Bermuda has lost another ex-footballer who graced local grounds with his talents from the early 1940s to the late 1950s while playing for Pembroke Juniors and the old BMA Select who competed for the Governor's Cup.

Crowther (Gorpher) Wilson died last week at the age of 83.

Wilson established himself as one of the best left wingers in the game while playing for Juniors but was also recognised by the BMA who took the BVRC in 1942 and 1943.

A speedy player with a lethal left foot, Wilson often left the opposition's defence in disarray. He was particularly dangerous with team-mate George (Tootaloo) Francis who always played alongside him at the old inside-left position.

Sports historian Warrington (Soup) Zuill remembers Wilson well, recollecting how the player wore a hankerchief around his head similar to Marathon Derby legend 'Sir' Stanley Burgess.

"He was certainly a great player, spending many years with that great Pembroke Juniors team which was top rated in the Island back in those early days," said Zuill.

"He was a member of the BMA who played against the BVRC for the Governor's Cup in 1942 and 1943. The first game was drawn 1-1 and the BMA won the second by a 3-1 margin. Others in the team were Dennis (Bull) Bean, Rubuen Alias, Ferdinand Swainson, Andy Smith and Leroy (Tubby) Richardson.

Wilson then went on to establish himself as key player with the mighty Juniors, joining Francis on the left side.

Among other highly respected players in the line-up were Chitts Simmons, David (Chippo) Agustus, Ralph Mallory, Charles (Case) Ford, Lionel Bassett and a young Glenn (Gappa) Wade, who eventully moved on Dock Hill Rangers team.

"Wilson was a very strong player on the left, teaming up well with George (Tootaloo) Francis who was the penalty specialist for the team. The duo acts of these probing forwards proved to be a nightmare for defences during those days who could seldom come up with a solution to curb the tormenting raids of the pair," continued Zuill.

"In addition to his fearless runs at the defence, Wilson was recognised for his ability to strike the ball with aggression. I can envision him now running deep into the opponents' half and unleashing one of those missiles while wearing those old-time boots with the big round toe. You really knew that the ball was hit during those times."

Zuill also recounted what he regarded as an historic moment in local football while Wilson was playing for Juniors in an FA Cup against St. George's Colts in a quarter-final at Garrison Field in the 1957-58 season.

"I remember it so vividly. The game was tied 1-1 with very little time remaining. The referee, Cork Seymour who was also a committee member of the Juniors, gave a hotly disputed penalty and all hell broke out with a fracas taking place. The Juniors won the contest 2-1 thanks to another penalty by Francis.

"But they needed the help of the car lights to get the game finished and we regard this as being the first game played under lights in the Island. Believe it or not the game was only able to conclude after these lights were switched on."

Wilson was also the oldest gombey drummer at his death, having played with several different groups from North Shore. In recent years he was always recognised as being the most senior performer on the Island.