Sammy Guillen

Who was Sammy Guillen?

Simpson Clairmonte Guillen was one of the few men to have played Test cricket for two countries. He played five Tests for the West Indies and three for New Zealand in the 1950s, one of which was the New Zealand team's first victory, over the West Indies.

Guillen held the further rare distinction of also playing in the final of New Zealand's premier association football competition, the Chatham Cup, gaining a runners-up medal for Western AFC in 1954. Unsurprisingly for a wicket-keeper, his position in the Western side was goalkeeper.

Born 24 September 1924 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Guillen came from a family of cricketers which include: Victor Guillen, Noel Guillen, Jeffrey Guillen, Charles Guillen and Justin Guillen, an up-and-coming all-rounder who seems destined to follow his Great Uncle Simpson's footsteps. His grandson Logan van Beek plays for the Canterbury Wizards in cricket and for the Christchurch Cougars in the NBL. Internationally, he represents the Netherlands in cricket.