Ken Maddison scores one of his two tries in the Ashes decider. Roger Millward is clinging to his leg, while Paul Charlton arrives too late
While soccer matches were cancelled after a big freeze hit England, a rugby league Test went ahead on a pitch described as the hardest he had experience, by star Australian back, Bob Fulton.
At the urging of Fulton, the Australians bought a set of special rubber boots, to combat the concrete slab of a pitch at Warrington’s Wilderspool Stadium, the setting for the third and deciding Ashes Test.
Great Britain had won the First Test at London’s Wembley Stadium, while the Kangaroos had kept the series alive with a win at Headingley, Leeds.
Rampaging forward, Ken Maddison relished the icy conditions in Warrington, scoring two tries, his straight, hard running a nightmare for the British defenders who were wary of hitting the rock hard ground under the force of his charges. Straw had been spread over the surface overnight to prevent frost, but it did little good..
Incredibly, the British League allowed some of their players to turn out for clubs mid-week, with Leeds’ lock, Ray Batten injured in a Tuesday night game and ruled out of the decider. Dough Laughton was his replacement.
Laughton made an early statement when he hit Australian prop, Bob O’Reilly with a crash tackle which left the man called ‘The Bear’ out cold. Australian trainer, Alf Richards took several minutes to revive O’Reilly, who then re-joined play.
Fulton opened the scoring, running 50 metres for a try after intercepting a pass from British prop, Terry Clawson. Maddison scored the first of his two tries, and then young centre, Geoff Starling crossed to give the tourists a 12-2 lead at halftime.
After the break a spectacular sweeping raid by Australia saw seven men handle, for hooker, Elwyn Walters to score. The perilous conditions made goal kicking difficult, and between them Graham Eadie and Ray Branighan failed to land a conversion.
Five eighth, Roger Millward scored Britain’s only try after a break by tall backrower, Phil Lowe. Millward also landed a short range penalty goal. Slightly built British fullback, Paul Charlton was courageous in defence.
Australia’s Arthur Beetson was magnificent in the rucks, while halfback, Tom Raudonikis proved an inspirational skipper.
British coach, Jim Challenor was gracious in defeat.
“Little has gone right this week with injuries and training, but you cannot take away anything from Australia. They were far superior all round,” Challenor said.
Injured Australian captain-coach, Graeme Langlands accepted the Ashes Trophy from Rugby Football League chairman, Ron Simpson.
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