PNBHS 1945-1948 – Gordon Club

Bruce was also an all-round sportsman during his time at PNBHS playing both Cricket and Hockey.

From 1945-47 Bruce was part of the 1st XI Hockey. Played in 1945 with his brother Harry who later became an international Hockey Umpire. In the 1946 Palmerstonian, it reads “The best player of the year was Turner who is to be congratulated on being selected in the Manawatu team that challenged for the New Zealand Hockey Shield. In the game against Christchurch Bruce showed great skills and stamina!”

In 1946 Bruce was a member of the Gordon team that beat Albion in the first-ever Mummery Cup. In 1947 Bruce was the vice-Captain of the PNBHS 1st XI Hockey Team. A Palmerstonian article reads “Bruce Turner – Centre half. Stickwork was excellent. Very reliable on defence and powerful on the attack. Manawatu right half.”

Bruce was also a member of the Gordon Swimming and Athletics Relay teams. Part of the Gordon Club Committee 1947/48 and played in the Waldegrave Cup for Gordon who was the winners in 1946.

Bruce also played 2nd XI Cricket in 1946/47 with Erol Brookie and his Highest scores were 98 & 94. In 1948 he played for the 1st XI Cricket and the Palmerstonian reads – “Bruce Turner was developing into the best batsman of the team but unfortunately both he and Noel Harford (who later played for New Zealand) left at the end of the first term.”

After Bruce left school and went on to represent New Zealand at Hockey between 1950-1962. He was selected for the Olympics Games in Melbourne in 1956 and became NZ Olympian 124. He later played Hockey at the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960 as well.

Bruce later became a selector for the 1976 Montreal ‘Gold Medal’ winning NZ Black Sticks team.

Bruce and his brother Harry, a former International Hockey Umpire are both life members of Hockey Manawatu.

It is also worthy to mention that Bruce played 15 first-class cricket matches as an opening batsman for Central Districts between 1952 and 1956. He also represented Manawatu in the Hawke Cup from 1952 to 1968. He later became Patron to Manawatu Cricket Association at the time of his death. He is achievements and support is recognized by the Bruce Turner Pavilion at Fitzherbert Park

Bruce was also inducted into the Manawatu Legend of Sport.