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THE SPIRIT RETURNS TO HARROW
- Anthony telf@outlook.com.au
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Cricket. Culture. Camaraderie. & Costa.
1–3 May 2026 | Harrow, Country Victoria
There are cricket tours… and then there are journeys that change the way you see the game.
In May 2026, the Spirit of Cricket proudly returns to Harrow, Victoria for the 2nd staging of the Spirit of Cricket Mullagh Cup, a weekend that blends high-quality cricket with powerful history, deep cultural connection, country hospitality, and unforgettable music.
This is more than a fixture list. This is the Spirit of Cricket Tour of Harrow.
Walk Where History Was Made
In 1868, long before Australia had an official national team, a group of 13 Aboriginal cricketers from Western Victoria changed sporting history forever. They became the first Australian cricket team to tour England, playing 47 matches in six months, earning admiration for their skill, athleticism, and resilience in the face of extraordinary barriers.
At the heart of that story stands Johnny Mullagh (Unaarrimin), Harrow’s own hero. An exceptional all-rounder, Mullagh played 45 matches on that historic tour, scoring over 1,600 runs and taking 245 wickets. His brilliance earned him international acclaim and a legacy that lives on today through the Johnny Mullagh Medal, awarded annually to the best player in Australia’s Boxing Day Test.
In Harrow, this story isn’t read from a page, it’s felt.
The Mullagh Cup Experience
From Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd May 2026, players and partners will immerse themselves in a weekend that celebrates everything cricket is meant to represent.
On the Field
4 x T20 matches per team
Played across Mullagh Oval and nearby Pigeon Ponds Oval
Friendly but fiercely proud cricket, played in the right spirit
Limited to 48 players (4 teams) to ensure quality and connection
"I’m also thrilled that we’ll be among the first to play on the new astro turf wicket currently being installed at the historic Mullagh Oval. It’s a wonderful investment in the future of the ground while honouring its past, and there’s something incredibly symbolic about modern cricketers walking out onto a new surface at a venue so deeply connected to the game’s origins."
Anthony Telfer, Spirit of Cricket
Off the Field
Lunch provided on Saturday and Sunday
Spirit of Cricket Polo, Cap & Hoodie included
Saturday Night Dinner at the iconic Hermitage Hotel
Country hospitality at its absolute best
Culture. Discovery. Connection.
This tour is deeply rooted in place and story.
Guided cultural discovery at the Harrow Discovery Centre
Explore key historical sites connected to the 1868 tour
Learn the true legacy behind the Johnny Mullagh Medal
Share stories, laughs, and reflection with like-minded cricketers and partners
It’s an immersive experience that connects past, present, and future and reminds us why the Spirit of Cricket matters.
Saturday Night: When the Spirit Comes Alive
Saturday night, 2nd May 2026, the weekend reaches its emotional and cultural peak.
Beneath the majestic River Red Gums at the Harrow Discovery Centre, the same iconic location where Shane Howard performed in 2024, Australian country music powerhouse Paul Costa takes centre stage for two hours of world-class entertainment.
PAUL COSTA – THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET
Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
ARIA Country Chart star
People’s Choice Album of the Year (Whisper In The Crowd)
CMC Male Artist of the Year finalist
Paul’s powerful live performance of the Spirit of Cricket Anthem, alongside his chart-topping hits, will deliver a night of music, mateship, storytelling, and soul, a concert that doesn’t just entertain, but connects.
This will be the heartbeat of the weekend.
“Performing in Harrow is something I’m genuinely looking forward to. There’s a powerful sense of history and story in this place, and that aligns perfectly with what the Spirit of Cricket is all about. When I wrote the Spirit of Cricket Anthem in 2024, it was about respect, mateship, and the deeper meaning of the game and to now bring that song to life in Harrow, where Johnny Mullagh’s legacy still resonates, is incredibly special.
Playing beneath the River Red Gums at the Harrow Discovery Centre, surrounded by cricketers, families, and the local community, will be a moment I won’t forget. This weekend is about more than a concert, it’s about connection, culture, and celebrating a story that deserves to be heard. I can’t wait to be part of it and share an unforgettable Saturday night with everyone in Harrow.”
Paul Costa.
Who Can Be Part of It?
Cricketers aged 45–65
Teams and individual players welcome
Partners encouraged to attend
Strictly limited to 48 players (4 teams)
Whether you come with a full side or as an individual ready to be placed in a Spirit team, you’ll leave as part of the family.
“This weekend is about welcoming cricketers and their partners to Harrow to experience the untold story of the 1868 Aboriginal cricket team and Johnny Mullagh. Their legacy deserves to be shared, felt, and respected, and the Spirit of Cricket Mullagh Cup allows people to connect with that history in a truly meaningful way. This is more than a tour, it’s a continuation of an important story, and we’re proud to invite players from across Australia and beyond to be part of it in 2026.”
Josie Sangster, Harrow Discovery Centre.
Register Your Interest Now
Once registered, you’ll receive:
Full itinerary
Accommodation options
Total costs per person
This Is More Than a Weekend
This is history, heritage, and high-quality cricket, wrapped into one unforgettable country Victorian experience.
Walk in the footsteps of legends. Play the game the right way. Share stories under the stars.
Be part of the story. Be part of the Spirit.
A Final Word
“The return to Harrow in 2026 is something I’m incredibly proud of and genuinely excited about. What we experienced in 2025 confirmed that Harrow is not just a destination, it’s a heartbeat of Australian cricket history. The feedback from players, partners, and the local community was overwhelming, and it gave us the confidence to expand the event in 2026 with more teams, a deeper cultural experience, and an even stronger celebration of the Spirit of Cricket.
Anthony Telfer – Managing Director, Spirit of Cricket Global
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