Terence George Locker grew up in London and among his skills was an ability to draw cartoons. Suitably impressed, his pals called him Mick, after Mickey Mouse.
On the football field, while he was not big in stature, he commanded his penalty area with clear calling, good hands, a prodigious leap and considerable courage.
And when it came to reflex saves, he sometimes defied belief.
None of that is surprising, considering his childhood friends included Jimmy Greaves, one of England’s greatest goalscorers. Who better to practise with?
When he arrived in Gisborne, Locker brought with him a dedication to fitness and knowledge of training specific to goalkeepers. It all translated to some spectacular saves in crucial matches.
After a 2-0 defeat in their first game — against Kiwi United in Palmerston North — Eastern Union were undefeated for the rest of the 1967 Central Districts League programme, and Locker’s performances in goal were a major factor.
In 1969 he was goalkeeper for the Central League team who played a Northern League selection at Childers Road Reserve as part of the Cook Bicentennial celebrations.
Injury curtailed his career, but he did run a marathon before it became fashionable, and he enjoyed training others.
Police detective and Thistle footballer Steve Dimery had a late-blooming sprint career under his guidance, and Locker helped knock Kevin Fallon’s Gisborne City players into shape in pre-season training. He also coached Gisborne United for a spell.
In latter years his mobility was impaired . He had a knee fused straight to ease the pain of old injuries, but he still exercised to keep fit.
For the past five years, Locker — who was also a loved father and grandfather — enjoyed the quiet life at Beetham Healthcare.
eastern league football
In local football last weekend, Gizzy Bobcat Services Thistle had key players unavailable on the one day they needed them most.
They lost 7-1 to High School Old Boys, who made their intentions known by scoring twice in the opening 10 minutes.
The outcome was obvious by halftime, although Thistle striker Felix Burns — who hadn’t played football since primary school before this year — continued his development by scoring in the second half.
I’m told HSOB co-coach Matt McFatter scored a screamer. Others to score for the newcomers in Eastern League 2 were Aubrey Yates, Caleb Craig, Matt Miller (2) and Willie Garrett (2).
Dylan Goldsmith was named HSOB man of the match for his play and all-round sportsmanship.
Thistle’s best were goalkeeper Kieran Grealish, centreback Brad Hill, midfielder Kane Stirton and left-winger Matt Feisst, who was plucked from the sideline to play the first half.
In the first division, standout results were Thistle Vintage’s 3-2 victory over Coates Associates Wainui Demons, and Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United’s 4-3 win against Thistle Youth.
Vintage’s win was their first this season. They started the competition with three draws and last week had their first loss, a 6-1 shellacking by United Firsts.
Player-coach Geoff Griffin said Vintage were 2-0 down against Demons within 15 minutes of the start on Saturday.
Thirty minutes in they were awarded a penalty, and defender Sam Dalcom — who’d made it known he’d fancy a crack from the penalty spot — took the kick.
Demons keeper Jacob Moorcroft saved it, but the referee ruled a Demons player had encroached into the penalty area before the ball was struck.
Dalcom scored with the retake.
In the second half, Vintage had another penalty and Dalcom stepped up again. This time Moorcroft’s save was allowed to stand.
However, goals by Dave Raggett, five minutes after halftime, and Feisst, 10 minutes later, were enough to give Vintage all three points.
Keeper Mark Baple was Vintage man of the match for a string of wonder-saves, while Feisst (in his second game of the day), Raggett (returning from injury) and first-team youngsters Cory Thomson and Andre Baple put in good shifts.
For Demons, Manaaki Terekia scored a long-range beauty, Kaleb Jacobs looked dangerous up front, Jarom Brouwer was always a threat from deep and keeper Moorcroft played out of his skin.
Tomorrow, ALH Gisborne Thistle have a Federation League bye, making it three Saturdays in a row without a game. Covid cases forced a postponement two weeks ago, and last weekend was set aside for Chatham Cup games.
On the local scene, two club derbies at 2.30pm look interesting in Eastern League 1. Wainui teams Sharks and Salty Dogs do battle on home turf, while Thistle Firsts and Vintage play in front of the clubrooms at Childers Road Reserve.
Local football results —
Eastern League 1: 1st Class Decorators Wainui Salty Dogs 1 Property Brokers Thistle Firsts 5, Sunshine Brewing Wainui Sharks 13 QRS Wairoa Athletic 0, Thistle Vintage 3 Coates Associates Wainui Demons 2, Thistle Youth 3 Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United 4.
Eastern League 2: Tatapouri Bohemians 2 Ngatapa Brandt Silkies 2, HES United Seconds 2 Neighbourhood Pizzeria Wainui Sandbar 2, Tumu Thistle 0 Smash Palace Shockers 3, Gizzy Bobcat Services 1 High School Old Boys 7.
