Mike Gilbert.. All Black from Greymouth,(2nd from L in top row) ..came to New Zealand as a small boy. He distinguished himself on the trip out, helping a sailor making rope quoits. As the quoits were finished two year old Mike threw them overboard. The family settled in Westport where Mike, aged 19, playing for the Old Boys club, represented Buller as a midfield back in 1930 and also played for West Coast-Buller against the British Isles. A Post Office employee, Mike was transferred to Greymouth but believes that local Member of Parliament Harry Holland had the transfer held up to allow him to help Buller defend the Seddon Shield. After playing in All Black trials in 1934 and 1935 Gilbert was the only fullback selected for the 1935/6 All Blacks British tour. He was one of the great tour successes, playing in 27 of the 30 matches, including all four tests, and with 125 points leading the points scoring. Born..1 March 1911 in Scotland. Died.. 13 February 2002 in Upper Hutt.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 07:35:26 +0000
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