1915 Auckland Rugby League season

April 2020 March 2020 The 1915 season, and 7th of Auckland Rugby League saw the First Grade competition begin on 8 May featuring the same 6 senior clubs who had competed in 1914. The First World War was in full effect by the time the 1915 season began. War had been declared just as the 1914 rugby league season was concluding in August 1914. As a result, several efforts were made during the 1915 season by the Auckland Rugby League to raise funds for Auckland Hospital Ship and Wounded Soldiers Relief Fund. On 12 June, a seven-a-side tournament was arranged to be played at Victoria Park to raise money for the Auckland Hospital Ship and Wounded Relief Fund.Patriotic Tournament 8 The New Zealand Herald LII 15937 7 July 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150607.2.60 13 August 2019 In total £200 was raised with "almost 1,000 people" in attendance. All senior clubs entered teams and the final was played between North Shore Albions and City Rovers though the match was not completed because some earlier matches went to extra-time and the final saw an injury requiring a stoppage. As it had become dark it was decided to call the game off with North Shore leading by 3pts.Seven-A-Side Tournament 8 The New Zealand Herald LII 15943 14 July 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150614.2.108 13 August 2019 A further £35 was raised from the 19 June round of matches at Victoria Park for the same cause. Grafton Athletic were crowned First Grade champions for the first time after defeating City Rovers 10–5 in the championship final at Victoria Park in front of 4,000 spectators. News Club teams by grade participation Team1st Grade2nd Grade3rd Grade4th Grade5th GradeTotalCity Rovers112116Otahuhu Rovers111014North Shore Albions101114Ponsonby United110114Newton Rangers101114Grafton Athletic110114Sunnyside002103Richmond Rovers001113Manukau001113Remuera United010102Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers010102Thames Old Boys011002Māngere United010001Total681010842 Māngere Rangers On April 14, the Māngere Rangers rugby league club was registered.Northern Union 7 Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 89 15 April 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19150415.2.68 18 July 2022 They later were renamed to Māngere United. They were a junior club made up predominantly of Māori players and they fielded one team in the 1915 season in the Second grade. They finished in the top half of the standings behind City Rovers and Remuera. Their secretary for their first season was A. Te Meti.League Football 10 Observer, Volume XXXV, Issue 33 24 April 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19150424.2.21.3 18 July 2022 They only lasted 'one season' and a letter was written to the league in June 1916, informing them that the club had ceased to exist and all players from their second grade side were free to play for other sides. However, in 1918 they again entered a side in the second grade.The League Game 4 New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16256 15 June 1916 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19160615.2.6.2 18 July 2022 Then in 1919 they were being coached by Jim Rukutai.Mr Roope and Northern Union 10 New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16256 31 May 1919 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19190531.2.16.1 18 July 2022 The club continued to exist until 1934. Many of their players then became involved in the Manukau club and their children and grand children were associated with them for decades afterwards. Thames Old Boys At the start of the season a Thames Old Boys club was formed made up of players who had previously lived in or had a connection with the Thames area. They fielded teams in the Second and Third grades. The club only existed from 1915 to 1920. They went on annual playing excursions to the Thames area in three of their six seasons. The beginning of the Roope Rooster A trophy which is still played for today saw its beginnings in the 1915 season. Namely the Roope Rooster trophy which was donated by Mr. Pauntley Whittington (Dick) Roope. It was a knockout competition with one round of matches before semi-finals were played.The Knock-Out Round/Wins for Grafton, Shore, and Newton 7 Auckland Star XLVI 188 9 August 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19150809.2.94.2 13 August 2019 Roope had retired from playing (for Ponsonby) and was the Auckland Rugby League chairman to start the season. However he resigned his position in order to be able to resume playing for the young Grafton Athletic club. With the semi-final between Newton and Grafton being drawn (after North Shore received the bye) the management committee decided rather than replaying a match between the same teams there would be more interest in a match between Grafton and North Shore, with Newton progressing to the final. The second semi-final was played at Victoria Park and saw both teams wearing white armbands in memory of 3 men killed in action at the Dardanelles who had played club rugby league in Auckland (Charles Savory from Ponsonby United, Charles James Hally from Otahuhu, and William Moeki from City Rovers).North Shore Defeats Grafton/North Shore's Surprise 8 The New Zealand Herald LII 16003 23 August 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150823.2.96.1 13 August 2019 A charge was made for the semi-final between North Shore and Grafton with the proceeds going to the Door of Hope, the Salvation Army Maternity and Rescue Homes, Sister Esther's Relief Work, and the St John Ambulance Brigade. The final was played on 11 September at Victoria Park between North Shore Albions and Newton Rangers, with North Shore winning 10 points to 7.Roope's Rooster/Won by North Shore 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 16021 13 September 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150913.2.5.1 13 August 2019 Patriotic Carnival Match On July 3 a Patriotic Carnival was held at the Auckland Domain with various sports and events played. Some junior league matches took place along with an exhibition game between Grafton and City which was won by Grafton 15 to 10. For Grafton, Dick Roope, of Roope Rooster fame scored two of their tries. For City George Asher, younger brother of Albert and Ernie scored a try while their other try was scored by William Mincham. Mincham later became a test referee and his son Ted, and grandson Robert both played for New Zealand.League Football 10 Observer, Volume XXXV, Issue 44 10 July 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19150710.2.18 26 April 2024 3 July 3:30 Grafton 15–10 League Football 10 Observer, Volume XXXV, Issue 44 10 July 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19150710.2.18 26 April 2024 City Tom Haddon, Dougie McGregor, Dick Roope 2, Bob Mitchell William Mincham, George Asher Ernie Asher Ernie Asher Auckland Domain 15,000 Billy Murray 1914 7th Auckland Rugby League season 1915 1916 1st Grade championship (Myers Cup) thumb|left|The champion Grafton Athletic team.The 1st grade championship had been competing for the Myers Cup from 1910 to 1914 but after the beginning of the war the league decided to not award trophies though the grade competitions were still competed for as normal. Twenty eight matches were played in the 1st grade competition. Nine full rounds were played followed by the final. Victoria Park was the main ground used, with matches also played at the Auckland Domain, Devonport Domain, and Otahuhu. Statistics Including the knockout games there were 34 first grade games played with 132 tries, 56 conversions, 52 penalties, 0 drop goals, and 13 goals from a mark. The average number of points per game was 18.8, with 3.9 tries per game. With 56 conversions from 132 attempts the successful percentage was 42.4. The points per game decreased from 19.1 in 1914 to 18.8. The successful conversion percentage went from 35.8 to 42.4. 1st Grade standings TeamPldWDLFAPtsGrafton Athletic107121187015City Rovers10613936313Ponsonby United9513936311North Shore Albions941476839Newton Rangers9306801186Otahuhu Rovers9108481112 1st Grade fixtures Round 1 thumb|Bill Davidson Bill Davidson debuted for City aged just 18. He kicked a goal but did not play again for them until the following season. He would represent New Zealand 4 years later in 1919. Graham Walker Cook debuted for Ponsonby in the forwards. He enlisted in the war effort and died his wounds in France on July 11, 1916 aged 22. League Football 8 Observer, Volume XXXVI, Issue 47 1915-07-29 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19160729.2.13 2024-04-27 Bernard Farrelly debuted in the halves for Otahuhu. He departed New Zealand in July 1917 for the war effort and was killed in action on August 30, 1918 in France. He is buried at Bancourt British Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France. Bernard Farrelly Auckland Museum https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C4707?w=World+War+I%2c+1914-1918&n=Farrelly&from=%2Fwar-memorial%2Fonline-cenotaph%2Fsearch&ordinal=0#gallery 2024-04-28 8 May 3:00 City 15–0 Grafton Beats Ponsonby/City's Easy Win/The Champions Extended 11 The New Zealand Herald LII 15913 10 May 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150510.2.134.2 12 August 2019 Newton Vic Barchard, Harold Denize, A Brooks, Jim Rukutai, Bill Davidson Auckland Domain A Vause 8 May 3:00 Grafton 11-2 Ponsonby Dougie McGregor Karl Ifwersen Karl Ifwersen 2 & a mark Charles Webb Victoria Park Tom Fielding 8 May 3:00 Otahuhu 3–4 North Shore William McManus Jack Paul 2 Otahuhu Round 2 Frederick Louis Trezise debuted for City. Several weeks later the league denied his registration due to some discipline issue stemming from his time in rugby. He had been sent off when playing for the City rugby club in a match against Marist in June 1914 and suspended. Trezise was an Auckland representative player and played 15 matches for them from 1910–13, and again later in 1923. He also played rugby for New Zealand Māori on their 1922 tour of Australia. Walter Frost debuted for Otahuhu and was moved into the five eighth position. Towards the end of 1917 he joined the forces and departed for Europe. He was a prisoner of war during 1918 at the Stalag VIII-Band camp in Poland and died of disease (Peritonitis) on October 13, 1918 aged 22. He is buried at Berlin South-Western Cemetery, Berlin, Germany. Walter Westfield Frost AucklandMuseum https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C5218?p=2&w=World+War+I%2c+1914-1918&n=Frost&from=%2Fwar-memorial%2Fonline-cenotaph%2Fsearch&ordinal=26#gallery 28 April 2024 15 May 3:00 Ponsonby 4–0 Ponsonby V City 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 15919 10 May 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150517.2.5 12 August 2019 City Frank McWhirter 2 (marks) Victoria Park Archie Ferguson 15 May 3:00 North Shore 24–3 Ponsonby Defeats City/North Shore and Grafton Win 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 15919 10 May 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150517.2.5 12 August 2019 Newton Stan Walters 2, Jack Paul, G Stewart, S Chatfield, C Nicholson Jack Paul 2 Jack Paul Joe Bennett Devonport Domain Billy Murray 15 May 3:00 Otahuhu 0–10 Grafton Karl Ifwersen, Brook Karl Ifwersen Karl Ifwersen Otahuhu Leonard Nield Round 3 City travelled out to Otahuhu where they lost 2-0. They were without the services of Charles Woolley, Harold (Ray) Denize, and A Brooks who had all just signed up for the war effort. It was also reported that R. Burns who had played for City last season had been wounded in battle. Sam Magee was also unavailable due to injury while Don Kenealy was away on business. George Asher, the younger brother of Albert and Ernie joined them in the backs and played a good game at inside centre. Bert Farrelly won Otahuhu the game with a penalty kicked from halfway. 22 May 3:00 Grafton 7–7 North Shore and Grafton Draw/An Interesting Contest/Leading Teams Draw/Ponsonby's Easy Win/A Close Game 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 15925 24 May 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150524.2.5 12 August 2019 North Shore P Owen Karl Ifwersen 2 Stan Walters Jack Paul Jack Paul Victoria Park Leonard Nield 22 May 3:00 Ponsonby 14–2 Newton Spence Jones 3, George Paki Thomas McClymont Joe Bennett Auckland Domain F Tyson 22 May 3:00 Otahuhu 2–0 City Bernard Farrelly Otahuhu E Dempsey Round 4 In the match between Ponsonby and Otahuhu following a penalty being awarded to Ponsonby Arthur Hardgrave threw the ball back and it struck the referee (Richard Calthorpe) on the back of the neck and he was ordered off. It was unclear if this was accidental or deliberate according to the NZ Herald reporter of the time. At the disciplinary committee Hardgrave apologised and said that he had thrown the ball away in frustration and not at anybody in particular. The league decided to leave the matter there. During the game future New Zealand international halfback, Bill Walsh left the field injured. He was replaced by a young Arthur Matthews who would also go on to represent New Zealand in 1919, the same year as Walsh. Grafton beat Newton 15-11 with Karl Ifwersen scoring 2 tries, 2 conversions, and 1 penalty before leaving the field with an injured thigh late in the game. Alan Blakey returned to the field for the first time in 2 seasons and scored one of Newton's tries. City won their second match of the season, beating North Shore 15-8 and remarkably had not conceded a try through 4 matches. 29 May 3:00 Ponsonby 19–9 Some Interesting Games/Grafton Leading/Ponsonby's Easy Win/Newton's Great Effort/A Surprising Win 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 15931 31 May 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150531.2.5.1 10 August 2019 Otahuhu W Edwards, Thomas McClymont, Bernard Longbottom A Cross 3 A Cross 2 A Richardson Bernard Farrelly Bernard Farrelly 2 Victoria Park 1 Richard Calthorpe 29 May 3:00 Grafton 15–11 Newton Karl Ifwersen 2, F Collins Karl Ifwersen 2 Karl Ifwersen R Clark, Alan Blakey, Len Farrant R Clark Auckland Domain G Whitley 29 May 3:00 North Shore 8–15 City Jack Paul 2 & 2 marks Albert Asher 3 Ernie Asher 3 Devonport Domain 1 Tom Fielding Round 5 The Asher brothers, Albert, Ernie, and George scored all 16 of City's points in their 16-10 win over Grafton. Otahuhu were missing forwards, Sharpe, and Doherty. Both had tried to enlist for the war effort but were turned down for medical reasons so had traveled to Australia to try and enlist there. Also McCallion had moved to South Africa to farm. John Fischer had not intended to play as he was suffering from influenza, while Spence had not fully recovered from injury suffered the previous week. Captain Arthur Hardgrave was also unavailable. J Maurice made a reappearance to help the stricken side but lacked fitness and struggled. Under the circumstances they did well to only lose to Newton 18-6. During North Shore's loss to Ponsonby their captain, Hec Wynyard walked off the field and stood on the sideline. 19 June 3:00 City 16–10 First round Concluded/Ponsonby LeadingGrafton's First Defeat/Newton's Initial Win/Ponsonby's Easy Victory 4 The New Zealand Herald LII 15949 21 June 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150621.2.14 10 August 2019 Grafton George Asher 2, Albert Asher 2 Ernie Asher Ernie Asher John McGregor 2 Karl Ifwersen & 1 mark Victoria Park 1 Dick Benson 19 June 3:00 Ponsonby 18–0 North Shore Victor McCollum 2 A Cross 2 A Cross 3, Spence Jones Victoria Park 2 A Vause 19 June 3:00 Newton 18–6 Otahuhu Bowen, Joe Bennett, Bob Biggs, Charles Potier Joe Bennett 2 Adelbert Tobin John Fischer, J Spence Victoria Park 3 Archie Ferguson Round 6 Otahuhu was significantly weakened once more with Richardson and Browne unavailable, Arthur Hardgrave out with illness and Bert Farrelly who missed the train from Otahuhu to the City and arrived only a few minutes before halftime. They put up a good showing however and only lost by a point to North Shore. Jack Stanaway returned to the field and played at fullback for the South Auckland side. For Ponsonby, Bernard Longbottom was ordered off for questioning the referee. 26 June 3:00 Grafton 10–5 Grafton in the Lead/Some Close Contests 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 15955 26 June 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150628.2.22 10 August 2019 Ponsonby F Rogers, John McGregor Karl Ifwersen & 1 mark Spence Jones A Cross Victoria Park 1 Archie Ferguson 26 June 3:00 City 16–13 Newton Vic Barchard 2, George Asher, Jim Rukutai Ernie Asher 2 Richard Rope, R Clark, Len Farrant R Clark R Clark Auckland Domain Tom Fielding 26 June 3:00 North Shore 11–10 Otahuhu Perritt, T Paul, J McDonald Jack Paul John Fischer, J Spence Montrose Stanaway, Bernard Farrelly Devonport Domain Billy Murray Round 7 All of the matches were played in poor conditions at Victoria Park. Rugby union and hockey had cancelled all of their matches but rugby league went ahead with the fields in a messy state. In the match between Newton and North Shore, Stan Walters, and Richard Rope were sent off for "rough play". In the Ponsonby v City game, H Manning and Harry Francis were also ordered off for rough play late in the match with both players throwing punches at each other. Manning had to be attended to with a "badly cut face". It was decided by the league to suspend both players for four weeks though City appealed the decision.Northern Union Executive Meeting 7 Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 167 1915-07-15 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19150715.2.83 2024-04-26Outdoor Sports 10 Observer, Volume XXXV, Issue 45 1915-07-17 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19150717.2.15 2024-04-26 10 July 3:00 Ponsonby 3–3 Grafton Still Leading/Ponsonby and City Draw/Grafton's Easy Victory/Newton's Second Win 9 The New Zealand Herald LII 15967 12 August 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150712.2.110 10 August 2019 City Spence Jones Vic Barchard Victoria Park 1 2,000 Tom Fielding 10 July 3:00 Grafton 21–3 Otahuhu F Rogers, John McGregor 3, George Iles Karl Ifwersen 2, Dougie McGregor Ralph Wrightson Victoria Park 2 2,000 G Whitley 10 July 3:00 Newton 5–3 North Shore Bob Biggs R Clark Hec Wynyard Victoria Park 3 2,000 Richard Calthorpe Round 8 17 July 3:00 Newton 19–10 Surprise Victories/Grafton Defeated/Newton's Great Effort/Newton Beats Ponsonby 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 15973 19 July 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150719.2.11 10 August 2019 Ponsonby R Clark 2, Joe Bennett, Charles Potier, Richard Rope R Clark R Clark Spence Jones, Danrell A Cross A Cross Victoria Park Billy Murray 17 July 3:00 North Shore 12–9 Grafton Hec Wynyard, C Nicholson Jack Paul Jack Paul 2 Warner Karl Ifwersen Karl Ifwersen 2 Devonport Domain Archie Ferguson 17 July 3:00 City 10–6 Otahuhu Vic Barchard, Albert Asher Ernie Asher Ernie Asher J Spence, E.J. Donohue Auckland Domain F Tyson Round 9 24 July 3:00 Grafton 15–9 Grafton Beats Newton/City Wins Again 8 The New Zealand Herald LII 15979 26 July 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150726.2.116.2 10 August 2019 Newton Tom Haddon, Karl Ifwersen, Bob Mitchell Karl Ifwersen 2 (and 1 mark) Joe Bennett R Clark 2 (and 1 mark) Victoria Park 1 4,000 G Whitley 24 July 3:00 City 13–7 North Shore Jim Rukutai Ernie Asher Ernie Asher 2 (and 2 marks) C Nicholson Jack Paul Jack Paul Victoria Park 2 4,000 Billy Murray 24 July 3:00 Otahuhu 9–18 Ponsonby John Fischer Bernard Farrelly Bernard Farrelly 2 Spence Jones, Victor McCollum, W Edwards, unknown x 1 A Cross A Cross 2 Otahuhu T Hill Championship final Grafton won their only ever first grade championship with a 10-5 win over City. Karl Ifwersen who had been chiefly responsible for the formation of the club captained them and scored a try and kicked 2 conversions. Warner, a forward scored their other try. Somewhat ironically Dick Roope had to be carried off the field with an injured knee and therefore missed the Roope Rooster knockout competition for the trophy which he had donated to the league. He had started the year as chairman of the league but resigned his position to resume playing. There was significant controversy around the appointment of the referee for the final. The City club applied for Dick Benson to referee the match but the referee's association declined. The Grafton club then suggested that Leonard Nield should be appointed, however the Association decided on Archie Ferguson. This did not satisfy the City club however and their delegate R. Pollock said that Mr Ferguson "had evinced bias against the City club and had publicly expressed opinions concerning one or two players". After much too-ing and fro-ing it was decided to ask Billy Murray if he would referee but the Grafton club objected to his appointment. They then decided to appoint Leonard Nield but the referees themselves had had their tempers raised and on the Saturday and they did not want to change the original appointment. In the end the City players unanimously agreed to take the field under Archie Ferguson and so he refereed the match. After the conclusion of the match Pollock said "we were beaten, and it was our own fault". While the City captain, Albert Asher said "the club has had several disagreements, but after last Saturday we shall always be pleased to see Mr. Ferguson as referee".Nearly A Fiasco 7 Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 183 3 August 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19150803.2.61 26 April 2024 Playing in the final for City was forward Samuel Russell Magee. He was killed in an "unfortunate accident on the Main Trunk line to the troop train which was taking recruits to Trentham" on October 12, 1915. 31 Jul 3:00 Grafton 10–5 Grafton Wins Competition 4 The New Zealand Herald LII 15985 2 August 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150802.2.8.2 10 August 2019 City Karl Ifwersen, G Warner Karl Ifwersen 2 William Mincham Ernie Asher Victoria Park 1 4,000 Archie Ferguson Roope Rooster knockout competition right|thumbNewton, Grafton and North Shore were round 1 victors and North Shore received a bye meaning they should have advanced to the final directly. However Grafton and Newton played out a 2–2 draw in their semi-final. Rather than play a replay the league decided to have a second semi-final match between Grafton and North Shore, with Newton progressing to the final. North Shore beat Grafton and then defeated Newton in the final to win the inaugural Roope Rooster trophy which is still played for today. P.W. (Dick) Roope was confined to bed after badly injuring his knee in the Grafton win over City in the championship final. Round 1 At Devonport the City side evidently did not take the new trophy seriously and began the game with 10 men and only 3 forwards. Eventually Jim Rukutai joined the game but played without boots and in a pair of long trousers. Despite this under the leadership of Albert Asher they hung in the game and threatened to make a match of it before North Shore finished them off. It was also mentioned that neither Otahuhu or Newton took their game seriously either. Otahuhu scored 3 unconverted tries to O'Connell, Fisher, and Eustace, and had 3 others disallowed for minor infractions to Spence, Simmonds, and McManus, but still lost comfortably to Newton 24-9 with R Clark scoring 15 points through 3 tries and 3 conversions. Near the end of the game O'Connell, who was playing out of position at five eighth broke his leg after he attempted to gather the ball but collided with Thomas of Newton. The match was then called off several minutes from time. 7 August 3:00 Grafton 13–9 Roope's Rooster/The Initial Round/Grafton Defeats Ponsonby/City's Poor Exhibition/Newton's Easy Win 4 The New Zealand Herald LII 15991 9 August 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150809.2.11.1 12 August 2019 Ponsonby Karl Ifwersen 3 Karl Ifwersen 2 D Corby, Spence Jones, Frank McWhirter Victoria Park 1 3,000 Richard Calthorpe 7 August 3:00 North Shore 16–8 City T Paul 2, D Fife, Anderson Jack Paul 2 Bernard Tresize, Bert Avery Albert Asher Devonport Domain 1 Tom Fielding 7 August 3:00 Otahuhu 9–24 Newton Alf Eustace, John Fisher, O’Connell R Clark 3, Richard Rope 2, unknown x 1 R Clark 3 Otahuhu 1 Joseph Herrick Semi-final 14 August 3:00 Newton 2–2 Roope's Rooster/Newton v Grafton/A Drawn Game 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 15997 16 August 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150816.2.6.2 12 August 2019 Grafton Charles Potier C Owen (mark) Victoria Park 1 Archie Ferguson Semi-final The death of Charles Savory was confirmed recently and there was much lamenting of his death at Gallipoli. Players wore white arm bands in his memory along with Charles Hally, William Moeki, and Miller, who had all been killed at Gallipoli. It was also reported that Edward Fox and George Seagar were on the front lines. Dougie McGregor and Mason had their tries singled out as two of the most outstanding ever seen at Victoria Park, McGregor scything through the North Shore backs to graze the posts to score while Mason made a strong "cork screw run" beating several Grafton backs to score by the posts. Mason had recently joined the side and was a Māori player who had played rugby in the South Island. 21 August 3:00 North Shore 17–13 Roope's Rooster/North Shore Defeats Grafton 8 The New Zealand Herald LII 16003 16 August 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150823.2.96.1 13 August 2019 Grafton Ernie Bailey, C Nicholson, Mason Jack Paul 2 Jack Paul, Harper Dougie McGregor 2, F Collins Karl Ifwersen Karl Ifwersen (mark) Victoria Park 3,500 Billy Murray Final Heavy rain set in before the game and the field was covered in water in many areas. North Shore won the match to claim the first ever Roope Rooster title by 10 points to 7. 11 September 3:00 North Shore 10–7 Roope's Rooster/Won by North Shore 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 16021 13 September 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150913.2.5.1 13 August 2019 Newton Morgan, Stan Walters Jack Paul Jack Paul Joe Bennett Joe Bennett, R Clark Victoria Park Billy Murray Top try scorers and point scorers thumb|Karl Ifwersen (top point scorer and try scorer).The following point scoring lists include both Senior Championship matches and the Roope Rooster competition but does not include the exhibition match at the Patriotic Carnival between Grafton and City. Unlike in previous seasons where there were several matches with incomplete scoring lists the 1915 season was well reported by the New Zealand Herald and only two tries were unattributed (one for Ponsonby and one for Newton). For the second year in a row the outstanding Karl Ifwersen easily topped the point scoring lists. Ifwersen, Paul, and Ernie Asher all kicked goals from marks (when they or a teammate caught a kicked ball on the full within goal kicking range) which were worth 2 points. RankPlayerTeamGamesTriesConPenMarkDGPoints1Karl IfwersenGrafton 12811153-822Jack PaulNorth Shore12111112-513R ClarkNewton 10776--474A CrossPonsonby 9-88--325Ernie AsherCity 11-1032-30 RankPlayerTeamGamesTries1Karl IfwersenGrafton1281Spence JonesPonsonby 1083R ClarkNewton 1074Albert AsherCity1165Vic BarchardCity1155Joe BennettNewton1255John McGregorGrafton135 Charity Carnival Then on 3 July a "Patriotic Carnival" was held involving the Auckland Hockey Association, Auckland Rugby League, Auckland Rugby Union, and the Auckland Football Association. In addition there was a golf competition and a school basketball competition. Over 15,000 people crammed into the Auckland Domain to watch the matches. In the league matches Grafton Athletic defeated City Rovers by 15 points to 10. For Grafton tries were scored by Bob Mitchell, Roope (2), and Tom Haddon, while for City George Asher and William Mincham scored tries with Ernie Asher kicking a conversion and penalty. In the second grade match City Rovers beat Māngere 8 points to 3, and in the fourth grade match the Manukau Rovers defeated Ponsonby United by 8 points to 3 also.Patriotic Carnival/A Successful Function/15,000 People at the Domain 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 15961 5 June 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150705.2.5.1 13 August 2019 Charity seven-a-side tournament results Date Score Score Venue Notes First round 12 JuneSeven-A-Side Tournament/£200 For Hospital Ship Fund/The Final, An Unsatisfactory Ending 8 The New Zealand Herald LII 15943 14 July 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150614.2.108 12 August 2019 Newton Rangers 10 Grafton B 0 Victoria Park – – Ponsonby United A 8 City Rovers B 8 Victoria Park * City Rovers won in extra-time – – Grafton Athletic A 17 Otahuhu B 0 Victoria Park – – City Rovers A 8 Otahuhu A 0 Victoria Park - – – North Shore Albions 5 Ponsonby B 0 Victoria Park - Second round – Newton Rangers 15 City Rovers B 10 Victoria Park Won in extra-time with a converted try Semi-final – City Rovers A 8 Grafton Athletic A 5 Victoria Park – Semi-final – North Shore Albions 3 Newton Rangers 2 Victoria Park - Final – North Shore Albions 3 City Rovers 0 Victoria Park Match Abandoned due to darkness, with N Shore awarded the win with City's support. Lower grades thumb|Sunnyside team which won the 4th grade competition.The lower grades consisted of second, third, fourth, and for the first time a fifth grade. New teams included Thames Old Boys, made up of players from Thames who had settled in Auckland, and Richmond Rovers who were affiliated with the Eden Ramblers club but soon after became a club on their own. J. Endean donated a shield to be awarded to the winner of the fourth grade competition in memory of his brother, Arthur Endean who had been killed in action at the Dardanelles. The shield would be named the Trooper Arthur Endean Shield. Second grade standings thumb|The Otahuhu second grade team. Northcote withdrew after 5 rounds. TeamPlayedWDLBFAPtsCity Rovers14140012363828Remuera United1180311113316Māngere Rangers1060415710812Thames Old Boys8305156506Ponsonby United82060471314Otahuhu Rovers5104139292Grafton Athletic70071121210Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers4004017650 Third grade standings The majority of the Sunnyside B team enlisted during the season and this meant they could no longer field a team. The remaining players transferred to their A side. The North Shore side also withdrew in late August for the same reason. TeamPlayedWDLBFAPointsSunnyside A11101011162621City Rovers A1190201222518Newton Rangers1171311565215Manukau7205024384Thames Old Boys7205130654City Rovers B7205011744Richmond Rovers6105117662North Shore Albions510405532Otahuhu Rovers310203172Sunnyside B300303400 Fourth grade standings (Endean Shield) thumb|Sunnyside team which won the competition.Sunnyside won with a record of 11 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, 215 points for and 36 against. The Grafton Athletic side withdrew after 3 rounds, following a loss to Manukau in round 1 and then a default loss to Sunnyside in round 2. While the Newton Rangers withdrew after 7 rounds and City Rovers a week later. TeamPlayedWonDrawLossByeForAgainstPointsSunnyside13111102153623Ponsonby United13100301294620Manukau107031976714Richmond Rovers9414165589North Shore Albions8215180785Remuera United5203144364Newton Rangers410308732Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers8008118330City Rovers4004061120Grafton Athletic20020000 Fifth grade standings Remuera withdrew after the first round, Sunnyside withdrew after round 3, while Richmond withdrew after 4 rounds. It is likely that Remuera and Sunnyside did not take the field and therefore they have been excluded from the standings. City rovers had reportedly scored 220 points and conceded 0 after their August 28 win over Otahuhu, however they had won the match 12-2, and early won a match with Newton 5-3, so the record was more likely 220-5 at this point. They then defeated Ponsonby 17-0, with their final match score not reported. TeamPlayedWonDrawLossByeForAgainstPointsCity Rovers1010000239520Newton Rangers96030507412North Shore Albions7412082669Ponsonby United7304040456Grafton Athletic71152221603Otahuhu Rovers4103119472Manukau700713580Richmond Rovers10010000 Representative season Due to World War I having broken out and the large number of players who had gone to fight the representative season was far reduced from previous years. The Auckland Rugby League did however decide to play 3 fixtures at the end of the season to support fledgling country leagues. Auckland had seen the death of a representative player already when Charles Savory died of his wounds at Gallipoli. The first representative match of the season was played on 28 August when Auckland defeated Thames by 27 points to 16 at Victoria Park with over 4,000 in attendance. In the return match a week later Thames won 25–13. The following weekend saw Auckland lose to Waikato in Huntly, though they had several new combinations and the first ever Roope Rooster club final was played at the same time in Auckland. A junior representative fixture was played as the curtain-raiser with Auckland winning by 16 points to 3 over a Lower Waikato team. Representative fixtures Auckland v Thames 28 August 3:00 Auckland 27–16 Auckland Defeats Thames 4 The New Zealand Herald LII 16009 30 August 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150830.2.7.1 10 August 2019 Thames Dougie McGregor, Spence Jones, A Cross, Stan Walters, F Rogers 2, Jim Rukutai, Frank McWhirter A Cross 2, Stan Walters V Ryan 2, A Lomas 2 J Winder V Ryan Victoria Park 4,000 Leonard Nield Auckland v Thames In the return match 350 Auckland supporters made the journey on board the Wakatere and were entertained by the Onehunga Brass Band. Thames won with a second half comeback with the wind. Auckland captain 'Hec' Wynyard was injured about 10 minutes before halftime with a kick to his side and retired at halftime with Scotty McClymont moving from full back to centre, Rogers shifting from prop to fullback and F Tresize coming on as the substitute. The City Rovers and Thames Old Boys clubs from Auckland played in a curtain raiser. 4 September 3:00 Thames 25–13 The Teams 8 The New Zealand Herald LII 16015 6 September 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150906.2.106.1 10 August 2019The Play 4 Thames Star, Volume xlx, Issue 14786 6 September 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THS19150906.2.19.3 3 July 2023Thames Beats Auckland 4 Thames Star, Volume xlx, Issue 14786 6 September 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THS19150906.2.19.2 10 August 2019 Auckland R Smith, Tookey 3, V Ryan M Maddison 3 M Maddison 2 F Collins, Jim Clark 2 Stan Walters Jim Clark Dodd's Paddock, Parawai (Thames) E. T. Price Auckland v Lower Waikato 11 September 3:00 Lower Waikato 19–6 Waikato Beats Auckland 3 The New Zealand Herald LII 16021 13 September 1915 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150913.2.5.1 10 August 2019 Auckland D Bookham 2, A Cook, George Paki, H Johnson H Peckham, F Littlewood J Spence, Forsyth Huntly Leonard Nield Auckland representative matches played and scorers The Forsyth who scored a try in the match against Lower Waikato is an unknown player. There had been no player by that name mentioned in Auckland club rugby league at all during the season. NoNameClub TeamPlayTriesConPenPoints1Jim ClarkPonsonby120182A CrossPonsonby212072Stan WaltersNorth Shore212074F RogersGrafton220065Spence JonesPonsonby210035Frank McWhirterPonsonby110035F CollinsGrafton110035Dougie McGregorGrafton110035J SpenceOtahuhu110035Forsythunknown1100311Jim RukutaiCity2000011George AsherCity2000011Joe BennettNewton2000011Henry BoylanCity1000011Hec WynyardNorth Shore2000011Bill WalshPonsonby2000011Albert AsherCity1000011Ernie AsherCity1000011Thomas McClymontPonsonby2000011Monty StanawayOtahuhu2000011Frederick TreziseCity1000011John McGregorGrafton1000011William MinchamCity1000011Victor McCollumPonsonby1000011John FischerOtahuhu1000011Barnard LongbottomPonsonby 1000011A RichardsonOtahuhu1000011Sam McGeeCity1000011Ralph WrightsonOtahuhu10000 References External links Auckland Rugby League Official Site Category:Auckland Rugby League seasons Auckland Rugby League