1925 Auckland Rugby League season

April 2020 The 1925 season of Auckland Rugby League was its 16th. On 30 March Auckland Rugby League held its fifteenth annual meeting with 200 in attendance. The strong financial position of the league was commented on. It was also decided that if possible the Senior Grade would be split into A and B divisions owing to the increasing number of teams who wished to enter but also the gap in standard between the best teams and the worst.Most Successful Year/Sound Financial Position/The Election of Officers 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 18981 1925-03-31 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250331.2.155 2019-09-11 1924 17th Auckland Rugby League season 1925 1926 Auckland Rugby League news Club teams by grade participation Leys Institute were a 6th grade side and were affiliated with the Ponsonby club. Team1st GradeB Grade2nd Grade3rd Grade4th Grade5th Grade6th Grade A6th Grade BTotalRichmond Rovers101111128Ponsonby United102211007City Rovers101101116Ellerslie United011011116Newton Rangers101110105Devonport United101110105Marist Old Boys100021105Athletic100111015Māngere United011110004Kingsland Rovers011110004Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers010101014United Suburbs001200014Parnell000111003Point Chevalier000110013Otahuhu Rovers010100002New Lynn000101002Coromandel Old Boys000100001Leys Institute (Ponsonby)000000101Total7510171297875 Trophy winners City Rovers won the First Grade Championship for the 7th time in just 15 seasons. Ponsonby won the Roope Rooster Knockout competition for the 4th time in the 11 seasons it had been competed for. Ponsonby also won the Stormont Shield after defeating City in the final in its inaugural season. While in the B division Ellerslie won the inaugural title and were awarded the Norton Cup. At the end of the season these teams competed for their own knockout trophy which was named the Stallard Cup. It was won by Otahuhu who defeated Northcote in the final. In the lower grades, the Richmond Rovers prevailed. They won the 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and both sections of the 6th grade. They were a very powerful club at the junior level and this would ultimately lead to great success at the senior grade level. Representative season The Auckland team played in 5 matches with a number of other Auckland B and Auckland C team matches. They played against the New Zealand team twice and the touring Queensland side who they drew with 18 all. The Auckland side claimed the Northern Union Challenge Cup off the holders, South Auckland and they retained it against the same opponents in a later match. In addition the Auckland Provincial team played Queensland but were soundly beaten 54–14. Death of Bill Stormont and inauguration of the Stormont Shield thumb|The Stormont ShieldOn 4 June William Stormont (known better as Bill Stormont) died, succumbing to rheumatic heart disease.Deaths – Stormont 1 Auckland Star LVI 131 1925-06-05 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250605.2.5 2019-11-10 Stormont had played for the Marist Old Boys senior team from 1920 to 1924 scoring 24 tries and kicking 31 goals. He had also represented Auckland on 16 occasions, scoring 4 tries and kicking 2 goals as well as playing 3 matches for New Zealand in 1920. He had been ill for quite some time and had not played for Marist since the end of the 1924 season. The funeral was on the Sunday leaving his parents residence in Epsom and progressing to Purewa Cemetery where he was buried.Deaths-Stormont 1 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19037 1925-06-06 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250606.2.2.5 2020-04-20 The match between Marist and Richmond Rovers on Saturday was originally postponed but was never played.Management Committee 8 Auckland Star LVI 131 1924-06-05 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250605.2.126 2020-04-20 The matches at Carlaw Park saw one minutes silence before kickoff. On 9 July at the New Zealand Council meeting John Stormont presented a shield to be played for among the senior clubs. It was to be known as the “William Stormont Memorial Shield”.New Zealand Council/Stormont Memorial Shield 9 Auckland Star LVI 161 1925-07-10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250710.2.171 2020-04-20 On 22 July at an Auckland Management Committee meeting it was decided that the shield would be played for by the “winners of the senior grade club competition and the winners of the Roope Rooster”.Auckland League/Management Committee 10 Auckland Star LVI 172 1925-07-23 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250723.2.130 2020-04-20 A request came in for the trophy to be played for among champion teams from around the country but it was eventually settled that it would be for Auckland teams. The championship winning City Rovers team, the Roope Rooster winning Ponsonby United, and Stormont's Marist side were the three teams chosen to compete for it. City drew the bye so Ponsonby were to come up against Marist in the ‘semi-final’ match.Management Committee/Draw for Stormont Shield 6 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19119 1925-09-10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250910.2.9.2 2020-04-20 Ponsonby defeated Marist 23–22 to progress to the Stormont Shield final.Stormont Shield Match/Ponsonby's Close Call 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19134 1925-09-28 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250928.2.122 2019-12-09 Ponsonby then trounced City Rovers 35–3 in the final to become the first team with their name on the trophy. The Stormont Shield is still played for today though it is played for in round 1 of the regular season with the Fox Memorial grand finalists from the previous year competing for it. Monteith Shield (first grade championship) Monteith Shield standings TeamPldWDLFAPtsCity Rovers12110130014022Ponsonby United12100227111320Marist Old Boys1160516211212Devonport United1250717220710Richmond Rovers114071551848Athletic124081332768Newton Rangers1210111523142 Monteith Shield fixtures Round 1 thumb|left|Ivan Littlewoodthumb|M Herewini M Herewini debuted for Ponsonby at fullback. He transferred to Newton the following season and played many years of senior grade over the ensuing years. Ivan Littlewood scored two tries for Ponsonby but they still lost heavily to City who scored seven tries including four to current New Zealand internationals Lou Brown (2), and Maurice Wetherill, and future international Alf Townsend. For Athletic Craddock Dufty scored three tries and kicked seven goals in their 38–18 win over Newton. 18 April 3:00 City 27–8 Opening of the Season/Senior Grade Contests/Five Matches Played 4 The New Zealand Herald LXII 18997 1925-04-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250420.2.7.1 2019-09-11 Ponsonby James Wardlaw 2, Alf Townsend, Lou Brown 2, Harry Hawkes, Maurice Wetherill Harry Hawkes, Selby Crewther Ben Davidson Ivan Littlewood 2 Frank Delgrosso Carlaw Park 1 5,000 Les Bull 18 April 3:00 Athletic 38–18 Opening of the Season/Senior Grade Contests/Five Matches Played 4 The New Zealand Herald LXII 18997 1925-04-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250420.2.7.1 2019-09-11 Newton Bert Avery, Craddock Dufty 3, John Lang, Joe Hadley, Wilson Hall 2 Craddock Dufty 6 Craddock Dufty A Watson, K Gallagher, Alan Clarke, Victor Humby Arthur Mansill 2, Alan Clarke Carlaw Park 2 5,000 William Mincham 18 April 3:00 Devonport 29–9 Opening of the Season/Senior Grade Contests/Five Matches Played 4 The New Zealand Herald LXII 18997 1925-04-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250420.2.7.1 2019-09-11 Richmond Norman Veart 2, Horace Dixon, Allan Seagar, Julius Laing, Stan Webb, Harry Douglas Charles Hand, Stan Webb, Allan Seagar, Alf Scott Sonny Hing 2, Bill Davis Devonport Domain A Saunders Round 2 A good deal of ill feeling was shown in the Marist v Devonport game at the Devonport Domain, perhaps a hangover from their controversial championship final the year before when player eligibility had dragged on for some time afterwards. In comments later in the week the Auckland Star described the match as "brutal" with much "illegal and unsportsmanlike play". Charles Gregory and Arthur Cadman of the Marist side were both ordered off in the second half but they still won 18 to 9. It was said that the crowd had threatened to run the field and even after the sendings off the game "developed into something of a melee". In the match between City and Athletic Alf Townsend was also ordered off in the second half for City, and then winger Ernest Ruby left injured leaving City with 11 players to finish the match but they led 16-8 and still managed to add another try when Lou Brown followed up a kick which new Athletic fullback Tommy Taylor failed to field. Townsend and Cadman were suspended by the league with their respective clubs appealing the decision and the ARL forwarded the appeals to the New Zealand Council (NZRL). The appeals were dismissed by the national body. In Ponsonby's win over Richmond, Tim Peckham who had just joined the side, scored one of their tries. Late in the game Richmond were awarded a try after W Little was obstructed when attempting to score. At this time obstruction tries were awarded to the player in question. Ray Hyland scored the other three tries for Richmond. 2 May 3:00 City 19–8 The Club Competitions/City Defeat Athletic 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19008 1925-05-04 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250504.2.142 2019-09-11 Athletic J Wardlaw, Lou Brown 3, Hec McDonald W Sandham 2 Joe Hadley, Bert Avery Craddock Dufty Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 2 May 3:00 Ponsonby 18–14 The Club Competitions 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19008 1925-05-04 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250504.2.142 2019-09-11 Richmond Hector Cole 2, H Goodley, Tim Peckham Frank Delgrosso 2 Frank Delgrosso Ray Hyland 3, W Little (obstruction try) Trevor Hanlon Carlaw Park 2 A Saunders 2 May 3:00 Marist 18–9 The Club Competitions/Marist Win at Devonport 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19008 1925-05-04 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250504.2.142 2019-09-11 Devonport Arthur Cadman, Percy Gallagher, Jack Kirwan, Hec Brisbane Charles Gregory 3 Alf Harper, Norman Veart, Harry Douglas Devonport Domain William Mincham Round 3 9 May 3:00 Marist 8–7 Marists' Narrow Victory/Margin of Only One Point 7 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19014 1925-05-11 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250511.2.12.2 2019-09-11 Ponsonby Percy Gallagher, Jack Kirwan Charles Gregory Sam Lowrie Frank Delgrosso Frank Delgrosso Carlaw Park 1 6,000 Taylor 9 May 3:00 City 43–19 City and Athletic Win 7 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19014 1925-05-11 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250511.2.12.2 2019-09-11 Newton J Wardlaw 2, Lou Brown 3, Hec McDonald, Ben Davidson, Ernie Mackie, Selby Crewther, Ernest Ruby, Nelson Bass W Sandham 2, Ernie Mackie, Vic Thomas, Maurice Wetherill E Thompson, Alan Clarke, H Anderson, A Watson, Wally Somers Clarrie Polson 2 Carlaw Park 2 6,000 Robert A. Bovaird 9 May 3:00 Athletic 13–8 City and Athletic Win 7 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19014 1925-05-11 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250511.2.12.2 2019-09-11 Richmond Jones, Joe Hadley, Charles Webb Craddock Dufty 2 W Little, Ken Hyland Trevor Hanlon Auckland Domain 1 McCowatt Round 4 Sam Lowrie was ordered off in the match between Ponsonby and Devonport. Julius Laing of Devonport was taken to hospital suffering from slight concussion. It was rumoured during the week that his brother, Bert Laing had retired from the sport but he soon resumed playing and retired at the end of the 1926 season, though he came out of retirement to assist the side in 1927 a couple of times and then four more times in 1930. W Hannan had joined the Marist forward pack and was a brother of champion rower Pat Hannan. 16 May 3:00 Ponsonby 40–5 Devonport Overwhelmed/Outclassed by Ponsonby 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19020 1925-05-18 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250518.2.128.3 2019-09-11 Devonport Frank Delgrosso 3, Ivan Littlewood 2, George Gardiner, Bert Payne 2, Hector Cole, Victor Fagan Frank Delgrosso 4 Frank Delgrosso Jim O'Brien Julius Laing Carlaw Park 1 8,000 Percy Rogers 16 May 3:00 Marist 18–5 Marist Defeat Athletic 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19020 1925-05-18 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250518.2.128.3 2019-09-11 Athletic Arthur Singe 3, Reg Malloy Charles Gregory 3 Craddock Dufty Craddock Dufty Carlaw Park 2 8,000 Saunders 16 May 3:00 Richmond 21–9 Devonport Overwhelmed 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19020 1925-05-18 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250518.2.128.3 2019-09-11 Newton Avery, Kettlewell 3, W Hanlon W Hanlon 2 W Hanlon H Anderson Alan Clarke Alan Clarke 2 Victoria Park 1 McCowatt Round 5 23 May 3:00 Athletic 8–6 Athletic Beat Devonport/A Last-Minute Victory 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19026 1925-05-25 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250525.2.131.1 2019-09-11 Devonport Ernie Herring 2 Craddock Dufty Alf Scott, Stanley Butland Carlaw Park 1 McCowatt 23 May 3:00 City 17–0 Marist and City Win 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19026 1925-05-25 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250525.2.131.1 2019-09-11 Richmond Hec McDonald 2, Lou Brown 2, Selby Crewther Selby Crewther Carlaw Park 2 Les Bull 23 May 3:00 Marist 18–0 Marist and City Win 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19026 1925-05-25 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250525.2.131.1 2019-09-11 Newton Hec Brisbane 2, Reg Malloy, Arthur Singe Charles Gregory 2 Charles Gregory Auckland Domain Hill Round 6 The City - Marist match ended sensationally. With the scores tied at 7, and time up with the time keeper standing with the bell in hand waiting for the ball to go out of play, Ben Davidson drop kicked a goal for City to win 9–7. An enormous crowd of 12,500 was on hand to witness the match which was a club record for a regular season match to this point. The crowd was said to be "at a high pitch of excitement" throughout each half. 30 May 3:00 City 9–7 Leaders' Great Contest/Marist Beaten By City 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19032 1925-06-01 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250601.2.139.6 2019-09-11 Marist Chook Mitchell W Sandham W Sandham Ben Davidson Jack Kirwan Charles Gregory Charles Gregory Carlaw Park 1 12,500 Walter Ripley 30 May 3:00 Ponsonby 18–6 Leaders' Great Contest 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19032 1925-06-01 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250601.2.139.6 2019-09-11 Athletic Frank Delgrosso, Bert Payne, Ivan Littlewood, Hector Cole Frank Delgrosso 3 Charles Webb, John McGregor Carlaw Park 2 12,500 Taylor 30 May 3:00 Devonport 29–11 Leaders' Great Contest 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19032 1925-06-01 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250601.2.139.6 2019-09-11 Newton Bert Laing, Hooker, Stan Webb 2, Jim O'Brien, Bill Cleaver, Horace Dixon Bert Laing 3 Bert Laing Roy Hardgrave, H Anderson, Alan Clarke Clarrie Polson Devonport Domain Les Bull Round 7 thumb|Bill Stormont on the extreme right in the Auckland team to play England in 1924.Prior to the kickoff teams stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect for the late William Stormont of the Marist club who had died two days earlier. He was a World War I veteran and had played for Marist from 1920 to 1924. The match between Marist and Richmond scheduled to be played at Victoria Park was cancelled due to his death. The 39 year old,Tom Haddon returned to the field for the first time since 1919, the year in which he represented New Zealand. From 1910 to 1919 he played for North Shore (Devonport), Grafton Athletic, and City though spent 2–3 years at war in between. He scored a try in Devonport's 27–20 loss to City. Ponsonby thrashed Newton 42–3 after leading 37–0 at halftime. Ponsonby scored shortly after halftime and then when Newton had spent a period of play on attack, crossing for a try they decided that they had had enough and the game was called. 6 June 3:00 City 27–20 End of the First Round/City Defeat Devonport 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19038 1925-06-08 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250608.2.164.3 2019-09-11 Devonport Harry Hawkes, Maurice Wetherill, Lou Brown 3, E Brown, Ernie Mackie W Sandham 2 W Sandham Jim O'Brien, Julius Laing, Tom Haddon, Horace Dixon Bert Laing 3 Bert Laing Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 6 June 3:00 Ponsonby 42–3 End of the First Round/Ponsonby Outclass Newton 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19038 1925-06-08 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250608.2.164.3 2019-09-11 Newton Frank Delgrosso 4, George Gardiner, Tim Peckham, Ivan Littlewood 2, Bert Payne, Hector Cole Frank Delgrosso 4, Tim Peckham, Hector Cole J Lawson Carlaw Park 2 Percy Rogers 6 June 3:00 Marist Cancelled End of the First Round 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19038 1925-06-08 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250608.2.164.3 2019-09-11 Richmond Victoria Park 1 Saunders Round 8 In the main match at Carlaw Park before a crowd of 10,000 City scored on full time however W Sandham missed a relatively easy conversion which would have given them the win. Instead Ponsonby inflicted their first defeat of the year. Charles Hand kicked 6 goals on debut for Newton after transferring mid week from Devonport. Newton's easy win over Athletic was surprising as they had been struggling recently. Athletic were missing their star back, Craddock Dufty who did not play owing to an injured hand. 13 June 3:00 Ponsonby 10–9 City's First Defeat/Ponsonby Win by a Point 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19044 1925-06-15 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250615.2.136.2 2019-09-11 City Bert Payne, Ivan Littlewood Frank Delgrosso 2 Selby Crewther, Hec McDonald 2 Carlaw Park 1 10,000 Walter Ripley 13 June 3:00 Richmond 23–5 Two Surprise Victories 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19044 1925-06-15 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250615.2.136.2 2019-09-11 Devonport Thorburn, Ray Hyland, William Hanlon, Frederick Bass, M Little McDonald 2 Trevor Hanlon, W Hanlon Horace Dixon Bert Laing Carlaw Park 1 10,000 Saunders 13 June 3:00 Newton 38–11 Two Surprise Victories 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19044 1925-06-15 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250615.2.136.2 2019-09-11 Athletic Clarrie Polson, Roy Hardgrave 2, Wally Somers 2, Robert Stack, C Brown, Alan Clarke Charles Hand 6, E Thompson Ernie Herring, A Watkins, Bert Avery Ernie Herring Victoria Park Hill Round 9 thumb|left|Jim O'Brien (Marist)In one of the more amazing team efforts in early Auckland rugby league history the City team saw all 13 of its players score points in a 57–10 victory over Athletic. The loss was the heaviest ever against Athletic. There were nine different try scorers and the four who didn't cross the line all kicked at least one conversion. The match perhaps somewhat anti-climatically took place on the number 2 field. There were 9,000 in attendance at Carlaw Park but the majority would have been watching the match on the number 1 field at the time where Marist beat Devonport 19–11. Jim O'Brien for Marist and Tom Haddon for Devonport were ordered off for fighting in their match at Carlaw Park. 20 June 2:45 Devonport 19–11 Surprise By Devonport/Marist Old Boys Beaten 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19050 1925-06-22 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250622.2.131.1 2019-09-12 Marist Jim O'Brien, Tom Haddon, Stan Webb Julius Laing Bert Laing 4 Hec Brisbane, Reg Malloy, Percy Gallagher Charles Gregory Carlaw Park 1 9,000 Taylor 20 June 2:45 City 57–10 City Overwhelms Athletic 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19050 1925-06-22 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250622.2.131.1 2019-09-12 Athletic Lou Brown 4, George Paki, Ernest Ruby 2, J Wardlaw 2, Hec McDonald, Selby Crewther, Harry Hawkes, Ernie Mackie, Alf Townsend Nelson Bass 3, E Brown, Harry Hawkes, Ernie Mackie, Alf Townsend, Ben Davidson, Bob Crewther Bert Avery, Len Mason Craddock Dufty Angelo Carlaw Park 2 9,000 A Saunders 20 June 3:00 Ponsonby 14–7 Surprise By Devonport 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19050 1925-06-22 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250622.2.131.1 2019-09-12 Richmond Ivan Littlewood 2, Joseph Peckham, Frank Delgrosso Frank Delgrosso W Little McDonald McDonald Auckland Domain 1 McCowatt Round 10 All of the teams were without their New Zealand representatives who had departed for their Australian tour. The touring party included 15 Auckland club players. George Davidson played his first game of the season for City, ostensibly replacing his brother Ben in the back line who was rested with an injured foot. He scored a try in their 27–16 win over Newton. Wilfred McNeil also made his first appearance of the year for Ponsonby in their 24–6 win over Marist. He hooked in the place of Sam Lowrie who was in Australia. 4 July 2:45 Ponsonby 24–6 The Club Competitions/Ponsonby's Decisive Win 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19062 1925-07-06 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250706.2.145.4 2019-09-12 Marist Leonard Riley, Dooley Moore 2, George Gardiner, Ivan Littlewood, Len Ward Hector Cole, George Gardiner, Tim Peckham Jim Johnson, Horace Hanson Carlaw Park 1 6,000 Gallagher 4 July 2:45 Athletic 16–15 The Club Competitions/Close Call for Athletics 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19062 1925-07-06 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250706.2.145.4 2019-09-12 Richmond Len Mason 2, Sorenson Angelo 2 Ralph Jenkinson, W Little, Ray Hyland W Hanlon 2 W Hanlon Carlaw Park 2 6,000 T Hill 4 July 3:00 City 27–16 The Club Competitions 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19062 1925-07-06 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250706.2.145.4 2019-09-12 Newton J Wardlaw, George Davidson, Nelson Bass, Harry Hawkes 2, Hec McDonald, Ernest Ruby W Sandham 3 E Thompson, Charles Hand, Alan Clarke, Wally Somers Charles Hand 2 Auckland Domain 2 Wally Ripley Round 11 Matthew Kirkland scored 4 tries in Marist's 35–3 win over his former club, Athletic in greasy conditions at the Auckland Domain. 11 July 2:45 Ponsonby 22–5 Senior Championship/Easy Win For Ponsonby 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19068 1925-07-13 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250713.2.137 2019-09-13 Devonport Ivan Littlewood 2, Victor Fagan, George Gardiner, Leonard Riley, D Donovan George Gardiner, Dooley Moore Norm Veart Alf Scott Carlaw Park 1 Billy Murray 11 July 2:45 Richmond 12–11 Senior Championship 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19068 1925-07-13 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250713.2.137 2019-09-13 Newton Jack Redwood, William Hanlon McDonald 2 William Hanlon Alan Clarke, Charles Hand, Clarrie Polson Charles Hand Carlaw Park 2 Les Bull 11 July 3:00 Marist 35–3 Senior Championship/Marist Outclass Athletic 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19068 1925-07-13 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250713.2.137 2019-09-13 Athletic Horace Hanson, Matthew Kirkland 4, Mannix, Arthur Singe, Billy Ghent, Jim Johnson Arthur Singe 3, Jim Johnson McKinley Auckland Domain Taylor Round 12 At the Devonport Domain the local winger, Buffet had to deal with a dog crossing the field as he attempted to catch a ball. Athletic swooped on the moment with Len Mason scoring. 18 July 2:45 City 34–22 The Senior Championship/City and Marist Win 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19074 1925-07-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250720.2.136.1 2019-09-13 Richmond C Mitchell 2, J Wardlaw, Ben Davidson 2, George Davidson 3 W Sandham 4 W Sandham William Hanlon 2, Ballantyne 2 William Hanlon 3, Frederick Bass William Hanlon Carlaw Park 1 Robert A. Bovaird 18 July 2:45 Marist 19–6 The Senior Championship/City and Marist Win 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19074 1925-07-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250720.2.136.1 2019-09-13 Newton Billy Ghent, Con Lineen, W Kirkland, Reg Malloy, Lonergan, Jim Johnson Arthur Singe 2 Arthur Singe 2 Alan Clarke, Wally Somers Carlaw Park 2 A Saunders 18 July 3:00 Devonport 19–10 The Senior Championship/Devonport Beat Athletic 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19074 1925-07-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250720.2.136.1 2019-09-13 Athletic Stanley Butland, Tom Haddon 2, Norman Veart, Alf Scott Alf Scott, Neville St George Len Mason, Wilkie Angelo Angelo Devonport Domain Les Bull Round 13 25 July 3:00 City 6–5 Exciting Football/City's Narrow Win/Beat Marist A Point 10 Auckland Star LVI 175 1925-07-27 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250727.2.121 2019-09-13 Marist Selby Crewther, James Wardlaw Arthur Singe Arthur Singe Carlaw Park 1 7,500 Billy Murray 25 July 3:00 Ponsonby 25–5 Exciting Football/Wins For Ponsonby and Devonport 10 Auckland Star LVI 175 1925-07-27 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250727.2.121 2019-09-13 Athletic H Godley 3, Joseph Peckham, Leonard Riley 2, Bert Payne George Gardiner 2 A Watkins Malloy Carlaw Park 2 Les Bull 25 July 3:00 Devonport 11–3 Exciting Football/Wins For Ponsonby and Devonport 10 Auckland Star LVI 175 1925-07-27 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250727.2.121 2019-09-13 Newton Norm Veart, Buffett, Ken Scott Julius Laing Warren Victoria Park William Mincham Round 14 1 August 3:00 City 25–15 City Win Championship/Devonport Team Beaten 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19086 1925-08-03 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250803.2.133 2019-09-10 Devonport Hec McDonald, Selby Crewther, C Mitchell, Ben Davidson, George Davidson, Harry Hawkes, Ernest Ruby Selby Crewther, George Davidson Alf Scott, Norm Veart, Harry Douglas Alf Scott Alf Scott, George Yardley Carlaw Park 1 7,000 A Saunders 1 August 3:00 Richmond 24–17 Richmond Surprise Marist 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19086 1925-08-03 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250803.2.133 2019-09-10 Marist Russell 2, W Hanlon, George Duane 2, W Little W Hanlon 2 W Hanlon Arthur Singe 2, Jim Johnson 2, Percy Gallagher Billy Ghent Carlaw Park 2 7,000 T Hill 1 August 3:00 Ponsonby 43–18 City Win Championship 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19086 1925-08-03 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250803.2.133 2019-09-10 Newton H Goodley 2, George Gardiner 2, Leonard Riley 2, Ivan Littlewood, Bert Payne, Dooley Moore 2, D Donovan George Gardiner, Ivan Littlewood, D Donovan, Unknown x 1 George Gardiner Charles Hand, Warren, Roy Hardgrave, Smith Charles Hand, Clarrie Polson, Wally Somers Auckland Domain 1 Billy Murray Roope Rooster knockout competition Round 1 George Gardiner had a field day for Ponsonby in their 50–23 win over Athletic. He scored three tries and converted seven of his sides twelve tries for 23 total points. 8 August 3:00 Devonport 15–12 Roope Rooster Contests/Devonport Defeat Marist/Several Easy Victories 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19092 1925-08-10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250810.2.121.5 2019-09-16 Marist Alf Scott, Harry Douglas, Jim O'Brien Alf Scott Alf Scott 2 Horace Hanson, Bernard Sweeney, Lenihan, Percy Gallagher Carlaw Park 1 4,000 Les Bull 8 August 3:00 Ponsonby 50–23 Roope Rooster Contests/Several Easy Victories 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19092 1925-08-10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250810.2.121.5 2019-09-16 Athletic Joseph Peckham, George Gardiner 3, H Goodley 2, Leonard Riley, Wilfred McNeil, Ivan Littlewood, Herewini, D Donovan, Tim Peckham George Gardiner 7 Charles Webb, Bill Te Whata, Len Mason, Wilkie, Joe Hadley Malloy 3 Malloy Carlaw Park 1 4,000 Taylor 8 August 3:00 City 29–8 Rooper Rooster Contests/Devonport Defeat Marist/Several Easy Victories 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19092 1925-08-10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250810.2.121.5 2019-09-16 Richmond Selby Crewther, George Reid, James Wardlaw 2, Harry Hawkes 2, Ernest Ruby Selby Crewther 4 Frederick Bass 2 W Hanlon Auckland Domain T Hill Semi finals 15 August 3:00 City 22–11 Roope Rooster Contest/City Defeat Devonport/Ponsonby Win by Default 14 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19098 1925-08-17 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250817.2.136 2019-09-16 Devonport Ben Davidson 2, Harry Hawkes, James Wardlaw, George Davidson, Cleal Selby Crewther 2 George Yardley, Ken Scott, Norm Veart George Yardley Carlaw Park 1 Taylor 15 August 3:00 Ponsonby WBD-LBD Roope Rooster Contest/City Defeat Devonport/Ponsonby Win by Default 14 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19098 1925-08-17 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250817.2.136 2019-09-16 Newton Carlaw Park 2 McCowatt Final Ponsonby won their fourth Roope Rooster title following previous wins in 1917, 1922, and 1923. They score tries through Ivan Littlewood and Leonard Riley, older brother of Brian Riley. While George Gardiner added 4 points to his season tally through two penalties. City fielded former Marist player C.M. Stevens in their backs, and made a change on the wing, playing 32 year old utility player George Paki in place of George Davidson which was said to have been a mistake as they lost two try scoring chances on that wing. There were 7,500 spectators present and 212 pounds were raised at the gate with half the money going to charities and the other half to players injured during the season. 22 August 3:00 Ponsonby 10–5 Final of Roope Rooster Knock-out Competition/Ponsonby's Good Win a Great Contest 11 Auckland Star LVI 199 1925-08-24 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250824.2.155 2019-09-16 City Ivan Littlewood, Leonard Riley George Gardiner 2 Ernest Ruby Selby Crewther Carlaw Park 1 7,500 Walter Ripley Stormont Memorial Shield Semi final Lou Hutt debuted for Ponsonby after transferring from the Ngaruawahia club in the South Auckland (Waikato) competition. Despite the "squally weather" and muddy ground the match was said to be one of the best games played at Carlaw Park during the season. It featured several New Zealand representatives who had returned from the Australian tour and recently played against the touring Queensland side. 26 September 3:00 Ponsonby 23–22 Marist George Gardiner 2, Frank Delgrosso, Len Ward, Bert Payne Frank Delgrosso 3 George Gardiner Charles Gregory, Billy Ghent, Jack Kirwan, Jim O'Brien Charles Gregory 3 Charles Gregory 2 Carlaw Park 1 Saunders Final 3 October 3:00 Ponsonby 35–3 Stormont Memorial Shield/Ponsonby's Easy Win 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19140 1925-10-05 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19251005.2.123.6 2019-12-09 City George Gardiner 4, Tim Peckham 2, H Goodley, Leonard Riley, Bert Payne Frank Delgrosso, Tim Peckham Frank Delgrosso 2 Lou Brown Carlaw Park 1 Taylor Top try scorers and point scorers (senior grade, Roope Rooster and Stormont Memorial Shield) The scoring is from all matches which were technically open to all sides. The Stormont Shield was to become a champion of champions match between the winner of the championship and the winner of the Roope Rooster, however in its first season the winner of the Roope Rooster (Ponsonby) played a semi final match against Marist, who Bill Stormont played with prior to his death. Top try scorers Rk Player Team Gms Tries 1 Lou BrownCity918 2Ivan LittlewoodPonsonby1616 3 George GardinerPonsonby1314 4 James WardlawCity1513 5 Frank DelgrossoPonsonby1010 6= Harry HawkesCity119 6= Hec McDonaldCity129 6= H GoodleyPonsonby129 6= Leonard RileyPonsonby109 10= Norm VeartDevonport138 10= Arthur SingeMarist138 Top point scorers Rk Player Team G T C P M Pts1Frank DelgrossoPonsonby10101890842George GardinerPonsonby13141240743W HanlonRichmond1071260574Lou BrownCity918000545Ivan LittlewoodPonsonby1616100506Selby CrewtherCity167910417Arthur SingeMarist138530408Charles GregoryMarist711440399Craddock DuftyAthletic6410303810W SandhamCity81133-35 B Grade standings and results B Grade standings TeamPldWDLFAPtsEllerslie United12822896218Otahuhu Rovers11614854813Kingsland Rovers10424937610Māngere United1031666967Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers11308751266 B Grade fixtures In Kingsland's debut in the grade Claude List in his debut season in first grade scored 3 tries in their win over Northcote. He repeated the feat 2 weeks later against Mangere. He would later become the first ever player to represent New Zealand whilst playing for ostensibly a 'second grade' team. Date Score Score Venue Round 1 18 April Opening of the Season/Senior Grade Contests/Five Matches Played 11 Auckland Star 92 1925-04-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250420.2.121 2019-09-11 Ellerslie 16 Mangere 3 Carlaw Park # 1 – 18 April Kingsland 21 Northcote 3 Carlaw Park # 2 Round 2 2 May The Club Competitions/City Defeat Athletic/Marist Win at Devonport 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19008 1925-05-04 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250504.2.142 2019-09-11 Ellerslie 6 Kingsland 3 Carlaw Park # 1 – 2 May Northcote 6 Otahuhu 5 Victoria Park Round 3 9 May Marists' Narrow Victory/Margin of Only One Point/City and Athletic Win 7 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19014 1925-05-11 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250511.2.12.2 2019-09-11 Ellerslie 7 Otahuhu 14 Ellerslie Reserve – 9 May Mangere 13 Kingsland 13 Peter Moko Farm, Westney Road, Mangere Round 4 16 May Devonport Overwhelmed/Outclassed by Ponsonby/Marist Defeat Athletic 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19020 1925-05-18 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250518.2.128.3 2019-09-11 Ellerslie 19 Northcote 11 Auckland Domain – 16 May Otahuhu 13 Mangere 0 Otahuhu Round 5 23 May Athletic Beat Devonport/A Last-Minute Victory/Marist and City Win 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19026 1925-05-25 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250525.2.131.1 2019-09-11 Mangere 12 Northcote 11 Victoria Park – 23 May Otahuhu 16 Kingsland 3 Otahuhu Round 6 30 May Leaders' Great Contest/Marist Beaten By City/Field Goal Just on Time 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19032 1925-06-01 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250601.2.139.6 2019-09-11 Northcote 8 Kingsland 5 Carlaw Park # 1 – 30 May Ellerslie 12 Mangere 5 Carlaw Park # 2 Round 7 6 June End of the First Round/City Defeat Devonport/Ponsonby Outclass Newton 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19038 1925-06-08 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250608.2.164.3 2019-09-11 Otahuhu 2 Northcote 0 Carlaw Park # 1 – 6 June Ellerslie 9 Kingsland 5 Carlaw Park # 2 Round 8 13 June City's First Defeat/Ponsonby Win by a Point/Two Surprise Victories 13 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19044 1925-06-15 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250615.2.136.2 2019-09-11 Ellerslie 3 Otahuhu 3 Carlaw Park # 1 – 13 June Kingsland 11 Mangere 2 Carlaw Park # 2 Round 9 20 June Surprise By Devonport/Marist Old Boys Beaten/City Overwhelms Athletic 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19050 1925-06-22 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250622.2.131.1 2019-09-12 Ellerslie 7 Northcote 5 Ellerslie Reserve – 20 June Mangere 10 Otahuhu 14 Mangere Round 10 4 July The Club Competitions/Ponsonby's Decisive Win/Close Call for Athletics 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19062 1925-07-06 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250706.2.145.4 2019-09-12 Kingsland 13 Otahuhu 3 Victoria Park, 3 pm Round 11 11 July Senior Championship/Easy Win For Ponsonby/Marist Outclass Athletic 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19068 1925-07-13 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250713.2.137 2019-09-13 Kingsland 14 Northcote 11 Victoria Park, 3 pm – 11 July Mangere L Ellerslie W Mangere, 3 pm Round 12 18 July The Senior Championship/City and Marist Win/Devonport Beat Athletic 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19074 1925-07-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250720.2.136.1 2019-09-13 Ellerslie 5 Kingsland 5 Ellerslie Reserve – 18 July Otahuhu 15 Northcote 6 Victoria Park Round 13 25 JulyTo-Day's Senior 10 Auckland Star LVI 175 1925-07-27 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250727.2.121 2019-09-13 Otahuhu L Ellerslie W Otahuhu – 25 July Kingsland CCD Mangere CCD Auckland Domain Round 14 1 Aug City Win Championship/Devonport Team Beaten/Richmond Surprise Marist 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19086 1925-08-03 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250803.2.133 2019-09-13 Northcote 8 Ellerslie 5 Victoria Park – 1 Aug Mangere W Otahuhu L Mangere Round 15 8 Aug Rooper Rooster Contests/Devonport Defeat Marist/Several Easy Victories 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19092 1925-08-10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250810.2.121.5 2019-09-16 Mangere 21 Northcote 6 Victoria Park – 8 Aug Kingsland CCD Otahuhu CCD Auckland Domain The round 15 match between Kingsland and Otahuhu was not played due to the poor condition of the field at the Auckland Domain. Stallard Cup knockout competition This was the first season with a B Division in the First Grade competition and at the end of the season a knockout competition was played between the five teams. 1925 Stallard Cup Results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 15 Aug Ellerslie v Northcote 14 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19098 1925-08-17 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250817.2.136 2019-09-16 Northcote 3 Ellerslie 0 Victoria Park Semi final 22 Aug Northcote V Mangere/Kingsland V Otahuhu 14 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19104 1925-08-24 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250824.2.125.7 2019-09-16 Northcote 19 Mangere 18 Carlaw Park # 2 Semi final 22 Aug Otahuhu 11 Kingsland 2 Auckland Domain Final The match was played as curtain raiser to the New Zealand game against Queensland. 5 September 1:30 Otahuhu 6–2 Stallard Cup Final/Otahuhu Win 9 Auckland Star LVI 211 1925-09-07 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250907.2.102 2019-12-09 Northcote Kirkland, + unknown Wilkins Carlaw Park 1 Mr. Ripley Lower grades There were 6 lower grade competitions in 1925 below the B Division with the 6th grade split into an A and B division. Second grade Richmond defeated Ponsonby A 15–3 on 5 September of the championship final. Ponsonby B beat Richmond 14–5 in the knockout final on 10 October. Ellerslie and Kingsland withdrew after 4 rounds, United Suburbs after 5 rounds, and City after 7 rounds. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsRichmond Rovers128012752116Ponsonby United A1270531273114Ponsonby United B127031435114Devonport United126152643213Newton Rangers83052191006Māngere United821523375City Rovers4022011322United Suburbs100112100Ellerslie United100100300Kingsland Rovers00000000 Third grade The 1933 Third Grade competition had 17 teams entered which was the largest for any grade in the history of Auckland Rugby League to this point. City Rovers secured the championship when they defeated Ponsonby B on 19 September in round 18. They played Northcote in the knockout final on 3 October but no result was reported. Otahuhu withdrew from the competition after a round 8 default, while Coromandel Old Boys withdrew after round 10. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsCity Rovers12111011882623Athletic1490101742918Point Chevalier118111115917Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers158210296618New Lynn136220412914Parnell126061578112Ponsonby United B125143124711Devonport United94051109988Richmond Rovers6312029397United Suburbs A1411429843Otahuhu Rovers210101052Ponsonby United A6105234832Kingsland Rovers302122102Newton Rangers5014011541United Suburbs B1200335540Māngere United500536950Coromandel Old Boys800325270 Fourth grade Richmond Rovers won the competition undefeated. When they secured the title on 19 September they were a full 6 points clear of their nearest rival according to newspaper reports. Parnell were second and it is likely that they won more matches than the 10 that were reported. City withdrew after 1 round as did New Lynn and Newton B after 2 rounds so they have not been included in the standings, and Marist B after 4 rounds. There were many results that were unreported so the table is incomplete. Richmond beat Athletic in the knockout final on 10 October by 5 points to 3. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsRichmond Rovers17170011022234Parnell14100422623020Ponsonby United960321783712Devonport United7403141728Athletic7115227613Point Chevalier7115281133Marist Old Boys A5104316292Ellerslie United4013313371Newton Rangers A7016381331Kingsland Rovers4004461040Marist Old Boys B00000000Māngere United20021040 Fifth grade Richmond won the championship for the second time. The result was not reported in the newspapers but did appear in the Rugby League Annual of 1949 written by Bill Davidson. City won the knockout final 16 to 13 on 10 October over Parnell. Parnell had defeated Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 9 to 3 in one semi final, while City defeated Marist in the other by 24 to 5. Athletic withdrew after 12 rounds. Newton entered a team but it is unknown if they played a match as they withdrew after round one. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsCity Rovers86022893912Richmond Rovers6501280910Parnell75021523310Ponsonby United7403225788Athletic7304163286Ellerslie United6303146186Marist Old Boys6204161402Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers4103231482New Lynn7007221560 Sixth grade A Richmond won the championship with an undefeated season. They also won the knockout competition when they beat Devonport 8 to 0 in the final on 19 September. Marist withdrew from the competition after 2 rounds. Less than half of the results were reported in the newspapers so the standings are incomplete. The Leys Institute were affiliated to the Ponsonby club. They were usually reported as Leys Institute in the official fixture lists on Thursdays and Fridays in the newspapers but as Ponsonby by the newspapers on Monday when they reported scores. Leys Institute buildings were established by the Leys family in 1905 and the Leys Institute side was for boys in the area interested in keeping themselves physically active. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsRichmond Rovers1313000881426City Rovers1170401802714Ellerslie United6312054497Devonport United7106036692Newton Rangers610515692Leys Institute (Ponsonby)7016081271Marist Old Boys100110160 Sixth grade B Richmond A won the championship. They also won the knockout competition when they beat United Suburbs who had joined the competition late in the season by 32 points to 0. A large number of match results were not reported so the standings are incomplete. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsCity Rovers860211512412Richmond Rovers A650131674110Ellerslie United85031756810Richmond Rovers B72051281044Athletic4103127522Point Chevalier310225532Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers7106151192United Suburbs100100320 Exhibition matches Exhibition match On 19 April, when Marist had a bye in the first round of the club competition they travelled to Christchurch and played Marist of Christchurch. They won by 16 points to 7. The match also marked the opening of Monica Park. Charles Gregory of the Auckland Marist side scored the first ever points on the ground when he kicked a penalty and thus won a trophy presented by Mrs. Thacker. The match was refereed by former New Zealand player Abbie Shadbolt and featured several current or future New Zealand internationals on both teams.Auckland v Christchurch/Southern Team Defeated 4 The New Zealand Herald LXII 18997 1925-04-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250420.2.7.2 2019-09-11 19 April 3:00 Marist (Christchurch) 7–16 Marist Old Boys Match/Southern Team Defeated 4 The New Zealand Herald LXII 18997 1925-04-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250420.2.7.2 2019-12-09 Marist (Auckland) Lou Petersen Jack Ellis Jack Ellis Jack Kirwan, Edmund Carroll, Percy Gallagher, Jim O'Brien Charles Gregory Charles Gregory Monica Park, Christchurch Abbie Shadbolt Fund Raising Match (Ponsonby training shed) On Monday, August 11 a fund raising match was held at Carlaw Park to raise money for a training shed for the Ponsonby club. There were 4,000 spectators in attendance with Ponsonby winning 15–5 after winger H Goodley scored two tries to go with one by Joseph Peckham. George Gardiner converted two of the tries and a penalty. For City Hec McDonald scored a try which was converted by former Olympic sprinter George Davidson who was in his 4th and final season with City. 11 August 3:00 Ponsonby 15-5 Ponsonby Defeats City 14 Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 189 1925-08-12 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250812.2.130 2024-10-22 City Dooley Moore, H Goodley George Gardiner 2 George Gardiner George Davidson Carlaw Park Bill Mincham Labour Day carnival A crowd of 2,000 was in attendance at the Labour Day carnival match. It was played on the Saturday with the Carnival extending over three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Unusually it was preceded by a rugby union game between the Vermont Street School who were the season champions, and the St Benedicts XV. Vermont Street won 13 to 3. Ponsonby won the rugby league match by 26 points to 16 and all the victorious players were presented with 'gold' medals afterwards. They had stretched out to a 21–3 halftime lead and extended it further after a "great try" to George Gardiner who beat several opponents. Marist staged a late comeback, scoring three tries but ultimately fell well short. 25 Oct 3:00 Ponsonby 26–16 Ponsonby Defeat Marist/Twenty Six to Sixteen 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19158 1925-10-26 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19251026.2.115.2 2019-12-09 Marist Frank Delgrosso 2, Wilfred McNeil, Tim Peckham, Bert Payne, George Gardiner Frank Delgrosso 4 Hec Brisbane, Arthur Singe, Jack Kirwan, Bernard Sweeney Charles Gregory 2 Carlaw Park 1 2,000 Les Bull Representative season The Auckland representative team had a busy season. After a series of 3 trial matches on 27 June both the New Zealand team and Auckland teams were selected. Officials had declared that "give us fine weather and we will get an attendance of 20,000". Unfortunately the weather did not oblige and it was in fact described as "the worst experienced this season ... in one place there was a miniature lake." This resulted in a crowd many times smaller, however thousands came into the ground to watch the main match between North Island and South Island, won by the former 27 points to 9.The Minor Trial Games/A Win for South Auckland/Play Marred by the Rain 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19056 1925-06-29 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250629.2.140.4 2019-09-12 Auckland then played against the New Zealand team and lost 9 points to 16. Following this they played a Northern Union Challenge Cup match against the holders South Auckland and were victorious by 24 points to 16. After the New Zealand team returned from their tour of Australia they again played Auckland at Carlaw Park and they used the experience they had gained to trounce Auckland by 41 points to 17, employing tactics that the Auckland team were not prepared for. Two weeks later Auckland played Queensland who were being touted as the finest league team in the world at the time in the first of three matches. They drew the first, before narrowly losing the second and then being well and truly outclassed in the 3rd match by 54 points to 14. Representative fixtures After the trial matches were played the New Zealand team was selected by Mr Liversedge, Pearce, and Harding, and 14 Auckland players made the side. They were: Craddock Dufty, Charles Gregory, Lou Brown, Hec Brisbane, Frank Delgrosso, Jack Kirwan, Bert Laing, Maurice Wetherill, Wilson Hall, Stan Webb, Bert Avery, Ernie Herring, Jim O'Brien, and Horace Dixon. The following day Sam Lowrie of Ponsonby United was added to the touring side. Inter-Island match 27 June 2:45 North Island 27–9 Inter-Island Contest/Victory for the North 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19056 1925 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250629.2.136 2020-12-13 South Island Lou Brown, Ben Davidson, Ernie Herring 3, Horace Dixon, Bert Avery Frank Delgrosso Neil Mouat Neil Mouat 3 Carlaw Park 1 4,000 Arthur Ripley Auckland Trial match 27 June 1:30 Auckland A 0–5 The Minor Trial Games/A Win for South Auckland/Play Marred by the Rain 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19056 1925-06-29 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250629.2.140.4 2019-09-12 Auckland B Bert Payne John Shand Carlaw Park 2 4,000 Les Bull Auckland C v South Auckland 27 June 12:30 Auckland C 11–13 The Minor Trial Games/A Win for South Auckland/Play Marred by the Rain 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19056 1925-06-29 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250629.2.140.4 2019-09-12 South Auckland Cleaver, Wardlaw, McDonald Clarrie Polson P Paki, Johnstone Stan Raynor 2 Carlaw Park 2 4,000 W Murray Auckland v New Zealand 2 July 2:45 Auckland 9–16 New Zealand V Auckland/Win for Dominion Team/Good Work by the Backs 6 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19059 1925-07-02 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250702.2.9.1 2019-09-12 New Zealand George Gardiner, Arthur Singe, Jim O'Brien Jim Parkes, Stan Webb, Frank Henry 2 Neil Mouat 2 Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull Auckland v South Auckland (Northern Union C.C.) 19 August 3:00 Auckland 24–16 Northern Union Cup/South Auckland Defeated/Local Thirteens's Success 6 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19101 1925-08-20 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250820.2.12 2019-09-16 South Auckland Ivan Littlewood 2, George Gardiner 2, Ben Davidson 2 George Gardiner, Clarrie Polson 2 Finlay, P Paki, Johnston, Jackways George Raynor Finlay Carlaw Park 1 3,000 Rogers Auckland v New Zealand 29 August 3:00 Auckland 17–41 Dominion Team in Form/New Methods of Attack/Local Side Outclassed 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19110 1925-08-31 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250831.2.126 2019-09-16 New Zealand Ben Davidson, Leonard Riley, Neville St George Arthur Singe 3 Arthur Singe Maurice Wetherill 3, Jim O'Brien, Horace Dixon, Bert Avery 3, Jim Sanders Frank Delgrosso 7 Carlaw Park 1 15,000 Walter Ripley Auckland B v West Coast 9 September West Coast 15–22 Hard And Fast Game 6 Grey River Argus 1925-09-10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GRA19250910.2.53 2023-01-31Auckland Touring Team/West Coasters Defeated 6 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19119 1925-09-10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250910.2.9.2 2019-09-16Points About Visitors 6 Grey River Argus 1925-09-09 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GRA19250909.2.43 2023-01-31 Auckland B Quinn 2 (including penalty try), O’Brien Neil Mouat 2 Neil Mouat Matthew Kirkland, Tim Peckham, Hector Cole 2, Claude List, Alf Townsend Hector Cole 2 Victoria Park, Greymouth, West Coast 2000 C Dewar Auckland v Queensland In the match reports the newspapers did not distinguish between the two Jim O'Brien's. It is more likely that the try scored was by Jim O'Brien purely because he was playing in the second row (despite often playing at prop) and was more involved in the loose play which the try itself came from. The try came after a kick was chased by Maurice Wetherill. 9 September Auckland 18–18 Visiting League Team/Exciting Drawn Game/Auckland's Good Effort/Score, Eighteen Points All 11 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19119 1925-09-10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250910.2.118 2019-09-02 Queensland Stan Webb, Bert Avery 2, Jim O'Brien Frank Delgrosso 2 Frank Delgrosso Eric Fraunfelder, Cecil Aynsley, Jeff Moores, Herb Steinohrt Jim Craig 3 Carlaw Park 1 6,000 W Ripley Auckland B v Canterbury 12 September 3:00 Canterbury 6–5 Auckland Defeated/Margin of One Point 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19122 1925-09-14 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250914.2.115.8 2019-09-16 Auckland B S Polaschek, Frank Henry Bill Te Whata Len Mason Monica Park, Christchurch 2,500 W Healey Auckland B v Wellington 16 September 3:00 Wellington 9–68 Cricket Score Registered/Auckland v Wellington 12 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19125 1925-09-17 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250917.2.124 2019-12-09 Auckland B Shanahan Balk 1 Balk 2 Ben Davidson 3, Claude List, Roy Hardgrave, Selby Crewther, Bill Te Whata 5, Hec McDonald 2, Nelson Bass 3 Roy Hardgrave, Hector Cole, Hec McDonald, Nelson Bass 6 Len Mason Newtown Park, Wellington Parkinson Auckland v South Auckland (Northern Union C.C.) Claude List became the first player selected from the B Division to make the full Auckland representative side. He played for the Kingsland Rovers club and had been mentioned as being as good as any player in his position in New Zealand rugby league. He was to go on to represent New Zealand from 1928 to 1932 and play senior club football into the 1940s. 19 September 2:45 Auckland 36–19 Northern Union Cup/Retained by Auckland/South Auckland Outclassed 10 Auckland Star LVI 223 1925-09-21 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250921.2.131 2019-12-09 South Auckland Matthew Kirkland 2, Claude List 2, Ben Davidson, Neville St George, Jim O'Brien, Arthur Singe Frank Delgrosso 5 Frank Delgrosso Finlay, John Dufty, Huatahi Paki F Raynor, John Dufty F Raynor 3 Carlaw Park 1 Bill Mincham Auckland Province v Queensland Shortly before halftime Stan Rayner was carried from the field on a stretcher and replaced by Bill Te Whata. 10 October 3:00 Auckland Province 14–54 Queensland's Easy Win/Provincial Team Outclassed/Margin of Forty Points 6 The New Zealand Herald LXII 19146 1925-10-12 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19251012.2.9.1 2019-09-16 Queensland Arthur Singe, Bert Avery (obstruction try) Frank Delgrosso Frank Delgrosso 3 Arthur Henderson, Bill Spencer 4, Tom Gorman, Cecil Aynsley 3, James Purcell Jim Craig 9 Carlaw Park 1 9,000 Les Bull Auckland representative matches played and scorers This list only includes the Auckland team games and does not include the Auckland B, Auckland C, and Auckland Province matches. NoNameClub TeamPlayTriesConPenPoints1Frank DelgrossoPonsonby2072182Arthur SingeMarist5231143Ben DavidsonCity3400124George GardinerPonsonby3310115Jim O'BrienDevonport530096Claude ListKingsland120066Bert AveryAthletic120066Ivan LittlewoodPonsonby420066Matthew KirklandMarist120066Neville St GeorgeDevonport4200611Clarrie PolsonNewton1020412Leonard RileyPonsonby2100312Stan WebbDevonport1100314Hector ColePonsonby4000014Hec McDonaldCity3000014M HerewiniPonsonby3000014Charles GregoryMarist2000014Bert PaynePonsonby2000014Tim PeckhamPonsonby2000014Bill Te WhataAthletic1000014Ernie HerringAthletic1000014R GreeningNorthcote1000014Roy HardgraveNewton1000014Harry DouglasDevonport1000014Horace DixonDevonport1000014Jack KirwanMarist1000014Jim O'BrienMarist2000014Len MasonAthletic1000014James MolloyAthletic1000014Lou BrownCity1000014Ernie MackieCity1000014Maurice WetherillCity1000014Nelson BassCity1000014Selby CrewtherCity1000014Alf TownsendCity10000 References External links Auckland Rugby League Official Site Category:Auckland Rugby League seasons Auckland Rugby League