1931 Auckland Rugby League season

September 2023 February 2020 The 1931 Auckland Rugby League season was its 23rd. The inaugural Fox Memorial Shield was won by Marist Old Boys who defeated Devonport United 12–5 in the final round to win by 2 competition points over the same side. This was Marists second ever first grade title after previously winning it in 1924. Devonport United were coached by James O'Brien, the former Devonport player and New Zealand international and they went on to win the Roope Rooster competition defeating Ponsonby United in the final. This was their second time winning the Roope Rooster after they won the inaugural title in 1915. They also beat Marist Old Boys to win the Stormont Shield Trophy for the second year in a row. Alongside these feats Devonport also won the inaugural reserve grade competition with a 5–5 draw in the final securing them the 1 competition point they needed to edge out Ponsonby United. Richmond Rovers won the Stallard Cup by winning the reserve grade knockout competition, defeating Newton Rangers reserves in the final 13–5. On the final day of the season Mr. Samuel Harris of the Newton Rangers team had a heart attack while running with the ball in the final of the Seven-A-Side charity tournament. The game was called off with no result given. He had played with Newton for 2 seasons after moving to Auckland from Hikurangi. He was single and 26 years of age at the time.Football Tragedy/League Player Collapses/Death at Carlaw Park 8 Auckland Star LXII 259 2 November 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19311102.2.89 28 October 2019 Eastern Suburbs toured New Zealand at the end of the season and played 5 matches including 3 at Carlaw Park against Devonport, Devonport-Marist combined, and an Auckland Colts side. 1930 23rd Auckland Rugby League season 1931 1932 Season News Club teams by grade participation TeamFox MemorialReserves2nd3rd Open3rd Int.4th5th6th7thSchoolsMidweekTotalRichmond Rovers1101111121010City Rovers111011111109Ponsonby United111111100007Marist Old Boys110111110007Devonport United110101110107Ellerslie United.5.50001111106Newton Rangers110000110105Point Chevalier001001011004Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers001001110105Glen Lynn000110101004Mount Albert United001011100004Papatoetoe000101001104Akarana000011010104Newmarket000001011104Papakura001001000002Mount Wellington001001000002Otahuhu Rovers.5.50000000001Māngere United001000000001Glenora000010000001Avondale000001000102Auckland Locomotives (Railway)000000000011City Markets000000000011Combined Taxis000000000011Ellerslie Town Board Rovers000000000011New Zealand Fertilisers000000000011Nicholson Park (Mt Eden)000000000011Post and Telegraph (Messengers)000000000011Stonex and Stormont's000000000011Waterside Workers000000000011Total77868151010810998 Fox Memorial Shield replaces Monteith Shield thumb|Fox in the back row, third from the left in the 1912 North Shore second grade sideIt was the first season where the premier senior teams had competed for the Fox Memorial Shield. Prior to 1931 the trophy awarded was the Monteith Shield (1920–1930), and before that the Myers Cup (1910–14) (there were no trophies awarded during WW1 despite the first grade championship being competed for each season). The donor of the Monteith Shield had written to the league asking permission to withdraw the trophy from club competition and that the league play for a new trophy named after Edward Vincent Fox who had died the season previous and who had been heavily involved in Auckland Rugby League for a long period of time. The new trophy was being donated by friends of Fox.A.R.L. Affairs/Fox Memorial Shield/The Games for Saturday 18 Auckland Star LXII 100 30 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310430.2.181 21 October 2019 The trophy was finished and presented to the league in September. It was described thus; "measuring 27 inches across by 22 inches deep, the base is a handsome sample of polished rimu, with overlay of contrasting pūriri, on which is an ornate centrepiece in oxidised silver depicting an incident of play in the New Zealand v Australia match of 1926". The donators of the trophy even went to the extent of sending the silver piece to England to have it effectively reproduced.League Football Trophy/Prize for Club Champions 9 Auckland Star LXII 218 15 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310915.2.122 28 October 2019 The Auckland City Council Parks Committee designated the following of its grounds to the league code: Auckland Domain (2), Outer Domain (1), Victoria Park, Auckland (1), Walker Road (2), Western Springs Reserve (1), Grey Lynn Park (1), and 1 additional ground at Grey Lynn to alternate between rugby and league.General Sports News 16 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20854 22 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310422.2.169.7 21 October 2019 Financial statement and annual report – From childhood to manhood The annual report to be filed at the annual general meeting showed that the league had a £9,711 5/9 surplus with total assets of £10,534 19/4. As there were smaller crowds in 1930 the gate receipts were £2,282 12/, down from £3,465 10/5 in 1929. The Junior Management Committee reported that the number of juniors registered was 1,930 compared with 984 the previous year, and 63 teams took the field.Optimistic Annual Report/Reduced Working Profit 16 Auckland Star LXII 85 11 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310411.2.152 21 October 2019 At the annual general meeting Mr. James Carlaw said that "this is a very important meeting, as we have now reached our twenty-first birthday, and have developed from childhood to manhood". Mr. Phelan presented trophies to the various winners from the previous season.Coming of Age/Auckland Rugby League/Bright Future Predicted/Prospects Under New Policy 13 Auckland Star LXII 90 17 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310417.2.129 21 October 2019 At the Devonport annual meeting Mr. A. Ferguson who was a member of the New Zealand Council and who was presiding over the meeting said that the league game in New Zealand needed to follow the Australian model. He stated that they "demonstrated the value of physical fitness, which was produced by intensive, scientific training".Question of Status/Suggestion by Official 14 Auckland Star LXII 76 31 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310331.2.139 18 October 2019 Senior competition restructuring and Carlaw Park gate takings A management committee meeting which also included the special committee setup the previous year to look into the restructuring of the Senior A and Senior B competitions adjusted their original plans. It had been decided at the end of the 1930 season to reduce the Senior A competition from eight teams to six, thus forcing teams into merging with one another. After the meeting this was adjusted to seven teams. The teams would be Devonport, Richmond Rovers, Ellerslie-Otahuhu (which also included the Māngere United club, who could then choose their own name),Ellerslie-Otahuhu United League Football Club 20 Auckland Star LXII 74 28 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310328.2.188.5 18 October 2019 Marist Old Boys, City, Newton, and Ponsonby United. The Kingsland team which had been removed from the A grade asked for permission to join with the Marist Old Boys. While the Parnell club which has existed since 1921 amalgamated with City Rovers. The B grade (essentially the second division which had run from 1925 to 1930) was still to be eliminated. The league would encourage B grade players to try out for the reserve grade teams in the A grade clubs.Seven Senior Teams/Rugby League Proposals/Original Plan Dropped/Resolution Carried Unanimously 18 Auckland Star, Auckland Star LXII 36, 12 February 1931 12 February 1930 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310212.2.159 17 October 2019 In a major development for the rugby league game in Auckland the special committee recommended that winning teams would be granted 12.5% of the net gate takings each weekend with losing teams sharing a "trifle less". The league would also enforce a rule where every Senior A club must field a reserve grade team "of sufficient calibre to satisfy the management committee". If they failed to do so they would be vulnerable to being removed from the A grade. The league also reserved the right to set the two lowest teams together at the end of the season against each other in a match and eliminating the losers, or compelling them to improve their standard of play or withdraw from the league.Clubs a Fifth 13 Auckland Star LXII 55 6 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310306.2.143 17 October 2019 Eastern Suburbs tour of New Zealand thumb|leftthumb|rightthumb|left thumb|right thumb|left thumb|rightIn mid October the Eastern Suburbs club team from Sydney toured New Zealand. They began their tour with a match against Northland in Whangarei on Thursday, October 8 before meeting the Auckland championsDevonport at Carlaw Park two days later. They then travelled to Hamilton where they played South Auckland while also fitting in a trip to see the sights of Rotorua. Eastern Suburbs were captained in their match with South Auckland by Fred Tottey who had attended Hamilton Boys High School in his teens and Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland before that. Eastern Suburbs then travelled back to Auckland where they played against a combined Marist-Devonport team who inflicted the touring sides only defeat with a 14–13 defeat before a crowd of 15,000. Their final match was against an Auckland Colts side which included several current or future New Zealand internationals, namely Ted Mincham, Len Scott, Dick Smith, Wilf Hassan, Bert Leatherbarrow, and Ed St George before returning home with 4 wins and a loss. 8 October 3:00 Northland 11–23 Visiting Footballers/League Team's First Game/Easy Win At Whangarei/An Excellent Exhibition 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20999 1931-10-09 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311009.2.122 2020-08-11 Eastern Suburbs E O'Callaghan C Hamilton C Hamilton 3 Dave Brown 2, Roy Paillas, Ray Stehr, Hilton Delaney Roy Paillas 2, Morrie Boyle Roy Paillas Kensington Park, Whangarei 2,000 J Petterson 10 October 3:00 Devonport 27–41 Fast League Match/Win for Eastern Suburbs/Devonport Team Well Beaten/Forty-One Points to 27 11 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 21001 12 October 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311012.2.125 28 October 2019 Eastern Suburbs Dick Smith, Allan Seagar, Hugh Simpson, Len Scott, Albert Laing Dick Smith 4 Dick Smith 2 Ernie Norman, Morrie Boyle 2, Dick Brown, Dave Brown, Les Rogers 2, Viv Thicknesse, Fred Tottey Morrie Boyle 6, Dave Brown Carlaw Park 1 17,000 Les Bull 14 October 3:00 South Auckland 14–23 League Football/Eastern Suburbs Win/Bright Game in Hamilton 10 Waikato Times 110 18460 1931-10-15 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19311015.2.99 2020-08-11 Eastern Suburbs John Whorskey, Huatahi Paki John Whorskey John Whorskey 3 Roy Pallais, Fred Tottey 2, Dave Brown, Joe Pearce Roy Pallais 2, Norm Pope Roy Pallais Steele Park, Hamilton 2,000 A Harlock 17 October 3:15 Devonport-Marist 14–13 Close League Match/Success of Combined Team/Victory by Single Point/Eastern Suburbs Defeated 9 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 21007 19 October 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311019.2.136 28 September 2019 Eastern Suburbs Len Scott, Hec Brisbane Alan Clarke Alan Clarke 3 Dave Brown 2, Fred Tottey Morrie Boyle 2 Carlaw Park 1 15,000 Percy Rogers 21 October 4:00 Auckland Colts 13–18 League Finale/Eastern Suburbs Win Again/Clever Play by Rearguard/Auckland Colts Go Well 16 Auckland Star LXII 250 22 October 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19311022.2.149 28 October 2019 Eastern Suburbs Wilf Hassan, Ted Mincham, Bob Carter Dick Smith Dick Smith Roy Pallais, Morrie Boyle 3 Roy Pallais, Dave Brown 2 Carlaw Park 1 Vic Simpson Rule changes At the Management Committee meeting prior to the start of the season it was decided to adhere to the latest rules, where a team forcing the ball in their own in goal area would take a drop kick from the 25-yard line as opposed from their own try line. There was an adjustment to the weight allowance from the fourth grade down, and sixth grade players should be under 18 and a half on 1 May.Management Committee/New Drop-Out Rule Adopted 13 Auckland Star LXII 90 17 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310417.2.129 21 October 2019 At a following Management Committee meeting it was reported that the English Rugby League had advised that at scrum put in's the loose head would be transferred from the defending team to the attacking team.Management Meeting 17 Auckland Star LXII 95 23 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310423.2.157 21 October 2019 On 15 August a referee was assaulted by a player after a match between the City and Newmarket Fourth Grade teams at Western Springs Stadium. He had ordered off a player from each team. The City player came back on the field and his team refused to remove him so the referee called the match off. He was then harassed by a number of players and one of them then fought with him, "the pair rolled on the ground fighting for a few minutes, the referee holding his own until some spectators intervened and separated" them.Referee Assaulted/League Football Incident 15 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20955 19 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310819.2.160.1 27 October 2019 New clubs at Papakura and Glenora, and several amalgamations On March 26 the Papakura Rugby League club was formed with 60 players enrolling.Papakura Club Formed 16 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20828 21 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310321.2.141.4 17 October 2019 They applied to the Papakura Town Board for use of the reserve at Papakura. This was granted as the entire club had switched over from Rugby Union meaning they had no competition for the field. The council said that if a representative rugby game was being played on the field then the league team could use Prince Edward Park (which later became their home ground and remains so to this day).Papakura Town Board 5 Auckland Star LXII 70 24 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310324.2.51 18 October 2019 On Saturday, 18 April they played a practice match with Mount Wellington at Papakura.League Football/Mount Wellington Rugby League Club 6 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20851 18 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310418.2.8.2 21 October 2019 The match was won by Mount Wellington by 8 points to 5. Papakura's points came from an unconverted try to Johnstone, and I. Wilson kicked a penalty goal.Several Practices Held 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20852 20 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310420.2.136.12 21 October 2019 They held their first social on the evening of Wednesday 22 April at the Paragon Theatre.Social Gatherings 10 Auckland Star LXII 97 27 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310427.2.127.2 21 October 2019 The Kingsland Athletic club joined with Marist Old Boys meaning their senior players would join those of Marist. Kingsland were already an amalgamated club involving Kingsland Rovers and Grafton Athletic (originally named Maritime and not to be confused with the Grafton Athletic club which existed from 1914 to 1922). This placed Marist as one of the early favourites to win the Senior Grade. This was discussed in an article on the prospects of all the teams in the New Zealand Herald.The League Code/Prospects for New Season/Better Standard Expected/Strength of Various Clubs 14 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20859 29 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310429.2.151.3 21 October 2019 The Ellerslie United, Otahuhu Rovers, and Māngere United clubs combined to form a senior team with the Māngere Senior B team being regraded to first junior (2nd grade) with the team playing as part of the Ellerslie-Otahuhu side.Protest by Richmond/A Decision Postponed/Reserve Grade Principle 18 Auckland Star LXII 106 7 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310507.2.178 22 October 2019 However Māngere United then sent a deputation to a Management Committee meeting asking to be able to play as a separate institution as a junior club rather than be a part of the Ellerslie-Otahuhu amalgamation.League Football 16 Auckland Star LXII 112 14 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310514.2.142 22 October 2019 They wished to be affiliated under their own name rather than amalgamate with Ellerslie. Several speakers from Māngere they said that they wished to play league football but maintain their own identity as a Māori team. The League said that there should be a conference with Ellerslie and in the meantime they would play for one week with Ellerslie.Request from Mangere Club 9 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20872 14 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310514.2.30.3 22 October 2019 At a league meeting on 27 May the league decided to uphold their earlier ruling and enforce the amalgamation with the decision reviewed at the end of the season. It was expressed that the Māngere players were willing to play as the league suggested. Mr. Jim Rukutai suggested that Māngere be granted permission to retain their identity for twelve months, subject to all transfers being through the Ellerslie-Otahuhu United Club. The chairman of the league said "he did not think that there was any objection to Māngere playing as the Māngere section of the amalgamated club, but it was the duty of the League to uphold Ellerslie-Otahuhu Club". In the meantime he thought "moral suasion should be used by the members and the position would right itself".Management Meeting/Ellerslie-Mangere Position 18 Auckland Star LXII 124 28 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310528.2.178 22 October 2019 At the Management Committee meeting on 10 June it was reported by the chairman that the Māngere and Ellerslie clubs had reached a satisfactory agreement and that "the Māori senior team,... was willing to continue playing the league code. It was intended that Māngere should apply for the resignation of its players who had already played for Ellerslie" The matter would be deferred for one week.Ellerslie-Mangere Dispute 7 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20896 11 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310611.2.28.5 23 October 2019 It was announced at a City Rovers club meeting that the Parnell club had amalgamated with them. They would enter teams in the senior, reserve senior, first junior, third intermediate, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades, and also in the primary school competition.City Club Meetings 11 Auckland Star LXII 97 27 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310427.2.129.15 21 October 2019 Ten of the Parnell senior B players were regraded to first class juniors and would play for that particular City Rovers side.Protest by Richmond/A Decision Postponed/Reserve Grade Principle 18 Auckland Star LXII 106 7 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310507.2.178 22 October 2019 In June a new club was registered in the Glen Eden district and was named Glenora. They entered a team in the third grade intermediate. There was a team in the area named Glen Lynn at the time which was a combination of the New Lynn and Glen Eden sides of the late 1920s, and so to distinguish them Glenora chose that name as some of their players were from the Oratia area, and the name was initially spelled as Glen Ora.Junior Management/New Club Accepted 12 Auckland Star LXII 129 3 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310603.2.139 22 October 2019 Fox Memorial Shield (1st grade championship) The Senior Grade was reduced from 8 teams to 7 for the 1931 season. Each team had to field a reserve side and their matches were to be played prior to the A team's matches at the same venue.Brighter League/The 1931 Kick-Off/Carlaw Park Matches/Shore and City Featured 13 Auckland Star LXII 101 1 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310501.2.130 21 October 2019 Fox Memorial standings TeamPldWDLFAPtsMarist Old Boys1211012048822Devonport United1210021789220Richmond Rovers127141439315Ponsonby United1261515214313Newton Rangers12228831456City Rovers122191321795Ellerslie-Otahuhu United121110852373 Fox Memorial fixtures Round 1 thumb|S Casey (Devonport) being tackled by Kerr (City). Hugh Simpson (Devonport) is on the ground having been tackled by Joe Hadley. In Round 1 Marist won after time however the play was continued erroneously. Time was up but the time keeper allowed additional tackles and did not ring the bell until after the winning try had been scored.Match Won After Time 14 Auckland Star LXII 104 5 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310505.2.120 21 October 2019 Richmond protested the result and after multiple meetings it was eventually decided by the league Management Committee to replay the match.Richmond Club Protest 16 Auckland Star LXII 112 14 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310514.2.142 22 October 2019 During the game Ray McKinnon (Richmond) fractured his leg and was treated at Auckland Hospital before being sent home.Footballers Injured 3 Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 103 4 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310504.2.14 5 February 2025 For Devonport, Alf Scott came out of retirement while his brother Len Scott returned from a year in Fiji. He had been a winger for four seasons for Devonport but played in the loose forwards in this match and was reported to have played well. Puti Tipene Watene was unable to play fullback for City due to having influenza and was replaced by Kerr, a recruit from the Parnell club and he was said to have played well. Ben Davidson played a good game in the City backs after returning to City the previous season after playing 67 games in England for Wigan. 2 May 3:00 Devonport 23–18 League Kick Off/Devonport Downs City 14 Auckland Star LXII 103 4 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310504.2.131 21 October 2019 City Alf Scott, Allan Seagar, Trevor O'Leary, J Harding, R O'Donnell Alf Scott, Allan Seagar 3 C Reynolds, George Perry, Ben Davidson 2 Kerr 3 Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 2 May 3:00 Marist 11–10* League Kick Off/Marist Just Gets Home 14 Auckland Star LXII 103 4 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310504.2.131 21 October 2019 Richmond Gordon Campbell 2, Claude List Leonard Riley Stan Prentice, Bill Telford George Davis 2 Carlaw Park 2 Percy Rogers 2 May 3:00 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 5–5 League Kick Off/Ellerslie and Newton Draw 14 Auckland Star LXII 103 4 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310504.2.131 21 October 2019 Newton A Hickey Craddock Dufty Charles Allan Claude Dempsey Ellerslie Reserve E McCall Round 2 thumb|leftthumb|rightIn the match between Marist and Ponsonby, Heck Lunn (Ponsonby) left the field in the 2nd half with a broken rib and was taken to Auckland Hospital. Frank Delgrosso started the game for Ponsonby at the unfamiliar position of halfback, though the veteran had by now played at every position in the backline for Ponsonby, Auckland, and New Zealand. Marist did well to win after losing their forward Young in the first half who was replaced by Fraser Webberley, and then Carter went off injured in the second half forcing Alan Clarke into the backs and then later he was forced from the field through injury too. Horace Hunt debuted for North Shore after coming on for the injured S Casey in the forwards. Hunt was the Auckland cricket side's wicket keeper and interestingly Verdun Scott played for the North Shore side later in the decade and also become the Auckland wicket keeper and ultimately New Zealand wicket keeper. 9 May 3:00 Marist 20–9 Senior Grade Contests/Marist Defeats Ponsonby 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20869 11 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310511.2.135.5 22 October 2019 Ponsonby Phil Brady, George Batchelor, Hec Brisbane, Claude List George Batchelor, Ike Railey Alan Clarke Claude List L Winters, A Schofield, Cyril Thompson Carlaw Park 1 Percy Rogers 9 May 3:00 Richmond 28–15 Senior Grade Contests 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20869 11 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310511.2.135.5 22 October 2019 City Stan Prentice, N Pell 2, Ray Lawless, W Ritchie, J Patterson George Davis 4 George Davis George Munce, Joe Hadley Ben Davidson Ben Davidson Carlaw Park 2 Arthur Rae 9 May 3:00 Devonport 26–0 Senior Grade Contests/Easy Win for Devonport 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20869 11 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310511.2.135.5 22 October 2019 Newton Len Scott, Allan Seagar, Horace Hunt, Leslie O'Leary 2, Ted Scott Allan Seagar 2, Leslie O'Leary 2 Carlaw Park 1 Vic Simpson Round 3 The Round 3 match between Richmond and Newton was the first ever senior league match played at Western Springs Stadium which had opened for cycling and field sports in 1929. 16 May 3:00 Ponsonby 24–13 Senior Grade Contests/Ponsonby Defeats City 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20875 18 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310518.2.148.3 22 October 2019 City Victor Fagan, L Winters, E Friend Frank Delgrosso 3 Frank Delgrosso 3 Laurie Barchard, Len Barchard, Ben Davidson Steve Watene Steve Watene Carlaw Park 1 John Stormont 16 May 3:00 Devonport 23–12 Senior Grade Contests 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20875 18 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310518.2.148.3 22 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Ernest Ruby, Len Scott 2, Trevor O’Leary, J Harding Les O’Leary 2, Allan Seagar Drew, Quirke Craddock Dufty 2 Craddock Dufty Carlaw Park 2 Wilfred Simpson 16 May 3:00 Richmond 6–3 Senior Grade Contests/Richmond's Narrow Victory 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20875 18 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310518.2.148.3 22 October 2019 Newton Bill Davis, Patterson Arnold Porteous Western Springs H Taylor Round 4 thumb|Puti Tipene WateneRay Lawless the Richmond forward received a bad kick to the face during their win over the Ellerslie-Otahuhu side on Carlaw Park 2 and it was thought he would miss several games but in fact played the following week. He had played a game for the senior side in 1929 as a promoted junior but did not begin to establish himself in the senior side until this season. He went on to represent New Zealand from 1932 to 1935. New Zealand representative and future M.P. Puti Tipene (Steve) Watene kicked five goals for City in their win over Marist. 23 May 3:00 City 16–2 Surprise at Carlaw Park 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20881 25 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310525.2.139.5 22 October 2019 Marist Laurie Barchard, James Everson Steve Watene Steve Watene 4 Charles Gregory Carlaw Park 1 Frank Thompson 23 May 3:00 Richmond 17–9 Surprise at Carlaw Park 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20881 25 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310525.2.139.5 22 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu George Davis, Bill Telford, Stan Prentice George Davis 2 George Davis 2 J Hemingway, Boswell, Craddock Dufty Carlaw Park 2 Bertie Emirali 23 May 3:00 Ponsonby 20–8 Surprise at Carlaw Park 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20881 25 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310525.2.139.5 22 October 2019 Newton Doug McLeay 2, Stanley Goodwin, Ellis Friend Frank Delgrosso 3 Frank Delgrosso Charles Allen, Hill Hill Western Springs Les Bull Round 5 Following Newton's loss to Marist their halfback Arthur Porteous collapsed due to concussion and was taken to Auckland Hospital. Ted Brimble scored all of Newton's points with three tries in their 18–9 loss to Marist. Within one minute of the kickoff R. O'Donnell of Devonport was injured tackling Stan Prentice and had to leave the field being replaced by J Harding who had just finished playing a reserve grade game. Ernest Ruby made his first appearance of the season for Devonport after coming out of retirement. He played for City in 1924 and 1925 before moving to Devonport. He ultimately played for them from 1926 to 1932 after originally being a junior for the short lived Riverhead Rugby League Club in 1916. As a Māori he was one of the earliest to play in the Auckland rugby league competitions which was very Pākehā dominated in the 1910s and 1920s. He played nine games for Auckland from 1927 to 1931. Samuel Harris was likely on debut for Newton in this match on the wing. He died in a 7-a-side match at the end of the season after collapsing at Carlaw Park. 30 May 3:00 Devonport 13–5 Play on Heavy Grounds/Devonport Beats Richmond 13 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20887 1 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310601.2.150.3 22 October 2019 Richmond Hugh Simpson, Len Scott, S Casey Alf Scott 2 Stan Prentice George Davis Carlaw Park 1 Bertie Emirali 30 May 3:00 Marist 18–9 Play on Heavy Grounds/Devonport Beats Richmond 13 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20887 1 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310601.2.150.3 22 October 2019 Newton Wilf Hassan, Hec Brisbane 2, George Batchelor Charles Gregory 3 Ted Brimble 3 Carlaw Park 2 Les Bull 30 May 3:00 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 8–24 Play on Heavy Grounds 13 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20887 1 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310601.2.150.3 22 October 2019 Ponsonby A Hobbs, A Hickey Craddock Dufty Ellis Friend, Pat Skelton 2, Cyril Thompson, George Gardiner, John Angelo Ellis Friend 2, Victor Fagan Ellerslie Reserve E McCall Round 1 replay This match was replayed from Round 1 when the time keeper allowed play to continue well after the bel should have been rung. In the replayed match Herb Carter for Marist was ordered off for “rough play”. Charles Gregory and Gordon Campbell both of Marist then left the field with injuries leaving Marist to hang on with 10 men for the last few minutes of the game. 6 June 3:00 Marist 13–7 Marists and Richmond/Replay on Saturday 12 Auckland Star LXII 129 3 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310608.2.143.7 22 October 2019 Richmond Norm Campbell, Phil Brady, Young Charles Gregory Charles Gregory Ray Lawless George Davis 2 Carlaw Park 1 Vic Simpson Round 6 thumb|Hec BrisbaneThe game at Western Springs was played on a very poor field with a wet and greasy ball and a field that was close to a 'quagmire' with both teams failing to score a single point. Hec Brisbane in his ninth season of 1st grade rugby league scored three tries for Marist in their easy 39–3 win over the Ellerslie-Otahuhu side. It was reported that M Lee, the Richmond fullback had broken his collarbone and would not play again this season. The Herald reported an amusing incident in the Marist v Ellerslie-Otahuhu game when Leslie Olliff (Ellerslie-Otahuhu) fed the scrum and the Marist hooker reached down with his hand to pick up a shilling piece he saw on the ground. The referee, Frank Thompson who was unaware penalised him for using his hands in the scrum, with Donovan then handing the coin to a member of the crowd.Joke On The Referee 14 New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20901 17 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310617.2.174.4 15 February 2025 13 June 3:00 Devonport 9–8 Devonport in the Lead/Narrow Win Over Ponsonby 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20899 15 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310615.2.136.3 23 October 2019 Ponsonby Len Scott, Trevor O'Leary, Les O'Leary Doug McLeay, White Pat Skelton Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 13 June 3:00 Marist 39–3 Easy Victory for Marist 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20899 15 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310615.2.136.3 23 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Hec Brisbane 3, George Drew 3, George Batchelor 2, Wilf Hassan Pat Meehan 6 Stan Webb Carlaw Park 2 Frank Thompson 13 June 3:00 City 0–0 Devonport in the Lead 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20899 15 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310615.2.136.3 23 October 2019 Newton Western Springs Percy Rogers Round 7 thumb|left Marist and Devonport met in a top of the table match with Devonport first with a 5–0 record and Marist second with a 4–1 record. Marist's win saw them draw level. Marist wore white arm bands as a mark of respect to George Drew, a senior player who had been killed by a fall of earth at Waitakaruru 4 days earlier at the age of 28. 20 June 3:00 Marist 11–4 The Senior Championship/First Round Complete/Marist Defeats Devonport 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20905 22 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310622.2.145.2 23 October 2019 Devonport George Batchelor 2, Pat Meehan Alan Clarke Lindsay Simons, Allan Seagar Carlaw Park 1 E McCall 20 June 3:00 Richmond 2–2 The Senior Championship/First Round Completed 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20905 22 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310622.2.145.2 23 October 2019 Ponsonby Ted Mincham E Friend Carlaw Park 2 Percy Rogers 20 June 3:00 City 20–2 The Senior Championship/First Round Completed 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20905 22 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310622.2.145.2 23 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu William McLaughlin 2, Laurie Barchard 2 Steve Watene 2 Steve Watene 2 Hickey Auckland Domain 1 Bertie Victor Emirali Round 8 27 June 3:00 Devonport 16–5 Second Round Commenced/Devonport Defeats City 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20911 29 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310629.2.131.3 23 October 2019 City P Masefield, C Rhodes, Len Scott, O’Donnell Allan Seagar 2 Alderton Steve Watene Carlaw Park 1 Percy Rogers 27 June 3:00 Newton 14–3 Second Round Commenced 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20911 29 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310629.2.131.3 23 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Ed St George 2, Hill, Stanley Francis Hill Drew Carlaw Park 2 Les Bull 27 June 3:00 Marist 8–3 Second Round Commenced 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20911 29 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310629.2.131.3 23 October 2019 Richmond Claude List, Fraser Webberley Alan Clarke Jones Western Springs Frank Thompson Round 9 In the Richmond – City match both Stan Prentice and Steve Watene were both sent off for fighting. At their hearing the both denied fighting but admitted to struggling with each other after a tackle, and after hearing evidence the case against them was dismissed. At the Devonport Domain the game between Devonport and Newton was held up by a draught horse coming on the field and standing in front of the Devonport goal posts. It was eventually sent running off to surrounding farm land. 4 July 3:00 Marist 25–10 Play in the Second Round/Marist Defeats Ponsonby/Superiority of Rearguard 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20917 6 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310706.2.147.6 23 October 2019 Ponsonby George Batchelor, Phil Brady 2, Pat Meehan 2, Claude List 2 George Batchelor, Pat Meehan Cyril Thompson, Ellis Friend Frank Delgrosso 2 Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 4 July 3:00 Richmond 11–8 Play in the Second Round 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20917 6 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310706.2.147.6 23 October 2019 City N Pell, Ted Mincham, George Davis Ted Mincham James Everson, William McLaughlin Steve Watene Carlaw Park 2 John Stormont 4 July 3:00 Devonport 20–5 Play in the Second Round 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20917 6 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310706.2.147.6 23 October 2019 Newton Ernest Ruby 3, Alf Scott, R O'Donnell, Trevor O'Leary Lindsay Simons A Pope Hill Devonport Domain E McCall Round 10 11 July 3:00 Devonport 14–10 The Senior Championship/Devonport Defeats Richmond 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20923 13 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310713.2.143.1 24 October 2019 Richmond Dick Smith, J Harding Alf Scott Lindsay Simons, Alf Scott 2 Ted Mincham, Stan Prentice George Davis Ted Mincham Carlaw Park 1 Percy Rogers 11 July 3:00 Ponsonby 20–17 The Senior Championship/Devonport Defeats Richmond/Good Showing by Ellerslie 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20923 13 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310713.2.143.1 24 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Ellis Friend 2, C Stevens, Lou Hutt Frank Delgrosso 3 Frank Delgrosso Stan Webb 2, Leslie Oliff Drew F Chapman, Unknown x 1 J Hemingway Carlaw Park 2 Arthur Rae 11 July 3:00 Marist 17–9 The Senior Championship 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20923 13 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310713.2.143.1 24 October 2019 Newton Alan Clarke, Pat Meehan, George Batchelor Alan Clarke 2, Pat Meehan Norm Campbell Samuel Harris, A Pope, Ted Brimble Western Springs Vic Simpson Round 11 Stanley Francis, the Newton captain played his final game for Newton before a transfer to Wellington for work. It was intended that his team mate Ronald Kirkup fly him to Wellington as he was a qualified pilot and a pupil of the Auckland Aero Club but due to the "squally" weather conditions they were unable to fly. Instead Francis had to travel by the Limited express on the Monday evening. Newton's match against Ponsonby was played at Stafford Park in Northcote, the home ground of the Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers who had teams in the lower grades. There was a large attendance to witness the match with proceeds going towards the local Ex-Servicemen's Association. In City's match with Marist they tried C Reynolds at fullback and Puti Tipene Watene on the wing, but neither was at home there and they switched places too late to make a difference. Watene did manage to score a try though and kick a conversion and penalty. Marist saw winger Pat Meehan score three tries on the wing in their 8 point win. 18 July 3:00 Marist 18–10 Marist Team Defeats City 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20929 20 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310720.2.148.1 24 October 2019 City Pat Meehan 3, Norm Campbell Alan Clarke 3 Puti Tipene Watene, Alderton Puti Tipene Watene Puti Tipene Watene Carlaw Park 1 Vic Simpson 18 July 3:00 Richmond 32–3 Easy Win for Richmond 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20929 20 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310720.2.148.1 24 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Charles Dunn 2, Ritchie, Ted Mincham, Stan Prentice 4, N Pell, Unknown x 1 Charles Dunn Leslie Oliff Carlaw Park 2 E McCall 18 July 3:00 Ponsonby 12–7 Marist Team Defeats City/Easy Win for Richmond 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20929 20 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310720.2.148.1 24 October 2019 Newton Walter Goodwin, Leonard Riley Frank Delgrosso 2 Frank Delgrosso Hill Arnold Porteous Arnold Porteous Stafford Park, Northcote Les Bull Round 12 The Round 12 match at Devonport between the hosts and Ellerslie-Otahuhu was one with paid entry after permission was granted by the Devonport Borough Council. A sum of £12 5/ was raised to assist the Devonport Welfare League's funds.Gate-Takings at Devonport 11 Auckland Star LXII 175 27 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310727.2.125 24 October 2019 Unofficially the Devonport v Ellerslie-Otahuhu match was referee Les Bull's 100th time officiating an Auckland senior club team match. He was the first referee to achieve this in Auckland Rugby League. Robert Alderton, the City halfback was kicked on the arm and dislocated his elbow. He managed to finish the last 20 minutes of the match however. Richmond fullback Merv Lee returned from his broken collar-bone but was said to have played without confidence. 25 July 3:00 Ponsonby 18–7 Ponies Down City 11 Auckland Star LXII 175 27 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310727.2.125 24 October 2019 City Victor Fagan, Lou Hutt, Ellis Friend, Doug McLeay Frank Delgrosso 3 Laurie Barchard Steve Watene Steve Watene Carlaw Park 1 Frank Thompson 25 July 3:00 Richmond 8–0 Ponies Down City/Wins for Richmond and Shore/Marist's Success on Tour 11 Auckland Star LXII 175 27 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310727.2.125 24 October 2019 Newton W Ritchie, Bill Telford Ted Mincham Carlaw Park 2 A.E. Smith 25 July 3:00 Devonport 12–6 Ponies Down City 11 Auckland Star LXII 175 27 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310727.2.125 24 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Dick Smith, Len Scott, R O'Donnell, J Harding Reginald Keesing, A Hickey Devonport Domain Les Bull Round 13 thumb|rightThe Round 13 matches were played in terrible conditions which saw the cancellation of almost all league in Auckland. The match between Marist and Ellerslie-Otahuhu played at Papatoetoe was abandoned at halftime due to the north-westerly squalls making playing conditions impossible. The score of 21–3 in favour of Marist was declared the final score. City was severely understrength with 5 of its regular players absent. The match played on the number 2 field at Carlaw Park had pools of water on the field and the Auckland Star reported that a group of young women watching had to take refuge in the time keepers and press box where they "barracked" the whole match. While in the Ponsonby-Devonport match Lou Hutt of Ponsonby was ordered off near the end of the match. 1 August 3:00 Devonport 13–0 Play on Heavy Grounds/Devonport Defeats Ponsonby/L. Hutt Ordered Off Field 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20941 3 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310803.2.123.1 26 October 2019 Ponsonby Dick Smith, Allan Seagar, Ernest Ruby Dick Smith Dick Smith Carlaw Park 1 Percy Rogers 1 August 3:00 Newton 23–10 Play on Heavy Grounds 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20941 3 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310803.2.123.1 26 October 2019 City Ferguson, Ray Middleton, A Pope, Ed St George 2 Ray Middleton 2, Arnold Porteous Ray Middleton William McLaughlin, Len Barchard Laurie Barchard 2 Carlaw Park 2 Wilfred Simpson 1 August 3:00 Marist 21–3 Play on Heavy Grounds 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20941 3 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310803.2.123.1 26 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Pat Young, Charles Gregory, Alan Clarke, Claude List, George Batchelor Charles Gregory 3 A Hickey Papatoetoe Vic Simpson Round 14 thumb|Hec Brisbane being tackled by C. Rhodes and S. Casey of Devonport. Brisbane's team mate Alan Clarke looming in support to the left with Ike Railey, while Dick Smith of Devonport is to the right of the posts With Marist's 12–5 win over Devonport they secured the championship for Marist. The match was essentially a final with both teams tied on 20 competition points. Marist's only other championship win to this point came in 1924. All of Marist's points came from tries with wingers Pat Meehan and George Batchelor scoring two tries each while Devonport's came from a try to hooker P. Masefield and a penalty to prop Alf Scott. Scott was in his final full season for North Shore and had represented Auckland at rugby league and also cricket as a wicket keeper. His younger brother was Verdun Scott who would also go on to represent Auckland and New Zealand as a wicket keeper as well as representing New Zealand on their 1939 rugby league tour of England. 8 August 3:00 Marist 12–5 Championship to Marist/Fast Match With Devonport/Doubtful Tries Awarded 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20947 10 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310810.2.138.5 26 October 2019 Devonport Pat Meehan 2, George Batchelor 2 P Masefield Alf Scott Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull 8 August 3:00 Richmond 14–5 Championship to Marist/Fast Match With Devonport/Doubtful Tries Awarded 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20947 10 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310810.2.138.5 26 October 2019 Ponsonby Ted Mincham, George Davis, N Pell, Blood Ted Mincham Pat Skelton Frank Delgrosso Carlaw Park 2 E McCall 8 August 3:00 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 14–10 Championship to Marist/Fast Match With Devonport/Doubtful Tries Awarded 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20947 10 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310810.2.138.5 26 October 2019 City A Hobbs, Aiden Hickey, Stan Webb, Drew Boswell Len Barchard, William McLaughlin Steve Watene 2 Ellerslie Domain Stuart Billman Roope Rooster knockout competition Round 1 29 August 3:15 Ponsonby 24–12 Roope Rooster Competition/Play in the First Round/Ponsonby Defeats City 13 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20965 31 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310831.2.121.1 27 October 2019 City Lou Hutt 2, L Winters, Doug McLeay 2, C Stevens Frank Delgrosso 3 Len Barchard, Laurie Barchard, William McLaughlin, J Iveson Carlaw Park 1 Bertie Victor Emirali 29 August 3:00 Devonport 41–8 Roope Rooster Competition/Play in the First Round/Ponsonby Defeats City 13 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20965 31 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310831.2.121.1 27 October 2019 Newton Dick Smith 2, Len Scott 4, J Hawkes 3, C Rhodes 2 Dick Smith, J Harding, S Casey, Unknown x 1 Allen 2 Ray Middleton Carlaw Park 2 E McCall 29 August 1:45 Richmond 15–11 Roope Rooster Competition/Play in the First Round 13 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20965 31 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310831.2.121.1 27 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Stan Prentice, Charles Dunn, Arthur Lennie Ted Mincham 2 Ted Mincham Glenn Stan Webb 4 Carlaw Park 1 Wilfred Simpson Semi finals The semi finals were postponed initially due to poor weather before being played on 12 September. The match between Ponsonby and Richmond went to extra-time after it was 20–20 at the end of regular time. This was very rare as usually tied games were replayed. Ponsonby went on to win 28–20. 12 September 3:15 Devonport 11–8 Roope Rooster Semi-final/Marist Team Defeated/Devonport Takes Honours 12 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20977 14 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310914.2.117.5 28 October 2019 Marist J Harding, P Masefield, Len Scott Dick Smith Gordon Campbell, McDonald Alan Clarke Carlaw Park 1 E McCall 12 September 3:15 Ponsonby 28–20 (20–20) Roope Rooster Semi-final 12 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20977 14 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310914.2.117.5 28 October 2019 Richmond L Winters, Heck Lunn 2, Pat Skelton 2, C Stevens Frank Delgrosso 3 Frank Delgrosso Frank Delgrosso Ted Mincham, Charles Dunn 2, George Davis Ted Mincham 2 Ted Mincham 2 Carlaw Park 2 Percy Rogers Final thumb|Bert LeatherbarrowTwenty two year old hooker Bert Leatherbarrow debuted for North Shore. He had been born in England in 1909 but moved with his family as a child to Auckland. He would go on to play for North Shore seniors from 1931 to 1934 before transferring to Ponsonby in 1935 and then to Mount Albert in 1937 where he played over 100 games and was selected for the 1939 New Zealand tour of England at the age of 30. In 1943 he switched to City Rovers where he won a championship with them in 1944, the fourth of his career with three different clubs. He scored a try in Devonport's Roope Rooster win which was the second time they had won the trophy after a 15–10 win over Newton in 1915, the first season the trophy had been competed for. Future New Zealand international Dick Smith and current international Allan Seagar also scored tries for the winners. 19 September 3:15 Devonport 34–17 Devonport's Triumph/The Roope Rooster Final/Defeat of Ponsonby 12 Auckland Star LXII 223 21 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310921.2.137 28 October 2019 Ponsonby S Casey, Bert Leatherbarrow, Ernest Ruby, Dick Smith 2, Allan Seagar 2, P Masefield Dick Smith 4 Dick Smith Horatio Drew, Leonard Riley, George Gardiner Frank Delgrosso 2 Frank Delgrosso 2 Carlaw Park 1 Percy Rogers Stormont Shield 3 October 3:00 Devonport 25–6 Champion of Champions/Devonport Defeats Marist/An Easy Victory Gained 10 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20995 5 October 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311005.2.139.4 28 October 2019 Marist Allan Seagar 2, Dick Smith 2, Hugh Simpson Allan Seagar 4 Allan Seagar Pat Meehan 2 Carlaw Park 1 Vic Simpson Top try scorers and point scorers Top try and point scorers for A Grade, Roope Rooster matches and the Stormont Shield match. Frank Delgrosso of Ponsonby was the top point scorer for the 3rd time in his career with 70 points. He was regularly in the top 5 point scorers in the first grade competitions and to this point in his career had amassed more than any other player, with over 650 points. Len Scott (Devonport) was the top try scorer with 12, closely followed by George Batchelor (Marist) and Pat Meehan with 11, and Stan Prentice (Richmond) with 10. Top try scorers Rk Player Team Games Tries 1 Len ScottDevonport1512 2=George BatchelorMarist1511 2= Pat MeehanMarist811 4 Stan PrenticeRichmond1410 5 Dick SmithDevonport89 6= Ellis FriendPonsonby107 6= Allan SeagarDevonport167 8= Hec BrisbaneMarist156 8= Laurie BarchardCity126 8= Claude ListMarist136 8= Doug McLeayPonsonby116 8= Ernest RubyDevonport136 8= William McLaughlinCity126 Top point scorers Rk Player Team G T C P DG Pts1Frank DelgrossoPonsonby13022121702=Pat MeehanMarist811800492=Allan SeagarDevonport1671220494Dick SmithDevonport89621455George DavisRichmond1241230426Puti Tipene (Steve) WateneCity1019100417Ted MinchamRichmond95750398George BatchelorMarist1511200379Len ScottDevonport15120003610Stan PrenticeRichmond141000030 Senior reserve grade standings The standings include the 'final' between Devonport and Ponsonby which was a 5–5 draw. This meant Devonport won the title as they finished the competition with one more point that Ponsonby. A Round 11 result between Marist and City is unknown as it was not reported in the newspapers while the score between Devonport and Ellerslie-Otahuhu in Round 12 is also unknown, though Devonport were the victor. TeamPldWDLFAPtsDevonport United Reserves129211494820Ponsonby United Reserves129121636319Richmond Rovers Reserves129031477418Marist Old Boys Reserves105141184711City Rovers Reserves10208581104Ellerslie-Otahuhu United Reserves11209411424Newton Rangers Reserves111010272192 Senior reserve grade fixtures The Round 13 matches at Carlaw Park were cancelled due to the poor weather conditions and the necessity to protect the ground for the Senior matches to follow immediately afterwards. 1931 Senior Reserve results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 2 MayLeague Kick Off/Devonport Downs City/Marist Just Gets Home/Ellerslie and Newton Draw 14 Auckland Star LXII 103 4 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310504.2.131 21 October 2019 Devonport 21 City 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 2 May Richmond 8 Marist 6 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 2 May Ellerslie-Otahuhu 10 Newton 5 Ellerslie, 1:45pm Round 2 9 MaySenior Grade Contests/Marist Defeats Ponsonby/Easy Win for Devonport 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20869 11 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310511.2.135.5 22 October 2019 Ponsonby 13 Marist 5 Domain # 5, 1:45pm – 9 May Richmond 16 City 11 ? – 9 May Devonport 39 Newton 0 Devonport Domain, 3pm Round 3 16 MaySenior Grade Contests/Ponsonby Defeats City/Richmond's Narrow Victory 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20875 18 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310518.2.148.3 22 October 2019 Ponsonby 8 City 4 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 16 May Devonport 14 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 2 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 16 May Richmond 32 Newton 0 Western Springs Stadium, 1:45pm Round 4 23 MaySurprise at Carlaw Park 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20881 25 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310525.2.139.5 22 October 2019 Marist 21 City 2 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 23 May Richmond 19 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 6 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 23 May Ponsonby 38 Newton 3 Western Springs Stadium, 1:45pm Round 5 30 MayPlay on Heavy Grounds/Devonport Beats Richmond/Positions of the Teams 13 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20887 1 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310601.2.150.3 22 October 2019 Devonport 21 Richmond 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 30 May Marist 32 Newton 0 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 30 May Ellerslie-Otahuhu 3 Ponsonby 14 Ellerslie, 1:45pm Round 6 13 JuneDevonport in the Lead/Narrow Win Over Ponsonby/Easy Victory for Marist 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20899 15 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310615.2.136.3 23 October 2019 Devonport 12 Ponsonby 8 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 13 June City 10 Newton 3 Western Springs, 1:45pm – 13 June Marist 14 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 3 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm Round 7 20 JuneThe Senior Championship/First Round Completed/Marist Defeats Devonport 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20905 22 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310622.2.145.2 23 October 2019 Devonport 10 Marist 6 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 20 June Richmond 15 Ponsonby 10 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 20 June City 16 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 0 Auckland Domain # 1, 1:45pm Round 8 27 JuneSecond Round Commenced/Devonport Defeats City 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20911 29 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310629.2.131.3 23 October 2019 Devonport 15 City 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 2pm – 27 June Newton 16 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 12 Carlaw Park # 2, 2pm – 27 June Marist 5 Richmond 0 Western Springs Stadium, 2pm Round 9 4 JulyMarists Beat Ponies/Richmond Down City/Shore Win From Newton 14 Auckland Star LXII 157 6 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310706.2.152 23 October 2019 Ponsonby 8 Marist 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 4 July Richmond 13 City 7 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 4 July Devonport 9 Newton 0 Devonport, 1:45pm Round 10 11 JulyFrequent Penalties/Teams Evenly Matched 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20923 13 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310713.2.143.2 24 October 2019 Richmond 19 Devonport 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 11 July Ponsonby 34 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 3 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 11 July Marist 21 Newton 0 Western Springs, 1:45pm Round 11 18 JulyMarist Team Defeats City/Easy Win for Richmond 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20929 20 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310720.2.148.1 24 October 2019 Marist ? City ? Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 18 July Richmond 10 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 2 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 18 July Ponsonby 6 Newton 0 Northcote, 2pm Round 12 25 JulyPonies Down City/Wins for Richmond and Shore/Marist's Success on Tour 11 Auckland Star LXII 175 27 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310727.2.125 24 October 2019 Ponsonby 13 City 3 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 25 July Richmond 10 Newton 0 Carlaw Park #2, 1:45pm – 25 July Devonport W Ellerslie-Otahuhu L Devonport Domain, 1:45pm Round 13 1 Aug Devonport CCD Ponsonby CCD Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 1 Aug City CCD Newton CCD Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 1 Aug Marist CCD Ellerslie-Otahuhu CCD Papatoetoe, 1:45pm Round 14 8 AugChampionship to Marist/Fast Match With Devonport/Doubtful Tries Awarded 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20947 10 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310810.2.138.5 26 October 2019 Marist 3 Devonport 3 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 8 Aug Ponsonby 6 Richmond 5 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 8 Aug Ellerslie-Otahuhu WBD City LBD Ellerslie Racecourse, 1:45pm Final 15 AugLeague Football/Final in Reserve Grade 13 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20953 17 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310817.2.137.2 26 October 2019 Devonport 5 Ponsonby 5 Carlaw Park #1, 1:45pm Reserve grade knockout competition (Stallard Cup) 1931 Results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 5 SepRoope Rooster Competition/Play in the First Round/Ponsonby Defeats City 13 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20965 31 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310831.2.121.1 27 October 2019 Ponsonby 31 City 2 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 5 Sep Newton 9 Devonport 3 Auckland Domain, 1:45pm – 5 Sep Ellerslie-Otahuhu L Richmond W Auckland Domain, 3pm semi final 12 Sep Roope Rooster Semi-final/Marist Team Defeated/Devonport Takes Honours 12 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20977 14 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310914.2.117.5 28 October 2019 Newton 18 Marist 15 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm semi final 12 Sep Richmond 15 Ponsonby 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 3:15pm Final 19 SepCup for Richmond 12 Auckland Star LXII 223 21 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310921.2.137 28 October 2019 Richmond 13 Newton 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm Charity day tournament and death of a player (Samuel Harris) On 31 October a Charity Day was held at Carlaw Park. It featured a Seven-A-Side tournament, an 'old timers' match, a match between the referees and St Johns Ambulance, and several running races. The proceeds would all go to the St John Ambulance Brigade. Mr. Samuel Harris of the Newton team collapsed and died from heart failure a few minutes from time in the final. Harris had played for the Newton seniors after joining the club in 1930 and had scored a try in a match earlier in the season. He had played in their earlier matches and had participated in a running race but had complained of feeling too unwell to run again. He collapsed while running with the ball and despite immediate attention from members of St, John Ambulance he died almost immediately. The match was called off.Football Tragedy/League Player Collapses/Death at Carlaw Park 8 Auckland Star LXII 259 2 November 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19311102.2.89 28 October 2019 Harris had joined Newton in 1930 and was originally from Hikurangi. His funeral was held in Hikurangi on 4 November.Footballers Death/Funeral at Hikurangi 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 21021 4 November 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311104.2.102 28 October 2019 1931 Charity seven-a-side tournament results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 31 OctLeague Football/Charity Day Gala/Tragedy at Curtain Fall 11 Auckland Star LXII 259 2 November 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19311102.2.130 28 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu A 21 Ellerslie-Otahuhu B 6 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm Round 1 31 Oct Richmond WBD Marist LBD Carlaw Park # 2, 2pm Round 1 31 Oct Ponsonby 15 Newton B 5 Carlaw Park # 2, 2pm Round 1 31 Oct Newton A 13 City 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 2:25pm Round 1 31 Oct Devonport 38 Ellerslie-Otahuhu A 2 Carlaw Park # 2, 2:25pm semi-final 31 Oct Newton A 19 Ponsonby 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 4:30pm semi-final 31 Oct Devonport 16 Richmond 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 4:30pm Final 31 Oct Devonport no result Newton A no result Carlaw Park # 1, 4:30pm Other club matches and lower grades Lower grade competitions The Mid-Week competition which was running once again was made up of nine teams. It was decided to allocate the Monteith Shield to the championship. This had formerly been awarded to the winner of the Senior grade champions, but as of this year the newly presented Fox Memorial Shield would replace it. The Waitemata (Endean) Shield would be awarded to the team scoring the most championship points in the second round, and the "Nuko" Cup to the winner of the two lower teams on the ladder.Draw For Mid-Week Games/The Competition Trophies 14 Auckland Star LXII 140 16 June 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310616.2.164 23 October 2019 Marist were awarded the Davis Shield for scoring the most competition points in the junior grades.League Football/Junior Management/Abuse of Players' Passes 16 Auckland Star LXII 243 14 October 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19311014.2.158 28 October 2019 Second grade Point Chevalier won the second grade championship for the first time. They were closely followed all season by Mount Albert and Papakura. Papakura were the only side with all of their results reported so the for and against and win/loss records are slightly incomplete. Papakura won the knockout competition on September 12 when they beat Mount Albert 26–0 in the final. Mount Albert had defeated Point Chevalier in one semi final while Papakura beat Northcote 8–5 in the other. On July 18 the City side played Huntly and won 5–3 while on August 15 Point Chevalier beat a Riverhead side 11–6 at Hobsonville. On August 22 Papakura played a South Auckland (Waikato) side and won 8–3. Then at the end of the season a second grade representative side played the Wednesday Competition representatives and lost 23–6. The second grade representative side was called 'Auckland Juniors'. On October 17 they also played the Devonport reserve grade side who had won the championship and won 18 to 3. Ponsonby withdrew after 9 rounds having defaulted at least 2 of their matches. TeamPldWDLFAPtsPoint Chevalier1412111443225Mount Albert United1511041282622Papakura1510141078321Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers15424815810Māngere United1440662288Mount Wellington14308241136City Rovers151011261832Ponsonby United810720692 Third Grade Open standings Marist Old Boys won the championship when they defeated Ponsonby United in the final on August 29 by 4 points to 2. It was Marist's first time winning this grade. Devonport defaulted their first two matches and then withdrew from the competition, while Ellerslie entered a side but withdrew after the first week with it unknown if the match was played or not. Glen Lynn played until round 12 before withdrawing. On May 30 when Marist had their bye they played a Waiterimu, a Waikato side, and won 3–2. In the knockout competition Marist beat Devonport 8–0 in one semi final and Ponsonby beat Glenora 8–3 in the other. Glenora had recently formed and entered a team in the 3rd Grade Intermediate competition but decided to enter a team in the 3rd Grade Open knockout competition. They beat Richmond 3–0 to make the semi-final where they were beaten. Marist and Ponsonby drew 5–5 in the knockout final therefore a replay was needed. Ponsonby won the replay 8–2 on September 26. TeamPldWDLFAPtsMarist Old Boys137111193015Ponsonby United15612763213Richmond Rovers1640692868Papatoetoe121020442Glen Lynn90052970Devonport United2002000 Third Intermediate Grade standings Richmond Rovers won the 3rd grade intermediate championship for the 4th time in their history. It was only in the 6th year of competition. There were a large number of results not reported so the standings are very incomplete. The competition was notable because Glenora fielded their first ever side when they entered a team in round 6 on June 6. They lost the match to Akarana 16–0. In the knockout competition Richmond beat Mount Albert in one semi final while Akarana beat City 10–4 in the other semi final. Richmond then completed the double when they defeated Akarana 6–3 in the final on September 12. Glenora were knocked out in the first round on August 22 by Mount Albert 6–4 and then entered a side in the 3rd grade open knockout competition. Glen Lynn (an amalgamated club between Glen Eden and New Lynn) withdrew after 8 rounds. TeamPldWDLFAPtsRichmond Rovers1510031095020Akarana15821981518Ponsonby United13422417410Marist Old Boys14514823511City Rovers1320430364Mount Albert United1611616803Glen Lynn60067450Glenora70050480 Fourth Grade standings Marist won the championship and the knockout competition when they beat Richmond 13–0 on October 10. It was the first time they had won the fourth grade competition in its 20th year of running. Glen Lynn entered a team but did not play a game before withdrawing. Ellerslie defaulted their first two matches and then withdrew. Mount Wellington withdrew after 3 rounds despite winning in round one and a default win over Ponsonby in round 3. Ponsonby withdrew after defaulting in the third round while Avondale withdrew after 14 rounds. TeamPldWDLFAPtsMarist Old Boys2410112155221Akarana221013977121Newmarket20644846116Point Chevalier216341178415Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers216101012513Richmond Rovers21614574913Papakura196197614313City Rovers204181051339Mount Albert United1932639668Devonport United2012547824Mount Wellington32001904Papatoetoe19109421462Avondale13107171042Ponsonby United3001000Ellerslie United2002000 Fifth Grade standings Marist won the championship for the fifth grade for the second time with the previous being the year prior in 1930. They also won the knockout competition when they beat City in the final 6–3 on October 3. Marist had beaten Ponsonby in one semi final while City beat Devonport in the other. There were a significant number of scores not reported so the standings are incomplete. Papatoetoe and Newmarket both entered teams but neither had a result reported and Newmarket withdrew after round 1 and Papatoetoe after round 2. Mount Albert withdrew after 17 rounds near the end of the championship, with Ellerslie withdrawing a week later. TeamPldWDLFAPtsMarist Old Boys191200171624Newton Rangers189141354219City Rovers19802871516Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers18703891514Ponsonby United1541455669Glen Lynn2030561596Devonport United1630416536Richmond Rovers192010161184Ellerslie United16106171032Mount Albert United16001141580 Sixth Grade standings Newmarket won their first ever sixth grade championship when they defeated Richmond 3–2 in the final on September 26. They had won the schoolboys championship in 1928 and 1929 so may have included some of those players coming through the grades. Ellerslie withdrew after 3 rounds having defaulted their 2nd match and neither of their other results reported. Newmarket also won the knockout competition by the same score over the same opponent on October 17. Newmarket had beaten Marist on one semi final while Richmond beat City 14–6 in the other. TeamPldWDLFAPtsNewmarket1816011651332Richmond Rovers2114111251629Marist Old Boys A189151144919City Rovers19625643314Point Chevalier1923924717Devonport United18309411166Newton Rangers18309191196Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers172160135Akarana172010211154Ellerslie United3001000 Seventh Grade standings Richmond Rovers A won the seventh grade championship for the second consecutive year. It had been inaugurated in the 1930 season effectively replacing the Sixth grade B competition. Ellerslie were runners up but they had 5 results not reported, with Richmond A having a significant number of scores not reported either so the standings are incomplete. Richmond A also won the knockout competition when they beat Ellerslie 3–2 on September 12. Ellerslie beat City in one semi final and Richmond beat Point Chevalier in the other. TeamPldWDLFAPtsRichmond Rovers A1614111701529Ellerslie United161010206521City Rovers15423334210Point Chevalier1641536969Papatoetoe1532482518Newmarket15217251205Glen Lynn1510726952Richmond Rovers B14001131570 Primary schools standings There were a large number of results not reported and therefore the standings are significantly incomplete. It is unknown who won the championship. Richmond initially entered a B team as well but they had two fixtures organised but defaulted both games and withdrew. In the first round Newton beat Newmarket 5-3 but Newmarket appealed successfully to overturn the result as Newton had fielded a schoolboy from (Auckland) Grammar School. On October 10 a schoolboy "City Representatives" side played a "Suburbs Representative" side with the City team winning 20 points to 9. Despite their respective team names the players were made up of players from all over Auckland and no specific geographic area. City included Johnston, Bennett, Filmer, Moore (Newmarket), Legge, Robertson, Bell (City), Zaninovitch (Newton), Sime, Moyle (Devonport), Duncan (Papatoetoe), Arthur McInnarney, Haynes (Ellerslie), Hall (Avondale), and Bauern (Richmond). The Suburbs team included Franklin, Stanaway (Newmarket), Stenberg, D. Gildard (Avondale), Beer (Ellerslie), Turner, Williams, Korsache (Richmond), Sullivan, McArthur, York (Devonport), Paltridge, Skinner (Northcote), Burgess (Newton), and Mullins (Papatoetoe).Primary School Reps 11 Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 235 1931-10-05 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19311005.2.134 2023-04-21 TeamPldWDLFAPtsDevonport Schools16712713915Papatoetoe Schools15701811414Richmond Schools A16611761113Newmarket Primary School166011141412Newton Schools17425409610Parnell/Akarana Schools921245115Ellerslie Schools16206511344City Schools1411639443Avondale Schools1310414682Northcote Schools17107201122 Mid Week Competition standings (Monteith Shield) The league was known as the Mid Week competition and also the Wednesday competition. The championship winners were awarded the Monteith Shield, with the Endean Shield to the team scoring the most championship points in the second round. Waterside Workers won the competition after Stonex and Stormont's defaulted to them in the final round. If they had played and lost then Auckland Locomotives would have had a chance to win the championship. George Gardiner played for the Waterside Workers side. The New Zealand Fertilisers side withdrew after 6 rounds while a Combined Taxis side entered the competition for the second round. No team was allowed to play more than three players who took part in Saturday football though it is unclear if that was only in the senior grades, and no team was allowed to field more than one representative player. On October 14 a combined City Markets and Combined Taxis side played in the knockout final against a Combined Boards and Nicholson Park team but the result was not reported. Two weeks prior they had defeated Auckland Locomotives and Waterside Workers in the semi-finals respectively. During the season City Markets was thrown out of the competition for fielding an unregistered player but was readmitted after assurances that they would follow the rules in the future. On August 26 the match between Waterside Workers and Stonex and Stormont's was abandoned with minutes to go with the Waterside team leading 8–5. Spectators had encroached on the field at Victoria Park and the referee was unable to clear them and so called the game off with a replay later required. The games attracted large crowds, particularly the ones at Victoria Park which often drew thousands of interested onlookers. The ground was particularly close to the waterfront where most of the Waterside Workers would have been employed. The two bottom teams played off on September 30 for the "Nuks" Cup with Ellerslie Town Board Rovers beating Nicholson Park 8 to 3. On October 10 a Midweek representative team played the Taupiri seniors in Taupiri and won 24–12. They also played the Auckland Juniors and won 23 to 6.Wednesday Reps V Junior Reps 9 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 21007 19 October 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311019.2.136 28 September 2019 TeamPldWDLFAPtsWaterside Workers1411111084923Auckland Locomotives (Railway)1210111184221City Markets12613997313Stonex and Stormont's11424646110Ellerslie Town Board Rovers1230848946Nicholson Park (Mt Eden)1522945826New Zealand Fertilisers611314373Combined Taxis610416272Post and Telegraph (Messengers)600513600 Other notable matches Kia Ora (Huntly) v City 11 July 3:00 Kia Ora (Huntly) 7-25 City v Kia Ora 1 Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume XV 17 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HPDG19310717.2.3 28 February 2025 City Johnson Unknown x 2 Ben Davidson, Unknown x 4 Unknown x 4 Unknown x 1 Huntly Recreation Ground Harlock Wellington XIII v Marist thumb|Action from the game which was played on a very wet field.When Marist had a bye they travelled to Wellington to take on a Wellington XIII at the Winter Show Stadium, later known as Rugby League Park in the suburb of Newtown and now known as Newtown Park. Alan Clarke was unable to travel and was replaced by Jim Johnson in an otherwise near full strength team. Jim O'Brien accompanied the side as manager. Marist won comfortably scoring 12 tries to 5 but only managing to convert two of them. Pat Meehan and Pat Young both scored hat tricks, with George Batchelor scoring 2. 25 July 3:00 Wellington XIII 19-40 Auckland Marist Easily Beat Wellington 6 Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 23 27 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19310727.2.32 1 March 2025 Marist Brace 2, Kelly, Davies, Ward Petherick, Kelly George Batchelor 2, Claude List, Pat Meehan 3, Pat Young 3, Railey, C Young, Jim Johnson Gordon Campbell, Pat Young Newtown Park, Wellington 1,000 P Childs City United (Whangarei XIII) v Richmond Richmond travelled to Whangarei on their bye and was met by the City United side which featured players from other clubs. George Davis was injured early in the match and was replaced by Ray Lawless, as was W Jones who was replaced by Biddick. City United lock E O'Callaghan scored all three tries for them while for Richmond future New Zealand coach, Bill Telford scored one of their three tries. 1 August 3:00 City United (Whangarei XIII) 11-13 Richmond and City United 8 Northern Advocate, 3 August 1931, Page 8 3 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19310803.2.78 1 March 2025 Richmond E O'Callaghan 3 C Hamilton Reece Marshall, Bill Telford, W Ritchie George Davis Merv Lee Kensington Park, Whangarei J.F. Johnson Hamilton v Newton 8 August 3:00 Hamilton 6-28 Newton Team's Success 3 Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18403 10 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19310810.2.11 4 March 2025 Newton McGreal, Unknown x 1 Claude Dempsey, Hill 2, Samuel Harris 2, Pope 2, Ted Brimble Ray Middleton 2 Hinemoa Park, Hamilton A Harlock Papakura (2nd Gr.) v South Auckland juniors This match was the curtain raiser to the Northland v South Auckland representative game at Carlaw Park. After the scores were locked at 0–0 at halftime the Papakura team moved ahead through tries to Ivan Wilson and J Clarke, with W Francis converting Clarke's try. Evans, the South Auckland halfback scored late in the match. 22 August 1:45 Papakura (2nds) 8-3 Papakura's Victory 8 Franklin Times, Volume XXI, Issue 93 24 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/FRTIM19310824.2.28.6 8 March 2025 South Auckland Juniors Ivan Wilson, J Clarke W Francis Evans Carlaw Park 1 E McCall Newton v Hamilton In the second half of the match the Newton halfback, Arnold Porteous was injured and left the field being replaced by "Muir". This was likely S. Muir, one of the Muir brothers in the Hamilton reserves. 22 August 1:45 Newton 8-5 Hamilton Down 12 Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 199 24 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310824.2.135.6 4 March 2025 Hamilton Unknown x1, Eddleston Ed St George J Glasgow Stubbings Carlaw Park 2 Lower Waikato v Marist and Hamilton v Mt Albert 2nd Grade (Sunshine League Cup) Marist who had just been crowned champions of Auckland travelled to Hamilton to play a very strong Lower Waikato side which featured six New Zealand representatives (George Tittleton, Edwin Abbott, James Jones, Joe Menzies, Wally Tittleton, and Tom Timms). The match was a double header to raise money for the Hospital Patients Sunshine League which provided funds for hospital patients in Hamilton. Marist trailed 0–8 at halftime but rallied with tries to George Batchelor (2), and Alan Clarke, with Clarke also kicking a conversion and Norm Campbell kicking a drop goal. In the curtain raiser between Hamilton and Mt Albert, J Glasgow (Hamilton) broke his arm and was taken to hospital, while Robinson (Hamilton) also left the field with concussion. 29 August 3:00 Lower Waikato 11-13 Auckland Marist Successful 3 Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18421 31 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19310831.2.10 5 March 2025 Marist Jack Whorskey, George Tittleton, M Scott Bert Jackways George Batchelor 2, Alan Clarke Alan Clarke Norm Campbell Steele Park, Hamilton A Harlock 29 August 2:00 Hamilton 5-6 Mt Albert Lead Hamilton 3 Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18421 31 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19310831.2.10 6 March 2025 Mt Albert 2nd Gr. Cotter S Muir Eric Armishaw, Doug Mattson Steele Park, Hamilton E McCaw Ellerslie-Otahuhu v City (Whangarei) The City club side from Whangarei traveled to Auckland to play Ellerslie-Otahuhu in Ellerslie. The match raised funds for the local unemployment fund. Brady scored first for the local side which gave them a 3–0 halftime lead but the City side scored two second half tries to win an uninspiring match. 5 September 3:00 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 3-6 City Team On Tour 8 Northern Advocate 7 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19310907.2.90 8 March 2025 City (Whangarei) Brady Crackett, Sirl Ellerslie A Chapman Hikurangi v Auckland Watersiders The Auckland Watersiders fielded a rugby league team at Hikurangi, north of Whangarei on September 5. The Hikurangi side was particularly strong with several Northland representative players. For the Watersiders they featured a handful of senior rugby league players in the Auckland competition including George Gardiner who played at centre and kicked two good conversions. The Northland team broke out to a 13–0 halftime lead and withstood a comeback to win by 9. The crowd was said to be "below the usual number" due to the industrial dispute. 5 September 3:00 Hikurangi 19-10 City Team On Tour 8 Northern Advocate 7 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19310907.2.90 8 March 2025 Auckland Watersiders Ted Cunningham 2, Rod Hamilton, Claude Hamilton, Dick Cunningham Claude Hamilton 2 Robert Purdy 2 George Gardiner Hikurangi Recreation Ground E.W. Taylor Huntly v Marist 19 September 3:00 Huntly 19-10 League Football 2 Huntly Press and District Gazette 22 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HPDG19310922.2.20 9 March 2025 Marist Scott, Smith 2 Gordon Campbell 2, Alan Clarke, McDonald Alan Clarke 3 Alan Clarke Huntly Recreation Ground E.W. Taylor Huntly v Marist 26 September 3:00 Hamilton 13-8 Hamilton Defeat Waikato 12 Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18445 28 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19310928.2.96.4 9 March 2025 Richmond Griffiths, H Welch 2 S Muir, Stubbings Davis, R Jones Mills Hinemoa Park, Hamilton H.S. Morris Hamilton v Ponsonby Hamilton travelled to Hamilton to Hinemoa Park and were thrashed 35–14. Hamilton led 23–0 at halftime and although Ponsonby improved their effort in the second half with Frank Delgrosso scoring twice they were still well beaten. For Hamilton their winger, Griffiths scored 4 tries while Cotter and Astle scored doubles. 3 October 3:00 Hamilton 35-14 Defeat Of Ponsonby 12 Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18451 5 October 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19311005.2.18 9 March 2025 Ponsonby Griffiths 4, H Astle 2, H Welch, Cotter 2 S Muir 3, Cotter Norman Drew, Frank Delgrosso 2, Doug McLeay Pat Skelton Hinemoa Park, Hamilton N Taylor List of Matches Date Score Score Venue Referee Exhibition 18 July Win for Devonport 12 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20929 20 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310720.2.148.1 24 October 2019 Ngaruawahia 6 Devonport 19 Exhibition 15 Aug Junior Committee Affairs 14 Auckland Star LXII 195 19 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310819.2.152 27 October 2019 Riverhead 6 Point Chevalier 2nd Grade 11 Hobsonville Northern Union Cup 22 Aug Northern Union Cup/Trophy Changes Hands/Northland Triumph 12 Auckland Star LXII 199 24 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310824.2.135.6 27 October 2019 South Auckland 8 North Auckland 16 Carlaw Park # 1, 3pm Exhibition 29 Aug Junior Management Affairs 10 Auckland Star LXII 201 26 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310826.2.125 27 October 2019 Ngaruawahia Juniors 8 Northcote Fourth Grade 16 Ngaruawahia Representative 17 Oct Wednesday Reps V Junior Reps 9 New Zealand Herald LXVIII 21007 19 October 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311019.2.136 28 September 2019 Wednesday Representatives 23 Auckland Junior Representatives 6 Carlaw Park Representative season It was a very quiet year on the representative team front. There was a match played between North Island and South Island, but the Auckland team's only match was against Northland. Auckland junior teams played two matches and a colts side played against the touring Eastern Suburbs team from Sydney who were the recently crowned premiers of the New South Wales Rugby League competition. Representative fixtures Inter island match thumb|leftthumb|right 15 August 3:00 North Island 52–23 High Scoring Game/North Island League Team/Too Superior for South/Margin of Twenty-Nine Points 11 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20953 17 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310817.2.130 26 October 2019 South Island Pat Meehan 4, Claude List 3, Edwin Abbott 2, Hec Brisbane 2, Alan Clarke Pat Meehan, Claude List, Alan Clarke 5 Alan Clarke Falgar 2, Jorgensen, Johnny Dodds, Jonas Masters Johnny Dodds Carlaw Park 1 Les Bull Auckland v Northland thumbIn a surprise result Northland had defeated South Auckland to lift the trophy. Auckland played Northland but the match was not for the Northern Union Shield and so they decided to play several young players including future Kiwi Albert Laing who had not yet even played a first grade match and could only manage a 19 all draw. 26 September 3:15 Auckland 19–19 Representative Fixture/Auckland and Northland/Match Ends in a Draw 10 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20989 28 September 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310928.2.131.5 28 October 2019 Northland Ted Mincham 2, Allan Seagar, Pat Meehan 2 Ted Mincham, Allan Seagar Ted Meyer, C Payne, Eddie O'Callaghan Rod Hamilton, C Hamilton 2 Carlaw Park 1 Percy Rogers Auckland representative matches played and points scored NoNameClub TeamPlayedTriesConPenPoints1Ted MinchamRichmond121082Pat MeehanMarist120063Allan SeagarDevonport111054Dick SmithDevonport100004Albert LaingDevonport100004Wilf HassanMarist100004James EversonCity100004Heck LunnPonsonby100004Robert (Bob) CarterMarist100004Stan ClarkCity100004Norm CampbellMarist100004Ed St GeorgeNewton100004Ernest RubyDevonport10000 Annual general meetings and club news Auckland Rugby League held their annual general meeting in the Chamber of Commerce, Swanson Street on Thursday 16 April.League Football 18 Auckland Star LXII 82 8 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310408.2.172.3 21 October 2019 At a later meeting they voted to adopt the motion whereby its grading of referees and appointments of them for matches would be done by a group of three, consisting of two of its members and a representative of the Auckland Rugby League.Appointment of Referees/Management Representation Approved 12 Auckland Star LXII 98 28 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310428.2.125 21 October 2019 Tenders were requested for the lease of the Carlaw Park Refreshment Stall, and for the rights of the Rugby League Gazette. Auckland Rugby Football League 20 Auckland Star LXII 87 14 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310414.2.188.3 21 October 2019 Auckland Rugby League Junior Management Committee held their annual meeting at the Grey Buildings on Tuesday, 31 March.League Football 8 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20834 28 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310328.2.10.4 18 October 2019 After the reports were given by club delegates the prospect was for a record season in terms of team and player numbers. Mr. C. Adamson was elected chairman, with his deputy Mr. W. Lusty.Lower Grade Prospects 15 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20837 1 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310401.2.151 21 October 2019 During the season the Junior Management Committee became dissatisfied with their chairman Mr. C. Adamson because he voted contrarily to their position at an Auckland Rugby League meeting. They subsequently voted him out of the position. Mr. George Rhodes, chairman of the senior management committee attended a later meeting to say that Adamson was on the senior board as an independent representative, not as a representative of the Junior Management Committee and their dismissal of him was unjustified. A vote was then held over who should be chairman with Mr. J. H. Eddowes nominated along with Mr. Adamson and the former won by 10 votes to 6.Junior Board Trouble/Mediation by Mr. Rhodes/New Chairman Nominated 13 Auckland Star LXII 183 5 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310805.2.122 26 October 2019 Auckland Rugby League Primary School Management Committee Auckland Rugby League Referees Association annual meeting was held at the League Rooms, Grey Buildings on 30 March. The report stated that membership had increased and the standard of refereeing was maintained at a high level.Referees Association 19 Auckland Star LXII 77 2 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310402.2.161 18 October 2019 Akarana Rugby League Football Club held their annual general meeting at Carlaw Park on Thursday 9 April.League Football 18 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20842 8 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310408.2.165.5 21 October 2019 Avondale League Football Club held their annual meeting at Hick's Tearooms, Avondale on Wednesday 25 March. League Football 18 Auckland Star LXII 69 23 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310323.2.194.2 18 October 2019 There was an attendance of about twenty players and the cash credit was £7 10/8. The club voted to thank Mr. H. P. Burton for the use of his ground where the majority of their matches were played in 1930.Avondale Club 11 Auckland Star LXII 73 27 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310327.2.138.9 18 October 2019 City Rovers annual meeting was held at Carlaw Park on Sunday 22 March to discuss the annual report, balance sheet, general business and to elect officers. Seventy five people attended the meeting where the annual report showed a balance of £33 10/6. They stated that their chances of winning the title the year before was spoiled by the fact that they lost four players to the New Zealand team which toured Australia. They were aiming to have teams in all of the junior grades.Annual Meetings Held/The City Club's Season 9 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20832 26 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310326.2.34.7 18 October 2019 Devonport United Football Club annual general meeting was held in the Labour Rooms (above Hellaby's), Devonport on Monday 30 March regarding the election of officers and general business. League Football 18 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20830 24 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310324.2.158.8 18 October 2019 About fifty members attended and the balance sheet showed a credit of £9 7/2.Question of Status/Suggestion by Official 14 Auckland Star LXII 76 31 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310331.2.139 18 October 2019 Ellerslie United League Football Club held their annual general meeting at the club's Training Shed, Ellerslie on Monday 23 March. They requested that everybody attend as it would be their final meeting due to the league enforced merger with Otahuhu. League Football 20 Auckland Star LXII 68 21 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310321.2.177.1 18 October 2019 Ellerslie-Otahuhu United League Football Club held their first general meeting at the Ellerslie club's training shed opposite the railway station on Monday 30 March.League Football 20 Auckland Star LXII 74 28 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310328.2.188.5 18 October 2019 They had practice for all grades on Saturday 18 April to make final arrangements for all teams as there was a merger of Ellerslie, Otahuhu and Mangere.League Football 16 Auckland Star LXII 90 17 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310417.2.156.1 21 October 2019 New Lynn League Football Club held their annual general meeting at the Delta Theatre on Monday 23 March.League Football 9 Auckland Star LXII 67 20 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310320.2.129.4 18 October 2019 The Glen Lynn club wrote a letter to the New Lynn Borough Council asking for assistance in acquiring a playing area. The council intended to give the club details of an existing league football area on Great North Road in New Lynn which had been used by the New Lynn club prior to the joining of New Lynn and Glen Eden.Local Bodies/New Lynn Borough Council 5 Auckland Star LXII 70 24 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310324.2.48 18 October 2019 Kingsland Athletic Rugby League Football Club held their annual meeting at Liberty Luncheon Rooms at the top of Symonds Street on Monday 30 March to discuss the annual report and balance sheet. League Football 20 Auckland Star LXII 68 21 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310321.2.177.1 18 October 2019 They held a further Special General Meeting on Thursday 16 April at Donovan's Gym, Parnell with all juniors requested to roll up.League Football 20 Auckland Star LXII 87 14 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310414.2.188.8 21 October 2019 The Kingsland club amalgamated with the Marist club after they lost Senior A grade status. Marist Brothers Old Boys League Football Club annual meeting held at Donovan's Gymnasium, Parnell on Monday 30 March.League Football 8 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20834 28 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310328.2.10.4 18 October 2019 Māngere United League Football Club held a meeting in the Strand Theatre Hall, Onehunga on Wednesday, 29 April.League Football 18 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20859 29 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310429.2.160.8 21 October 2019 Mt. Albert United Rugby League Football Club held their annual meeting at the King George Hall in Mount Albert on Thursday, 5 March to discuss the annual report, balance sheet, election of officers, and general business.League Football 16 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20812 3 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310303.2.159.7 2 October 2019 There first practice was held at the club's grounds on Springleigh Avenue on Saturday, 11 April. League Football 22 Auckland Star LXII 83 9 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310409.2.218.4 21 October 2019 At a Management Committee meeting on 22 April Mount Albert applied to have its Senior B team (who had played in the Senior B Grade – effectively the 2nd division of senior teams in 1930) regraded to first junior.Management Meeting 17 Auckland Star LXII 95 23 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310423.2.157 21 October 2019 Mount Wellington Rugby League Football Club annual meeting was held at the Abattoir, Westfield on Tuesday 24 March to discuss the annual report and balance sheet, the election of officers, and general business. Players and intending players were requested to attend.League Football 20 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20826 19 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310319.2.173.3 17 October 2019 Newmarket Rugby League Club annual meeting was held at the Club Room 235, Khyber Pass, Thursday 26 March. All players and intending players were invited to attend. League Football 20 Auckland Star LXII 44 21 February 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310221.2.162.3 17 October 2019 Newton Rangers Football Club annual meeting was held at the Y.M.C.A on Wellesley St. East on Monday 23 March. All vice presidents, members and intending members were invited to attend including late Senior B players (players from Senior B clubs who no longer had senior teams).League Football 6 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20822 14 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310314.2.8.2 17 October 2019 There was a large attendance with Mr. W. Badley presiding over the meeting and Mr. W. Monteith was elected patronNewton Club 9 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20832 26 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310326.2.34.7 18 October 2019.. Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers Football Club annual general meeting was held at the Foresters' Hall, Birkenhead on Thursday 12 March to discuss "business important".League Football 16 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20818 10 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310310.2.172.4 17 October 2019 They donated £2 2s to the Mayors fund for Napier Earthquake fund.The Mayor's Fund/Further Contributions/Total of £22,969 to Date 11 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20818 10 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310310.2.120 17 October 2019 The annual meeting of the Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers Football Club was their 21st. The president of the club was Mr. A. E. Greenslade who was also the mayor of Northcote. The club report stated that they had a membership of 115 and fielded six teams in the league competition, and that this made them the fourth largest club in Auckland.Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers 13 Auckland Star LXII 61 13 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310313.2.157.5 17 October 2019 Otahuhu Rugby League Football Club were given use of the Sturges Park and Princes Street playing grounds in a shared arrangement with rugby by the Otahuhu Borough Council.Otahuhu Borough Council 3 Auckland Star LXII 84 10 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310410.2.24 21 October 2019 Papakura Rugby League Football Club The Papakura Rugby Club had decided to disband and play league instead.The Manukau Union 14 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20829 23 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310323.2.163.9 18 October 2019 They held their first ever meeting in the Parish Hall, Papakura on Thursday, 26 March. Officials of the Auckland Rugby League were present. All members, intending members, players and supporters were invited to attend.League Football 8 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20828 21 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310321.2.10.1 18 October 2019 Following the meeting a club was formed with 60 players enrolling.Papakura Club Formed 16 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20828 21 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310321.2.141.4 17 October 2019 Papatoetoe Rugby League Football Club held their annual meeting in mid April. There was a large attendance and it was decided to nominate five teams for the season, namely third grade open, fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, and a schoolboys.Papatoetoe Club's Meeting 13 Auckland Star LXII 90 17 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310417.2.136 21 October 2019 The club held its annual ball in the Papatoetoe Town Hall on 24 July. The venue was decorated in the club's colours of blue and gold.Papatoetoe Dance 13 Auckland Star LXII 174 25 July 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310725.2.134.3 24 October 2019 Point Chevalier League Football Club held their annual meeting at the Sailing Club's Hall on Thursday 19 March to discuss business, balance-sheet, and election of officers.League Football 20 Auckland Star LXII 65 18 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310318.2.190.3 18 October 2019 Ponsonby United Football Club held their annual meeting at Leys Institute, Ponsonby on Monday 30 March to receive their annual report and balance sheet, elect officers, and general business.League Football 22 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20831 25 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310325.2.180.5 18 October 2019 80 members attended the meeting and the report referred to how successful the club had been, especially with the senior side winning the Monteith Shield, Roope Rooster, and Thistle Cup. The third grade open team was particularly good and the schoolboy team consisted of players from Ponsonby, Curran Street, and Bayfield Schools.Referees Association/Ponsonby Club's Meeting 19 Auckland Star LXII 77 2 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310402.2.161 18 October 2019 Richmond Rovers Football Club annual meeting was held in the Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent on Friday 20 March to discuss the annual report and statement of accounts, and general business.League Football 20 Auckland Star LXII 59 11 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310311.2.187.7 17 October 2019 About 100 members were in attendance. The report showed that the club had fielded 12 teams in 1930 with four winning the championship. Trophies were presented as follows – Lauder Cup, fourth grade; Milicich Cup, seventh grade A team; Walker Shield: second grade; and a trophy to the schoolboys who tied for first place.Richmond Club 9 The New Zealand Herald LXVIII 20832 26 March 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310326.2.34.7 18 October 2019 They held an additional meeting for all prospective Senior, Senior B, and Second Grade players at Grey Lynn Park on Wednesday, 8 April.League Football 24 Auckland Star LXII 77 2 April 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310402.2.171.6 21 October 2019 On 16 May the Richmond club performed the notable feat of having all eight of its A teams winning their matches, although its Seventh Grade B team was defeated, and the 5th Grade team's victory was by default.Manukau and Richmond 12 Auckland Star LXII 115 18 May 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310518.2.142.11 22 October 2019 Prior to the start of the season the Third Grade captain for Richmond, Mr. George Williams drowned in a fishing accident in Breaker Bay, Wellington.Three Drowned/Wellington Tragedy/Small Fishing Boat Lost/Story Told by Survivor/Wrecked on Submerged Rock 7 Auckland Star LXII 97 27 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310427.2.83 23 November 2019Junior Management Affairs 10 Auckland Star LXII 201 26 August 1931 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310826.2.125 27 October 2019 References External links Auckland Rugby League Official Site Category:Auckland Rugby League seasons Auckland Rugby League