WARRINGTON Wolves pair George Williams and Matty Ashton signed off the 2024 season with tries for England as the series with Samoa was clinched 2-0.

Skipper and stand-off Williams crossed for England’s second try of the first half and six minutes later winger Ashton flew over in the corner to give his country some breathing space before running out 34-16 victors in the second Test at Headingley in Leeds.

(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire) Matty Ashton dives over for England against SamoaMatty Ashton dives over for England against Samoa (Image: SWpix.com)

Both also touched down in last weekend’s 34-18 win in Wigan, while making strong contributions for their country’s cause across both games.

In fact, Ashton is becoming something of a lucky charm for England.

He has now taken his scoring account to six tries in five Tests and is yet to lose in an England shirt.

At Headingley he showed versatility too, switching from the left wing to the right flank in place of the injured Dom Young and allowing Wigan’s Liam Marshall – Super League’s top try scorer this year – to make a try-scoring debut in his usual left-wing berth.

Ashton’s try was spectacular, diving in by the corner post after collecting a wonderful pass from Wigan scrum-half Harry Smith from 15 metres out.

Williams, whose try was a delightful show-and-go effort after Samoa had been temporarily reduced to 12 men following a high tackle, stood out again for his play-making as much as his finishing.

It was from his measured looping pass that Marshall cut in to get over the whitewash for a try that wiped out Samoa’s early lead.

Just like in the previous Test, Williams and Ashton were making desperate tackle attempts late in the game in a bid to hold off any late Samoa comebacks.

Departed Wire back-rower again featured, but for the second week running Ben Currie missed out on the action as the 18th man.

Star of the show though was NRL Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, who was a constant threat with the ball and crossed for two tries as well as providing the assist for St Helens full-back Jack Welsby’s effort.

Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comAllan McKenzie/SWpix.com (Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)