to close things out fairly comfortably.