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West Indies 1959 UK tour was one of unique soccer history

Nov 27, 2010 Sports

Dear Editor,
The first time footballers from the West Indies traveled abroad and played together in one team was August 1959 when the Patrick Gomez led side toured the United Kingdom. The historical West Indies squad included players from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and British Guiana.
Managed and coached by Eric James and Noel Pouchet the Caribbean side contested 18 matches losing 14 and winning 4. The highlight of the tour was the International against Britain at Ipswitch which the host won 7-2. Jamaican Owen Parkes scored both goals for the Caribbean side. The tourist’s also suffered loses to Cornwall County 0-1, the goal scorer was 17 year-old Johnny Brown who at the time had a one month try out with Arsenal. They lost the second Cornwall match 2-1 G. Logan and W. Goody scored for the winners while Barbadian Reggie Haynes netted for the losers.
Against Isthmian League at Dulwich they lost 3-1. Goal Scorers Linsay, Trott and Trimby while Trinidadian Ronald Gray netted for the West Indies. Facing Spalding United the West Indies team won 3-0, goal scorers were Owen Parkes, Ken East and Reggie Haynes. Versus Wisbech Town Patrick Gomez’ men lost 5-4. Goal scorers for the West Indies side were Owen Parkes (2) with Compton Julian of British Guiana and Ronald Gray one apiece.
Playing against Kingslynn at Norfolk the Caribbean side lost 3-1, goal scorers were Dickinson (2) and Luke 1 for the winners, while Jamaican Owen Parkes netted for the losers.
They beat Ely City 2-1 with goals from Reggie Haynes and Alvin Corneal, while Hopkins netted the lone Ely City goal. The Caribbean side suffered a heavy loss, 11-1, to Crystal Palace; goal scorers were Tom Barnett 4, Ray Colfar 3, Gerard Priestly 2, Roy Summersby 1 and Noakes 1. Noakes also scored an own goal.
The WI side beat Barking at Essex 2-1 goal scorers for the Caribbean team were Alvin Corneal and Reggie Haynes, while Harrison netted for Barkings. They lost 3-1 to Pegasus at Oxford, Jamaican Ken East netted for the Caribbean side. The West Indies team also won against the New Market team.
The historical touring squad to the United Kingdom in August 1959 was:
Patrick Gomez – Captain, Ronald Gray, Tyrone Dela Bastide, Willie Rodrigues, Doyle Griffith, Alvin Corneal, Errol Aleong, Hubert Braithwaite, George Greene, Monty Hope, Compton Julian, Anthony Hill, Ken East, Owen Parkes, Karl Largie, Cax Baptiste, Walter Chevannes, Noel Daniel, Reggie Haynes, Sid Bartlett, Lionel Leggard. Noel Puchet (Coach), Eric James (Manager).
The team’s journey to the United Kingdom was via the MV Williamstad.
This article is specially dedicated to Compton Julian who alone with George Greene Hubert Braithwaite and the late Monty Hope were the British Guiana players on that historical tour.
Julian was outstanding during the first part of the tour before a leg injury sidelined him for the remaining matches. For the records, this former YMCA and Thomas United Stalwart is in need of urgent national attention, Julian could be seen resting on the Bleachers at the Parade Ground and was once a guest at the Salvation Army.
Could the GFF or the Ministry of Sports arrange a benefit match for this great son of the soil? s
Charwayne Walker

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