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Comments No 01

This was the match where the British captain Alan Prescott broke his arm in the 3rd minute of the match and continued to play for the whole game.

In the 29th minute David Bolton the GB stand-off broke his clavicle and took no further part in the match and Vince Karalius moved from loose forward to stand off. Vince took quite a few dumpings but at half time Britain led 10 -2.

This is how Tom MItchell decribed the GB dressing room at that half-time break, " The British dressing room - all unbowed. Fitness of almost a supernatural quality was beginning to tell. I sat down beside the Captain. His arm merely carried several folds of bandaging. The doctor in attendance at the game was summoned. His verdict was a positive one, "This man cannot continue - and it must not be considered". But when the team rose to go out Alan led them. If he hadn't done so the game was over - the Quest for the Ashes blown away. He switched places with prop McTigue when he thought it was better to do so. He gathered the ball, he ran, he dictated the pattern of play and he tackled well with his good arm. Only those present at the game had any idea of the man's naked courage.

The team went out with Karalius at the far side of the dressing room still on the bench. "Vinty we are out. Come on" "Sorry, Thomas, can't - it's me back". I got in behind him and did enough to get him standing up. Slowly across the room to the sunlit opening leading to the pitch - then a step or two and like a boxer getting up after a knockdown, he teetered with a push onto the arena, gaining movement with every stride. Without him on the field the position was the same as the Captain - certain defeat. How he stood up to the first ten minutes I will never know as my eyes steered their gaze from him to Prescott. As I write this 39 years on I permit myself a heartfelt "Phew! No Ashes! No basking in the future unending sunshine of happening to be there as Team Manager."

Great Britain went on to win the match 25 - 18 and went on to win the Third Test 40 - 17 to clinch the Ashes.

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- why not share your memories with other members of Team Era, just click here -

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- why not share your memories with other members of Team Era, just click here -