Description

75 numbered and signed copies in a hardback casebound book, A4 size with 91 colour silk 115GSM pages.

There is a table of contents, bibliography, index, 39 illustrations, and 129 endnotes supporting much primary source research

In addition to telling the story of a magnificent cricket trophy and associated competition, it features a large biography of Mullagh (20 pages), plus the first ever biography of Bullocky (1868 tour) and Frank Allan (1878 tour). The competition, which ran from 1875 to 1882 in Western Victoria gave Mullagh the opportunity of competing again, alongside his best friend, Bullocky, Test player Allan, and may wealthy colonials who loved the game, including a son of Charles Dickens. Everyone was equal on the playing field and the two aboriginal cricketers were given money and provisions for their services, plus transportation to and from the games. The competition started out as an attempt to improve the standard of cricket by offering a grand trophy to encourage the local players to better themselves and win it for their town. It morphed over time, as key towns brought in better players, probably with the incentive of money. There were arguments and boycotts, and after eight years the competition finished because Harrow, with help from players living in other towns, won the trophy by being undefeated for three consecutive years. Mullagh was the champion batsman and he played for his local town, Harrow. After many years being lost to the public, the trophy was kindly donated to the Harrow Historical Society in 1977, so fortunately it can still be admired by the visiting public today. Strangely enough, the story of this trophy and competition has never been told, until now.

This book is being launched on 7 March at the Harrow Discovery Centre during the annual Johnny Mullagh Championship Cup.