1926 Auckland Rugby League season

July 2020 The 1926 season of the Auckland Rugby League was its 17th. Ponsonby won the Monteith Shield, the major first grade title after defeating City Rovers in the final. Richmond won their first ever senior trophy when they won the Roope Rooster. On the last week of the season these teams met for the Stormont Shield with Ponsonby winning by 15 points to 5 over. Northcote won the B Division championship, with Kingsland winning the Stallard Cup for taking out the B division knockout competition. The representative season was dominated by a long series of trial matches to assist in selecting the New Zealand team to tour England. 1925 17th Auckland Rugby League season 1926 1927 Auckland Rugby League News Club teams by grade participation Team1stB Div.2nd3rd Open3rd Int.4th5th6th A6th BSchoolsTotalRichmond Rovers10101111118Grafton Athletic10110111107City Rovers10100102106Ponsonby United10110110005Devonport United10111010005Otahuhu Rovers01100101015Ellerslie United01010110004Newton Rangers10101100004Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers01010011004Māngere United01111000004Parnell01001100014Kingsland Rovers01101000003Marist Old Boys10100100003Point Chevalier00100100103Glen Eden Rovers00011000002New Lynn00010100002United Suburbs00011000002Akarana00000001102Grey Lynn Schoolboys00000000011Newmarket Schoolboys00000000011Papatoetoe Schoolboys00000000011Total76119811675676 Athletic club name change At the annual general meeting of the Athletic Rugby League Football Club the idea of adopting the name of Grafton Athletic was discussed though no decision was made at the time it was later agreed to change the club name to Grafton.The Athletic Club 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19281 20 March 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260320.2.141.10 16 September 2019 Papers Past They were known as 'Maritime' from their formation in 1918 and remained as such for four years until the start of the 1922 season when they changed their name to Athletic. They remained 'Athletic' for four years until deciding to change their name again in this 1926 season to Grafton Athletic. There had previously already been a Grafton Athletic club which formed in 1914 under the leadership of Karl Ifwersen and they survived for seven years until the 1920 season which was their last after Ifwersen switched back to the rugby code. Glen Eden Rovers The Glen Eden Rovers club formed to represent the Glen Eden suburb in West Auckland. At the time it was a predominantly rural area marked by the train station and Waikumete Cemetery. They existed as a stand alone club from 1926 to 1928 before merging with New Lynn League Football Club in 1929 to be named Glen Lynn. In 1932 the merged club did not field any teams, then in 1932 the New Lynn club reformed while a new club had formed in Glen Eden named Glenora representing Glen Eden and neighbouring Oratia area in 1931. The New Lynn club folded once more 2 years later leaving Glenora to be the only club in the area until 1967 when the present day New Lynn Stags club formed.May 2026 Senior competitions Nominations were received for 13 teams to compete in the Senior Grade. It was decided to have an A section and a B section like the 1925 season. In the A section competing for the Monteith Shield would be the same 7 teams as the previous year. They were Ponsonby United, City Rovers, Marist Old Boys, Devonport United, Richmond Rovers, Newton Rangers, and Grafton Athletic (previously named 'Maritime' from 1918–21 and then Athletic from 1922–25). The same 5 teams would compete in the B section with the addition of Parnell. The teams in that section were Northcote, Kingsland, Ellerslie, Mangere (not the present day club), Otahuhu, and Parnell.May 2026 Jim Parkes who had moved to Auckland and begun playing for Richmond was also to coach the side. With the Monteith Shield competition nearing its later stages L Taylor joined the Richmond club from the Whitiora club in Hamilton. He scored 54 points in just 6 games for Richmond which meant he finished as the second highest scorer for the season behind Maurice Wetherill. During the season the New Zealand team was chosen to tour England and many clubs were hard hit by player losses to the tour. Wetherill was almost a certainty to make the tour but was unavailable to tour. He remained with his City Rovers team who qualified for the final with Ponsonby United but could not lead them to the title.May 2026 Carlaw Park thumb|The proposed plans for Carlaw Parks redevelopment as reported in December, 1926.Albert Asher the well known former New Zealand international was appointed to work on the ground staff at Carlaw Park. He would be busy mid season when torrential rain leading up to the round 5 matches forced their abandonment. A large hole opened up on the number one field due to water overflowing from the railway embankment and the surrounding hills overwhelmed the surface drains. "As a result, the water forced its way back, emerging from a joint in the main pipe. The ground for some feet around was raised and, when it subsided, an open hole was revealed". It took several days to repair the playing area which was open again for the following weekend.Senior League Games Off 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19334 22 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260522.2.139.1 17 September 2019 Papers Past In December proposed plans for Carlaw Park's redevelopment were released though they were not carried out as shown in the image. The image showed the terraces becoming a large multilevel stand with a terrace type stand where the railway stand was at the time.None 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19334 22 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19261218.2.137 27 May 2026 Papers Past Representative program A large number of representative and trial matches were played on Carlaw Park during the course of the season. The New Zealand team was to tour England later in the year and so several trial matches were played including Auckland v South Auckland, North Island v South Island, A v B team matches, a 'probables' v 'possibles' game, Auckland v The Rest of New Zealand, and ultimately after the team had been selected Auckland played them before they departed. Then near the end of the season Auckland defended the Northern Union Challenge Cup 3 times against Otago, Canterbury, and South Auckland (Waikato). The season was then concluded with an Auckland Colts match against the B Division representative side. The Auckland members of the New Zealand team to tour England were:Craddock Dufty (Grafton), Charles Gregory (Marist), George Gardiner (Ponsonby), Jim Parkes (Richmond), Lou Brown (City), Ben Davidson (City), Jack Kirwan (Marist), Hec Brisbane (Marist), Hector Cole (Ponsonby), Stan Webb (Devonport), Frank Delgrosso (Ponsonby), Ernie Herring (Grafton), Arthur Singe (Marist), Bert Avery (Grafton). Avery was to captain the touring side. During the tour 7 players went on strike due to a large number of issues they had with the management of the tour and upon their return the New Zealand Rugby League administration banned each of them for life. The only Aucklander to be among the strikers banned was Arthur Singe, the Marist Old Boys hooker. He had joined them after switching from rugby in 1921 where he had represented the New Zealand Army team in 1919 on their British and South African tours and Auckland in 8 matches. He played 48 times for Marist, 15 times for Auckland and made 8 appearances for New Zealand before his ban. The ban was eventually lifted by the New Zealand Rugby League in 1962, 26 years after his death in 1936. Obituary Robert Alexander Bovaird On 30 December 1925 Robert (Bert) Alexander Bovaird died at the age of 34. He was the secretary of the Auckland Rugby League Referees association for the past 3 years and had refereed for several years including at senior level after previously being a player. He was "a very painstaking and obliging official, and carried out his duties with credit and satisfaction".The League Code 15 Auckland Star LVII 7 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19260109.2.173.4 9 January 1926 Papers Past He had owned a general store on Great North Road at Morningside and his body was found in the Auckland Domain in the morning after he had died of a self inflicted gun shot wound.Dean In The Domain 8 Auckland Star LVI 308 1925-12-30 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19251230.2.83 2022-04-27 Papers Past The representatives of the Referees Association acted as pall-bearers at the request of relatives.League Referees/Annual Meeting 12 Auckland Star LVII 57 1926-03-09 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19260309.2.122 2022-04-27 Papers Past He left behind a wife, Valerie Bovaird (nee. Tattersall), and an 8 year old daughter (Audrey). Monteith Shield (first grade championship) On 22 May all A and B division matches were postponed due to poor weather. Carlaw Park also suffered damage when water overflowed from the railway embankment and adjoining hills which proved too much for the surface drains. It caused the ground to subside and a hole to open up which would take some time to repair.Senior League Games Off/Other Decisions Deferred 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19334 22 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260522.2.139.1 17 September 2019 Papers Past Monteith Shield standings With 1 round remaining Ponsonby was on 18 competition points and City were on 20 competition points. City had a bye and Ponsonby were due to play Grafton however owing to the likely outcome of Ponsonby defeating Grafton Athletic (who were last) which would mean the two teams would be tied on points the ARL decided to have Ponsonby and City playoff for the title instead. This was a regular method of deciding the title winners through this era and had happened in 1911, 1914, 1915, 1923, and 1924. Ponsonby won 13–8 and the result is included in the standings. TeamPldWDLFAPtsPonsonby United12100225615320City Rovers13100327916820Marist Old Boys1170416714414Devonport United1150622314910Richmond Rovers113081421766Newton Rangers113081853056Grafton Athletic112091122694 Monteith Shield fixtures thumb|Joan Endean kicking off the 1926 season. Referee William Mincham is watching. Joan was one of vice patron John Albert Endean's 5 daughters.In Round 12 new rules were introduced regarding the play the ball, mirroring rules adopted by the New South Wales Rugby League which made the games more open but it was stated in The New Zealand Herald that "it is evident the players will need more schooling to make the interpretation of this rule more effective. In the match between Ponsonby and Richmond every advantage was taken of the referee's awkward position, and some very unfair tactics were adopted in securing the ball from the ruck". Round 1 thumb|left|Sir William was New Zealand's Single Sculls national title holder in 1923, 1924, 1926 and 1927.|351x351pxIn the match between Ponsonby and Devonport Lyall Stewart went off after 20 minutes with an injury but was able to be replaced, later Julius Laing fractured his ankle while Charles Webb also went off injured during the second half leaving Devonport with just 11 players. Thomas Richards, their fullback also received a compound fracture of the middle finger and was taken to hospital. Neville St George was also injured during the match and missed several games. New Zealand single skulls rowing champion of 1923, 1924, 1926, and 1927 William Stevenson debuted for Richmond. During the season he quit playing for them as he was worried that playing rugby league might affect his amateur status in rowing despite the fact that players were not paid as such for playing rugby league in New Zealand. Alf Scott scored a try for Devonport. In the recently completed 1925/26 cricket season he made his first class debut for Auckland. 24 April 3:00 Ponsonby 31–21 Start of Championships/Ponsonby Beat Devonport/Fast and Exciting Play 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19311 26 March 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260426.2.152 17 September 2019 Papers Past Devonport Frank Delgrosso, Len Ward, Sydney Usher, Dooley Moore, R Allen, Leonard Riley 2 Frank Delgrosso 4 Frank Delgrosso Horace Dixon, Alf Scott, Julius Laing 2, Allan Seagar Alf Scott 3 Carlaw Park 1 7,000 William Mincham 24 April 3:00 City 39–16 Start of Championships/Fast and Exciting Play 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19311 26 March 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260426.2.152 17 September 2019 Papers Past Newton Nelson Bass 2, George Wade, Maurice Wetherill 3, Ben Davidson 2, G Cargill Nelson Bass 4, Selby Crewther Selby Crewther Clarrie Polson 2, George Morman, Bert Little Arthur Mansill 2 Carlaw Park 2 7,000 R Taylor 24 April 3:00 Richmond 23–3 Grafton Jim Parkes 2, Frederick Bass, Ralph Jenkinson, Hyland Mick Carroll 4 Lee Auckland Domain A Saunders Round 2 Hec Brisbane broke his collarbone in Marist's win over Grafton. The Marist team was captained by Jack Kirwan for the first time after long serving captain, Billy Ghent had transferred to the City club. 1 May 3:00 Ponsonby 30–20 Championship Contests/Ponsonby Defeat City/Margin of Ten Points 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19317 3 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260503.2.147.2 17 September 2019 Papers Past City Dempsey, Dooley Moore, Ivan Littlewood, Tim Peckham 2, Wilfred McNeil Frank Delgrosso 5 Frank Delgrosso Lou Brown 3, Ernie Mackie Selby Crewther 2 Selby Crewther Nelson Bass Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 1 May 3:00 Marist 31–11 Grafton Hec Brisbane, Con Lineen, Bernard Sweeney 2, Charles Gregory, Phil Brady, Gus Nicholson Arthur Singe 3 Arthur Singe 2 Bert Avery, Jones, Ernie Herring Craddock Dufty Carlaw Park 2 Percy Rogers 1 May 3:00 Devonport 5–13 Championship Contests 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19317 3 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260503.2.147.2 17 September 2019 Papers Past Richmond Alf Harper Unknown x 1 W Little, William Stevenson, Unknown x 1 Jim Parkes 2 Devonport Domain H Taylor Round 3 thumb|left|Percy Gallagher of Marist who had come on for the injured Albert Gregory against Devonport, and Selby Crewther, the City fullback trying to beat a Richmond defender.Ponsonby's win over Newton in this round was a club milestone, being their 100th first grade win. In their 17th season and 163rd match they became the second club in Auckland to do this after City Rovers achieved the feat 2 seasons earlier. 8 May 3:00 Marist 19–15 Senior Competitions/Marist Defeat Devonport 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19323 10 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260510.2.140 17 September 2019 Papers Past Devonport Arthur Singe, Jack Kirwan, Jim O'Brien Arthur Singe 2 Arthur Singe 3 Len Scott 2, Alf Harper, Harry Douglas Clinton Boryer Alf Scott Carlaw Park 1 6,000 A Saunders 8 May 3:00 City 21–11 Senior Competitions 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19323 10 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260510.2.140 17 September 2019 Papers Past Richmond George Wade, Harry Hawkes, Lou Brown, J Lewis, Billy Ghent Selby Crewther 2 Selby Crewther Mick Carroll, Ken Hyland Mick Carroll 2 Mick Carroll Carlaw Park 2 6,000 A Taylor 8 May 3:00 Ponsonby 46–13 Newton Ivan Littlewood 2, Leonard Riley 3, George Gardiner 3, Victor Fagan, Bert Payne Leonard Riley, Frank Delgrosso 4, Victor Fagan 2, Tim Peckham W Little, Arthur Mansill, Alan Clarke Clarrie Polson Clarrie Polson Auckland Domain T Hill Round 4 thumb|Roy Hardgrave stretchered off in Newton's match with Richmond with a suspected broken collarbone.In the match between Newton Rangers and Richmond Rovers, flying winger Roy Hardgrave was thought to have broken his collarbone and was stretchered from the field. However it was later found that he had just received a kick to the shoulder after trying to stop a Richmond forward rush. Hardgrave was in his third season for Newton and in 1928 he would gain selection to the New Zealand side against England. His performances would gain the attention of the English management and in 1929 he signed with St Helens, going on to play 214 matches for them, scoring 174 tries. He returned to New Zealand briefly in 1934 but then went back to England, signing for York. In 1938 he returned once more and joined the young Mount Albert club, playing 22 games and scoring 19 tries as a 32 year old. In the same round Lou Brown scored 2 tries in City's 15-0 win over Marist. Brown was New Zealand's most prolific try scorer in its formative decades scoring around 300 tries in approximately 400 games in New Zealand, England, and France. 15 May 3:00 City 15–0 Marist Beaten by City 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19329 13 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260517.2.156.1 17 September 2019 Papers Past Marist Lou Brown 2, J Lewis, C Mitchell, George Wade Carlaw Park 1 9,000 A Taylor 15 May 3:00 Newton 43–25 Newton Spring a Surprise 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19329 13 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260517.2.156.1 17 September 2019 Papers Past Richmond M Herewini, Roy Hardgrave, M Little 2, Arthur Mansill, George Morman 3, Alan Clarke M Herewini, Arthur Mansill 5, Clarrie Polson M Herewini Jim Parkes, Avery, Bill Davis, Stan Prentice, Donald Jim Parkes 3 Jim Parkes 2 Carlaw Park 2 9,000 Hill 15 May 3:00 Devonport 6–13 Grafton Clinton Boryer, Len Scott Bert Avery, Bill Te Whata, W Smith Craddock Dufty 2 Devonport Domain Les Bull Round 5 The round 5 matches were postponed after a huge amount of rain fell on Thursday evening prior to the scheduled games. A large amount of the city was flooded and a blocked drain in the domain saw a large amount of water flood on to Carlaw Park. The ARL decided to cancel all senior games on the Friday, and then with more bad weather occurring on the Saturday extended the cancellations to all grades. When the matches eventually took place a week later Lou Brown tore a ligament in his foot in his match with Grafton and missed several matches but recovered in time to gain selection for the New Zealand team to tour England. His twin brother Ernest Brown was also injured in the match which also saw George Raynor ordered off. Marist winger, Cooke broke his collarbone in their match with Newton. 29 May 3:00 Ponsonby 10–3 Ponsonby Defeat Richmond 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19341 31 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260531.2.133.1 17 September 2019 Papers Past Richmond Leonard Riley, Lou Hutt Tim Peckham 2 Ken Hyland Carlaw Park 1 5,000 Les Bull 29 May 3:00 City 33–10 City Too Good For Grafton 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19341 31 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260531.2.133.1 17 September 2019 Papers Past Grafton Ben Davidson, George Wade 3, Billy Ghent 3, Lou Brown 2 Maurice Wetherill, Nelson Bass, Unknown x 1 W Smith, Penalty Try Craddock Dufty Craddock Dufty Carlaw Park 2 5,000 William Mincham 29 May 3:00 Marist 12–9 Marist Have Narrow Win 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19341 31 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260531.2.133.1 17 September 2019 Papers Past Newton Hanson, Jim O'Brien Arthur Singe 2 Arthur Singe Bert Little Arthur Mansill Arthur Mansill 2 Auckland Domain 2 Percy Rogers Round 6 Frank Delgrosso left the field with a bad cut over his eye against Marist which required stitches and missed some game. Maurice Wetherill missed City's match as he was sitting a plumbers exam, while Lou Brown and Ernest Brown were out injured. Meanwhile Devonport welcomed back Stan Webb, Neville St George, Lyall Stewart, and Eric (Bill) Cleaver who had all been injured earlier in the season. 5 June 3:00 Marist 13–8 Two Surprise Results/Ponsonby's First Reverse 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19347 7 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260607.2.143.3 18 September 2019 Papers Past Ponsonby Jack Kirwan 2, Arthur Singe Arthur Singe 2 Lou Hutt, Len Ward Tim Peckham Carlaw Park 1 William Mincham 5 June 1:30 Devonport 14–5 Two Surprise Results/Devonport Defeat City 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19347 7 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260607.2.143.3 18 September 2019 Papers Past City Len Scott 2, Lyall Stewart, Harry Douglas Neville St George William McLaughlin Nelson Bass Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 5 June 3:00 Newton 26–10 Two Surprise Results 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19347 7 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260607.2.143.3 18 September 2019 Papers Past Grafton Alan Clarke 3, Arthur Mansill, Wally Somers, Clarrie Polson Arthur Mansill 4 Jones 2 E Lucas 2 Carlaw Park 2 McGowatt Round 7 Hec Brisbane made return from a broken collarbone for Marist's match with Richmond. Roy Hardgrave of Newton also returned from his shoulder injury suffered in round 4. Len Scott scored five tries for Devonport in their 40-14 win over Newton. 12 June 2:45 Marist 24–10 First round Completed/Ponsonby and Marist Lead 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19353 14 June 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260614.2.130 18 September 2019 Papers Past Richmond Jim Stormont, Jack Kirwan, F Hanson, Jim O'Brien, Bob Crewther 2 Arthur Singe 3 Stan Prentice, Frederick Bass Mick Carroll Mick Carroll Carlaw Park 1 L Taylor 12 June 2:45 Ponsonby 19–14 First round Completed/Grafton's Gallant Fight 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19353 14 June 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260614.2.130 18 September 2019 Papers Past Grafton Hector Cole 2, H Goodley 2, Ivan Littlewood Hector Cole, Tim Peckham Craddock Dufty, W Smith Craddock Dufty 2 Craddock Dufty George Rayner Carlaw Park 2 Les Bull 12 June 3:00 Devonport 40–14 First round Completed 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19353 14 June 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260614.2.130 18 September 2019 Papers Past Newton Horace Dixon, Len Scott 5, Ernest Ruby, Bert Laing, Alf Scott 2 Bert Laing 3, Alf Scott 2 Bert Little, Alan Clarke, G Rhodes, George Morman (Penalty Try) Arthur Mansill Devonport Domain William Mincham Round 8 thumb|George Gardiner on the left, Stan Webb making a tackle, with Leonard Riley close behind and Allan Seagar on the right.The scoring between Ponsonby and Devonport was dominated by New Zealand internationals from the past, present and future. Ivan Littlewood scored for Ponsonby along with Frank Delgrosso. Tim Peckham was their third try scorer, with Leonard Riley gaining their other try. Riley did not represent New Zealand but his younger brother Brian Riley did in 1932. For Devonport New Zealand representatives Lyall Stewart, Len Scott, and Jim O'Brien scored tries, with Bert Laing converting 2. In Richmond's game with Grafton Jim Parkes (Richmond) was tripped by George Rayner as he ran down the side line and referee Percy Rogers sent him off. 19 June 2:45 Ponsonby 19–16 Opening of Second Round/Ponsonby Beat Devonport/Keenly-Contested Match 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19359 21 June 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260621.2.129.6 18 September 2019 Papers Past Devonport Ivan Littlewood, Frank Delgrosso, Tim Peckham, Leonard Riley 2 Frank Delgrosso 2 Lyall Stewart, Len Scott 2, Jim O'Brien Bert Laing 2 Carlaw Park 1 6,500 Les Bull 19 June 2:45 City 34–20 Opening of Second Round 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19359 21 June 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260621.2.129.6 18 September 2019 Papers Past Newton Alf Townsend 2, George Wade 4, Harry Hawkes, Billy Ghent Maurice Wetherill 5 Roy Hardgrave 2, Clarrie Polson, M Brown Arthur Mansill 3 Arthur Mansill Carlaw Park 2 6,500 William Mincham 19 June 1:30 Grafton 11–10 Richmond Ernie Herring Craddock Dufty Craddock Dufty 3 Frederick Bass, W Donald Jim Parkes Jim Parkes Carlaw Park 1 Percy Rogers Round 9 Ponsonby and City met for the 50th time in the senior team history. Following the 11-8 win to City the record stood at 28 wins to them, 20 to Ponsonby, and 2 draws. Marist hooker Jim Johnson was ordered off early in the second half of their match against Grafton. 17 July 1:30 Marist 19–2 Grafton Bernard Sweeney, Hudson, Jim O'Brien, F Hanson, Jack Kirwan Charles Gregory, Bob Crewther George Rayner Carlaw Park 1 Vic Simpson 17 July 2:45 City 11–8 The Senior Championship/Three Teams Now Level/City Defeat Ponsonby 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19383 19 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260719.2.139 18 September 2019 Papers Past Ponsonby George Wade 2, Billy Ghent Maurice Wetherill George Gardiner, H Goodley Frank Delgrosso Carlaw Park 1 H Taylor 17 July 2:45 Devonport 24–0 The Senior Championship/Three Teams Now Level 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19383 19 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260719.2.139 18 September 2019 Papers Past Richmond Jim O'Brien, Horace Dixon, Len Scott, Stanley Rule 2, Ken Scott Bert Laing, Allan Seagar 2 Carlaw Park 2 Les Bull Round 10 Clarrie Polson, Newton's New Zealand representative was leaving at this point in the season to go and live in Wellington. Eric Grey scored a try and kicked a drop goal in their win over Newton. He had retired in 1924 but returned to the Ponsonby side a week prior in round 9. 24 July 2:45 Devonport 31–13 The Club Championships/Devonport's Surprise Win/Marist Easily Defeated 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19389 26 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260726.2.139.2 18 September 2019 Papers Past Marist Stanley Rule, Len Scott, Ernest Ruby 2, Allan Seagar, Bert Laing, Horace Dixon Alf Scott 5 Mannix, Jim Johnson, Robert Crewther Charles Gregory 2 Carlaw Park 1 5,000 Les Bull 24 July 2:45 Ponsonby 42–15 The Club Championships 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19389 26 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260726.2.139.2 18 September 2019 Papers Past Newton Frank Delgrosso 3, H Goodley, Bert Payne 2, George Gardiner, R Allen, Eric Grey, Victor Fagan Frank Delgrosso, George Gardiner 2 George Gardiner 2 Eric Grey M Little, Charles Hand, Penalty Try Charles Hand 2 Charles Hand Carlaw Park 2 5,000 Percy Rogers 24 July 3:00 City 10–6 Richmond Joe Lewis, Billy Ghent Maurice Wetherill Maurice Wetherill Frederick Bass, Ken Hyland Victoria Park T Hill Round 11 Several teams were considerably weakened by the absence of their New Zealand representatives who had departed for their tour of England. L Taylor transferred from the Whitiora rugby league club in Hamilton and scored a try and kicked 6 goals on debut for Richmond and went on to become the second highest point scorer in senior competition from just 6 games. 14 August 3:00 City 22–13 The Club Championships/City Still in the Lead/Defeat of Marist Team 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19407 16 August 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260816.2.130.8 18 September 2019 Papers Past Marist George Wade 3, Maurice Wetherill 2, Joe Lewis Maurice Wetherill 2 Bernard Sweeney 2, William Noble Pickering Pickering Carlaw Park 1 William Mincham 14 August 3:00 Richmond 30–5 The Club Championships 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19407 16 August 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260816.2.130.8 18 September 2019 Papers Past Newton L Taylor, Stan Prentice 3, Jack Redwood, Frederick Bass L Taylor 3 L Taylor 3 Bert Little M Herewini Carlaw Park 2 H Taylor 14 August 3:00 Devonport 42–8 Grafton Lyall Stewart 2, J Hemingway 2, Len Scott, Alf Scott, Ernest Ruby, Julius Laing, Bill Cleaver, Jim O'Brien Alf Scott 4, Allan Seagar, Rykers Charles Webb, Nicholas Moros E Lucas Devonport Domain Les Bull Round 12 Newton only had 10 players for the entirety of their match with Marist but still made a game of it only losing 15–11. They played with just 3 forwards for the duration and managed to lead 11-10 at halftime through 2 tries to Bert Little at centre, and another to M Herewini. Marist were "lethargic" before doing enough in the second half to win the game. 21 August 3:00 Ponsonby 20–11 Competitions Continued/New Rules Introduced 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19413 23 August 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260823.2.136.6 18 September 2019 Papers Past Richmond Ivan Littlewood, Leonard Riley, Victor Fagan, Lou Hutt Tim Peckham 3 Eric Grey Frederick Bass L Taylor 3 L Taylor Carlaw Park 1 H Taylor 21 August 3:00 City 47–18 Grafton Maurice Wetherill, George Wade 2, Nelson Bass 2, Billy Ghent 3, Joe Lewis, Harry Hawkes 2 Maurice Wetherill 3, Joe Lewis, Ernest Brown Maurice Wetherill 2 Nicholas Moros, T Pitman, Penalty Try, R Callaghan T Heard, E Lucas 2 Carlaw Park 2 G McGowatt 21 August 1:45 Marist 15–11 Newton Jim O'Brien, Bernard Sweeney, Robert Crewther Jim O'Brien 3 Grover, Bert Little 2 M Herewini Carlaw Park 2 Bert Emirali Round 13 left|550px|The captains and referees (Tim Peckham, Jim O'Brien (Marist), Jim O'Brien (Devonport), Maurice Wetherill, and referees William Mincham and Les Bull) The Newton v Grafton game saw 25 points scored but by just two players. For Newton Alan Clarke scored three tries and kicked two conversions while for Grafton F Jones scored two tries, and kicked one conversion and two penalties. 4 September 3:00 City 14–9 The Club Championship/Two Teams to Play-off/City and Ponsonby 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19425 6 September 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260906.2.133.3 18 September 2019 Papers Past Devonport Billy Ghent, Ernie Mackie Maurice Wetherill 2 Maurice Wetherill 2 J Hemingway, Horace Dixon, K Scott Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 4 September 3:00 Ponsonby 10–8 Marist R Allen, Leonard Riley Eric Grey Eric Grey Moore, Horace Hansen Pickering Carlaw Park 2 William Mincham 4 September 3:00 Newton 13–12 The Club Championship 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19425 6 September 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260906.2.133.3 18 September 2019 Papers Past Grafton Alan Clarke 3 Alan Clarke 2 F Jones 2 F Jones F Jones 2 Auckland Domain H Taylor Final 11 September 3:00 Ponsonby 13–8 Dramatic Conclusion/Ponsonby Defeats City/Last-Minute Try Wins Game 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19431 13 September 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260913.2.123.4 19 September 2019 Papers Past City Kenneth Peckham, Sydney Usher, Len Ward Tim Peckham Eric Grey Selby Crewther, Nelson Bass Maurice Wetherill Carlaw Park 10,000 William Mincham Roope Rooster knockout competition thumb|Devonport v Marist in the Roope Rooster semi final on 25 September at Carlaw Park.Richmond won the Roope Rooster for the first time with a 16–15 win over Devonport in the final. This was their first major trophy. Round 1 18 September 3:00 Ponsonby 12–2 Roope Rooster Games/Opening of Competition/Ponsonby Defeats City 12 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19437 20 September 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260920.2.133.4 15 September 2019 Papers Past City Wilfred McNeil, H Goodley, Ivan Littlewood, Len Ward Maurice Wetherill Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 18 September 3:00 Marist 29–10 Grafton Robert Crewther 2, Bulcraig, Bernard Sweeney, Horace Hanson, Jim O'Brien, Jim Johnson Pickering 3, Jim O'Brien Wilson, C Timmins T Heard T Heard Carlaw Park 2 William Mincham 18 September 1:30 Richmond 25–15 Newton L Taylor 3, W Donald, Devon L Taylor 2 L Taylor 3 Cyril Irvine, George Morman, Bert Little Alan Clarke Alan Clarke 2 Carlaw Park 1 Percy Rogers Semi-finals thumb|Bert LaingRichmond recorded their first ever 1st grade win over Ponsonby. The teams had met 11 times previously stretching back to 1922 with Ponsonby winning each time. Wilfred McNeil of the Ponsonby side broke a rib and received treatment at Auckland Hospital before being discharged. While W. Donald of the Richmond side also went to hospital after suffering a broken collarbone and concussion. He was also able to go home after treatment. Jim Stormont (Marist) was sent off by referee Les Bull after arguing with him. They led 7-3 at the time but went on to lose to Devonport 28 to 11. For the winners Bert Laing scored two tries and kicked four goals. 25 September 3:00 Richmond 13–12 Ponsonby Stan Prentice, Avery, Unknown x 1 Mick Carroll L Taylor Leonard Riley, H Goodley Tim Peckham Eric Grey Eric Grey Carlaw Park 1 McGowatt 25 September 3:00 Devonport 28–11 Marist Len Scott, Horace Dixon, Bert Laing 2, Ernest Ruby, J Hemingway Bert Laing 3, Alf Scott Bert Laing Bernard Sweeney Pickering Carlaw Park 2 Les Bull Final Jack Redwood, the Richmond hooker, who had been outperforming Neville St George in the scrums had to be carried off the field early in the second half. Richmond managed to hold on to win though through "resolute" tackling and a lack of finishing by Devonport. 16 October 3:00 Richmond 16–15 Roope Rooster Finals/Richmond Secures Trophy 11 Auckland Star LVII 247 1935-10-18 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19261018.2.131.1 2020-10-17 Papers Past Devonport Stan Prentice, L Taylor 2, Bill Davis L Taylor, Mick Carroll Ernest Ruby, Len Scott, Jim O'Brien Bert Laing 2 Bert Laing Carlaw Park 1 4,000 Les Bull Stormont Shield Ponsonby won the Stormont Shield again after winning it in the previous season which was the first year it had been contested after the passing of Bill Stormont months earlier who it was named in honour of. 23 October 3:00 Ponsonby 15–5 Season's Last club Game/Stormont Shield to Ponsonby/Richmond Easily Beaten 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19467 25 October 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19261025.2.138.1 19 September 2019 Papers Past Richmond Bert Payne, Tim Peckham, Dooley Moore Tim Peckham 3 Bill Davis L Taylor Carlaw Park 1 5,000 Les Bull 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. Top try scorers Rk Player Team Gms Tries 1= Len ScottDevonport1217 1=George WadeCity1417 3 Leonard RileyPonsonby1412 4= Billy GhentCity1411 4= Bert LittleNewton1211 6 Alan ClarkeNewton109 7= Lou BrownCity68 7= Bernard SweeneyMarist108 7= Ivan LittlewoodPonsonby168 10= Jim O'BrienMarist137 10= Stan PrenticeRichmond157 Top point scorers Rk Player Team G T C P M Pts1Maurice WetherillCity1361660622L TaylorRichmond667101543Frank DelgrossoPonsonby851720534=George WadeCity1417000514=Len ScottDevonport1217000516=Arthur MansillNewton731540476=Tim PeckhamPonsonby1451600478Arthur SingeMarist731260459Alf ScottDevonport10415104410=Bert LaingDevonport8411203810=Leonard RileyPonsonby141210038 B Division standings and results B Division standings TeamPldWDLFAPtsNorthcote & Birkenhead Ramblers14101316613921Kingsland Rovers1490517710118Ellerslie United147251039816Māngere United1471613411315Otahuhu Rovers144286812410Parnell143012761496 B Division results thumb|Otahuhu in 1944 showing the Otahuhu Trotting Ground in the centre, to the south of the Otahuhu Railway Workshops. The US Military camp (Camp Euart) was on the trotting ground in this photo.At the start of the season Auckland Rugby League secured the use of part of the Otahuhu Trotting Ground to play games at. Primarily Otahuhu played their matches there, both the B grade side and their lower grade teams. Auckland Rugby League had the use of the ground until around 1930 with Auckland Rugby using the grounds for a handful of years before it was no longer used by sports teams. 1926 First Grade Results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 24 AprilStart of Championships/Ponsonby Beat Devonport/Fast and Exciting Play 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19311 26 March 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260426.2.152 17 September 2019 Papers Past Ellerslie 3 Parnell 2 Auckland Domain – 24 April Mangere 37 Northcote 8 Victoria Park – 24 April Kingsland 5 Otahuhu 3 Otahuhu Round 2 1 MayChampionship Contests/Ponsonby Defeat City/Margin of Ten Points 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19317 3 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260503.2.147.2 17 September 2019 Papers Past Otahuhu 6 Parnell 5 Otahuhu – 1 May Mangere 16 Kingsland 13 Auckland Domain – 1 May Northcote 7 Ellerslie 6 Auckland Domain Round 3 8 MaySenior Competitions/Marist Defeat Devonport 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19323 10 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260510.2.140 17 September 2019 Papers Past Otahuhu 8 Ellerslie 8 Otahuhu – 8 May Northcote 10 Kingsland 7 Victoria Park – 8 May Mangere 13 Parnell 3 Mangere Round 4 15 MayNewton Spring a Surprise/Marist Beaten by City 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19329 13 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260517.2.156.1 17 September 2019 Papers Past Ellerslie 5 Kingsland 0 Ellerslie Reserve – 15 May Northcote 15 Parnell 11 Victoria Park – 15 May Mangere 0 Otahuhu 10 Mangere Round 5 31 MayPonsonby Defeat Richmond/City Too Good For Grafton/Marist Have Narrow Win 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19341 31 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260531.2.133.1 17 September 2019 Papers Past Ellerslie 8 Mangere 0 Carlaw Park # 1 – 31 May Otahuhu 5 Northcote 5 Victoria Park – 31 May Kingsland 24 Parnell 8 Auckland Domain Round 6 5 JuneTwo Surprise Results/Ponsonby's First Reverse/Devonport Defeat City 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19347 7 June 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260607.2.143.3 18 September 2019 Papers Past Kingsland 18 Otahuhu 3 Victoria Park – 5 June Mangere 15 Northcote 14 Auckland Domain – 5 June Ellerslie WBD Parnell LBD Auckland Domain Round 7 12 JuneFirst round Completed/Ponsonby and Marist Lead/Grafton's Gallant Fight 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19353 14 June 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260614.2.130 18 September 2019 Papers Past Mangere 7 Kingsland 8 Mangere – 12 June Northcote 8 Ellerslie 5 Ellerslie Reserve – 12 June Parnell 10 Otahuhu 3 Carlaw Park # 1 Round 8 19 JuneOpening of Second Round/Ponsonby Beat Devonport/Keenly-Contested Match 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19359 21 June 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260621.2.129.6 18 September 2019 Papers Past Ellerslie 11 Otahuhu 0 Auckland Domain – 19 June Mangere 14 Parnell 5 Mangere Trotting Ground – 19 June Kingsland 18 Northcote 2 Victoria Park Round 9 17 JulyThe Senior Championship/Three Teams Now Level/City Defeat Ponsonby 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19383 19 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260719.2.139 18 September 2019 Papers Past Ellerslie 11 Kingsland 10 Auckland Domain # 1, 3pm – 17 July Otahuhu 0 Mangere 6 Otahuhu, 3pm – 17 July Northcote 21 Parnell 5 Victoria Park, 3pm Round 10 24 JulyThe Club Championships/Devonport's Surprise Win/Marist Easily Defeated 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19389 26 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260726.2.139.2 18 September 2019 Papers Past Ellerslie 13 Mangere 13 Ellerslie Reserve – 24 July Kingsland 11 Parnell 8 Carlaw Park # 2, 2.30 pm – 24 July Northcote 12 Otahuhu 4 Carlaw Park # 1, 1.30 pm Round 11 14 AugThe Club Championships/City Still in the Lead/Defeat of Marist Team 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19407 16 August 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260816.2.130.8 18 September 2019 Papers Past Ellerslie 10 Parnell 6 Carlaw Park # 1 – 14 Aug Kingsland 24 Otahuhu 0 Auckland Domain – 14 Aug Northcote 10 Mangere 5 Victoria Park Round 12 21 AugCompetitions Continued/New Rules Introduced/City Still in the Lead 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19413 23 August 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260823.2.136.6 18 September 2019 Papers Past Northcote 16 Ellerslie 11 Ellerslie Reserve – 21 Aug Kingsland 21 Mangere 8 Auckland Domain – 21 Aug Parnell 10 Otahuhu 9 Victoria Park Round 13 4 Sep Northcote 18 Kingsland 7 Carlaw Park #1, 1.45 pm – 4 Sep Otahuhu 17 Ellerslie 10 Ellerslie Reserve, 3pm – 4 Sep Parnell WBD Mangere LBD Auckland Domain # 6, 3pm Round 14 11 SepB Section Championship/Northcote's Position Secure/Kingsland V Ellerslie 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19431 13 September 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260913.2.123.4 19 September 2019 Papers Past Northcote 20 Parnell 3 Carlaw Park # 2 – 11 Sep Kingsland 11 Ellerslie 2 Carlaw Park # 1, 1.30 pm – 11 Sep Otahuhu WBD Mangere LBD Otahuhu Trotting Grounds In Round 6 Parnell defaulted to Ellerslie with the club secretary saying "the fact that five men are on the injured list and that others have had to leave town to seek work in the country were the chief factors".Ellerslie V. Parnell 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19347 7 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260607.2.143.3 18 September 2019 Papers Past Stallard Cup knockout competition This was the second year that the B Division knockout competition had been competed for. 1926 Stallard Cup results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 18 SepMangere V Ellerslie/Parnell V Northcote 12 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19437 20 September 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260920.2.133.4 15 September 2019 Papers Past Mangere 17 Ellerslie 16 Mangere Black Bridge, 3pm – 18 Sep Parnell 13 Northcote 13 Devonport, 3pm Round 1 25 SepRoope's Rooster Games/Ponsonby's Surprise Defeat/Devonport Beat Marist 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19443 27 September 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260927.2.144 19 September 2019 Papers Past Kingsland13 Northcote 12 Carlaw Park # 2, 1.30 pm Round 125 Sep Otahuhu 8 Mangere 5 Otahuhu Reserve, 3pm Semi-final 9 OctStallard Cup Semi-final/Parnell Defeats Otahuhu 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19455 11 October 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19261011.2.147.4 19 September 2019 Papers Past Parnell 11 Otahuhu 3 Carlaw Park # 2, 3pm Final 16 OctKingsland V Parnell 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19461 16 October 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19261018.2.133.1 19 September 2019 Papers Past Kingsland 25 Parnell 13 Carlaw Park # 1 Other club matches and lower grades Lower grade competitions Second grade Devonport beat City in the final on 18 September by 6 points to 3. Grafton won the knockout final when they beat Point Chevalier. They had defeated Kingsland and Ponsonby in the semi-finals respectively. Marist withdrew after 2 rounds while Newton withdrew after 10 rounds, Otahuhu after 13 rounds, and Mangere after 15. A large number of results were not reported so the standings are incomplete. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsDevonport United16411193359Point Chevalier1571131003715Ponsonby United156133964513City Rovers16412098219Grafton Athletic15301149356Richmond Rovers151083551362Kingsland Rovers1500328520Māngere United1100140170Otahuhu Rovers1200110210Newton Rangers8003251050Marist Old Boys20000000 Third grade open Grafton Athletic won the championship and had a season record of 19 wins and 1 loss, for 371, against 63 including their 2 knockout games where they defeated United Suburbs in the semi-final and Devonport United in the final. Ellerslie withdrew after 7 rounds. The majority of match scores were not reported in the newspapers so the standings are incomplete. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsGrafton Athletic17160123716332Ponsonby United16402255238United Suburbs15303237246Devonport United16204132634New Lynn14101321292Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers1300443270Māngere United1300443620Glen Eden Rovers1500522680Ellerslie United50012040 Third grade intermediate Richmond had a 10 win, 2 loss record for the season and also won the knockout competition. They scored 127 points and conceded 57. They defeated Devonport in the knockout final after beating Newton 5-0 in the semi-finals. Devonport had beaten Glen Eden 21-4 in the other semi final. United Suburbs withdrew after 2 rounds while Parnell withdrew after 9 rounds. Curiously Glen Eden joined the competition in the 5th round, then Mangere joined in the 9th round, while a Ponsonby side was also listed in the fixtures for the 9th round but no other rounds. Very few results were reported though it was mentioned that Richmond had won 10 matches and lost 2, scoring 127 and conceding 57 though it is unknown if this also included their knockout matches. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsRichmond Rovers1181211225717Parnell8302164486Newton Rangers9111311163Devonport United11103035402Kingsland Rovers11101128292Glen Eden Rovers700110230Māngere United30000000United Suburbs20000000 Fourth grade Parnell won the championship. Richmond won the knockout competition defeating Grafton 6-3 in the final on 23 October. Richmond had beaten Parnell in one semi final while Grafton defeated City in the other. Marist withdrew from the competition after 2 rounds, New Lynn after 3 rounds, Newton after 9 rounds, and Otahuhu after 13. A significant number of results were not reported however 13 of Parnell's 14 results were reported. On 4 September in the match between Ellerslie and Richmond the referee ordered the entire Ellerslie team off at halftime due to verbal abuse while they were leading 8-5. The match was awarded to Richmond. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsParnell14121141652225Ponsonby United155123695211Grafton Athletic1631125577Richmond Rovers16313269477Ellerslie United14206445654City Rovers14104412352Point Chevalier151063311052Newton Rangers810310650Otahuhu Rovers1200318560New Lynn30000000Marist Old Boys20010000 Fifth grade Richmond won the competition and they also won the knockout competition when they defeated Northcote in the final on 9 October. Northcote turned their season around after suffering several heavy losses and temporarily withdrawing from the championship before later rejoining and winning some matches. Grafton withdrew after 12 rounds. The majority of results were not reported. On 11 September in the final round the only match played was between Richmond and Devonport with Richmond winning 13-11. It is possible that this match was the final of the championship. All of Devonport's 3 defeats were to Richmond while they easily won their other two reported results (20-2 and 19-0 over Ponsonby and Grafton respectively). TeamPldWDLBFAPtsRichmond Rovers125003791310Ellerslie United1350111001210Devonport United15203052254Grafton Athletic11205117894Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers112030211184Ponsonby United12105236482 Sixth grade A City A won the championship. Akarana won the knockout competition when they beat City A 10-8 on 16 October. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsCity Rovers A13100032192520Richmond Rovers1270341473714Akarana1270341084214Grafton Athletic11205117894Otahuhu United132063741624City Rovers B1420102431734Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers9004351310 Sixth grade B Richmond won the 6th grade A championship. Grafton won the knockout competition when they defeated Richmond in the final on 28 August by 8 points to 0. There were several results not reported so the standings are incomplete. The City side joined in the 3rd round which created a 5 team competition and the need for a bye each round. TeamPldWDLBFAPtsRichmond Rovers10311144327Grafton Athletic9401266158City Rovers7311227297Akarana7203419414Point Chevalier900928470 Schoolboys competition The schoolboys competition was a somewhat informal one with teams joining as the weeks went by as such the table is an indication only of how the respective teams went. It began on 25 September when schoolboys from Otahuhu beat schoolboys from Parnell 5 to 3. Grey Lynn fielded a side on 16 October and lost 6-0 to Parnell while on the same day Papatoetoe drew with Otahuhu 6-6 in their first match. Then on 23 October Newmarket fielded a team which lost to Grey Lynn 9-6 while Richmond made their debut with a 16-8 win over Papatoetoe. TeamPldWDLFAPtsOtahuhu Schoolboys11911219919Parnell Schoolboys520325514Grey Lynn Schoolboys320115174Richmond Schoolboys220029114Papatoetoe Schoolboys201114221Newmarket Schoolboys200211150 Exhibition matches Taupiri v Ponsonby 15 May 3:00 Taupiri 6-16 Ponsonby Defeat Taupiri 6 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19330 18 May 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260518.2.17.3 18 September 2019 Papers Past Ponsonby Allan, Davis Ivan Littlewood, Payne, Hector Cole, George Gardiner Frank Delgrosso 2 Taupiri Date Score Score Venue Exhibition match 30 AugVictory for Auckland/Match Against Canterbury/Pace and Tactics Tell 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19419 30 August 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260830.2.135.5 18 September 2019 Papers Past Hamilton 16 Northcote 17 Hamilton Exhibition match 9 OctJunior Results 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19455 11 October 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19261011.2.147.4 19 September 2019 Papers Past New Lynn 3rd Grade 0 Waikato Junior Team 3 Carlaw Park # 1, 1.30 pm Exhibition match 23 OctKingsland V Huntly 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19467 25 October 1925 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19261025.2.138.1 19 September 2019 Papers Past Kingsland 24 Huntly 13 Carlaw Park Representative season Representative fixtures thumb|Ivan Littlewood playing for Auckland against 'The Rest' at Carlaw Park in July. He was being pursued by Saunders and Wilson-Hall.The first representative fixture of the season was played on 26 June between Auckland and South Auckland. The match was the first trial game for the selection of the New Zealand team to tour England. With the score a lopsided 33–3 at halftime the selectors added five local Auckland players to the South Auckland team to even the match somewhat and it finished 49 to 15 in favour of the hosts. While not principally an Auckland team playing the trial matches between North Island and South Island, and the A and B match were heavily populated by Auckland players. The team selected to represent New Zealand featured a large number of Auckland players; Craddock Dufty (Grafton), Charles Gregory (Marist), George Gardiner (Ponsonby), Jim Parkes (Richmond), Lou Brown (City), Ben Davidson (City), Jack Kirwan (Marist), Hec Brisbane (Marist), Hector Cole (Ponsonby), Stan Webb (Devonport), Frank Delgrosso (Ponsonby), Ernie Herring (Grafton), Arthur Singe (Marist), and Bert Avery (captain) (Grafton).Team For English Tour/The Personnel Announced/Fourteen Auckland Men/Avery Appointed Captain 12 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19377 12 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260712.2.113 18 September 2019 Papers Past Before the team departed they played Auckland at Carlaw Park and went down in a high scoring game by 52 points to 32 after fielding a slightly weakened team against a strong Auckland side. Auckland v South Auckland Due to the lopsided match where the halftime score was 33–3 Auckland gave several players to the South Auckland team at halftime including Arthur Mansill who kicked 3 goals for the visiting side. 26 June 3:00 Auckland 49–15 Auckland Wins Trial Game/South Auckland Outclassed/Speed and Tactics Tell 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19365 28 June 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260628.2.146.1 18 September 2019 Papers Past South Auckland (Waikato) Lou Brown, Ben Davidson, Frank Delgrosso 4, Hector Cole, Tim Peckham, Jim O'Brien 2, Bert Avery 3 Craddock Dufty 2, Tim Peckham, Arthur Singe Ben Davidson Parkes, C Gieson, Davies Arthur Mansill Arthur Mansill Carlaw Park 1 8,000 W Mincham North Island v South Island left|thumbthumb 3 July 2:45 North Island 31–22 Selecting Dominion Team/Two Fine Trial Games/North Island Wins Keen Game/Backs Check South Forwards 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19371 5 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260705.2.155.1 18 September 2019 Papers Past South Island Ivan Littlewood, Wally Desmond, Ben Davidson, Jack Kirwan, Hector Cole 2, Bert Avery Craddock Dufty 5 G Brittenden, T Callentire, Jack Wright, Len Mason Frank Henry, Neil Mouat Frank Henry, Neil Mouat 2 Carlaw Park 1 18,000 Les Bull A Team v B Team (NZ trial) 3 July 1:15 A Team 16–25 Sparkling Curtain Raiser 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19371 5 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260705.2.155.1 18 September 2019 Papers Past B Team Lou Brown 3, Leonard Riley Frank Delgrosso 2 Jim Parkes 3, Nelson Bass 2 Arthur Mansill 4 Arthur Mansill Carlaw Park 18,000 William Mincham Auckland v The Rest (of NZ) thumb|leftAuckland played a midweek match with a rest of New Zealand side with 4,000 in attendance. 7 July 3:00 Auckland 21–28 Auckland v the Rest 6 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19374 8 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260708.2.18.1 18 September 2019 Papers Past The Rest Ivan Littlewood, Stan Webb, J Lewis, Frank Delgrosso 2 Arthur Mansill 3 Sanders 3, Wally Desmond, Wilson Hall, Neil Mouat Neil Mouat 4 Neil Mouat Carlaw Park 1 4,000 Les Bull Probables v Possibles (NZ trial) thumb 10 July 2:45 Probables 15–32 Dominion Team Trials/The Final Games Played/Possibles Beat Probables 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19377 12 July 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260712.2.126.1 18 September 2019 Papers Past Possibles Wally Desmond 2, Stan Webb (obstruction try) Craddock Dufty 3 P Hickey, Hec Brisbane 2, Neil Mouat, Bill Devine 2, Joe Menzies, J Tallentire Neil Mouat 4 Carlaw Park 1 10,000 Les Bull A Team v B Team (NZ trial) 10 July 1:15 A Team 28–30 B Team Wilson (jnr) 2, Jim O'Brien, Alan Clarke, W Little 2 Arthur Mansill 5 George Wade 2, Claude List, Alf Townsend, Horace Dixon, C 'Dooley' Moore George Gardiner 6 Carlaw Park 1 10,000 Percy Rogers Auckland v New Zealand thumb 31 July 3:00 Auckland 52–32 New Zealand Outplayed/Auckland's Decisive Win/Superiority of Local Men 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19395 2 August 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260802.2.140.6 18 September 2019 Papers Past New Zealand Claude List, George Wade, Maurice Wetherill 3, Stan Prentice, Tim Peckham, Alf Scott, Horace Dixon 2, Jim O'Brien 2, Jim O'Brien Arthur Mansill 2, Alf Scott 3, Neville St George Wally Desmond, Lou Brown, Wilson Hall 2, Bert Avery, Len Mason, Frank Henry, Alphonsus Carroll Craddock Dufty, George Gardiner 3 Carlaw Park 1 14,000 W Mincham Auckland v Otago (Northern Union C.C.) thumb|Auckland v Otago at Carlaw Park, 7 August 1926 Future Kiwi Len Scott also debuted for Auckland after coming on to replace the injured Harry Douglas. 7 August 3:00 Auckland 14–4 The Northern Union Cup/Auckland Retain Trophy/Fourteen Points to Four/Otago Team's good Display 14 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19401 9 August 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260809.2.150.1 2 September 2019 Papers Past Otago Claude List, George Wade, Tim Peckham, Bert Payne George Wade Bert Eckhoff 2 Carlaw Park 1 Harlock Auckland v Canterbury (Northern Union C.C.) thumb|upright|left|Auckland v Canterbury 28 August 3:00 Auckland 33–15 Victory for Auckland 13 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19419 30 August 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260830.2.135.5 18 September 2019 Papers Past Canterbury George Wade 4, Claude List 2, Ivan Littlewood, Horace Dixon, Albert Payne George Rayner 2, Alf Scott C Batchelor, Le Warne, G Dawkins A Collie 2 A Collie Carlaw Park 1 7,000 R.T. Hill Auckland v South Auckland (Northern Union C.C.) 9 October 3:00 Auckland 25–8 Northern Union Cup/Auckland's Comfortable Win/Defeat of South Auckland 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19455 11 October 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19261011.2.147.4 19 September 2019 Papers Past South Auckland (Waikato) Claude List 3, George Wade, Jim O'Brien, Allan Seagar 2 Alf Scott 2 Davis, Metcalf George Rayner Carlaw Park 1 3,000 William Mincham Auckland Colts v B Division representatives 30 October 3:00 Auckland Colts 24–17 Northern Union Cup/Auckland's Comfortable Win/Defeat of South Auckland 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19473 1 November 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19261101.2.138 19 September 2019 Papers Past B Division Representatives Hammond, George Wade, Allan Seagar, Sydney Usher 2, Ernest Ruby William Hanlon, Allan Seagar, Crewther Thompson 2, Clarke, Croxson, Unknown x 1 Eustace Carlaw Park 1 A Saunders Auckland representative matches played and scorers This list only includes the Auckland team games against South Auckland (x2), The Rest (of NZ), New Zealand, Otago, Canterbury, and South Auckland (Waikato) NoNameClub TeamPlayTriesConPenDGPoints1Claude ListKingsland47000211George WadeCity47000213Frank DelgrossoPonsonby26000184Jim O'BrienDevonport65000154Alf ScottDevonport41600156Tim PeckhamPonsonby31000117Arthur MansillNewton30500108Maurice WetherillCity4300098Bert AveryGrafton1300098Horace DixonDevonport43000911Ivan LittlewoodPonsonby42000611Albert PaynePonsonby52000611Allan SeagarDevonport12000614Ben DavidsonCity11001515Craddock DuftyGrafton10200415George RaynerGrafton10200417Lou BrownCity11000317Hector ColePonsonby11000317Stan WebbDevonport11000317J LewisCity11000317Stan PrenticeRichmond41000317Jim O'BrienMarist21000323Arthur SingeMarist10100223Neville St GeorgeDevonport20100225Alf TownsendCity40000025Lou HuttPonsonby30000025Alan ClarkeNewton20000025Frederick BassRichmond10000025Charles GregoryMarist10000025Hec BrisbaneMarist10000025Ernie HerringGrafton10000025Len ScottDevonport10000025Billy GhentCity10000025Trevor HanlonRichmond10000025Lawrence Leonard RileyPonsonby10000025Eric CleaverDevonport10000025Harry DouglasNorth Shore10000025Bill DavisRichmond100000 Annual general meetings and club news Auckland Rugby League Juniors On 16 March Auckland Rugby League held its Junior Management Committee annual meeting where it was noted that the number of teams during the 1925 season was 75, with approximately 1,200 registered players.Junior Grade Affairs/Over One Thousand Players 15 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19278 17 March 1926 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260317.2.172 16 September 2019 Papers Past The full Auckland Rugby League annual report stated that in 1925 there were 12 senior teams and 103 junior teams playing in the various competitions, representing an increase of three senior and 28 junior teams. There was a total of 2,364 playing members.Progress of the Code/Most Successful Season/Record Takings at Gate 8 The New Zealand Herald LXIII 19280 19 March 1925 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19260319.2.22 16 September 2019 Papers Past It was also noted that the total receipts from club fixtures was £3,136 and the total amount taken at all games was just over £7,000. The executive intended on spending money on improving the dressing accommodation for players at Carlaw Park, and when funds permit constructing a permanent grandstand. References External links Auckland Rugby League Official Site Auckland Rugby League Category:Auckland Rugby League seasons