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.
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. body check tags ::
