WHERE: Craven Park.

WHEN: November 16, 1967.

AUSTRALIA have always carried a fearsome reputation with them wherever they go, but while they battle to retain their hold on the Rugby League World Cup on Saturday, it is just over half-a-century since Barrow showed themselves to be their equals – for one night at least.

It was the goal-kicking of Eddie Tees and Tom Brophy which helped the hosts earn a 10-10 draw against the Kangaroos on their 1967 tour of Great Britain and France, which would culminate in them winning the Ashes and go on to World Cup glory the following year.

Indeed, they could have even won it had a penalty effort from full-back Tees not rebounded back off the posts, but the draw was arguably just as creditable given the Shipbuilders had found themselves 10-2 down after 25 minutes against an Australia team featuring seven Test stars.

The Australians came into the Thursday evening encounter with the Test series against Great Britain finely poised at 1-1, and having secured back-to-back victories over Oldham and Widnes in their latest tour matches.

Preparations for the clash with Barrow suffered a setback when they were denied permission to train at Keswick Rugby Union Club ahead of the match – a sign of the enmity which existed between the two codes at the time.

This did not prove too much of a hindrance to the tourists though, but the home side would have been quite happy to take any advantage they could get as they sought to take only their third win over Australia, the last of which had come in 1959.

In the end, Barrow could not quite manage to overcome the team skippered by Paul Gallagher, although after 25 minutes few in attendance would have expected anything other than a loss for the team.

A drop-goal from John Gleeson put the Kangaroos ahead after fine tackles from Tees halted Ron Coote and then Ken Irvine in their tracks.

Then, after the Barrow full-back had hit the posts from a penalty following a scrum infringement, loose forward Coote darted through for Australia's first try.

Tees did not miss his next chance from a 14th-minute penalty, although a missed drop-goal attempt from Gleeson led to the tourists moving further in front after the ball hit a home player and was eventually moved out to Elwyn Walters for a try which was converted by Irvine.

Two penalties within the space of five minutes early in the second half from Tees narrowed the deficit though, and when Brophy landed a drop-goal in the 56th minute the gap was now just two points.

Tees kept up his form with the boot to draw the Shipbuilders level eight minutes from time after referee G. Wilson had penalised the Australians for being offside, a kick which was greeted by “a terrific roar” according to the Evening Mail 's match report.

Rugby union convert Brophy had a chance to snatch victory for Barrow late on, only to see his drop-goal attempt blocked. Meanwhile, some tenacious defence from the hosts meant Australia were unable to add to their tally and it ended honours even.