1911 Auckland Rugby League season

Last updated

The 1911 Auckland Rugby League season was the second full organised club season in Auckland following the 1910 Auckland Rugby League season. City Rovers won the title again after winning it in the competitions inaugural year.

Contents

Preceded by 3rd Auckland Rugby League season
1911
Succeeded by

The club season commenced on 20 May, with the start of the competition for the Myers Cup. City Rovers were crowned champions after defeating Ponsonby United in the final 36–15 which was required due to both teams being within 2 points of each other as the competition entered its closing stages. The competition at the time and for decades to come often did not complete full round robins. When a team had an unassailable lead over their nearest rivals the competition was often concluded at that point. Ponsonby and City had already met twice during the season but rather than conclude the round robin with round 10. In round 10 Ponsonby would have had a bye and City would likely have gained an easy win over wooden spooners, Eden Ramblers so the Auckland Rugby League decided to have the two top teams play off for the title a week early rather than prolong the competition.

The City side featured Albert Asher, Alex Stanaway, Jim Rukutai, and Bob Mitchell, while Ponsonby had Charlie Savory, Charles Dunning and Arthur Carlaw.

Auckland Rugby League news

Club teams and grade participation

Team1st Grade2nd Grade3rd GradeTotal
North Shore Albions 1113
City Rovers 1113
Ponsonby United 1102
Eden Ramblers 1012
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 0112
Newton Rangers 1001
Total54413

Reminiscing about the league's formative years

In 1941 at the annual meeting the chairman of the league in 1911 (Mr. B. Brigham) spoke about the league in its formative years. He said "the seeds sown by the pioneers have developed in a wonderful way... when we first started playing, the matches were at Victoria Park. For funds we used to go around with a hat. Then we started taking boxes round, and if at the end of the day we were "shy", we had to have a tarpaulin just to pay for the ground". He went on to say that "plenty of mud was thrown at us those times, and we had to face a good deal of hostility. Our first meetings were held in the cellar of the Rob Roy Hotel, and then we got the use of the social room in the same hotel. Then we drifted to other rooms, and a home of our own". He also talked of venues and said "at one time the league had a lease of Eden Park at £100 a year, and from there they shifted to Victoria Park, where on one occasion they had a £300 gate, a figure that was not beaten until the 1924 season at Carlaw Park. [1]

Venues

Unlike in 1910 when only two venues were used, there were 5 venues used. They were Victoria Park, Takapuna Racecourse, 'Avondale', Auckland Domain, and Eden Park (which was the venue for the club final between City Rovers and Ponsonby United.

Eden Ramblers formed

The senior competition saw the addition of the Eden Ramblers who had been formed in April. A meeting was held at the Avondale Public Hall on Wednesday 26 April with Mr John Bollard, MP presiding over it. He was elected president and chairman, and the name Eden Ramblers was chosen along with the colours or green and gold. The following officers were selected: Hon Secretary, Mr B Boone; Management Committee, W. A. Cummings, J Eddoes, W Fairweather, M Morrow, and J Denyer. The membership was close to 50 and they were to begin their training for the season ahead on 29 April with a joint practice with Ponsonby United at Victoria Park. [2]

Rugby union converts

At the start of the season George Gillett, Arthur Francis, Alan Blakey, and Frank Morse all switched codes. Gillett and Francis had both played for the All Blacks for several seasons and were joining the Newton Rangers along with Blakey who was a well known Auckland rugby player. Morse was joining the City Rovers. Gillett, Francis, and Morse would all go on to represent the Kiwi's. [3]

Representative season

It featured a representative programme in August and September where Auckland played nine matches including two against the New Zealand side. They won eight and lost one. Their first match saw them lose to New Zealand however they rattled off consecutive wins against New Zealand (6 weeks later), Wellington, Lower Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Nelson, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay Māori, and a Country team from Waihi & Rotorua.

Myers Cup (first grade championship)

Eighteen regular season matches were played before the final on 16 September where City Rovers defeated Ponsonby United 36 to 15 to retain the title which they had won in 1910.

First Grade competition

Myers Cup standings

TeamPldWDLFAPts
City Rovers 87011647014
Ponsonby United 970220511714
North Shore Albions 730480686
Newton Rangers 7106511382
Eden Ramblers 7106421492

The second round did not feature the final round of matches hence Ponsonby playing an extra match (when they were due to have a bye), while the table also includes the final played between City and Ponsonby.

Myers Cup results

Round 1

Charles Savory Charles Savory.jpg
Charles Savory
Jim Rukutai in 1929. Jim Rukutai, New Zealand rugby league team player.png
Jim Rukutai in 1929.

Charles Savory had switched from the Ponsonby rugby union club to the Ponsonby rugby league side and made his debut, scoring a try in their 19-3 win. He was a controversial figure, going on to represent New Zealand and also Australia on their 1911-12 tour of Great Britain as one of four New Zealanders chosen to tour with the side. In 1913 he was found guilty of kicking and suspended for life though the NZRL quashed the conviction. In 1914 he won the National Amateur Heavyweight Boxing championship. Savory went away to fight in World War 1 but was tragically killed at Gallipoli in 1915. For City Jim Rukutai scored two tries in their 13-3 win after having joined the side late the previous season. William Moeki scored a try on debut for City. He enlisted in the war effort and was killed in action at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. Hec Wynyard was knocked out playing for North Shore with play stopping for some time.

20 MayPonsonby19–3NewtonVictoria park 
Try: Charlie Savory, Sydney Cole, Charles Dillimore, Sid Riley 2
Con: Sydney Cole 2
[4] Try: SainsburyReferee: Ernest Jaggs
20 MayCity13–3North ShoreVictoria Park 
Try: William Moeki, Jim Rukutai 2
Con: Alex Stanaway 2
[5] Try: Tom Haddon Referee: W Pitts

Round 2

Don Kenealy Don Kenealy.png
Don Kenealy

Don Kenealy made his debut for the Eden Ramblers against Ponsonby. He would go on to become their only New Zealand representative, playing 4 matches for New Zealand in 1912. After the Eden club, which was based in the Avondale/Pt Chevalier areas folded in 1913 he moved to the City Rovers for the 1913-15 seasons before retiring aged just 22 as he soon left for World War 1 before returning and marrying in 1917.

27 MayCity16–3NewtonTakapuna Racecourse 
Try: Frank Morse 2, Sid Kean, George Harrison
Con: Frank Morse
Pen: Albert Asher
[6] Try: Arthur Francis Referee: Bob Oliphant
27 MayPonsonby49–10EdenVictoria Park 
Try: William Cossey, Harry Fricker, Charles Dunning 2, Charles Savory, Ronald MacDonald, + 5 unattributed tries
Con: Charles Dillamore, Sydney Cole 3, + 4 unattributed conversions
[6] Try: Harris, + 1 unattributed try
Con: Brett, + 1 unattributed conversion
Referee: W Pitts

Round 3

For the North Shore side Stan Weston was on debut. He scored a try as did other New Zealand internationals Jim Griffen, and George Seagar all scored tries while Alfred Jackson kicked one of their conversions. Weston's younger brother Lyn Weston played rugby union for New Zealand. The match between City and Ponsonby at Victoria Park drew a crowd of 2,000.

3 JunePonsonby30–11CityVictoria Park 
Try: A Nicholson, Henry Bettis, Charles Savory 2, Arthur Carlaw, Scotchy McDonald, Samuel Houghton, Alf Chorley
Con: Sydney Cole 2, Charles Dillimore
[7] Try: William Moeki, Albert Asher, Frank Morse
Con: Frank Morse
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: Bob Oliphant
3 JuneNorth Shore30–6EdenTakapuna Racecourse 
3:00Try: Jim Griffen 2, George Seagar 3, Fraser, Frederick Gladding, Stan Weston
Con: Frederick Gladding, Alfred Jackson
Pen: Winders
[8] Try: Don Kenealy, J CummingsReferee: Ernest Jaggs

Round 4

In the match between Newton and Eden one of the three tries was unattributed but it was said that the try scorers were Short and Linkhorn so one of those players scored twice but it is unknown which. The North Shore fullback Weri Puki had to leave the field due to an injury to his face, while team mate Stan Weston had to go off with a sprained ankle.

17 JuneNewton13–8EdenVictoria Park 
3:00Try: Short (1 or 2), Charles Linkhorn (1 or 2)
Con: Joe Bennett 2
[9] Try: Harris 2
Pen: Don Kenealy
Referee: C Morran
17 JunePonsonby22–6North ShoreTakapuna Racecourse 
3:00Try: Charles Dillimore 3, Arthur Carlaw, Nicholson, Harry Fricker
Con: J McGregor 2
[10] Try: Ernie Bailey, Jim Griffen Referee: Bob Oliphant

Round 5

Albert Asher Albert Asher Auckland.png
Albert Asher

In the City match with Eden, Albert Asher was tackled by four opponents and held down. J Simpson, the City fullback took exception and after the referee had blown his whistle to stop play, Simpson struck an Eden player and was sent off. The crowd was agitated by the incidents and play had to be stopped for several minutes until the field was cleared of them. [11] The Takapuna Racecourse was in a poor state. Something which had been commented on in previous matches. While the venue was considered a great one to view matches from it was only drawing small crowds with the argument being that it was relatively difficult to get to with a boat needed to reach Devonport and then either a bus or 15 minute walk to reach the ground. Stan Walters scored 2 tries for North Shore after debuting for them weeks earlier. He would go on to play 62 games for them as well as representing Auckland 16 times, and New Zealand 31 times before moving into the Waikato region and playing for Hamilton and Waikato in the 1920's.

24 JuneCity20–4EdenVictoria Park 
Try: E Robinson, Albert Asher, Julian, George Hunt
Con: Albert Asher 3
Pen: Albert Asher
[12] Pen: Don Kenealy 2Referee: T Cunningham
24 JuneNorth Shore17–2NewtonTakapuna Racecourse 
Try: Frederick Gladding, Stan Walters 2, Ernie Bailey, Alfred Jackson
Con: Jim Griffen
[13] Pen: Joe Bennett Referee: W Pitts

Round 6

1 JulyNorth Shore3–11CityTakapuna Racecourse 
Try: Frederick Gladding [14] Try: E Robinson 2, Phillips
Con: Albert Asher
Referee: Bob Oliphant
1 JulyPonsonby32–13NewtonVictoria Park 
Try: Charles Dillimore 2, Arthur Carlaw 2, Sid Riley, Sam Houghton
Con: Charles Dillimore 3, Sydney Cole 2
Pen: Charles Dillimore (mark)
[15] Try: Joe Bennett 3
Con: Joe Bennett 2
Referee: E R Harker

Round 7

Avondale Racecourse in 1902. The playing fields were located on the infield, mainly to the left. Avondale Racecourse in 1902. The Eden Ramblers rugby league club trained and played at the eastern end.png
Avondale Racecourse in 1902. The playing fields were located on the infield, mainly to the left.

The match between Ponsonby and Eden was played on the Avondale Racecourse. The sports fields were located at the eastern end of the racecourse grounds. Eden took the field with just 10 players and played the entire match with that number.

8 JulyCity32–12NewtonVictoria Park 
3:00Try: J.S. Wilson, Albert Asher, Harold Denize 2, Harry Childs, Bob Mitchell, Phillips, G Warner
Con: Albert Asher 4
[16] Try: Marshall, Len Farrant
Con: Len Farrant
Pen: Joe Bennett 2
Referee: Bob Oliphant
8 JulyPonsonby24–0EdenAvondale Racecourse 
Try: Samuel Houghton, Charles Dillimore 3, Arthur Carlaw, Henry Bettis
Con: Samuel Houghton, Arthur Carlaw, Sydney Cole
[17] Referee: T. Cunningham

Round 8

In the match between City and Ponsonby at the Takapuna Racecourse there were several injuries. The field was still in poor condition. George Harrison (City) sprained an ankle, George Hunt (City) ruptured the muscles of his shoulder, and Warner (City) had his nose "severely injured in a collision with Arthur Carlaw (Ponsonby) who was partly stunned and sustained a cut to his forehead". The Eden v Newton match saw 500 spectators turn up to the Domain but the match was described as "never at any time bright or interesting", though forward, Frederick Gladding was singled out for playing very well on the Newton side.

15 JulyCity25–0PonsonbyTakapuna Racecourse 
3:00Try: William Moeki, George Hunt 2, Bob Mitchell, E Robinson, Phillips 2
Con: Albert Asher, Phillips
[18] Referee: Bob Oliphant
15 JulyNorth Shore8–0EdenAuckland Domain 
3:00Try: Farquharson, Stan Walters
Con: Frederick Gladding
[19] [20] Attendance: 500
Referee: E.R. Harker

Round 9

The Takapuna Racecourse ground was "in a shocking condition with mud and water, and all the players were plastered with filth at the end of the game". Though the game itself was interesting with North Shore attacking at the end but failing to overcome Ponsonby who held on to win 14-13. Samuel Houghton suffered internal injuries during the match for Ponsonby and was said to be ruled out for the remainder of the season however he was able to play in the senior final on September 16, 2 months later. [21] Eden managed the first senior win in their history but it was against a Newton side that played 3 men short the entire game.

22 JulyPonsonby14–13North ShoreTakapuna Racecourse 
3:00Try: Arthur Carlaw 2, Charles Dillimore, Henry Bettis
Con: Sydney Cole
[22] Try: Stan Walters, William Wynyard, Billy Harrison
Con: Frederick Gladding
Pen: Frederick Gladding
Referee: T Cunningham
22 JulyEden14–5NewtonAuckland Domain 
Try: Don Kenealy, Harris 2, W Fairweather
Pen: Don Kenealy
[23] Try: Little
Con: Len Farrant
Referee: Moran

Final

The final was played to raise money for charity and was staged at Eden Park for the first time in the season. Both teams were particularly strong featuring several players who had missed most of the club season owing to being in Australia with the New Zealand side. City won easily 36 to 15 after leading 23-5 at halftime before Ponsonby threatened to make a game of it with some early second half points getting back to 23-15. For City internationals Jim Rukutai, Albert Asher, Bob Mitchell, Alex Stanaway all scoring tries and Albert Asher kicking 6 conversions. For the losers Charles Dunning scored twice. At one point in the second half R.W. Roope of Ponsonby struck an opponent and was sent off. The Ponsonby team was going to leave the field but after some discussion decided to play on.

16 SeptemberCity36–15PonsonbyEden Park 
3:00Try: Jim Rukutai 2, Albert Asher, Bob Mitchell 2, Alex Stanaway, William Moeki, George Hunt
Con: Albert Asher 6
[24] Try: Charles Dunning 2, T Wilson
Con: Sydney Cole 3
Referee: C Morran

Top point scorers and try scorers

Albert Asher Albert Asher Auckland.png
Albert Asher

The Ponsonby v Eden match in Round 2 had 23 unattributed points for Ponsonby (5 tries and 4 goals) and 5 for Eden (1 try and 1 goal), while the Round 4 match between Newton and Eden saw a try to Newton unattributed. As such the following lists are likely to omit tries and points for players from those sides. Albert Asher played the full season for City while his brother Ernie Asher traveled to Australia to play for New Zealand. Albert, while in the later stages of his career still played consistently well for City and kicked 6 goals from 8 attempts in the final against Ponsonby. Charles Dillimore scored 10 tries for Ponsonby in their wing.

Top try scorers
NoPlayerTeamGamesTries
1Charles DillimorePonsonby710
2 Arthur Carlaw Ponsonby77
3HarrisEden75
4 Charlie Savory Ponsonby34
4 Albert Asher City84
4 Charles Dunning Ponsonby44
4George HuntCity64
4 Bob Mitchell City64
4William MoekiCity74
4PhillipsCity44
4E RobinsonCity84
4 Jim Rukutai City44
4 Stan Walters North Shore54

Lower grades

A junior representative match was played between A and B teams as curtain-raiser to the New Zealand v Auckland match at Takapuna Racecourse on July 29. Harry Oakley and Frederick Gladding had been appointed selectors for the junior representative matches. The match featured Edward Vincent Fox who the Fox Memorial Shield would later be named after. The teams were; A team: Liversidge (Ponsonby), A Hawthorne (City), Herrick (Northcote), Keen (Ponsonby), Edward Fox (North Shore), Sceates (Northcote), Jackson (Northcote), A Gault (City), Jordan (Northcote), Boswell (Ponsonby), Hynes (North Shore), Stanaway (Ponsonby), Pugh (Northcote). B Team: Sergeant (Northcote), Ridings (North Shore), Schofield (Ponsonby), Conaghan (North Shore), Neil (Northcote), Gerrard (North Shore), Brown (Ponsonby), Buchanan (North Shore), Vic Barchard (City), Fairweather (Northcote), Young (North Shore), Davies (Ponsonby), McCullagh (City). Emergencies: Young (Ponsonby), Otto, Jonas, Leaity, and Tickner. [25] The match was played in heavy rain and resulted in a 6-all draw.

Second Grade standings

The results are incomplete. There were 10 rounds played but only 11 of the 20 results were reported.

TeamPldWDLFAPts
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 7700643514
Ponsonby United 520325234
North Shore Albions 410330352
City Rovers 610521472

Third Grade standings

The results are incomplete. There were 9 rounds played but only 9 results were reported out of 18 matches. Ponsonby initially entered a team in the third grade but failed to play a game before withdrawing.

TeamPldWDLFAPts
North Shore Albions 44006698
Eden Ramblers 520341454
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 310217202
City Rovers 41035552

Representative season

The season began with a match against the New Zealand team which was about to depart for its Australian tour. The touring side won by two points but when they returned from their tour they played again only this time Auckland were the victors by 11 points to 3.

Auckland v New Zealand

10 JuneAuckland14–16New ZealandTakapuna Racecourse 
Try: George Harrison, Harry Fricker, Joe Bennett 2
Con: Sydney Cole
[26] Try: George Gillett, Roy Siddells, Ernie Buckland, Dave Mason
Con: Arthur Francis 2
Referee: Bob Oliphant

Auckland v New Zealand

29 JulyAuckland11–3New ZealandTakapuna Racecourse 
3:00Try: John Kay, Arthur Carlaw, Stan Walters
Con: Albert Asher
[27] Try: Ernie Buckland Attendance: 700
Referee: Bob Oliphant

Auckland v Wellington (Northern Union Cup)

Wellington team Wellington RL team in 1911.jpg
Wellington team
Auckland team to play Wellington. Auckland team v Wellington Aug 5.png
Auckland team to play Wellington.

Ronald (Scotty) McDonald broke his leg during the match. Arthur Seeling of the Wellington team also badly injured his knee. The team was supposed to go by boat back to Wellington but decided to go by train so they could drop Seeling off in Whanganui where he lived. Frank Morse debuted for Auckland, as did Jim Rukutai who became the Manukau clubs first Auckland representative player.

5 AugAuckland16–8WellingtonVictoria Park 
3:00Try: J Kay 2, Albert Asher, Joe Bennett
Con: Frank Morse
Pen: Frank Morse
[28] Try: Bob Mitchell 2
Con: Arthur Seeling
Attendance: 5000
Referee: T. Cunningham

Auckland v Lower Waikato

Charles Dunning Charles Dunning.png
Charles Dunning

John Kay had the distinction of playing for Auckland one week, and then turning out against them the following week for Waikato. Occasionally players from the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions would represent Auckland. Kay played 3 matches for Auckland in this season. The Auckland Star credited a conversion to Jim Griffen while the New Zealand Herald reported that Charles Dunning kicked all 3 goals. As the Auckland Star's match report was more detailed that is the record reported below.

12 AugustLower Waikato22–36AucklandFrankton, Hamilton 
Try: John Kay 2, F Hall, R Gleeson
Con: Reg Sprague 3
Pen: Reg Sprague
Drop: Hall
[29] Try: E Robinson, Bob Mitchell, Joe Bennett 4, Arthur Carlaw, George Seagar, Alfred Jackson 2
Con: Charles Dunning 2, Jim Griffen
Attendance: 400
Referee: T. Cunningham

Auckland v Hawke's Bay (Northern Union C.C.)

Auckland team Auckland v Hawkes Bay 1911.jpg
Auckland team
Hawke's Bay team Hawkes Bay RL team 1911 v Auckland.jpg
Hawke's Bay team
19 AugustAuckland17–13Hawke’s BayVictoria Park 
3:00Try: Arthur Carlaw, George Seagar 2, Jim Griffen, Alf Chorley
Con: Charles Dunning
Pen: Charles Dunning
[30] Try: Jim Johnson, G Jackson, George Frater
Con: G Jackson
Drop: G Jackson
Attendance: 3000
Referee: Ernest Jaggs

Auckland v Nelson (Northern Union C.C.)

For Nelson Dave Mason scored a try, while Oscar Cederman who was later killed in action in Belgium during World War I scored a try and kicked a conversion.

26 AugustAuckland36–12NelsonVictoria Park 
Try: Frank Morse, Jim Rukutai 3, Reg Sprague, Jim Griffen 2, Harry Fricker, George Harrison, Stan Walters
Con: Charles Dunning 3
[31] Try: Oscar Cederman 2
Con: Oscar Cederman 2
Pen: Dave Mason
Attendance: 5,000
Referee: McCarthy

Auckland v Taranaki (Northern Union C.C.)

2 SeptemberAuckland26–15TaranakiVictoria Park 
Try: Albert Asher 2, Jim Rukutai, Harry Fricker 2, Bob Mitchell
Con: Charles Dunning 4
[32] Try: P Kyle, C Moir, Dan Twohill
Con: Arthur Hardgrave 3
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Matt Hooper

Auckland v Hawke's Bay Māori

Hawkes Bay Maori Rugby League Team 1911.png
Hawke's Bay 1911 team v Auckland.png
9 SeptemberAuckland22–10Hawke’s Bay MāoriTakapuna Racecourse 
3:00Try: Joe Bennett 2, George Hunt, Jim Griffen, Albert Asher, Charles Linkhorn
Con: Charles Dunning 2
[33] Try: W Paewai, Hopi Kani
Con: W Hiha
Pen: W Hiha
Attendance: 500
Referee: T Cunningham

Auckland v Country (Waihi & Rotorua)

A month after Auckland's match with Hawke's Bay Māori an exhibition game was arranged in Waihi against a 'Country' team from that area, including Rotorua players. It was the first ever rugby league match played in the area and was played on the Waihi Domain in front of a "fairly large crowd". Despite a few regular forwards not making the trip Auckland still took a strong side and ran out winners 20-10. For the Country side Rukingi Reke kicked 2 conversions to go with a tries to F. Hall and St George.

14 OctoberCountry10-20AucklandWaihi Domain 
3:00Try: F Hall, St George
Con: Rukingi Reke 2
[34] Try: Albert Asher 2, E Robinson, Frank Morse, Henry Bettis, George Seagar
Con: 1 x unknown
Referee: Bob Oliphant

Auckland representative matches played and scorers

RankNameClubPlayTriesConPenMarkPoints
1 Joe Bennett Newton79---27
2 Charles Dunning Ponsonby6-121-26
3 Albert Asher City761--20
4 Jim Griffen North Shore841--14
5 Harry Fricker Ponsonby74---12
5 Jim Rukutai Manukau74---12
7 Frank Morse City5211-10
7 George Seagar North Shore422--10
9 Arthur Carlaw Ponsonby53---9
9John KayKomakorau (Ngaruawahia)33---9
11 Alfred Jackson North Shore92---6
11 Bob Mitchell City62---6
11George HarrisonCity22---6
11 Stan Walters North Shore22---6
11E RobinsonCity72---6
16 Alf Chorley Ponsonby31---3
16Charles LinkhornNewton21---3
16 Reg Sprague Lower Waikato (Ngaruawahia)11---3
16George HuntCity21---3
20Sydney ColePonsonby1-1--2
21Harry ChildsCity7-----
21Charles DillimorePonsonby2-----
21 Don Kenealy Eden3-----
21 Stan Weston North Shore1-----
21Samuel HoughtonPonsonby1-----
21J CummingsEden1-----
21J O’SullivanCity1-----
21 Ernie Asher City1-----
21 Ronald MacDonald North Shore1-----
21Harold Roy DenizeCity1-----
21Henry BettisPonsonby1-----
21PhillipsCity1-----

Related Research Articles

The Auckland Rugby League (ARL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. Founded in 1909, the ARL has played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of rugby league in Auckland and beyond.

The Auckland Rugby League competition has been competed for since 1909 when the first organised match was played between North Shore and City Rovers. The following year an official champion was crowned for the first time, namely the City Rovers club who won the 1910 1st Grade title and were one of the 4 original teams at that time. Over the following 110 years many team and individual trophies have been awarded. The following is a list of the clubs and individuals that they have been awarded to at the premier-grade level.

The 1910 Auckland Rugby League season was the first season where a full organised competition was played following the 1909 season where several exhibition club matches were played. The competition celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010 and is currently in its 109th season. The 1910 season commenced on 14 May, with the start of the competition for the Myers Cup. It involved four teams, City Rovers, Newton Rangers, North Shore Albions, and Ponsonby United. Only Ponsonby United still survive to the present day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1912 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

The 1912 Auckland Rugby League season was the 4th official year of the Auckland Rugby League. The season commenced on 11 May, with the start of the First Grade competition.

The 1913 Auckland Rugby League season was the 5th season of the Auckland Rugby league.

The 1914 season was the sixth season of Auckland Rugby League since its formation in 1909. It followed the 1913 Auckland Rugby League season where North Shore Albions were crowned senior champions for the first time. The senior grade saw the addition of Otahuhu Rovers, who had previously competed in the lower grades only, and Grafton Athletic. The Manukau Rovers and Eden Ramblers no longer contributed teams. The first grade was won once again by North Shore Albions.

The 1915 season, and 7th of Auckland Rugby League saw the First Grade competition begin on 8 May featuring the same 6 senior clubs who had competed in 1914.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1916 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

The 1916 Auckland Rugby League season was the 8th year of the organisation.

The 1917 Auckland Rugby League season was its 9th. Due to the large number of players now serving in the First World War it was agreed to relax transfer rules to allow players from stronger teams to join weaker teams to even the competition. It was noted how many men from various clubs had been killed in battle by the beginning of 1917. They were Cecil Walker, Doug Dawson, T Marshall, Charles Savory, Frank McWhirter, Graham Cook, N Vause, Victor McCollum, Alf Gault, T Lambert, E Tiernan, F Stubbs, W. G. Handle, B Hart, Frederick Gladding, A Powley, Chas Mann, William Moeki, G Jones, W Harris, Sam Magee, S Greer, Alan Miller, Charles Sinton, and Leslie O'Leary (Sunnyside). City Rovers had 'sent' ninety men to war by this time and twenty-one had been wounded and five killed. The Sunnyside club had only nine members left and one of those who had gone to the war said that in the trenches he had made a list of league players from various clubs which totaled 120. All three of the Sunnyside secretaries had enlisted and the executive was also gone. Ponsonby had also had over eighty of its members join the war effort.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1918 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

The 1918 Auckland Rugby League season was its 10th since its inception in 1909. It was again severely affected by the ongoing war with several hundred players serving overseas and 44 killed who were named in the annual report. North Shore Albions withdrew from the competition early in the season and on other occasions teams played short-handed. There was also a truncated representative program with only a trial match and one full Auckland representative match versus Canterbury, which was played at the Auckland Domain in front of 10,000 spectators.

The 1919 season of the Auckland Rugby League was its 11th. It was the first season post World War I and unsurprisingly it saw a resurgence in playing numbers with 56 teams across the six grades. North Shore Albions who had previously dropped out of the senior competition again fielded a senior side. As did Otahuhu, who had dropped out during the 1917 season. Ponsonby United won their third consecutive first grade title, while Newton Rangers won the Roope Rooster trophy.

The 1921 season of Auckland Rugby League was its 13th. Seventy two teams played across its six main grades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1929 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

The 1929 Auckland Rugby League season was its 20th. One of the key events of the season was the tour of the South Sydney side.

The 1930 season of Auckland Rugby League was its 22nd. It was generally regarded that the season was very disappointing in terms of the quality of the football played and much of the blame was put down to the fact that too many teams were in the Senior A Grade and there was too much talent spread through the Senior B teams which in turn diluted the top division. There had been a noticeable drop in the attendances at matches at Carlaw Park which had seen 8 to 10 thousand regularly attending club matches. A review of the season was published in The New Zealand Herald on 22 October discussing the issue.

The 1932 season was the 24th season of the Auckland Rugby League.

Arthur Matthews (1889–1951) played for the New Zealand rugby league team in 1919 on their tour of Australia. He was Kiwi number 117. He played in 3 tour matches but did not play in any tests as there were none played on this tour. He lived in Auckland and played for the Ponsonby United and North Shore Albions senior teams from 1915 to 1920.

Eden Ramblers was a rugby league club in Auckland which played in the Auckland Rugby League competition from 1911 to 1913. They were based in the Avondale suburb of Auckland where they largely trained and played and held meetings in Point Chevalier.

Edward Joseph Bennett was a New Zealand rugby league footballer. Bennett played in the second row position. He represented the New Zealand rugby league team in two test matches against England in 1920. In the process he became the 144th player to represent New Zealand. He also played for the Waiuku rugby club, and the Newton Rangers, and Grafton Athletic rugby league clubs. Bennett also represented the Auckland and North Island rugby league teams.

The Pupuke Rugby League Club were a rugby league club which existed briefly in 1917 and competed in the Auckland Rugby League competitions. They were based in Takapuna on Auckland's North Shore in New Zealand.

Takapuna Rugby League Football Club were a rugby league club in Auckland. They competed from 1921 until 1925. They represented the Takapuna suburb on the North Shore of Auckland.

References

  1. "When League Meetings Were Held In An Hotel Cellar". Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 81. 5 April 1941. p. 10. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  2. "Eden Ramblers Club". The New Zealand Herald . Vol. XLVIII, no. 14666. 28 April 1911. p. 4. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  3. "None". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 124. 26 May 1911. p. 7. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  4. "Ponsonby v Newton". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 120. 22 May 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  5. "City v North Shore". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 120. 22 May 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  6. 1 2 "Newton v City". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 126. 29 May 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  7. "Ponsonby United v City Rovers". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 132. 5 June 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  8. "North Shore v Eden Ramblers". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 132. 5 June 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  9. "Newton v Eden". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 144. 19 June 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  10. "Ponsonby v North Shore". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 144. 19 June 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  11. "City v Eden". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 150. 26 June 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  12. "City v Eden". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 150. 26 June 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  13. "North Shore Albions v Newton Rangers". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 150. 26 June 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  14. "City v North Shore/City's Tough Tussle". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 156. 3 July 1911. p. 7. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  15. "Ponsonby v Newton/Walk Over for Ponsonby". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 156. 3 July 1911. p. 7. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  16. "City v Newton". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 162. 10 July 1911. p. 7. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  17. "Ponsonby v Eden". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 162. 10 July 1911. p. 7. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  18. "City v Ponsonby". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 168. 17 July 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  19. "Eden v North Shore". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 168. 17 July 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  20. "Outdoor Sports". Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 170. 19 July 1911. p. 7. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  21. "New Zealand v Auckland". New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14742. 16 July 1911. p. 9. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  22. "Ponsonby v North Shore". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 174. 24 July 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  23. "Eden v Newton". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 174. 24 July 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  24. "Senior Championship/Won by City Rovers". The New Zealand Herald . Vol. XLVIII, no. 14788. 18 September 1911. p. 9. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  25. "Junior Trial Match". Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 177. 27 July 1911. p. 7. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  26. "New Zealand v Auckland/Win for Dominion Team". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 138. 12 June 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  27. "New Zealand v Auckland". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 180. 31 July 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  28. "First Challenge Match/Wellington v Auckland". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 186. 7 August 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  29. "Auckland v Lower Waikato". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 192. 14 August 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  30. "Auckland Retains the Cup/Hawke's Bay Beaten/An Exciting Contest". The New Zealand Herald . Vol. XLVIII, no. 14764. 21 August 1911. p. 9. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  31. "Auckland Win Again/Victory Over Nelson". The New Zealand Herald . Vol. XLVIII, no. 147680. 28 August 1911. p. 9. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  32. "Interprovincial Cup/Auckland Beats Taranaki/A Record Attendance". The New Zealand Herald . Vol. XLVIII, no. 147686. 4 September 1911. p. 9. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  33. "Hawke's Bay Natives v Auckland". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 216. 11 September 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  34. "Northern Union Game/Auckland V. The Country". Auckland Star . Vol. XLII, no. 246. 11 September 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 15 December 2019.