R. G. Wilson: A Tribute

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30191, 24 July 1963, Page 13

R. G. Wilson: A Tribute

r THE death has occurred * in Wellington of R. G. (Don) Wilson who, in periods before and after World War One, played a big part in Albion club and Canterbury representative football. As a member of the Albion club he earned senior status the hard way by playing through the lower grades and in 1910 he was given his first ctiance to play for Canterbury in matches against South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. But it was not until 1920 that he was again called on and in 1921 he won undying fame by playing against South Africa at Lancaster Park in an unforgettable match.

[Bp

J. C. MULLINS]

If memory serves me still, I fancy Don Wilson scored the first of. two tries (the other was by “Jockey” Ford) which enabled Canterbury to beat South Africa by six points to four. It is known that Don Wilson was only brought in at the last moment as an emergency; but what a splendid emergency he proved. He was never a great player but he was solid and did not drop passes, a tribute that can hardly be passed on to the wing three-quarters of today. He was a good man to have on your side at any time; either on the field of play or in an administrative capacity.