England have sealed a series win over Tonga with one game to spare courtesy of a 14-4 victory in their second match at the John Smith's Stadium in Huddersfield this afternoon.
Shaun Wane's side went into the contest with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series courtesy of their 22-18 triumph last weekend, and they enjoyed a more comfortable margin of victory this time around to take an unassailable advantage.
The returning Matty Ashton was the main match-winner with two first-half tries, while the boot of Harry Smith also helped to keep England out of reach of Tonga on a wet and windy day in Huddersfield.
Ashton was brought back into the side in place of the injured Tommy Makinson, and he made a compelling case to keep his spot in the final match of the series in Leeds next week.
💪 Victory in Huddersfield!
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 28, 2023
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The Warrington Wolves winger went over in the seventh minute and then again brilliantly in the 35th to help England into a 12-0 half-time lead, before a second penalty of the match by Smith extended that advantage to 14.
A disappointing Tonga briefly raised hopes that they could fashion a late comeback when Tolutau Koula touched down shortly before the hour mark, but England's defence was resolute to hold out for a hard-fought, bruising win.
Tonga, who are ranked fifth in the world - one spot behind England - and are the first Pacific Island nation to tour England, will now look to end their historic trip on a high note when the two sides meet again in Leeds on November 4.
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