GREAT BRITAIN RUGBY LEAGUE 1958 ASHES SERIES

In the 1958 Ashes Series, Great Britain lost the first test 25-8 to the Kangaroos in Sydney.

In the second test, the Lions were inspired by captain Alan Prescott who played on until the end despite breaking his right arm in just the 3rd minute of the game, Great Britain leveled the series at 1–all with a 25–18 win over Australia in Brisbane.

The injury ended Prescott’s tour as a player. At half time, Prescott was offered a pain killing injection but refused, telling team manager Tom Mitchell “I just can’t come off, Tom. We would be two men short. We have got to win, so I had better help the boys”. Great Britain also lost Dave Bolton with a broken collar bone after just 17 minutes.

With Vince Karalius and Brian McTigue providing the muscle and teenage scrum-half Alex Murphy providing the class, the Lions had the measure of Australia.

Great Britain wrapped up The Ashes with a comprehensive 40–17 win over Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

As he had done in the second test in Brisbane, 19 year old St Helens scrum-half Alex Murphy tormented the home side and was awarded the Man of the Match.

This amazing series provided inspiration for our 1958 Clothing range, which includes jersey, t-shirt, vintage style zipper and cap. Available from Ellis Rugby.

[ruca]

I love that try by Mick Sullivan in the 3rd test, there was a raw toughness about players then, even prescott to play a whole test with his arm broken, wtf!!

[lapalad]

My parent would regale stories of lining up outside the SCG at 6am to get a good seat and the anticipation and the atmosphere of those Great British teams would generate against Australia

[tobinsarttrading]

Looks like they had some great players back then... wonder what happened to the British and why would they pick so many plodders in the 70's?

[lendus.adolla]

2nd test. number 13 scored. said "Murphy try". Was Alex Murphy playing No 13 ? Or was that a different player who scored ?