Rick Wilson

Rick Wilson of the Old Waconians played against the touring Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (USA) lacrosse team three times in 1948. A prolific goalscorer, he played for both the North of England and Lancashire against them, and then at Wembley Stadium in the Olympics, played at first home in the 5-5 draw. In 1951, Wilson played for England in the prestigious match against Lord Robinson’s XII. Later that year, Wilson moved south and joined Purley, and in 1952, after many years as the regular choice as first home for The North, he played for The South in the annual fixture. He also helped Purley win the Senior Flags for the first time, although they were beaten in the Iroquois Cup by Wilson’s old team, Old Waconians.

Wilson was born in Cheetham Hill, Manchester and acquired the nickname “Rick” or “Ricky” in his youth during his time in Scouts. In addition to lacrosse, he also played cricket during his six years at Cheadle Hulme School from 1933 to 1939. He later attended Manchester University from 1939 to 1942 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering. He was a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE) and spent most of his career working for the government in the capacity of a civil engineer, also spending time in Germany and Cyprus in his profession. He also served with the Royal Engineers during World War II. Upon his retirement in 1982 he moved to Great Barton, Suffolk where he remained until his death in 2017.