1923 Auckland Rugby League season

August 2020 The 1923 season of the Auckland Rugby League was its 15th. The First Grade competition featured 7 teams with the Fire Brigade club who featured in it in 1922 not entering a team. 1922 15th Auckland Rugby League season 1923 1924 Club teams by grade participation Team1st Grade2nd Grade3rd Grade4th Grade5th Grade6th Grade A6th Grade BTotalCity Rovers11111117Marist Old Boys11111117Ponsonby United11110116Richmond Rovers10101216Devonport United11110105Newton Rangers11111005Athletic11010115Ellerslie United01110014Manukau Rovers00101114Parnell00110114Kingsland Rovers01110003Otahuhu Rovers01010103Ihumātao01100002Māngere Rangers01010002Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers01001002Point Chevalier00101002Coromandel Old Boys00100001Victoria Cruising Club00100001Takapuna00001001Manukau Cruising Club00000011Total7121411810971 Auckland Rugby League news First grade winners City Rovers won their 6th championship title and the 3rd in succession after defeating Athletic 8–7 in the final. With a round to play City was only 2 competition points ahead of Athletic so it was decided to play a final to decide the champions. The match was played on Carlaw Park in front of an enormous crowd of 11,500 with £325 received in gate takings.Championship final/City Defeat Athletic/Great Contest For Honours 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18488 27 August 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230827.2.12.1 3 September 2019 City were the second team to win three consecutive titles after Ponsonby United had won the competition in 1917, 1918, and 1919. It was to be 61 years until it happened again with Mt Albert winning the title from 1984 to 1986 before Northcote won 4 titles from 1991 to 1994, Glenora 3 titles from 1997 to 1999, and Pt Chevalier won 3 titles from 2013 to 2015. Ponsonby won the Roope Rooster Knockout competition for the second straight year and their third time in the competition's history after defeating City Rovers 14–3 in the final. Representative team The Auckland representative team played 5 matches for 4 wins and a 20–20 draw. The draw was arguably the most significant result as it was in a match for the Northern Union Challenge Cup against South Auckland. Auckland had lost the cup to the same opposition the previous season and as the match was drawn South Auckland retained it. The two teams met again at the end of the season at Carlaw Park which Auckland won convincingly however the cup was not being played for as it was only defended at the holders home ground. Boating tragedy On April 1, 1923 Bill Walsh, the New Zealand and Ponsonby player was involved in a serious boating accident on the Tairua Bar which claimed the lives of 4 people. He was one of seven onboard the launch, Lorraine when it capsized shortly before 9pm on the Tairua Bar. The boat had attended a regatta at Whitianga when it was returning. There was a strong wind and heavy seas at the time. The deceased were William (Bill) Southernwood (a Ponsonby teammate), H Chappell, T Culhane, and N Robson all of Auckland. When the launch capsized Walsh and T Jenkins were trying to retrieve the dinghy when Walsh got his feet tangled in fishing line. Three breaking waves then struck them smashing the boat into "matchwood". One of the survivors, Silston Cory-Wright had managed to secure a benzine tin to hold on to in the water. Walsh was described as being "nearly done for" but was saved by Cory-Wright who had also cleared Walsh's feet of fishing line from which he had become entangled and reached him with the benzine tin.Five Men Drowned/Tragedy at Tairua Bar/Four Auckland Victims 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18363 1923-03-02 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230402.2.18 20 August 2020Heroism and Sacrifice 5 Auckland Star LIV 79 1923-03-03 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230403.2.71 20 August 2020 Cory-Wright then managed to put a life belt over Walsh's shoulders and kept him afloat until they could be pulled onboard. Both men were described as being "in a pretty bad way".Tairua Bar Tragedy/Thrilling Narrative/Launches Shattered By Sea 6 The New Zealand Herald LX 18364 1923-03-03 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230403.2.82 20 August 2020 Prime Minister William Massey telegraphed to Tairua his sincere sympathy from himself and his wife for the bereaved relatives.A Break on the Bar 5 Auckland Star LIV 81 1923-03-05 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230405.2.63 20 August 2020 Walsh recovered sufficiently and was able to assume the position of club captain which he had been elected to for the 1923 season.Around the Grounds 10 Auckland Star LIV 101 1923-03-30 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230430.2.149 20 August 2020 Manukau rugby league team Near the end of the season the Manukau and Māngere clubs sent a letter to the Auckland Rugby League which was read at the management committee meeting on 29 August. It stated that the two clubs had decided to amalgamate and would enter a team in the senior grade the following year provided permission was granted, which it was. The Manukau club is the Manukau club of today, though the Mangere club is not related to the modern day Mangere East who were not founded until 1963. The Manukau club were located in their early decades in the Onehunga area before moving much later to their current location at Moyle Park. The clubs did however remain separate and compete as separate entities the following year. Māngere were previously known as Māngere Rangers however and became known as Māngere United until they ceased to exist at the end of 1934. In the same 1923 season the Manukau Cruising Club decided to enter a team in the 6th B Grade. They played 9 games before withdrawing from the competition despite being relatively competitive. In one of their matches Roy Hardgrave and Ted Brimble played for them when their Manukau teams had a bye. Monteith Shield (1st grade championship) The 1923 First Grade Championship was arguably the most keenly fought in the competition's history to this point with three teams in the hunt for the title up until the last two weeks. Marist Old Boys who were in a good position to win the title lost in the 12th and 13th rounds and bowed out of contention, leaving City Rovers and Athletics to contend. It was ultimately won by City Rovers who finished the season with a 10 win and 2 loss record, as did Athletic, with a final being required to determine the winner. City won by the narrowest of margins 8–7 to go back to back. Monteith Shield standings TeamPldWDLFAPtsCity Rovers1311022287222Athletic1310031808720Marist Old Boys1290217010818Devonport United1260613514112Ponsonby United124081181798Newton Rangers122010851834Richmond Rovers121011932392 A final was played between City Rovers and Athletic after the round robin to decide the title with City winning 8 points to 7 in front of 11,500 spectators at Carlaw Park. Monteith Shield fixtures The First Grade season was particularly close right until the end. In the final round the step was made to play both games on Carlaw Park number 1 field for the first time (usually one match was always played on the number 2 field at the same time). If Athletic had defeated City Rovers in the main match they would have won the championship for the first time however they lost to City which forced a final to be played the following week between the same two teams and City were again victorious to claim their 3rd straight championship. Round 1 thumb|left|Hec Brisbanethumb|Wilson HallRound 1 saw the debut of centre Hec Brisbane for Marist against Richmond. Brisbane would go on to play 158 games for Marist from 1923 to 1934 scoring 71 tries, mostly in the centre position. He also played for Auckland 14 times from 1923 to 1933 and a remarkable 50 matches for New Zealand from 1924 to 1932. He was also a representative selector in the 1930s after he retired. Scrum half, Wilson Hall also debuted for Athletic after joining from the Ngaruawahia club. He would go on to transfer to Hornby in Canterbury before being signed by Hull F.C. in 1928. He later played for Castleford and Dewsbury, as well as representing New Zealand on the 1926-27 tour of England. 5 May 3:00 Ponsonby 15–10 Opening of Season/Ponsonby Defeat Newton 7 The New Zealand Herald LX 18392 7 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230507.2.22 1 September 2019 Newton W Henderson, Frank Delgrosso, Wilfred McNeil Frank Delgrosso 2 Frank Delgrosso Clarrie Polson, Dick Stack Clarrie Polson Lou Brown Carlaw Park 1 5000 Bert Gallagher 5 May 3:00 Marist 23–15 Opening of Season/Wins For Athletic and Marist 7 The New Zealand Herald LX 18392 7 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230507.2.22 1 September 2019 Richmond Billy Ghent, Baden Foss, Stevens, Percy Gallagher, Courtney Billy Ghent 2, Nelson Bass Billy Ghent McKenzie (obstruction try), Kettlewell, Unknown x 1 Butler 2 McKenzie Carlaw Park 2 5000 William Mincham 5 May 3:00 Devonport 0–12 Opening of Season/Wins For Athletic and Marist 7 The New Zealand Herald LX 18392 7 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230507.2.22 1 September 2019 Athletic Nicholson, W Miller, Bert Avery, Craddock Dufty Devonport Domain Les Bull Round 2 Kettlewell, the Richmond five eighth fractured his left collarbone and was taken to hospital in their 37-8 loss to Athletic. For the winners Craddock Dufty scored 4 tries and kicked two conversions. Those two conversions were the only successful attempts from their 11 tries with Bert Avery, George Yardley, and Redmond Lonergan all scoring twice. 12 May 3:00 Marist 11–5 Marist Defeat Newton/Fast, Exciting Games 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18398 14 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230514.2.9 1 September 2019 Newton Stevens, Sid McNamara, Billy Ghent Bill Stormont Wally Somers Clarrie Polson Carlaw Park 1 7500 Les Bull 12 May 3:00 Athletic 37–8 City and Athletic Win/Fast, Exciting Games 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18398 14 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230514.2.9 1 September 2019 Richmond Nicholson, George Yardley 2, Redmond Lonergan 2, Craddock Dufty 4, Bert Avery 2 Craddock Dufty 2 McKenzie, J McLean McKenzie Carlaw Park 2 7500 Len Farrant 12 May 3:00 Devonport 10–24 City and Athletic Win/Fast, Exciting Games 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18398 14 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230514.2.9 1 September 2019 City Matthew Scott, Stan Webb Stan Webb 2 Vic Thomas, Ben Davidson, Mike Flynn, George Cargill, 'Chook' Mitchell, Harry Hawkes Mike Flynn 3 Devonport Domain William Mincham Round 3 thumb|Lord Jellicoe, the Governor General of New Zealand who attended the City v Richmond game at the Auckland Domain.The Carlaw Park matches drew a large crowd of over 8,000. Athletic had the misfortune to lose their winger Redmond Lonergan to an eye injury in the first minute of their match but nonetheless went on to win 16-15. Wilson Hall played a fine game at five eighth for Athletic and scored a try while captain Bert Avery and Ernie Herring also crossed for tries. Clarrie Polson scored a try for Newton which he converted, also converting both of their other tries. In Marist's 24-9 win over Ponsonby, Bill Stormont scored a try and kicked three penalties. While for Ponsonby Frank Delgrosso in his fifth season of rugby league kicked three goals. At the Auckland Domain Lord Jellicoe, the Governor General of New Zealand, was in attendance to see City beat Richmond 25-9. The Davidson brothers (Bill, Ben, and George) accounted for 17 of City's points. McDonald scored all of Richmond's with a try, conversion, and two penalties. 26 May 3:00 Marist 24–9 Marist Defeat Ponsonby 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18410 28 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230528.2.7.2 1 September 2019 Ponsonby Jock Johnson, Bill Stormont, Sid McNamara, Stevens Billy Ghent 2, Percy Gallagher Bill Stormont 3 William Hanlon Frank Delgrosso Frank Delgrosso 2 Carlaw Park 1 8500 Billy Murray 26 May 3:00 Athletic 16–15 Athletic 16, Newton 15 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18410 28 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230528.2.7.2 1 September 2019 Newton George Yardley, Ernie Herring, Nicholson, Bert Avery George Yardley, Wilson Hall Ralph Brockliss, Clarrie Polson, Alfred James Clarrie Polson 3 Carlaw Park 2 8500 A Saunders 26 May 3:00 City 25–9 City Win From Richmond 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18410 28 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230528.2.7.2 1 September 2019 Richmond Harry Hawkes, Ben Davidson 3, 'Chook' Mitchell, George Davidson 2 Bill Davidson, Mike Flynn McDonald McDonald McDonald 2 Auckland Domain 2 Albert Vause Round 4 The weekend of rugby league was marred by the tragic death of 15 year old Orville Fisher. He had played for the City B sixth grade teams in their game at Ellerslie and was traveling back to the Auckland station by train afterwards. As the train came past Carlaw Park he and some other boys were standing on the platform of the train which was crowded at the time. Fisher "climbed up the stanchions, and got right up on the roof of the carriage". The boys then "cheered the players on the ground" as the train went by and then they noticed that Fisher had fallen from the train. He had struck his head on one of the Parnell Bridge girders and been killed instantly. The accident was "noticed from Carlaw Park, and a crowd rushed over to the scene".Killed On Railway 6 Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 131 4 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230604.2.87 13 September 2024Parnell Bridge Accident 6 New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18416 4 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230604.2.41 13 September 2024 The crowd at Carlaw Park had been a fairly small 3,000 as many sports fans had gone to the Ellerslie Racecourse for the races there. 2 June 3:00 City 25–2 City Wins From Newton 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18416 4 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230604.2.7.1 1 September 2019 Newton Jack Keenan, George Davidson 2, Harry Hawkes, Maurice Wetherill, Ben Davidson 2 Maurice Wetherill 2 Clarrie Polson Carlaw Park 1 3000 Bert Gallagher 2 June 3:00 Athletic 20–5 (5-3) Athletic Beat Ponsonby 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18416 4 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230604.2.7.1 1 September 2019 Ponsonby Nicholson, L Lee, Bert Avery, Ernie Herring Craddock Dufty 4 A McClure Frank Delgrosso Carlaw Park 2 3000 William Mincham 2 June 3:00 Devonport 12–3 Devonport 12 V Richmond 3 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18416 4 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230604.2.7.1 1 September 2019 Richmond Bert Laing, Jim O'Brien, (E or J) Johnson, Matthew Scott Hunter Devonport Domain Les Bull Round 5 John Lang made his first appearance of the season for Marist and played at halfback, forcing Billy Ghent out on to the wing. Marist still went down 9-0 in wet, muddy conditions at Carlaw Park. Bill Walsh was also playing his first game of the year in the five eighths position for Ponsonby. They struggled against a strong City side losing 25-0 with Jack Keenan having moved from the five eighths out to the wing scoring one of their five tries. Keenan was a well known boxer who fought around New Zealand in the 1920s and had been the New Zealand light weight champion in 1920-21.Boxing 3 New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17724 11 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19210308.2.11.4 1 September 2019 9 June 3:00 Athletic 9–0 The Senior Competition/Athletic Defeats Marists 9 Auckland Star LIV 137 11 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230611.2.139 1 September 2019 Marist Wilson Hall Craddock Dufty 3 Carlaw Park 1 2,500 Bert Gallagher 9 June 3:00 City 25–0 The Senior CompetitionWins to City and Devonport 9 Auckland Star LIV 137 11 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230611.2.139 1 September 2019 Ponsonby Maurice Wetherill, Jack Keenan, Vic Thomas, C Mitchell, Harry Hawkes Bill Davidson 4 Bill Davidson Carlaw Park 2 2,500 Leonard Neild 9 June 3:00 Devonport 9–5 The Senior Competition/Wins to City and Devonport 9 Auckland Star LIV 137 11 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230611.2.139 1 September 2019 Newton Alex Godick, Cyril Wheeler, G Smith H McNeil Clarrie Polson Devonport Domain T Hill Round 6 thumb|The Devonport senior side. Neville St George is on the left in the back row. Two to his right is Stan Webb, with Allan Seagar 6th from the left. In the 3rd row Alf Scott is 4th from the left. Seated holding the ball is Bert Laing, and 2 to his right is Jim O'Brien. All played for New Zealand.During the week a rule was brought in whereby the player putting the ball into the scrum had to throw it from three paces away. 16 June 3:00 Marist 15–5 (5-0) The Senior Competition/Marists Down City 9 Auckland Star LIV 143 18 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230618.2.152 3 September 2019 City Nelson Bass, Baden Foss, C Stevens Bill Stormont 2 Bill Stormont Harry Hawkes Bill Davidson Carlaw Park 1 6,500 Les Bull 16 June 3:00 Newton 23–9 (9-4) The Senior Competition/Wins to Newton and Ponsonby 9 Auckland Star LIV 143 18 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230618.2.152 3 September 2019 Richmond E Watson, Clarrie Polson 2, Alan Clarke, Peters 2, L O'Donnell Clarrie Polson Kettlewell (obstruction try) McDonald McDonald 2 Carlaw Park 2 6,500 Robert Bouvaird 16 June 3:00 Devonport 5–13 (3-10) The Senior Competition/Wins to Newton and Ponsonby 9 Auckland Star LIV 143 18 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230618.2.152 3 September 2019 Ponsonby Bert Laing Stan Webb Bill Walsh, William Hanlon, Wilson Frank Delgrosso Frank Delgrosso Devonport Domain Billy Murray Round 7 23 June 3:00 City 7–0 City Defeat Athletic 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18434 25 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230625.2.7.2 3 September 2019 Athletic Purdie Bill Davidson Bill Davidson (mark) Carlaw Park 1 8000 Billy Murray 23 June 3:00 Ponsonby 14–12 Ponsonby's Narrow Victory 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18434 25 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230625.2.7.2 3 September 2019 Richmond A McClure, Williams, Frank Delgrosso, Sam Lowrie Frank Delgrosso McKenzie, Butler McDonald (pen & mark), Unknown (pen) Carlaw Park 2 8000 Ladbury (Ray) Hemming 23 June 3:00 Devonport 13–18 Marist O.B. 18, Devonport, 18 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18434 25 June 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230625.2.7.2 3 September 2019 Marist Jim O'Brien, Johnson, Probert Alf Harper, Stan Webb Sid McNamara, Billy Ghent, Percy Gallagher 3, Stevens Devonport Domain Bert Gallagher Round 8 Ponsonby defaulted their match with Newton after they could only manage 8 players. Only 2,000 spectators came to see the other match which took place in "mud and slush". 30 June 3:00 Athletic 14–8 The Senior Competition/Athletics Beat Shore 9 Auckland Star LIV 155 2 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230702.2.120 3 September 2019 Devonport Ernie Herring 2, L Lee, Graham Craddock Dufty Alf Harper, G Smith Charles Hand Carlaw Park 1 2000 William Mincham 30 June 3:00 Newton WBD – LBD The Senior Competition/Wins to Marist and Newton 9 Auckland Star LIV 155 2 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230702.2.120 3 September 2019 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 2 A Saunders 30 June 3:00 Marist 20–3 The Senior Competition/Wins to Marist and Newton 9 Auckland Star LIV 155 2 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230702.2.120 3 September 2019 Richmond Percy Gallagher, Bill Stormont, Sid McNamara, Nelson Bass, Stevenson, Billy Ghent Bill Stormont J McLean Auckland Domain 2 Leonard Nield Round 9 With weeks of wet weather the Carlaw Park fields were in a terrible condition so the Auckland Rugby League played all of their senior games at Victoria Park and the Auckland Domain. 7 July 3:00 Devonport 13–10 Devonport Beat City 6 The New Zealand Herald LX 18446 9 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230709.2.10.1 3 September 2019 City Jim O'Brien, Bert Laing, Alex Godick C Garrett C Garrett (mark) Harry Hawkes, 'Chook' Mitchell Mike Flynn Mike Flynn Victoria Park 1 5000 Bert Gallagher 7 July 3:00 Marist 16–4 Marists Defeat Newton 6 The New Zealand Herald LX 18446 9 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230709.2.10.1 3 September 2019 Newton Percy Gallagher, Bill Stormont, Jock Johnson, Sid McNamara Bill Stormont, Stevens Clarrie Polson (pen & mark) Auckland Domain 1 Billy Murray 7 July 3:00 Athletic 22–5 Devonport Beat City/Marists Defeat Newton 6 The New Zealand Herald LX 18446 9 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230709.2.10.1 3 September 2019 Richmond Bert Avery, W Miller 2, C Timmins, Craddock Dufty, Unknown x 1 (either Ernie Herring or Monteith) Wilson Hall, Unknown x 1 McKenzie Butler Auckland Domain 3 Les Bull Round 10 Richmond defaulted their match with City as they had a large number of players injured or ill. 14 July 3:00 Athletic 11–5 The Senior Championship/Athletics Beat Newton 8 Auckland Star LIV 167 16 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230716.2.120 3 September 2019 Newton Graham, Bert Avery, Charles (Snow) Webb Craddock Dufty Watson Clarrie Polson Carlaw Park 1 2500 Les Bull 14 July 3:00 Marist 14–8 The Senior Championship/Wins to City and Marists 8 Auckland Star LIV 167 16 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230716.2.120 3 September 2019 Ponsonby John Lang, Stevens 2, Percy Gallagher Nelson Bass (mark) A McClure, Eric McGregor Frank Delgrosso Carlaw Park 2 2500 A Saunders 14 July 3:00 City WBD – LBD The Senior Championship/Wins to City and Marists 8 Auckland Star LIV 167 16 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230716.2.120 3 September 2019 Richmond Auckland Domain 4 Leonard Nield Round 11 Kettlewell, a back in the Richmond team had to leave the field with a broken collarbone in their 19-10 loss to Devonport. He had earlier scored a try in the match. In the same game future New Zealand international Allan Seagar debuted and scored a try for Devonport.Devonport 19, Richmond 10 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18458 23 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230723.2.17.1 3 September 2019 Bill Davidson also left the field injured in City's 35-3 win over Newton. He had scored a try and kicked two conversions while his brother George scored three tries and their other brother, Ben added another. 21 July 3:00 City 35–3 City Win From Newton 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18458 23 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230723.2.17.1 3 September 2019 Newton George Cargill, Bill Davidson, F Wilson, George Davidson 3, Ben Davidson, Harry Hawkes, Alf Townsend Bill Davidson 2, Maurice Wetherill, Harry Hawkes N Peters Carlaw Park 1 2,500 William Mincham 21 July 3:00 Devonport 19–10 Devonport 19, Richmond 10 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18458 23 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230723.2.17.1 3 September 2019 Richmond Alf Harper, Stan Webb 2, Johnson, Allan Seagar Alf Harper, Johnson Hyland, Kettlewell McDonald McDonald Carlaw Park 2 2,500 Bert Gallagher 21 July 3:00 Athletic 17–9 Athletic Defeat Ponsonby 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18458 23 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230723.2.17.1 3 September 2019 Ponsonby Harry Francis, Craddock Dufty, Ernie Herring, W Kirkland, Graham Wilson Hall Williams 2, D Black Otahuhu 1 Walter Ripley Round 12 City fullback Mike Flynn broke his ankle while playing and was taken to the hospital. Flynn was a boxer from Australia who used to travel to New Zealand to fight and also played rugby league for Maritime/Athletic from 1921 to 1922 when he also made seven appearances for Auckland, and then for City in 1923 and 1924. 28 July 3:00 Athletic 7–6 Wins for City and Devonport 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18464 30 August 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230730.2.8.1 21 March 2020 Marist Bert Avery George Yardley, Craddock Dufty Hec Brisbane, Billy Ghent Carlaw Park 1 Billy Murray 28 July 3:00 City 39–2 Wins for City and Devonport 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18464 30 August 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230730.2.8.1 21 March 2020 Ponsonby Ben Davidson, Bill Davidson, F Wilson 2, Alf Townsend, George Davidson 2, Harry Hawkes, G Cargill Bill Davidson, George Davidson, Mike Flynn, Harry Hawkes 2, Wilcox Frank Delgrosso Carlaw Park 2 Les Bull 28 July 3:00 Devonport 22–8 Wins for City and Devonport 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18464 30 August 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230730.2.8.1 21 March 2020 Newton Alex Godick 3, Charles Hand, Stan Webb, Johnson Unknown x 1, Neville St George Alan Clarke, Lou Brown Clarrie Polson Victoria Park Bert Gallagher Round 13 11 August 3:00 City 14–3 City defeat Marist 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18464 30 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230813.2.116 2 September 2019 Marist George Davidson, F Wilson, Alf Townsend, Bill Davidson Harry Hawkes Bill Stormont Carlaw Park 1 7000 Leonard Nield 11 August 3:00 Devonport 8–4 Wins to Richmond, Devonport 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18464 30 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230813.2.116 2 September 2019 Ponsonby Bert Laing, Cyril Wheeler Charles Hand Frank Delgrosso 2 Carlaw Park 2 7000 Walter Ripley 11 August 3:00 Richmond 14–5 Wins to Richmond, Devonport 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18464 30 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230813.2.116 2 September 2019 Newton McDonald, Jack Campney McDonald 2 McDonald, McKenzie Lou Brown Clarrie Polson Victoria Park Robert Bouvaird Round 14 The match between City and Athletic saw two forwards ordered off, one from each team. Hec McDonald the future Kiwi debuted for City in the match after being drawn to Auckland from the Rotorua where he had been playing rugby, though he had previously played rugby league in the Waikato area. In the match between Ponsonby and Richmond the former side led 16-0 at halftime, then Richmond lost McMillan and Sutherland to injury and had to play with 11 players. Ponsonby then scored 23 more points. Both Alf Townsend (City), and Ernie Herring (Athletic) were sent off in their match which was won by City 11-8. Townsend was suspended for two games and Herring for one. City also lost Harry Francis to injury during the first half, while Maurice Wetherill suffered a broken nose but played on, and during the second half George Davidson was concussed and went off. 18 August 3:00 City 11–8 City Defeat Athletic 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18482 20 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230820.2.7 3 September 2019 Athletic Bill Davidson 2, Ben Davidson Bill Davidson Bert Avery 2 George Yardley Carlaw Park 1 7,500 Walter Ripley 18 August 1:45 Marist 20–16 Marist 20, Devonport 16 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18482 20 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230820.2.7 3 September 2019 Devonport Baden Foss, Stevens 2, Stevens 3 Alf Harper, Bert Laing, Harry Douglas, Stan Webb Bert Laing, Stan Webb Carlaw Park 1 7,500 B Bovaird 18 August 3:00 Ponsonby 39–5 Ponsonby's Heavy Score 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18482 20 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230820.2.7 3 September 2019 Richmond A McClure, Leonard Riley, John Shirley 2, Frank Delgrosso, George Mormon, W Henderson, Sam Lowrie, Wilfred McNeil Frank Delgrosso 2, Sam Lowrie, Wilfred McNeil, Thomas McClymont 2 McLean McDonald Carlaw Park 2 7,500 Les Bull Championship final thumb|Scenes from the 1923 championship final. The championship final drew the largest crowd of the club season with 11,500 in attendance and saw 350 pounds in gate sales. City Rovers won their 3rd consecutive 1st grade title and 6th in their short history. 25 August 3:00 City 8–7 City Defeat Athletic 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18488 27 August 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230827.2.12.1 3 September 2019 Athletic F Wilson, Maurice Wetherill Bill Davidson Bert Avery Craddock Dufty 2 Carlaw Park 1 11,500 Bert Gallagher Roope Rooster knockout competition thumb|left|Thomas McClymontthumb|Ivan LittlewoodThe Roope Rooster competition was interesting as Ponsonby went on to win it despite being uncompetitive in the First Grade competition. Thomas McClymont and Bill Walsh emerged from retirement, and Ivan Littlewood transferred back to the club from Waikato where he had moved, to bolster their team for the Roope Rooster competition. They defeated Richmond and Marist comprehensively before beating a slightly weakened City team (with Maurice Wetherill suffering from influenza, and Bill Davidson with a leg injury) in the final 14–8. Round 1 Athletic had a forward ordered off early in their match with Devonport United but still managed to lead at halftime before conceding the lead and the match in the second half. Redmond Lonergan of the Athletic side injured his spine and was taken to hospital. In the Marist match v Newton Courtney was sent off for striking the Newton hooker, Wally Somers. While in the Athletic match with Devonport Ernie Herring was warned by the referee (Les Bull), and then committed an obstruction offence shortly after and was sent off. 1 September 3:00 Devonport 21–16 (5-6) Roope Rooster Contests/Devonport Beat Athletic 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18494 3 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230903.2.8.1 3 September 2019 Athletic Alf Harper, Alex Godick, Cyril Wheeler, Bert Laing 2 Charles Hand, Bert Laing Charles Hand Bert Avery, Jack Miller Craddock Dufty 2 Craddock Dufty 3 Carlaw Park 1 5000 Les Bull 1 September 3:00 Marist 43–20 Roope Rooster Contests/Marist and Ponsonby Win 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18494 3 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230903.2.8.1 3 September 2019 Newton Bill Stormont 4, Hec Brisbane 3, John Lang, Baden Foss Stevens 6, Hec Brisbane Bill Stormont Clarrie Polson, Watson, Bill Williams, Wally Somers Clarrie Polson, Unknown x 1 Clarrie Polson, Alan Clarke Carlaw Park 2 5000 Robert Bouvaird 1 September 3:00 Ponsonby 43–18 Roope Rooster Contests/Marist and Ponsonby Win 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18494 3 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230903.2.8.1 3 September 2019 Richmond Joseph Peckham 2, Frank Delgrosso 2, Thomas McClymont, Ivan Littlewood 3, McMahon Frank Delgrosso, Thomas McClymont 3, Ivan Littlewood 3, William Hanlon Butler 3, Barber McNeil 2 McNeil Auckland Domain Billy Murray Semi finals 8 September 3:00 City 49–12 Roope Rooster Competition/City Outclasses Devonport 9 Auckland Star LIV 216 10 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230910.2.126 3 September 2019 Devonport F Wilson 2, Sam Crewther, Ben Davidson, Casey, George Davidson 3, Maurice Wetherill 2, Harry Hawkes 2, Hec McDonald George Davidson 3, Sam Crewther, Harry Hawkes Harry Douglas, Smith Charles Hand, Neville St George Charles Hand Carlaw Park 1 6000 Billy Murray 8 September 3:00 Ponsonby 34–12 Roope Rooster Competition/Ponsonby Beats Marist 9 Auckland Star LIV 216 10 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230910.2.126 3 September 2019 Marist Donovan 2, Joseph Peckham 2, Wilfred McNeil, Bill Walsh Thomas McClymont 3, Ivan Littlewood Thomas McClymont, Frank Delgrosso 2 Eric Grey M Kirkland, A Nelson Bill Stormont, John Lang Bill Stormont Carlaw Park 2 6000 Bert Gallagher Final 15 September 3:00 Ponsonby 14–3 Roope Rooster Final/Ponsonby Defeat City/Fast, Exciting Game 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18506 17 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230917.2.11 2 September 2019 City Thomas McClymont, Ivan Littlewood Thomas McClymont Thomas McClymont 3 Ben Davidson Carlaw Park 1 7000 Bert Gallagher Top try scorers and point scorers These lists include tries and points scored in the first grade competition and the Roope Rooster knockout competition. Alex Godick of Devonport, who scored 6 tries during the season later moved to Fiji to live and help promote the game of rugby union there.The Game in the Islands/Progress in Fiji 21 Auckland Star LXVI 188 10 August 1935 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19350810.2.159 22 March 2020 Top try scorers Rk Player Team Gms Tries 1 George DavidsonCity1413 2Bert AveryAthletic1412 3 Ben DavidsonCity1411 4= Harry HawkesCity1210 4= C M StevensMarist1210 6 Bill StormontMarist139 7= Percy GallagherMarist117 7= Bert LaingDevonport107 7= Craddock DuftyAthletic147 7= F WilsonCity147 Top point scorers Rk Player Team G T C P M Pts1Craddock DuftyAthletic1471270592Frank DelgrossoPonsonby13610100583Bill StormontMarist139662554George DavidsonCity1413400475Clarrie PolsonNewton1251041456Bill DavidsonCity1251211437Harry HawkesCity1210500408C M StevensMarist1210400389Bert AveryAthletic14120003610Ben DavidsonCity141100033 Other senior club matches and competitions Athletic v Wednesday representative team During the season a Wednesday afternoon competition was played and it was decided to play a match between Athletic who had a bye and a representative team from that competition as curtain-raiser to the City Rovers – Marist Old Boys match. 11 August 2:00 Athletic 9–5 Wednesday Representatives 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18476 12 August 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230813.2.7.1 21 March 2020 Wednesday Representative Team Charles (Snow) Webb, Bert Avery, George Yardley Halliday Halliday Carlaw Park 1 Labour Day Carnival and charity sevens tournament On 20 October there was a carnival held at Carlaw Park with 7 a-side football on one field and seven-a-side rugby league on the other. There were three first round matches played with Richmond, Athletic A, and Devonport victorious. Richmond received a bye in the semi-finals and met Athletic in the final who they defeated 5 points to 0. The following weekend another seven-a-side tournament was held at Carlaw Park to raise money for the Takapuna Orphanage which was destroyed by fire. Unfortunately the weather was particularly bad in the morning which had an effect on the attendance with only 1,000 spectators. The teams were supposed to composed of senior players but in reality were largely made up of junior players. Seven-a-side carnival results Date Score Score Venue First Round 20 Oct Labour Day Tournament/Richmond Wins Final 5 The New Zealand Herald LX 18536 22 October 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19231022.2.23.1 3 September 2019 Richmond 2 Athletic B 0 Carlaw Park First Round 20 Oct Athletic A 5 Marist Old Boys 3 Carlaw Park First Round 20 Oct Devonport 10 Ponsonby 6 Carlaw Park Semi Final 20 Oct Athletic A 6 Devonport 3 Carlaw Park Final 20 Oct Richmond 5 Athletic A 0 Carlaw Park Seven-a-side tournament results Date Score Score Venue Attendance First Round 27 Oct A Mixed Programme/Devonport Wins Seven A Side 3 Auckland Star LIV 258 29 October 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19231029.2.16 3 September 2019 Devonport 21 Athletic 3 Carlaw Park1,000 First Round 27 Oct Ponsonby 9 City 0 Carlaw Park Semi Final 27 Oct Devonport 14 Marist Old Boys 8 Carlaw Park Final 27 Oct Devonport WBD Ponsonby LBD Carlaw Park Exhibition matches Hamilton v Marist On June 2 Marist had a bye and so travelled to Hamilton to play a local Hamilton representative side. Hamilton won 28-13 against a Marist team missing 5 of its regular players. 2 June 3:00 Hamilton 28-13 Hamilton Representatives Win/Auckland Team Defeated 2 Waikato Times 97 15255 1923-06-04 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19230604.2.6 2021-04-19 Marist J Sorenson, Payne, Jacques, Grice, J Dufty 2 J Dufty 4, Tim Peckham Hec Brisbane, Baden Foss 2 Baden Foss Baden Foss Hinemoa Park, Hamilton Mr. Herrick Ponsonby v City ('champion of champions') On September 22 Ponsonby (winners of the Roope Rooster) and City (winners of the championship) met in an exhibition game. The concept would be the same as the Stormont Shield champion of champions format which started two years later. Ponsonby led 3-0 at half time and held on to win before a crowd of 7,000. Harry Hawkes, the City forward went off with a cut around his eye in the first half and was replaced by H McLaughlin, while in the second half George Davidson was injured in a tackle when scoring City's lone try. Then later his brother Ben went off with an injured arm leaving them with just 11 players. 22 September 3:00 Ponsonby 6-3 Ponsonby Defeats City 9 Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 228 1923-09-24 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230924.2.130 2024-09-21 City Joseph Peckham, Eric Grey George Davidson Carlaw Park 7,000 Les Bull Other games Richmond travelled to Taumarunui towards the end of the season when they had a bye in the First Grade competition and were victorious against the local side by 14 points to 5. On 15 September the Athletic and Parnell 4th grade teams played a match in Whangarei which was the first time and organised game of rugby league had been played in the area. As both of the teams were composed of junior players, the game was not of a high standard and gained little interest. List of Exhibition Matches Date Score Score Venue Attendance Exhibition Match 28 July Richmond v Taumarunui 9 Auckland Star LIV 180 26 July 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230730.2.134 2 September 2019 Taumarunui 5 Richmond 14 Taumarunui G Stevens Benefit Match 5 Sep Newton 16 Wednesday Representatives 11 Carlaw Park1,200 Exhibition Match 15 Sep Auckland at Whangarei 10 Auckland Star LIV 222 17 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230917.2.138 3 September 2019 Athletic 4th Grade 11 Parnell 4th Grade 9 Kensington Park, Whangarei Exhibition Match 6 Oct Huntly 3 Kingsland Rovers 20 Huntly Lower grades There were 8 lower grade competitions in 1923 with the 6th grade split into an A and B division, while the Cadets competition ran again and a Wednesday Competition was also run featuring businesses and professions. The Richmond club refused to play any of its scheduled May 5 games in protest at the allocation of venues. The ARL in response decided to replay that their move was ill-timed and unavailing as a protest. And that they should have played the games and then protested in order to be heard. Management Committee 9 Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 110 10 May 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230510.2.146 23 January 2023 Second grade City Rovers won the competition after defeating Māngere Rangers 16-3 on September 8. Earlier in the season on June 2 the two sides drew 6-6 but the match was later awarded to Mangere as City had an "unqualified" player. The standings are incomplete with most teams playing around 14 matches but less than half were reported. On August 14 with the competition nearing its end the New Zealand Herald reported that Māngere were on 20 points, City 16, and Otahuhu and Kingsland were on 14. City had 2 games in hand and it appears Māngere must have lost their last match with City winning both of there's and forcing a playoff for the competition on September 8, which they won. Māngere won the knockout competition (Foster Memorial Shield). Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers withdrew after 7 rounds and had defaulted at least two matches to that point. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsCity Rovers15101411264921Māngere Rangers1310030954520Otahuhu Rovers147060351714Kingsland Rovers137050714414Newton Rangers13202140294Ponsonby United11114063693Ihumātao14103032502Devonport United10103029512Ellerslie United1210205272Marist Old Boys1200208400Athletic1100405770Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers20000000 Third grade (Myers Cup) The points for the five leading teams was mentioned in an article in the New Zealand Herald on August 14 when City and Manukau had no games remaining while Richmond, Ponsonby, and Point Chevalier each had two games left. After wins by Ponsonby and Point Chevalier they overtook City and Manukau and needed a playoff for the title. Ponsonby United won the competition, defeating Point Chevalier in the final 10-7 on September 15. Ellerslie, Kingsland and Marist all withdrew after round 7. Each of them had defaulted multiple matches prior to this. 16 rounds were played in total but there were few results reported, though the majority of Ponsonby's matches did have their result published. The Victoria Cruising Club entered a team. They were a boating club based in the Westhaven Marina adjacent to the southern end of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsPonsonby United15131111332027Point Chevalier1510051723520City Rovers121002101520Manukau121011287321Richmond Rovers119024222318Devonport United12302224246Parnell12305045466Victoria Cruising Club11305313166Coromandel Old Boys1120607474Ellerslie United31020302Kingsland Rovers13018216531Marist Old Boys501303331Ihumātao12006161160Newton Rangers40030000 Fourth grade Devonport United won the championship on September 29 when they beat Athletic 24-5 in the final. Neither team had many of their results reported and therefore the standings are very incomplete although the New Zealand Herald gave the points of the leading teams near the end of the season. Marist withdrew after 6 rounds when they had already defaulted at least 3 matches. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsDevonport United1310030321720Athletic129030442418Parnell13713055615City Rovers15707014014Otahuhu Rovers1660910012Ellerslie United11203036364Kingsland Rovers91001852Newton Rangers9003112340Māngere Rangers1000205470Ponsonby United1200115550Marist Old Boys40031000 Fifth grade (Endean Memorial Shield) Richmond secured the championship when they defeated Newton 11-0 in the final round. Ponsonby withdrew from the competition after 3 rounds when they had defaulted their matches up to this point. Athletic withdrew after 4 rounds when they too had been defaulting matches. There were 14 rounds played but many results were not reported and so the standings are incomplete. Richmond, City, Point Chevalier, Northcote & Birkenhead, and Newton had the majority of their results reported but 5 or 6 not reported in each case. City won the knockout competition when they beat Newton 18-0 on September 29. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsRichmond Rovers14100401402420Takapuna129130521219City Rovers117222702216Newton Rangers117040407614Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers9405149938Manukau1120134784Marist Old Boys10204239514Point Chevalier11107171582Athletic40020000Ponsonby United30020000 Sixth grade A Ponsonby won the competition. Newton finished runner up after they beat Parnell 5-3 in the final round. Otahuhu won the Hamill Cup which was the knockout competition trophy when they beat Ponsonby 21-0 on October 20, and then Devonport 21-0 in the final on October 27. There were very few results reported in the championship although the majority of Ponsonby and Athletics results were reported. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsPonsonby United138230853718City Rovers146250363314Athletic136240541514Richmond Rovers B8323061418Richmond Rovers A13312052117Parnell13214021335Manukau13202027474Marist Old Boys1300302120Otahuhu Rovers140010030Devonport United12006021080 Sixth grade B Athletic won the competition. There were many results not reported however after round 15 on August 18 it was reported that City's 10-0 win over Athletic brought them within 1 competition point of Athletic which gave a clue as to several earlier matches played. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsAthletic18112101272824City Rovers1992401243020Parnell188141693217Manukau Cruising Club9322029208Marist Old Boys16314019407Ellerslie United18115016613Richmond Rovers131090181452Ponsonby United17016017631 Cadet competition The Cadet competition was won by the 29th Company from Ponsonby. Only around half of the results were reported. TeamPldWDLBFAPts29th Company (Ponsonby)8701098481436th A Company32101257527th Company721405150534th Company520312745422nd Company420201942436th B Company500509370 Wednesday Competition The Post and Telegraph side won the Wednesday Competition which was played for by businesses and professions. Post and Telegraph beat Tramways 16-15 on September 26. On September 13 a Taxi Drivers side beat Bakers 21-9 at Carlaw Park. A Bakers player (T. McPherson) broke his ankle and was taken home). On September 20 the Post and Telegraph side played against the Wednesday representative team as curtain-raiser to the Auckland Province - New South Wales match at Carlaw Park. Post and Telegraph won 33 to 11 with future New Zealand international Arthur Singe scoring 2 tries and kicking a conversion. Wally Somers was also in the Post and Telegraph side. Wednesday "Reps" Match/Telegraph Defeats Wednesday Reps 5 The New Zealand Herald LIX 18202 1922-09-22 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19220922.2.21.1 2020-04-28 TeamPldWDLBFAPtsPost and Telegraph870111107614Tramways960301326912Taxi Drivers6303139456Railway7205154944Carters6006142930 Representative season The Auckland representative side played 5 matches. They started the season with a match against Wellington in which they ran up a huge score, winning by 71 points to 12. Their second match was played mid week against Hamilton, before two games against South Auckland and finishing the season with a game against an Auckland provincial team. Auckland challenged South Auckland for the Northern Union Cup which it had lost to the same opponents in 2022. The match was drawn and so South Auckland retained the cup. Auckland later played an Auckland provincial team and won comfortably in front of 7,000 spectators on Carlaw Park. A curtain-raiser was played between the Referees Association and the Junior Advisory Board, and was won by the former by 10 points to 6. In the final full league fixture of the season Auckland played South Auckland again and were this time victorious 25 to 11. Auckland v Wellington Every single member of the Auckland team scored points aside from Bill Davidson which was ironic given that he was one of Auckland Rugby League's most prolific point scorers. 22 August 3:00 Auckland 71–12 Auckland V Wellington 10 Auckland Star LIV 201 23 August 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230823.2.139 21 March 2020 Wellington Alex Godick 3, Ben Davidson 4, Frank Delgrosso 2, Bert Laing 2, Vic Thomas, Wally Somers, William Hanlon, Bill Stormont, Harry Douglas, Nelson Bass Alex Godick 2, Bert Laing 2, Wilson Hall, Clarrie Polson 3, Wally Somers, Nelson Bass J Hedges, T Ryan D Whittington D Whittington, A Greer Carlaw Park 1 5,000 Ripley Auckland v Hamilton In the match with Hamilton which, was played midweek, there were no players from the Ponsonby United and City Rovers clubs available as they were playing the Roope Rooster final on the following Saturday. 12 September 3:00 Auckland 22–16 Auckland Defeats Hamilton/22 Points to 16 in Good Game 4 The New Zealand Herald LX 18503 12 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19230913.2.11.1 20 March 2020 Hamilton Craddock Dufty 2, Clarrie Polson 2, Nelson Bass, Harry Douglas Craddock Dufty, Clarrie Polson McVeay 2, N Vernall, Paki McVeay McVeay Carlaw Park 1 2,000 W Murray South Auckland v Auckland (Northern Union Challenge Cup) 15 September 3:00 South Auckland (Waikato) 20–20 Northern Union Cup 10 Auckland Star LIV 222 17 September 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230917.2.138 3 September 2019 Auckland J Payne 2, Wilson, Lyall Stewart John Dufty 2 John Dufty Craddock Dufty, Hec Brisbane, Stevens, Stan Webb Craddock Dufty 2, Clarrie Polson 2 Steele Park, Hamilton T Hill Auckland v Auckland Province 29 September 3:00 Auckland 44–15 Auckland Beats Province/In Match of Big Scoring 9 Auckland Star LIV 234 1 October 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19231001.2.134 2 September 2019 Auckland Province Craddock Dufty, Bert Laing, Ivan Littlewood, Maurice Wetherill, Clarrie Polson, Johnston, Richard Stack, Jim O'Brien, Hec McDonald 2 Craddock Dufty, Ivan Littlewood 2, F Wilson 2, Clarrie Polson 2 Lyall Stewart, Wilson Hall, M McNeil Selby Crewther Joseph Dufty, Selby Crewther Carlaw Park 1 7000 Billy Murray Auckland v South Auckland 13 October 3:00 Auckland 35–11 Close of the Season/Auckland 35; S. Auckland 11 10 The New Zealand Herald LX 18530 15 October 1923 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19231015.2.170.1 4 September 2019 South Auckland Ben Davidson 2, Maurice Wetherill 2, Clarrie Polson, Wally Somers, Hec McDonald Craddock Dufty 3, Clarrie Polson 3 Craddock Dufty Jackson, Joe Dufty, Lyall Stewart George Raynor Carlaw Park 1 6,000 A Saunders Auckland representative matches played and scorers NoNameClub TeamPlayTriesConPenPoints1Clarrie PolsonNewton5590332Craddock DuftyAthletic4471283Ben DavidsonCity2600184Alex GodickDevonport2320135Hec McDonaldCity230095Maurice WetherillCity230095Bert LaingDevonport430098Wally SomersNewton421088Nelson BassMarist5210810Ivan LittlewoodPonsonby2120711Harry DouglasDevonport4200611Frank DelgrossoPonsonby1200613F WilsonCity3020414Hec BrisbaneMarist2100314Jim O'BrienDevonport2100314Stan WebbDevonport1100314StevensMarist2100314Richard StackNewton2100314JohnsonDevonport1100314Vic ThomasCity3100314Bill StormontMarist2100314William HanlonPonsonby1100323Wilson HallAthletic3010224Billy GhentMarist2000024John McGregorAthletic1000024Bert AveryAthletic1000024M SherlockMarist2000024M McNeilRichmond1000024McDonaldRichmond2000024Charles (Snow) WebbAthletic10000 References External links Auckland Rugby League Official Site Category:Auckland Rugby League seasons Auckland Rugby League