The 1937 Auckland Rugby League season was its 29th. Richmond Rovers won their third Fox Memorial title with a 10 win, 1 draw, 3 loss record. At one point they threatened to run away with the title when after nine rounds they had a 4-point lead over their nearest challengers. However a loss to Ponsonby United in round 10, a draw with Manukau in round 12, and a loss to Marist Old Boys in round 13 meant that the title was not decided until the final round. They however beat the wooden spooners Newton Rangers 30âÂÂ9 to secure the title.
After a disappointing 1936 season Marist Old Boys finished third in the Fox Memorial, one point behind Richmond and then went on to win the Roope Rooster knockout competition with wins over Newton Rangers, City Rovers, and Ponsonby United 25âÂÂ10 in the final. They then defeated Richmond Rovers in the Stormont Shield champion of champions match 12âÂÂ5. They were helped significantly by the record breaking point scoring of John Anderson. He scored 154 points through all matches for Marist during the season which was comfortably the most in Auckland Rugby League club history with only Bill Davidson (116) in 1922, and Frank Delgrosso (108) in 1929 even passing the 100 point mark.
North Shore Albions won the Phelan Shield after being knocked out of the Roope Rooster competition in the first round. They beat Richmond, Manukau and then Mount Albert in the final 22âÂÂ18. Richmond won the reserve grade title (Norton Cup). Marist won the reserve grade knockout competition (Stallard Cup) by defeating Ponsonby 22âÂÂ5 in the final.
The 9 team Senior B grade was won once again by Papakura who finished with a 14 win, 1 loss record to lead the trailing Point Chevalier who finished with 11 wins and 3 losses. Papakura also won the knockout competition when they defeated Green Lane 19âÂÂ7 in the final.
The representative season saw Auckland beat Auckland MÃÂori 24âÂÂ14, followed by wins on the same day over South Auckland (Waikato) 26âÂÂ12, and Taranaki (27âÂÂ10), though two separate teams were obviously used. At the end of the season an injury depleted Auckland side lost to a very strong New Zealand MÃÂori team 43âÂÂ21. The New Zealand MÃÂori side had earlier defeated the touring Australian side and included George NÃÂpia. The Auckland MÃÂori side played two matches, aside from their game against Auckland, against Waikato MÃÂori and North Auckland MÃÂori. They won the matches 28-6 and 37-3 respectively.
There were 104 club teams across 10 grades in the 1937 season.
The 27th annual meeting was held on April 5 with John A. Lee speaking at length as president about the importance of sport for the health of men and women. He went on to say âÂÂyou know I consider that all the defeats, or rather, disabilities, this code has had, and had overcome, have welded it strongly... we like the other game, and good fellows we know are playing it, but we think and know our game is better. In other words, we like the other game, Rugby Union, but we like our own game best. It may be an offshoot. I suppose it is a case of the juvenile being better than the parent (Applause). Anyhow, we think our game is improved, livened up, harder and faster, and it has a tempo more in keeping with our time...â The meeting made reference to the passing of John Stormont, A. Cowan, Dr. Tracy Inglis from the previous year. The balance sheet showed gate receipts for club matches were ã3584 5/ which was an increase of ã769 15/9 as compared to 1934, and ã285 12/ compared with 1935. Grants made to clubs from gate percentages totalled ã658 18/1, which was an increase of 20 percent over 1935. The following officers were elected:-patron, Mr. J. B. Donald; vice patron, Mr. J.F.W. Dickson; president, hon. John A. Lee; vice presidents, Messrs. E. Davis, R.D. Bagnall, R. Benson, J. Bellamy, O. Blackwood, J. Donald, C. Drysdale, H. Grange, R.J. Laird, W.J. Lovett, E. Morton, E. Montgomery, T.G. Symonds, Joe Sayegh, C. Seagar, F.W. Schramm, M.P., W. Wallace, H. Walmsley, R.H. Wood, G.T. Wright and H.W. Brien; trustees, Messrs. J.W. Probert and Jim Rukutai (re-elected), and T. Davis and F.T. McAneny as new members; junior delegate, Mr. D. Wilkie; referees delegate, Mr. W. Mincham. A Stormont was succeeding his father as a trustee.
The Board of Control met in early April with the chairman Mr. G. Grey Campbell welcoming new members Messrs. Davis and McAneny. Ivan Culpan and J.E. Knowling were re-elected honorary secretary and honorary treasurer respectively. Mr. R. Doble was re-elected delegate on the New Zealand Rugby League Council and Press steward; auditor, Mr. R.A. Spinley; honorary solicitor, Mr. H.M. Rogerson; honorary physicians, Drs. M.G. Pezaro, F.J. Gwynne, K.H. Holdgate, J.H. Waddell, G.W. Lock, H. Burrell, and S. Morris; honorary masseur, Mr. F. Flanagan: time keepers, Messrs. T. Hill, and A.E. Chapman. The following were appointed to committees:- Insurance, Messrs. Doble, Davis, and Wilkie; Accounts, Messrs. Knowling, J.W. Probert and F.T. McAneny; Emergency, chairman and any three members of the board. It was decided that the season would begin on April 17 when a preliminary round of two Saturdays will be started and a night match may be arranged with the championship officially opening on May 1. Senior team nominations would be dealt with on April 14.
On May 11 the Auckland Rugby League held a Coronation dance at the Peter Pan venue. Over 800 people attended with music being supplied by Theo Walter's Band.
At the control board meeting on April 14 it was decided to appoint Hec Brisbane as the sole Auckland selector for the season. Brisbane was a former New Zealand international (50 matches including 10 tests), Auckland representative (14 matches from 1923 to 1933), and who had played for and captained Marist Old Boys from 1923 to 1934 in 156 matches.
In August the Australian side played two tests against New Zealand and another midweek match against New Zealand MÃÂori. All three matches were played at Carlaw Park. New Zealand lost the first test 12âÂÂ8, before winning the second test 16-15 while New Zealand MÃÂori defeated Australia 16âÂÂ5. Following the matches Ernie Asher, on behalf of the MÃÂori Control Board presented the ARL committee with a framed photograph of the team. Chairman Mr. G. Grey Campbell âÂÂpointed out that the victory was a historic event in league historyâÂÂ. St. George cabled the ARL on September 2 requesting the opportunity to tour for three matches at some point on or after September 18 however the ARL regrettedly declined as it had been a long season and the national side had already played matches in Auckland. They had also offered to have Frank Burge the former international forward coach the Auckland team for two weeks whilst here.
The same teams as 1936 all nominated sides to compete in the Fox Memorial championship once again. The ARL decided to play two preliminary rounds in mid and late April before commencing the season proper on May 1. Prior to the opening round of preliminary games the Auckland Star wrote: Manukau, with a pack averaging over 14st per man, will include âÂÂLogan, the Central Hawke's Bay representative five eighths. Their challenge will be met confidently by Richmond, who recently teamed brilliantly in the trial at Morningside, where the new forwards, Jack McLeod, the Taranaki representative, and George Mitchell, of Wairarapa, were conspicuous. Ponsonby, now coached by R. McIntyre, the ex-Ponsonby and Auckland representative, are in the best of trim for their battle with Mount Albert, and the teams may provide a surprise or two. Newton will miss Ted Brimble, who is at present in hospital, but the back division will include their promising centre, Frederick Sissons, with Dempsey as custodian. The team is being coached by George Morman, who captained the Rangers when they won the championship in 1927... Marists will present a powerful vanguard against City. The Rovers will have the services of moody, a big Bay of Plenty forward from Taneatua, and Potier, the South Auckland representative halfback, among several other alterations. Three Navy players, Fitzgerald, at centre, and Donaldson and Boyle, forwards, will appear for the green and goldsâÂÂ. The New Zealand Herald reported that âÂÂRichmond will be considerably strengthened by A. E. Cooke, the international, who retired last season, but has decided to play again. Manukau will field practically the same side as that last year, Hemi, Pickrang, and Brodrick all being available. It is doubtful whether Trevarthan, who is at present in the south, will turn outâÂÂ.
After the first weekend of preliminary games the New Zealand Herald wrote a lengthy article on the personnel in each side. Manukau fielded âÂÂthe same team as that last year. Its forwards included Jack Brodrick, Len Kawe, George (Tiki) Whye, Angus Gault, and new players Phillips and Meredith, a hooker... Puti Tipene (Steve) Watene will again lead the team... however, he may play in the forwardsâÂÂ. Jack Hemi appeared to have recovered from his leg injury of late last season, while Shalfoon, a newcomer to the team, showed a fine burst of speed on the wing. Hollis is a rugged type of five-eighths, and should get plenty of opportunities from Peter Mahima, who will be the other halfbackâÂÂ. Other backs include Jack (Joe) Broughton, an ex-Wairarapa representative three quarter. Richmond would field Jack Satherley at hooker, with Bill Telford, Harold Tetley, and Alf Broadhead in the side with Maurice Metcalfe showing good form with Leo Davis being another promising forward. Noel Bickerton and Roy Powell would be in the halves once again.
Marist had promoted a promising junior, Phil Donovan who was clever on attack. Benny Crocker was new at half back with Bill Glover again at fullback. Reginald Haslam was again in the side, with Fitzgerald, Clive Murdoch, and John Bakalich in the backs. Their forwards would be made up of John Anderson, Bill Breed, Kenneth Finlayson, and McGreal, along with Boyle and Donaldson who had been with the navy ship H.M.S. Philomel. Mount Albert had appeared to be the fittest looking team after the preliminary matches and would have a strong forward pack. Clarrie Petersen, a Hawke's Bay forward who was with Mount Albert had transferred to Ponsonby with his place being filled by Cliff Satherley of Richmond. Martin Hansen had been promoted from the 3rd grade side and Des Herring, Richard Shadbolt, Noel Bickerton, and Charles Allen were all available. The backs would like be made up of Ray Halsey, Wilf Hassan, and the three Schultz brothers (Len, Bill, and John).
The City Rovers side had lost Lou Brown but had gained Joseph Hapi. J. Hutchinson had been promoted from 3rd grade while Lynch joined the side from Matamata. Other backs included William McLaughlin, Jack Tawhai, and Jackie Rata with Cyril Wiberg at fullback. The forwards would include Carl Spiro, Johnson, McCarthy, and Moody (a rugby recruit). Tai Raymond from Poverty Bay was in the forwards, while J. Webner from the Addington club in Christchurch had also joined the side. For North Shore Albions, Vaninovich and Ivor Stirling had joined the side and looked promising. Jack Smith was a promoted junior who was fast and clever. Len Scott and Verdun Scott would be on the wings with Cowan at halfback. The forwards would be light, but very experienced consisted of Hugh Simpson, Horace Hunt, Reg Hollows, E (Ted) Scott, Rogers, and Barnett.
Newton were said to be the weakest looking of all the sides and had not trained well. Claude Dempsey, Frederick Sissons, Pat Young, and Ted Brimble were all still in the side. The forwards would include Ellis, W Cairns, Proctor, Surtees, Beatty, and Joseph Ginders. Ponsonby would be fielding a young side. They were rumoured to be losing Brian Riley but he did ultimately play for them again. Miles was available at full back with Black at half back. Walter Stockley, Arthur Kay, Frank Halloran, and R.O. Jones were all said to be playing again. New forwards included Dan Keane, Blackman, and Eade.
On June 8 it was reported in the New Zealand Herald that All Black and Hawke's Bay rugby representative Hawea Mataira was joining the City Rovers. He was a forward and had represented the All Blacks on their Australian tour in 1934. He also toured Australia with the MÃÂori All Blacks in 1935 under the captaincy of George NÃÂpia.
On June 19 six of the Auckland senior sides travelled throughout the North Island to play various local sides. Carlaw Park was unavailable that weekend as the ARL had made it available for the second soccer test match. Ponsonby travelled to Wellington, North Shore to Huntly, Mount Albert to New Plymouth, Marist to Whangarei, Manukau to Taneatua in the Bay of Plenty, and City to Tokaanu to play Taupo. The match between Taupo and City at Tokaanu was the first ever match of either oval ball code in the area. The referee A McIntosh has to explain the play the ball rule to the local side. After the game the City side was entertained at the local pa and it was said that the dinner provided "would be remembered by the players for a long time".
At the annual meeting for the Papakura club Mr. A. Wilkie (chairman of the ARL Junior Board) said he âÂÂdeplored the lack of good competition in the senior B grade last season...[and that] this had been the matter of serious consideration during the recess and the Junior Board had recommended to the Auckland league that the second grade be abolished. This would bring about ten teams into the senior B grade and tend to make the competition far more interesting in the coming seasonâÂÂ. It was ultimately decided that the Senior B and 2nd Grades would be âÂÂamalgamated in order to increase competition between the open-weight gradesâÂÂ.
Mr. Harold Walmsley donated a trophy in memory of James Carlaw which consisted of âÂÂinlaid New Zealand woods on three tiers with the pioneer administrator's photograph inset in the top square it is surmounted by goal posts and a silver football. The trophy was to be dedicated to the annual representative Pakeha â MÃÂori match.
At the control board meeting on March 17 it was reported that further improvements of the terraces at Carlaw Park were being carried out âÂÂfor the convenience of patronsâÂÂ. The terraces were âÂÂbitumised during the summer monthsâÂÂ. At the time of the opening round it was reported that the league proposed to pad the entire length of the picket fence along the side line which ran on the city side of the field to prevent injury. Following the round 3 matches the grounds committee reported that the No. 2 ground was in âÂÂbad condition, and it was desirable to give the area some relief if possibleâÂÂ. The control board decided to defer the allocation of the City v Newton, and Marist v Richmond round 4 matches. In mid October it was announced that Carlaw park was to see the installation of floodlighting with a tender having been accepted. Chairman Campbell said âÂÂthe board has been considering the question of night football for some time past... and we desire to make the ground a more attractive centre where athletic sports, boxing, wrestling, band contests and other attractions may be staged to the best advantageâÂÂ. The introduction of the lighting would mean that four steel towers would need to be erected to âÂÂcarry the clusters of fittings for the lightsâÂÂ. The work would take about two months to complete but would not interfere with the use of the park for public gatherings.
At an October meeting of the control board Mr. Culpan reported that a special South African grass which had been recommended by Mr. P. W. Day, manager of the Springboks, âÂÂhad already been tried with success at Carlaw Park. The new grass was proving efficacious on bad parts of the playing areas.
At their annual club meeting on March 17 there was discussion of the name of the Devonport United club. âÂÂOwing to the district restriction implied by the name âÂÂDevonportâÂÂ, and the fact that the team was always called âÂÂShoreâÂÂ, Mr. H. Mann was supported in a proposal for a reversion to the club's old name, North Shore Albion Rugby League ClubâÂÂ. The name of Devonport United had been adopted when North Shore Albions merged with the Sunnyside club many years earlier and the Sunnyside members refused to accept the name of North Shore. The motion to change the name back to North Shore Albions was adopted.
In 1936 the Otahuhu Borough Council had controversially granted exclusive use of Sturges Park to the Otahuhu Rugby Club despite strong protests from Auckland Rugby League via multiple delegations to speak to the council. Then in 1937 when the issue was being revisited the Auckland Rugby League submitted a tender where they would pay ã30 per annum, plus give 33.33% of gross takings on match days minus costs and guaranteed a minimum payment of ã55 a season. They would play at least four senior A matches and 12 senior B matches there with other first class junior matches. The Otahuhu Rugby Club tender was the same as the previous year which was a 20 percent share of the gate with a guarantee to play 12 senior games. The council had anticipated this would net ã75 the previous year but it had not and the poor weather was said to be to blame. The council who included Mayor Charles Robert Petrie and was in fact the Otahuhu RL club's patron, heard the tenders and then spent 15 minutes in special committee before deciding that they âÂÂhad no option but to renew the lease with the rugby union according to last year's agreementâ with legal advice confirming this opinion. Sturges Park was then leased to the Rugby Union for a period of five years.
In late July Northcote and Birkenhead complained in a letter to the ARL about the state of Grey Lynn Park after arriving to play Richmond. The letter said that they had feared they had arrived at the wrong place and instead had arrived in an area âÂÂreputed for bovine aromas and mudflatsâÂÂ. It was said to be âÂÂa sea of mud, eight or nine inches deep in some places, and the smell had to be experienced to be appreciatedâÂÂ. The letter went on to say that they âÂÂhoped that no further games be allotted to Grey Lynn Park until the city fathers install a drainage systemâÂÂ. The league decided not to arrange for any more matches at the park until it was in a proper condition for play.
Following round 9 the ARL decided to rework the draw because Richmond was comfortably first (by four points with five matches to play) and they may be able to conclude the competition early.
At the ARL meeting on October 6 Wally Tittleton of the Richmond club was announced as being awarded a special trophy for the outstanding senior grade player. The award was made by the donor Mr. J.F.W. Dickson and was for consistently good play throughout the season. Tittleton had also won selection for Auckland and New Zealand during the year.
President of New Zealand Rugby League, Cyril Snedden donated a special trophy to John Anderson who registered a total of 148 points (or 154 according to the other report) and E. Bennett of Takapuna gave Jack Smith a trophy for scoring 132 points. It was said in an article later that he had scored 162 points. Though this would likely also include Auckland matches.
Ponsonby were being coached by R. McIntyre a former player while Newton's coach was George Morman who captained the side when they won the 1927 championship. Ted Brimble was unavailable as he was in hospital. Jack McLeod had moved to Auckland from Taranaki and made his debut for Richmond. He was selected for New Zealand later in the season. Manukau could have beaten Richmond but made a lot of changes at halftime including taking off their captain, Steve Watene and moving Jack Hemi to fullback. Hemi kicked a 40-yard drop goal in the first half which "thrilled the crowd" and then in the second half he kicked another from near halfway. They brought on Logan a five eighth rugby representative from the central Hawkes Bay. Manukau had lost the services of hooker Jack Rutherford and loose forward Frank Pickrang, who had transferred to Ponsonby. They were also without five eighth Thomas Travathan who had left Auckland. Ted Mincham was outstanding for Richmond scoring all three of their tries while George Tittleton kicked brilliantly. They also fielded George Mitchell who had come from the Wairarapa in the forwards. He had represented Manawhenua and Manawatu and was the brother of Alf Mitchell who was Kiwi 238 but had fallen out with the club selectors and had played his final game the previous season before moving to Wellington to live. Wilf Hassan made a reappearance for Mt Albert after a year in retirement. Cliff Satherley from Richmond had joined the Mt Albert forward pack, while Clarrie Petersen had transferred to Ponsonby. Martin Hansen, a junior forward for Mt Albert had been promoted to the top side and looked promising. For North Shore in their easy 34âÂÂ8 win over Newton, Jack Smith made his debut at centre and became a New Zealand representative the following year. Teammate Ivor Stirling also debuted and was selected in the New Zealand side to tour England in 1939. For Newton, halfback Wilfred Brimble "was splendid" though their hooker Joseph Ginders "mishandled badly" and after he went off at halftime his replacement Donald Fraser "looked a possibility" but went off with a twisted ankle. Gordon Midgley debuted for Marist, coming on in the second half of their win on the wing. John Anderson, Marists fast loose forward was up against a fellow former South Island player in Leslie Wehner. City who were captained by the versatile William McLaughin who had debuted for the side in 1927, lost Carl Spiro through injury. City suffered a huge loss with Lou Brown who had led the league in tries scored the previous season resuming his professional career after moving to France to play for Bordeaux.
Bert Schultz of Mount Albert fractured his leg in their match with City. Donald Fraser, a 19 year old Newton player who had debuted the week before was concussed and was also taken to Auckland Hospital. North Shore led Marist 12âÂÂ3 at halftime before Marist took a 15âÂÂ14 lead with ten minutes to go but Len Scott sprinted 40 yards for a try which was converted and then he scored another "opportunist" try which he was famous for which sealed their victory. Bert Cooke led Richmond well at fullback. Their loose forward Alf Broadhead was outstanding scoring three tries. Mt Albert and City drew 11 all. With time almost up Cliff Satherley took a penalty shot from the halfway line which hit the cross bar and rebounded into the field.
Bert Cooke played and was said to be âÂÂsuperlativeâ however he was late tackled and was limping at the end of the game. This was to be his last ever rugby league appearance. He began coaching the North Shore rugby senior side for the remainder of the year. George Mitchell in his debut season was outstanding in the Richmond forwards scoring two tries. Manukau trailed North Shore 12âÂÂ4 at halftime but finished much stronger scoring 15 unanswered points in the second half. Jack Brodrick who was usually a loose forward played on the wing for Manukau and the team erred by trying to take play his way too often. Angus Gault lost a try when he crossed but was pushed over the dead-ball line. Peter Mahima their halfback combined well with Walter Brimble and Jack Hemi in the five eighths positions. Thomas (Tom) Tawhanga Rickit debuted for Manukau in the forwards. He was accidentally killed in Syria on May 13, 1942, during World War 2. Roy Nurse played well on the wing for Ponsonby in his debut season. He would go on to represent New Zealand after World War 2. Arthur Kay scored three tries for Ponsonby playing at centre but was otherwise said to have played poorly, with "faulty" handling and passing to his supports much too early before drawing in the defenders. Cyril Wiberg played a "fine" game at fullback for City and was their best back. Leslie Wehner debuted for City and scored a try. He had transferred from Christchurch where he had played for the Addington club and was a South Island representative. Gordon Midgley who had recently made his senior debut for Marist scored two tries on the wing and showed a lot of pace. Midgley was one of the top junior runners in Auckland in the early to mid 1930s in events ranging from 100 yards to 880 yards regularly finishing in the top few positions in Auckland races.
Frank Thompson refereed his 50th 1st grade match when he had control of the Mt Albert - City match. He became the seventh referee to achieve this feat.
A week after Frank Thompson achieved the feat, Wilfred Simpson became the eighth Auckland Rugby League referee to referee 50 matches between first grade sides when Richmond played City. Carlaw Park was in a terrible state with players said to be sinking several inches into the mud on both fields. For North Shore a former Manukau junior, Jack Zane-Zaninovich scored the winning try on full time. Bill Glover, the normal Marist fullback played at first five eighth with a promoted junior, McLennan playing well at fullback, Marist had led 5âÂÂ3 at halftime before North Shore's late try. Ponsonby used superior tactics in the conditions to beat Manukau. They kept the ball in close and kicked it along the ground a lot forcing many mistakes from the Manukau backs who tried to handle the ball too much. Frank Halloran who became Kiwi 250 later in the year at halfback was played at first five eighth again with the promising D.G. Black at halfback. Halloran and Walter Stockley at second five eighth struggled in the conditions and were said to be too slow passing the ball out. For Richmond, Jack Satherley hooked outstandingly in their 24âÂÂ6 win over City. City's best back was Cyril Wiberg at fullback while Jackie Rata and Jack Tawhai attacked well for the losing side. The Mt Albert game with Newton was played on the number 2 field and Newton was unable to score a point. Their fullback, Frederick Hollis who had only recently joined the side was taken to hospital with a head injury. During the week Mt Albert signed Jack Tristram, a 13.5 stone second row rugby player from the Frankton club in Hamilton who had represented Waikato and was an All Black trialist in 1936. He went on to play five seasons for Mt Albert and represented Auckland in 1941.
The City v Newton match was originally supposed to be played at Carlaw Park but after the number 2 field was declared in a poor state the match was moved to the Glen Eden Recreation Ground in Glen Eden in West Auckland where the Glenora club was based. A "good crowd" witnessed City winning 14âÂÂ0. For City, former Wesley College student Jack Tawhai scored twice with one a "meteoric swerving run from halfway" being the highlight of the match. Ted Brimble who was making his first appearance of the season, and his younger brother Wilfred Brimble along with Pat Young played well in the inside backs, especially in the first half when Newton was the better side but they were unable to finish movements. It was the third consecutive game where Newton had failed to score a single point. Former New Zealand fullback, Claude Dempsey played a solid game on attack and defense for Newton in his regular position. At Carlaw Park in the main match North Shore drew with Ponsonby 8âÂÂ8 with all of North Shore's points coming from kicks including three penalties by 19 year old Jack Smith and a drop goal by fullback George Kerr. Smith would go on to be an outstanding record point scorer for North Shore and represent New Zealand on 11 occasions. Arthur Kay was unable to play for Ponsonby due to an injury and his place at centre was taken by R.O. Jones who played well often beating the defence and defending solidly. D.G. Black at halfback played a "rattling good game", opening up play, making solo efforts, and opening up play for his wingers on the blindside. Clarrie Petersen was the best of the Ponsonby forwards though the New Zealand Herald wrote that "there is no better all-round forward in the Auckland competition than Edgar Morgan. "A very heady player, he was everywhere... he often started movements with the ability of a back, followed up and tackled splendidly while being a tower of strength on defence". Reg Hollows "was the pick of the Shore sextet". Horace Hunt was also playing well until forced from the field with an injury. Mt Albert played an excellent game against last seasons champions Manukau with Richard (Dick) Shadbolt scoring three tries with the last after he "kept pace" with the backs when backing up. He debuted at this level in 1935 and was still playing senior football for them in 1945. Jack Tristram debuted for Mt Albert after his move from Waikato rugby and "proved himself a grafter in his first league game". For Manukau Peter Mahima, Jack Hemi, and Joe Broughton were the best backs. Steve Watene arrived at the ground late and did not take the field until the second half but even his captaincy failed to "rally the side". In Marists heavy 55âÂÂ15 defeat to Richmond on Carlaw Park number 2 they lost Bill Glover and Gordon Midgley to injury and played most of the second half with 11 players. The Auckland Star joking wrote that "the boy who had the job of hoisting the scores... had a very busy day". For Richmond George Mitchell scored three tries, while Jack McLeod scored two, as did Noel Bickerton, and Harold Tetley. The Richmond forwards actually scored nine of their 13 tries. George Tittleton and Ted Mincham each kicked four conversions. In a bizarre moment Owen Wilkie was going in to score a try for Richmond but decided to pass back to the supporting Roy Powell. Instead of placing the ball down he passed it back to Wilkie in an offside position and referee Maurice Wetherill a former New Zealand international ruled a goal line drop out. Law 21 stated that "in case of any law being infringed in in-goal by the attacking side, a touch-down shall be allowed, but where such breach is committed by the defending side, a scrum shall be ordered five yards from the goal-line...". Going by this law the try should have stood.
The match between Richmond and Newton was played at Fowld's Park to raise money for the King George V. Memorial Fund. The game was ceremonially kicked off by the Mayor of Mount Albert, Mr. Henry Albert Anderson. The ground was in a "wretched state" and "heavy in places". Newton threatened an upset when they led 6âÂÂ5 at halftime. For Richmond George Mitchell was "outstanding" in their forwards. The Newton backs, Wilfred Brimble, Ted Brimble, and Pat Young "played very cleverly" while Maurice Quirke hooked very well for them in his first game of the season. He had debuted for Newton in 1933 and his final year with them was 1942 before he spent 1943 with Mt Albert. With the wins to Richmond and Mt Albert it meant they both moved to the top of the standings. For Mt Albert in their 13âÂÂ0 win over North Shore their captain, Len Schultz scored two "fine tries" and "paved the way for another". Future New Zealand hooker Bert Leatherbarrow hooked successfully giving Mt Albert most of the ball from the scrums. J.C. Cowan made a reappearance for North Shore at halfback with Ivor Stirling moving out to first five eighth where he "detracted from an otherwise good performance by too frequently kicking". The Herald said that if he "showed a little more judgment in placing his kicks" he should go on to higher honours. He was "quick off the mark, a straight runner with the ability to vary his play". Two years later Stirling was selected for the New Zealand tour of England. North Shore was missing winger Len Scott who was injured with Bennetts doing well in his place. The game between Ponsonby and Marist was played on a heavy ground. Reginald Haslam of Marist was a key figure in their win. He had been out injured and was in the reserves for his comeback and then came on to replace Phil Donovan who was injured and "at once took a big part in both the attack and defence". Both teams were said to have suffered "an extraordinary crop of minor casualties" and at one stage four players were on the sideline receiving treatment. In the second half Ponsonby winger N. McKinney was sent off for disputing a refereeing decision. Manukau led City by five points with ten minutes to go but a late rally by City saw them draw the match 13-13. City dominated the game territorially but did not take their opportunities. They played Leslie Wehner the former Canterbury forward at hooker and he "gave a promising display". Jack Hemi played at fullback for Manukau after playing in the five eighths recently while his opposing fullback, Cyril Wiberg played a very food game fielding and kicking "splendidly". Peter Mahima, the Manukau halfback "opened the game up for his supports at every opportunity" and teamed well with Walter Brimble who "made some splendid openings".
All four games were played at Carlaw Park in "greasy" conditions. Richmond beat Ponsonby 15âÂÂ6 with its New Zealand international stacked team attacked well in their forwards through George Mitchell and Harold Tetley with Mitchell "the outstanding forward on the ground". They were "well supported by Jack McLeod and Bill Telford. Of their backs Noel Bickerton and Wally Tittleton in the five eighths, and George Tittleton on the wing were the best. During the first half R.O. Jones was injured and was replaced by Roy Nurse. For Ponsonby their captain, Walter Stockley at Five eighths "teamed well with his supports". Richmond led 10-3 soon after halftime before Brian Riley in his first appearance for the season beat Owen Wilkie to score. However Frank Furnell kicked a second penalty for Richmond before George Tittleton scored a try from a scrum to seal the win. Arthur Kay at centre "was right on his game" and "kept a watchful eye" on his opposite, Ted Mincham. On Carlaw Park number 2 Manukau beat Newton on a "heavy ground amid occasional showers". Manukau led 12âÂÂ0 at halftime with George Whye and Angus Gault "prominent". Peter Mahima as usual "opened up the play when speed" at halfback. Their centre, Joe Broughton "was mercurial at times" and Jack Brodrick "ran with fine determination, and Jack Hemi gave his best at fullback, occasionally running well to bring his backs into position". Though Brodrick was said to be "wasted as a back" as he was really a "champion forward". For Newton Claude Dempsey gave "a glorious illustration of positional play" while the Brimble brothers (Ted and Wilfred) "combined effectively near the scrum with great sharpness in attack". Frederick Hollis who returned after several weeks out injured "did some notable work" and Maurice Quirke, their hooker took the honours. Marist caused a big upset by beating Mt Albert 10âÂÂ7. Jim O'Kane who had recently come back into the side "got a good share of the ball in the scrums". Their centre Reginald Haslam gave a "grand exhibition" creating "scoring opportunities for winger" Gordon Midgley who "played his best game to date". Ray Halsey had transferred to Marist from Mt Albert during the week "had an even duel" with his opposite William McCallum. City beat North Shore on Carlaw Park number 2 which "churned up badly". The game featured "driving rain" which led to the played being "covered in mud". North Shore were awarded a penalty late in the game which could have given them the win but a forward "elected to short punt" which failed. Cyril Wiberg played well at fullback for City, while Tai Raymond was good in their three quarter line at centre as he was usually a forward. Joseph Hapi "was strong on attack" and John Donald, Leslie Wehner and P. Minnix "were the best of an even attack. Jackie Rata's goal kicking won the game for City with both of his penalties coming from nearly 40 yards out on the sideline. For North Shore Hugh Simpson, Arthur Sowter, and Ted Scott were the best while Jack Smith "was the outstanding back".
A 1934 New Zealand rugby union player, Hawea Mataira switched codes and made his debut appearance for City in their match with Marist. He received a cut over his eye in the 35th minutes and came from the field in their 11âÂÂ4 defeat to Marist. Marist back Reginald Haslam" was said to have been "here, there, and everywhere" for them. Tommy Chase and Rangi Chase both had also switched codes and debuted for Manukau also. Tom had been a representative player for Whanganui and a MÃÂori All Black, while his younger brother Rangi had also played three matches for Whanganui in 1936. Tommy had played for Whanganui against Manawatu just three days earlier. All three would go on to represent New Zealand at rugby league. Rangi scored three tries and kicked a drop goal in his first appearance for Manukau and was said to be the "most scintillating star for Manukau". The match was described as the "most thrilling" of all the matches played on Carlaw Park to this point this season with "it crowded with incident". Richmond trailed 16-12 late in the game before the Richmond backs swept on to attack and five eighths Noel Bickerton who had handled twice already scored after "bewildering" Manukau. After this "fine straight running" by Wally Tittleton led to a try to clinch the game. Tittleton and Bickerton "combined well and five eighth. One of their chief advantages was in hooking the ball from the scrums with Jack Satherley in the key position. In the match between North Shore and Newton played at the Devonport Domain, Claude Dempsey played a brilliant game at fullback for Newton stopping a certain try and playing "faultlessly", though he was matched by his opposite, George Kerr. Len Scott was said to have "got a typical try in the last minute of the game" in reference to his remarkable ability to score a try in most games. Reg Hollows on the North Shore forwards scored two tries and was the "most prominent" of them. The game between Mt Albert and Ponsonby was played at Stafford Park in Northcote next to the present day Motorway shortly after it crosses the WaitematàHarbour. It was in aid of the King George V Memorial Fund and raised 6 pounds 5 shillings. Arthur Kay was outstanding for Ponsonby and should have gone alone more often as his passes after going clear "were missed".
On June 19 the Auckland Rugby League granted use of Carlaw Park to New Zealand Football (soccer) for their test match against England. Most of the senior rugby league sides sent teams to various locations around the North Island to play friendly matches with local sides. The competition was scheduled to be resumed on June 26 but all rugby league in Auckland, along with several other outdoor sports was cancelled due to poor weather. Frank Pickrang transferred from Manukau to Ponsonby and made his debut for his new side "but was not at outstanding as expected". He had been trying to move for some time but chose to stand down due to transfer difficulties. Joining him at Ponsonby at the same time was fellow Kiwi, Joe Cootes who was transferring from Wellington. In Richmond's 15âÂÂ2 win over Mount Albert their five eighth Noel Bickerton scored a try but was injured before halftime necessitating loose forward Harold Tetley having to move into his position and also spending time on the wing in the second half when fullback Frank Furnell came up to five eighth and winger George Tittleton dropped back to fullback. For Ponsonby in their comfortable 27âÂÂ8 win over City on Carlaw Park 2 their first five eighth Frank Halloran played an outstanding game. The Auckland Star wrote "nothing better in inside back play has been seen in Auckland this season than the exhibition given by Halloran, whose thrust, judgment and well timed passing paved the way to tries which can be classed as polish in team work". On the wing Brian Riley outclassed his City opposite William McLaughlin while Roy Nurse was also "superior" to Bluett who had come to Auckland from Whakatane where he was a rugby player though he "nevertheless was a trier under new conditions". Lou Cootes, the brother of Joe Cootes debuted for Ponsonby. He had played against them a few weeks earlier for the St George club in Wellington when Ponsonby made a trip there. Lou was around 15 stone in weight and had represented the Horowhenua district at rugby union for four years before switching to rugby league this season in Wellington. The Auckland Star referring to the Manukau win over North Shore said "once more it was demonstrated just what an asset the Chase brothers... are to their side... they were continually in the picture ... quick to dart through the gap, they were a continual thorn in the side of Shore backs. Both were in fine form, but the beautifully built R. Chase was perhaps a trifle more polished than his more stocky brother. Their fine understanding of each others play was a feature, and they seemed equally at home at second five eights and centre when they elected frequently to exchange positions. Jack Rutherford hooked well for Manukau while Jack Hemi was the better of the two fullbacks which saw George Kerr their as usual for North Shore. For Marist in their 22-0 win over Newton, their fullback Bill Glover "gave a splendid exhibition of sure and accurate kicking, while Gordon Midgley displayed a fine turn of speed on the left flank" and John Anderson was their outstanding forward. For Newton their veteran fullback Claude Dempsey "saved his side on innumerable occasions, but did not receive much assistance". Pat Young made "several nice openings, but was inclined to hold on too long.
Manukau were behind 10-9 to Marist and then 13-9 soon after the resumption before a great second half saw them win 20-13. For Marist, Reginald Haslam was "the scintillating star among the backs. Steve Watene reappeared for Manukau to captain the side after being injured in round 6. North Shore were unlucky to lose to Richmond with forward Arthur Sowter giving "a wonderful exhibition". Jack Smith, playing at five eighths "got the try of the match with a great run from half-way". For Richmond Jack McLeod and George Mitchell "showed up well in the Richmond forwards, and on form ... should win a place in the Auckland representative team". In their backs Ted Mincham "was in form", while their fullback, Frank Furnell "gave a flawless display". Mount Albert beat City with a last minute try. Basil Cranch, their fullback "compared more than favourably with [Cyril] Wiberg", while they fielded two promoted players in Patterson and H MacLachlan who played first and second five eighths respectively. In the City backline their Auckland MÃÂori player first five eighth, Jackie Rata showed "flashes of brilliance". In the Mount Albert forwards Des Herring showed "his best form to date". In the curtain raiser on the No. 2 field the Ponsonby fullback, R.O. Jones "gave a first class display of safe handling and accurate line kicking...". For Newton Claude Dempsey and Henry Crook were their best backs with Dempsey starting at his usual position at full back but later moved into centre three quarter to contain the Ponsonby backs. Of the Ponsonby backs Brian Riley was their best. Frank Pickrang and Edgar Morgan were the best of a good Ponsonby forward pack.
Ponsonby had their best performance of the season beating Richmond 10âÂÂ9 in the feature match at Carlaw Park. The Ponsonby backs were excellent and only the defence of Richmond centres Wally Tittleton and Ted Mincham prevented more tries. The "Ponsonby pack was tenacious on defence and devastating in slashing dribbling rushes, some of which swept half the length of the field". Their best forward was L Cootes, who had transferred from Wellington, while Frank Pickrang and Clarrie Petersen "not far behind him". The Ponsonby standoff, Frank Halloran "was outstanding". The centres, Arthur Kay and Ted Mincham watched "each other cat and mouse fashion". There was an incident in the first half where several players began to play the man rather than the ball and two forwards "came to grips on the ground". Former New Zealand international Maurice Wetherill who was the referee had "some difficulty in restoring peace and it might have been better had he ordered off the two principal offenders", though after talking with the players there were no further issues. Marist beat Mount Albert 15âÂÂ13 after John Anderson kicked a conversion and five penalties. Mount Albert were unlucky as they outscored their opponent by three tries to one. Marist were without Ray Halsey in the backs but Gordon Midgley played well on the wing as did H. McLaren at five eighth and Bill Glover at full back. For Mount Albert A. Hamilton on debut at halfback was playing well before having to go off injured and his replacement, Alan Watkins "lent thrust" after coming on. On the No. 2 field North Shore and City were involved in a "scrappy game". For North Shore who won 9âÂÂ7 with full back George Kerr's "handling and kicking being right up to his usual good standard". Their other best backs were Jack Smith, and Verdun Scott while his cousin on the wing, Len Scott did not get many chances. On the wing for City, Samuel Hamiora Bluett scored a try. He had transferred from the Bay of Plenty where he had played rugby for Whakatane. At the outbreak of World War II he enlisted with his brother Charles and went overseas with the MÃÂori battalion. He fought in the Grecian and Cretan campaigns but was killed in Egypt on December 11, 1941. In heavy conditions on the same No.2 field Manukau won 22âÂÂ5 over Newton though the latter side played "with credit". The two halfbacks, Peter Mahima, and Wilfred Brimble gave "attractive exhibitions". The two hookers, Jack Rutherford (Manukau), and Maurice Quirke (Newton) "had an even duel". Manukau reshuffled their backline to make room for R. Wilson, a rugby recruit from the Bay of Plenty by moving Tommy Chase to second five eighth next to Walter Brimble, while Rangi Chase played at centre. It was said that "the transposition of the brothers hardly proved an advantage, but it is obvious that Manukau are now striking the form and combination that won them the championship last season".
Richmond and Manukau fought out an 11âÂÂ11 draw on a heavy ground in the main match on Carlaw Park. Jack Hemi, Manukau's great goal kicking fullback was missing from the side after suffering an injury in a midweek New Zealand trial match. The side missed his kicking which was done by Tommy Chase and Steve Watene who only managed one goal between them. Manukau missed six kicks and on full time scored a try but Watene's potential match winning conversion from close to the posts struck the cross bar and bounced back into the field of play. Richmond wore white armbands as a mark of respect to William John Holdsworth who had died two days earlier and had been patron of the club for many years. Richmond's lock, Harold Tetley "played a fine game" off the back of the scrum. Following the match when the New Zealand side was named to play Australia he was selected to play. Wally Tittleton had a strong game in the backs "showing fine appreciation of his supports" and defending wonderfully when his team was in dire straits". The outstanding forward for Manukau was Jack Brodrick who made a lot of ground with his "characteristic dashes" while Angus Gault scored a try after Rangi Chase "cut the defence to ribbons". Richmond then responded by intercepting a pass which Ted Mincham passed to Noel Bickerton with the ball then traveling the length of the field for Wally Tittleton to score which "delighted the crowd". Newton finally had their first win of the season when they beat North Shore 24 to 15. Their veteran 28 year old fullback Claude Dempsey "gave a fine display of handling and line kicking and was at his best. He was the incumbent New Zealand fullback though missed selection for the 1937 series against Australia. Bill McNeight debuted for Newton in the second row after transferring from the West Coast where he had been a representative player there and for New Zealand in 1936 and captaining New Zealand on their 1938 tour of Australia. They were also boosted by the reappearance of Alex Nathan who had been suspended for a year after an incident following a game in 1936. McNeight and Nathan had replaced Donald Fraser and S. Beattie who had to leave the field with first half injuries. Mount Albert had a surprising win over Ponsonby 20-0, after doubling their 10-0 halftime lead. John Schultz was outstanding at centre for the winners. Ponsonby was crucially missing their international centre Arthur Kay. Marist and City were level 5-5 at halftime before Marist dominated the second half. The try of the match came when H. McLaren in the five eighths grubber kicked through for John Anderson to retrieve before running straight for five yards and then sending a long pass to winger Gordon Midgley to score. Midgley used his pace throughout the game and set up another try through making a break through "sheer speed". Midgley had been a promising junior runner in 1934-35 and won the Auckland Amateur Junior 880 Yard race in February 1934 at the Auckland Domain. He ran in distances ranging from 100 yards to 880 yards and competed with many nationally recognised sprinters such as Allan Elliot and Alan Sayers.
In their 20âÂÂ19 loss to Mount Albert, Manukau were missing Jack Hemi, Steve Watene, and Rangi Chase with Tommy Chase moving into the vacant full back position and took the goal kicks. He kicked well, converting their three tries and two penalties but on full time he missed a penalty attempt from well out which would have given his side the win. Jack Brodrick, usually a loose forward, played at centre and did it "with credit". For Mount Albert their back, Len Schultz went off early with a leg injury and then in the second half they lost first five eighth J. Patterson to head injuries. He was replaced there by loose forward, Cliff Satherley who struggled in the position. Manukau five eighth, Walter Brimble was "the brightest back on the ground... [making] some really fine openings and dazzling runs. He took and gave his passes splendidly, and at all times drew his man before sending the ball along". Richmond trailed Marist 20âÂÂ8 at halftime but rallied and threatened to win at one point before losing 30âÂÂ24 in a match where tries were scored regularly, 12 in total. Ivor Uhlmann debuted at centre for Marist after moving to New Zealand from Brisbane and "showed promising form". John Anderson scored a try and converted all six of Marist's tries. Jack McLeod was the best forward for Richmond and scored a try where he ran 30 yards and "beat off all opposition". Ponsonby easily beat North Shore 23-9 who were missing their fullback, George Kerr. Verdun Scott filled in in the position and fielded "cleanly and kicked with judgment and good length". Their best back was Jack Smith. For Ponsonby Arthur Kay "stood out brilliantly in the centre", while Brian Riley and Roy Nurse "were a very speedy pair" of wingers. After winning their first game of the season in round 12, Newton won again against rivals City 34âÂÂ19. Maurice Quirke hooked well for Newton. At halfback, Wilfred Brimble was "brilliant" while his brother Ted Brimble "frequently left the defence standing and teamed well with Hill in the five eighths. Centre three quarter Pat Young also played well scoring two tries. The team was also benefiting from the addition of Bill McNeight, the international forward who scored twice. The City backs struggled and Jack Tawhai did not play well in the unusual position of fullback, though Jackie Rata showed "occasional flashes" at centre. John Donald, Tai Raymond, and Hawea Mataira were their best forwards with the first two both scoring two tries.
Newton's recent form and the fact that they were playing the competition leaders saw them playing in the main match at Carlaw Park. Whilst they played with great effort they were well outclassed and Richmond comfortably won 30âÂÂ9 to secure their third Fox Memorial championship in four years. The score was only 12âÂÂ5 at halftime but Richmond were in control for most of the match. In the second half, Jack McLeod and George Mitchell played very well in the loose for Richmond "chiming in to passing bouts" and sending out long passes. Jack Satherley played his best game of the season and scored two run away tries. They were boosted by their former forward, Alf Broadhead rejoining the side after transferring back from Wellington where he had moved for work reasons. Wally Tittleton, Jack Greenwood, and Noel Bickerton were the best Richmond backs with Bickerton being a "shining example" with his backing up. For Newton Bill McNeight was once again outstanding and made several breaks. Earlier in the same ground Marist kept their title hopes alive with a "lucky" 17âÂÂ8 win over Ponsonby. It was reported that one of their tries appeared to be scored from a knock on while Ponsonby had a try disallowed in the second half. A section of the crowd was unhappy with the decisions. The Marist captain, John Anderson "was an inspiration to his pack". Reginald Haslam returned to the Marist backs in the centre position and his "ability to silence his vis-s-vis Arthur Kay was invaluable to his side". Bill Glover the Marist full back "gave splendid service and rarely did a thing wrong". Mount Albert won a high scoring game against North Shore by 38 points to 22. Neither team took defence very seriously. William McCallum played a brilliant game for the winners scoring three tries through his pace.In a 23âÂÂ20 loss the Manukau backs struggled without Watene, Broughton, Hemi, and Rangi Chase though Angus Gault, and Jack Brodrick played well in the forwards. City's halfback J Hutchinson was their best back but it was their forwards who dominated with Tai Raymond "outstanding" and John Donald and Hawea Mataira also very good.
Marist won the Roope Rooster with a 25âÂÂ10 win over Ponsonby. It was the fourth time in their history following previous wins in 1928, 1929, and 1932.Arthur Kay, the New Zealand back was absent from the Ponsonby side through injury but Brian Riley, their international winger took his place in the centre-three quarter position and "played brilliantly". Their inside backs however did not play very well with Frank Halloran not going well at first five eighth and he and Walter Stockley standing too flat footed. He was originally a halfback where he had represented New Zealand but had spent the majority of the season at five eighth after Dacre Black joined the side at halfback. Marist's best back was Reginald Haslam who was "outstanding" in the centre position giving "good service to his wingers". Ivor Uhlmann "gave his best display since coming over from Queensland" and Gordon Midgley joined him as a try scorer. Midgley was said to have "combined effectively with the inside backs, and further impressed his claims for consideration as a representative three quarter". Phil Donovan and H McLaren kicked too much in the five eighths while in their forwards John Anderson, Bill Breed, and Joe Woods "gave great service" and John Bakalich also played a good game in the loose forwards. Anderson had now scored 129 points during the season including the preliminary games which was a very rare feat for a forward.
In the semi-final between City and Mt Albert, Stuart Billman became the ninth referee to officiate in 50 matches between first grade sides in Auckland Rugby League history. Manukau were missing Steve Watene, Jack Hemi, Rangi Chase, and Walter Brimble but still put up a creditable showing. In the second half they were a chance of winning but a try to Jack Smith who played a "splendid" game at centre put the game beyond doubt. Verdun Scott played well for them at full back once more while in the forwards Barnett and Rogers were good as were veterans Horace Hunt and Ted Scott. For Manukau their best player was Jack Brodrick who seemingly played in the forwards and the backs throughout the game. In the other semi final Mount Albert won a high scoring game which was close until late before a flurry of points from Mount Albert saw them win by a wider margin. The winners were without several first grade players with reserve grade players taking their place. The Auckland Star wrote that the "reserve grade talent used suggests that the club has any amount of good players at its command". In particular Wilson at halfback was good while captain Richard Shadbolt was "too the fore" along with Bert Leatherbarrow and Joseph Gunning. Hawea Mataira left the field late in the game with a leg injury for City. For the winners who scored seven tries, their front rowers Bert Leatherbarrow and Richard Leatherbarrow accounted for four of them while Leonard Verrall kicked three goals and Basil Cranch and Leatherbarrow one each. City's four tries went to John Donald, Welch, Ryan, and Gibson while J Hutchinson converted three of them and Jackie Rata kicked a penalty before he too left the field injured.
North Shore was in its best form of the season with their 22âÂÂ18 win. Jack Smith was "outstanding" at centre though he did not have a good day with his goal kicking. Their winger Bennetts ran strongly and scored two tries. For Mt Albert John Schultz and Charlie Renton in the five eighths played well along with Wilson at half back but their three quarters did not support them. I the forwards for Mt Albert Jack Tristram, Joseph Gunning and Bert Leatherbarrow were outstanding with the latter giving "valuable support".
After the match John Stormont, the father of Bill Stormont whom the trophy was named after presented awards to various players. John Anderson capped a remarkable point scoring season by scoring all 12 of Marist's points, made up of 2 tries, a conversion, a penalty, and a drop goal. It was Marist's fourth Stormont Shield win with the previous being in 1928, 1929, and 1932. The win denied Richmond what would have been their fourth straight Stormont Shield victory. At the conclusion of the match John Stormont, the father of Bill Stormont who the trophy was named in honour of after his death mid season in 1925 presented the Marist players with medals. One of his tries came after running nearly half the length of the field and "his most spectacular effort was a field goal near the end. On actual achievement during the season there is not a better forward in Auckland, and his consistent omission when representative teams are chosen is something of a mystery". In the centres Reginald Haslam "gave a splendid exposition of centre play". For Richmond, Roy Powell played as well as usual at halfback as did Noel Bickerton. They were missing full back Frank Furnell, and brothers George Tittleton and Wally Tittleton, along with forward Jack McLeod. Wally Tittleton in particular being a serious loss to their back line. In the forwards George Mitchell was the "outstanding figure" while Jack Satherley consistently won the ball from the scrums.
The point scoring lists are compiled from matches played in the Fox Memorial, Roope Rooster, Phelan Shield and Stormont Shield matches which all first grade sides were eligible for competing in (provided they avoided elimination from the knock out competitions). The top point scorer was once again John Anderson. He scored 141 points in the aforementioned competitive matches and also scored in preliminary matches (although one of the two matches did not have scorers mentioned). He scored 8 points in a friendly match against Kamo. Jack Smith in his first season in first grade finished second with 109 points and was said to have scored 132 points in all club games which indicates he scored 23 points in the first preliminary game, the August 28 game with missing points, and the 19 June travel round game against Huntly. Both players would go on to represent New Zealand in 1938. The top try scorer was William McCallum for Mount Albert who was in his first season for them and scored 17 tries in just 16 games and scored another try in their friendly with Taranaki Combined. Gordon Midgley, an Auckland junior sprint champion was tied for second with 12 tries and he was also in his first season of first grade rugby league.
There were several rounds of the senior reserve grade competition that had no results reported. These were rounds 7 where only 1 result was reported, and rounds 11, 13, and 14 where no results were reported at all. It is possible that Richmond Rovers had won the competition by the latter stages and so the fixtures became optional and possibly not played or of no championship significance and so therefore not reported by club officials. The Auckland Rugby League would often conclude competitions prematurely if a champion had already been found.
The competition was won by Papakura who finished with a 14 win, 1 loss record. Fixtures were listed each week in The New Zealand Herald and Auckland Star however results were often not published. Following round 14 the Auckland Star published the points table to that point which indicated who the victors in several of the unreported matches were.
Following their round 2 match Manukau were advised that their team was out of order. They then defaulted their round 3 match after being given one more week to get their team in order before resuming in round 4. Glenora withdrew from the competition after defaulting in round 3. The round 6 loss by Papakura was their first loss for three seasons. In about round 15 both Manukau and Mount Albert withdrew from the competition as they were no longer listed in any fixtures form this point. At the September 7 meeting Papakura were congratulated on winning the Senior B competition. They had scored 304 points during the competition and only conceded 72.
Manukau and Mount Albert did not enter teams. Newton was initially drawn to play Papakura in round 1 but withdrew and instead Papakura travelled to Huntly to play the local side instead. Glenora entered a team but were knocked out in the first round by Point Chevalier. R.V. and Northcote & Birkenhead received bye's in round 1. Richmond drew with Green Lane in round 1 which forced the teams into a replay the following weekend which Green Lane won. Papakura had a bye in this round. Papakura defeated Point Chevalier in the third weekend of the competition and so joined Green Lane in the final with Papakura running out 19âÂÂ7 winners.
On Sunday, August 29 a Ponsonby XIII played Huntly at Swanson in West Auckland. A shield was presented to the winners (Ponsonby) after the match by Mr. L. Adams to the Ponsonby captain for the day, Stan Prentice, the former New Zealand international and Richmond club player. The shield had been donated by Mr. I. Culpan.
The Richmond reserve side travelled to Whangarei to play the Northland senior club champions on August 28. The Richmond side won by 27 points to 17. The Kamo team was unable to field a full strength side and included five players from the Hikurangi side, and also Reg Hollows who had been playing for the North Shore club for two seasons. Future senior players and New Zealand representatives, Abbie Graham and Laurie Mills both scored tries for the Richmond side.
There were five lower grades in 1937 (Third Grade to Seventh Grade). This was a reduction of one on the previous season as the Second Grade was forced into the Senior B grade. There were an additional three schoolboy grades (Junior, Intermediate, and Senior).
Richmond Rovers once again won the Davis Points Shield for winning the most points through all club teams. City Rovers finished runners up. Papakura won the Tracy Inglis points trophy for junior clubs with Otahuhu runners up.
Otahuhu won section 1 while Richmond won section 2. The two teams met in the championship final on August 21 with Otahuhu winning 13 to 6. Richmond won the Walker Cup for finishing runner up. Ellerslie won the third grade knockout competition when they defeated Otahuhu 18 to 6 on September 11 after they had beaten Papakura 11âÂÂ2 in one semi final and Otahuhu had beaten Marist 20âÂÂ12 in the other. Otahuhu's record for the entire season was 14 wins, 1 loss, for 234 and against 59, gleaned from their team photo which hangs in their clubroom. Several sides played matches against teams from out of Auckland near the conclusion of the season including Papakura B against Hikurangi (12âÂÂ8), RV against One Tree Hill Point, Otahuhu against Taneatua (28âÂÂ8), Mount Albert against Portland (Whangarei) (8âÂÂ5), and Glenora against Ngaruawahia (5-5).
Newton withdrew after round 6 following three consecutive default losses while North Shore fielded a team for a match against Newton and then withdrew.
Richmond won the championship when they defeated Ellerslie 10 to 5 in the final on July 24. Richmond also won the knockout competition with a 20âÂÂ9 win over North Shore on September 4 after they beat Glenora 13âÂÂ2 in one semi final with North Shore beating Ponsinby in the other. Point Chevalier defaulted their first match and then withdrew. Richmond played a friendly match with Huntly High School Old Boys on August 7, and Ellerslie played Ngaruawahia on September 11.
Otahuhu beat Richmond 17âÂÂ5 in the championship final on August 28, with City winning the knockout competition when they defeated Otahuhu 16âÂÂ0 in the final on September 11. City had beaten Avondale in the semi final while Otahuhu's win in the championship final had doubled as their semi final knockout match. On September 11 the Richmond side played Kamo in a friendly match.
City won the sixth grade championship ahead of Green Lane. City was declared the winner of the sixth grade knockout competition by the junior management committee at their October 5 meeting. It appears that they had played five extra full rounds following the championship but not in a knockout style and City had the best record over that time.
North Shore Albions won the championship with Richmond runner up. Very few of North Shore's results were reported though they had obviously won more than Richmond's ten wins. The for and against record of North Shore is made up of only four reported scores and is missing ten other scores. Richmond won the knockout competition on October 2 when they beat North Shore 12 to 2. Point Chevalier defaulted their first match of the season to Otahuhu and then withdrew from the competition.
The majority of teams were affiliated with a club side and were made up of schoolboys from that areas schools rather than one school in particular.
Richmond won the senior schoolboys championship with Marist runner up. The Avondale Convent team was made up of players from the school on the site of the present day St Mary's school in Avondale. They withdrew after 8 rounds, while the Northcote side withdrew after 8 rounds also. The Auckland representative team made up of the competitions best players beat Northland 12âÂÂ5 on August 28, and South Auckland (Waikato) 17âÂÂ5 on September 18.
Ponsonby won the championship when they beat Avondale in the final 3âÂÂ0 on August 21. On September 11 Richmond defeated Newton 9âÂÂ5 to win the knockout competition. Then a week later on September 18 a 'champion of champions' match was played between the championship winner (Ponsonby), and the knockout winner (Richmond), with Ponsonby winning by a single point, 9 to 8 to claim the Green Trophy.
Newton A, who won section A, won the crossover final by 6 points to 3 over the winners of section B, Northcote, on August 28. The George Courts team won the knockout competition on October 2 against Newton A by 3 points to 0.
Hec Brisbane was named the Auckland selector for the season.
The opening representative match of the season was played on Coronation Day. For all intents and purposes the Auckland team was the Auckland PÃÂkehÃÂ team. Although they were named "Auckland" they have been renamed Auckland PÃÂkehÃÂ as that is what they came to be known as from 1938 onwards in matches against Auckland MÃÂori.
Auckland played two matches on the same day against South Auckland (Waikato), and Taranaki. They won both matches. Neither was listed as an A or B team and both sides contained a large number of past, current, or future New Zealand international players. Former Ponsonby player, Kenneth Peckham who was now playing in the Waikato dislocated his right shoulder while playing for South Auckland and was taken to Auckland Hospital.
The New Zealand MÃÂori team was very similar to the one which had defeated Australia earlier in the season. The match was played as part of a Gala Day to raise money for injured players. George NÃÂpia traveled up from Gisborne to play in the match. Auckland was well below strength with several players out injured.
In addition to their loss to Auckland, the Auckland MÃÂori side played in two other matches against Waikato MÃÂori and North Auckland MÃÂori.
At North Shore Albions annual meeting on March 17 they stated that a number of new players were enrolled, including Ivor Stirling of Northland.
At the board of control meeting on April 14 the following senior registrations were approved, Transfers: Cliff Satherley from Richmond to Mount Albert; R.H. Ferrall from Mount Albert to Newton; C Cairns, Pukemiro to Mount Albert; R McGreal, Ngaruawahia to Marist (subject to approval by the New Zealand Council. On April 20 C.C. Murton was transferred from Ellersie 3rd grade to Manukau seniors. On April 21 ten players were registered with two of them including L.C. Bain a well known Otago runner and ex-member of the Union club in Dunedin, and William J. McCallum, a North Auckland athlete. Transfers were: D.E. Keane from Marist to Ponsonby. S.W. Sherson was reinstated with E Tremain (South Auckland) being cleared to join North Shore.
On May 5 the following transfers were granted:- J.W. Donald from North Shore Albions to City Rovers; C.R. Phillips from Otahuhu senior B to Manukau; J. Stannaway, Otahuhu senior B to Marist reserves; E.W.H. Barfoot, Marist reserves to Ponsonby reserves; J Shadbolt, Newton reserves to Glenora; P. Awhitu and P. Kauhoa, City to R.V; K Nicolson, Richmond thirds to Marist reserves; F Deason, Ponsonby reserves to R.V. On May 12 the following registrations were granted: H. Crook and Frederick Hollis with Newton, Norman F. Drew with Mount Albert, and P. C. N. Strickland with Marist. The following were transferred: H. Crook (North Shore to Newton), G Newton (Petone to Newton). While Alf Broadhead of Richmond was cleared to play in Wellington subject to approval by the New Zealand Council. On May 17 P Wickham and A McDonald were regraded from Glenora Senior B to 3rd grade. On May 19 the following transfers were granted: H. E. Neale (Papakura to Ponsonby reserves), E. Donovan (Marist to City reserves), Walter Preston (Mount Albert to Newton reserves). T.C.G. Pierce (One Tree Hill Point Club in Whangarei to Newton reserves), and Noel Messenger (Central Club in Wellington to Newton). E Tackle was regraded from North Shore reserves to Richmond senior B. James Tristram from the Waikato was registered with Mount Albert while M.J.L. West was reinstated (he had previously played with Ellerslie. At the meeting of the junior management on May 25 A. McDonald was regraded from Glenora senior B to 3rd grade as was S.G. Johnson of Otahuhu. On May 26 the following players were registered: A. Smith, F.W. Just, A Bullat (City); C.R. Coburn, D.J. Thomas (North Shore); S.J. Davis, S.J. Murfitt, S Owens (Ponsonby).
On June 2 F. R. Halsey was transferred from Mount Albert to Marist while L. Conway was cleared to play for Mount Albert. K Campbell was registered with City, T.C. Allen and R Dunster with Manukau, and I Cruickshank with North Shore. On June 15 J.H. Shadbolt transferred from Glenora senior B to Mount Albert, while Roy Avery transferred from Newton 3rd grade to R.V. senior B. On June 17 J. OâÂÂBrien of Marist was transferred to South Auckland. In late June L.H. Cootes joined the Ponsonby club. He was the brother of Joe Cootes, the New Zealand international. L.H. Cootes was a former Horowhenua rugby representative and weighed 15st 4lb. On June 30 C.H. Lacey of the Grafton rugby club was registered with City Rovers.
On July 7 the following transfers were approved: Frank Pickrang (Manukau to Ponsonby), G Ellis (from Newton to Mount Albert and regraded to senior B). G Hamilton's clearance from Newton to Marist was granted. S Bluett was registered with City, S.A. and J.W. Prendergast with Ponsonby. On July 13 R.S. Pyke was transferred from Papakura senior B to R.V. On July 14 R.L. Best was granted a transfer from City senior B to Mount Albert senior B.A. Hamilton was registered with Mount Albert, while G. Radcliffe was regraded from Richmond senior reserves to senior B. On July 21 I. Wilson was granted a transfer from Mount Albert seniors, and lately St George (Wellington) to Papakura senior B.
On August 24 E Gifford was granted a transfer from Mount Albert senior B to Richmond senior B.