1928 Auckland Rugby League season

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Devonport United, the 1928 first grade champions Devonport United Champions of ARL in 1928.png
Devonport United, the 1928 first grade champions
Marist Old Boys, Roope Rooster and Stormont Shield winning team Marist 1928 championship team.png
Marist Old Boys, Roope Rooster and Stormont Shield winning team

The 1928 Auckland Rugby League season was its 19th. Devonport United won the Senior A Championship for the first time under the Devonport United name, though they had won it twice before as North Shore Albions, before the North Shore merger with Sunnyside. Marist Old Boys won the Roope Rooster trophy for the first time. This was their second major trophy after winning the championship in 1924. They also went on to defeat Devonport to win the Stormont Shield.

Contents

Ellerslie United finished last in the first grade championship and as a result had to play a promotion relegation match with the winners of the B Division which was Grafton Athletic. This was the second consecutive year they had met in this match. Ellerslie won 15-13 to retain their place in the first grade. The Grafton club then decided to amalgamate with Kingsland Rovers who were also in the B Division to gain acceptance into the 1st grade competition for the 1929 season.

Preceded by 19th Auckland Rugby League season
1928
Succeeded by

Season news and summary

Club teams by grade participation

Team1stB Div.2nd3rd Open3rd Int.4th5th6th A6th BSchoolsTotal
Devonport United 10121111109
Richmond Rovers 10111111119
Ponsonby United 10111100005
Point Chevalier 01001101105
Newton Rangers 10101000104
City Rovers 10001100104
Otahuhu Rovers 01010101004
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 01010101004
Akarana 00000111104
Marist Old Boys 10000001103
Ellerslie United 10010100003
Māngere United 01110000003
Grafton Athletic 01010010003
Kingsland Rovers 01010001003
Remuera 00101100003
Newmarket 00001001103
Parnell 01010000002
New Lynn 00011000002
Mount Albert United 00010010002
Glen Eden 00010000001
Browne Bros & Geddes 00000010001
Māngere Primary School00000000011
Ōtāhuhu Schools00000000011
Onehunga Convent00000000011
Papatoetoe Primary School00000000011
Richmond Primary School00000000011
Newmarket Primary School00000000011
Ellerslie Primary School00000000011
Total77614910698783

Senior competition

The senior club season featured over 110 matches through various competitions and did not finish until late October when suburban cricket competitions had already begun.

Grafton Athletic won the Senior B Division competition going undefeated season after they had been relegated the previous season, though they were beaten in the promotion relegation match with Ellerslie meaning they would have to stay there for another season. Point Chevalier defeated Grafton Athletic in the Stallard Cup final which was the Senior B knockout competition. The season was notable for the number of teams which played sides from other areas. Ponsonby, Richmond, Parnell, and the Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers all played sides from north Auckland and the Waikato. During the year Carlaw Park saw its 300th senior grade match played on it stretching back to its opening in 1921 while the senior competitions also saw its 1000th game played (includes all official 1st grade matches and matches involving senior teams in the B Division).

Mt Albert Club formed

Mt Albert held their first meeting at St George's Hall in Mt Albert on the evening of 3 April. Ralph Wilson chaired the meeting and George Rhodes, chairman of the Auckland Rugby League was present. It was decided that they would form a club in the Mt Albert area though they did not decide on a name at this time. They would enter teams in the third and fourth grades. [1] During the season Auckland Rugby League made a grant of £3 to Mount Albert for a dressing shed. [2]

Newmarket Club formed

In April it was reported that Newmarket was entering a team in the 6th grade competition. They club was to wear yellow and black. There was a fear that the club would rob the Parnell club of players but the league accepted the nomination anyway. [3] [4] The also then entered sides in the third grade intermediate grade as well as another team in the sixth grade in the B section. They also had a Primary School side which won the schoolboy championship.

Representative program

It was a very busy season, with ten representative fixtures including matches against the touring England team. Ernie Asher, Edwin Vincent Fox, and Bert Avery were appointed selectors for the representative team for the season.

Annual general meeting

At the annual general meeting of Auckland Rugby League it was noted that out of the 28 playing days during the 1927 season thirteen of them were played in wet weather; however, crowds were still good and they were happy with the growth of the game. Further developments at Carlaw Park were planned, consisting of "conveniences for ladies…extra accommodation… for players, and three more dressing rooms" at a cost of £60. There was a lengthy discussion about Ellerslie's application to join the A Grade. They had won the B Grade competition and defeated the last placed Grafton from A Grade. [5] The annual general meeting was held at the Auckland Chamber of Commerce on Swanson Street. [6]

Thistle Cup

The Management Committee announced at the midway mark of the senior club season that the Thistle Cup would be awarded to the A or B grade team that had scored the most points in the second round of competition. If two teams were tied then the trophy would be awarded to the team which had scored the most points for the whole season. [7]

Ground availability

An ongoing issue for many clubs in Auckland was the availability of playing fields as the number of teams grew. During the season Northcote opened a new field at Stafford Park which is still in existence adjacent to State Highway 1 just north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Devonport also had a deputation present at the Devonport Borough Council meeting on 10 May to ask about the shortage of grounds in the area. The club asked for permission to use some of the spare cricket grounds for matches. Mayor E. Aldridge said there would be a ground available at Stanley Bay. [8]

Rule changes

After Round 5 the issue of time keeping in matches at Carlaw Park was raised at the weekly Management Committee meeting. The bell had been rung in the match between Richmond and Devonport at Carlaw Park before the ball was dead which was against previously arranged rules. Agreement could not be reached on whether the timekeeper or referee should be responsible for calling time. In the end it was decided that official timekeepers should attend the Referees' Association meeting for instructions. [9]

It was noted that the dead ball area on both fields at Carlaw Park had been reduced from 12 yards to 8 yards in accordance with the laws of rugby league. [10]

A rule change came into effect during the season after the annual meeting of the English Rugby League. They decided that no forward at any time in the scrum could have both feet off the ground. Also forwards could not drop to one knee to attempt to hook the ball. The game in New Zealand would adhere to these rules. [11]

Richard Stack benefit matches

Newton v Ponsonby 24 Apr, 1928.png
Richard (Dick) Stack in hospital after having his leg amputated following an injury at Carlaw Park in 1927. Richard Stack in hospital after having his leg amputated following an accident playing rugby league.png
Richard (Dick) Stack in hospital after having his leg amputated following an injury at Carlaw Park in 1927.
The crowd at the Dick Stack benefit matches. Crowd at Dick Stack benefit game 1928.png
The crowd at the Dick Stack benefit matches.

The opening weekend of the season saw four first grade matches played at Carlaw Park, though these matches were not part of the competition. The round was dedicated to Richard Stack (commonly known as Dick Stack) of the Newton Rangers who had suffered a broken leg in the Stormont Shield final the previous season and the injury was so bad Auckland Hospital staff were forced to amputate it. This meant that he was unable to continue in his profession and so the league fundraised so that he was able to start his own business. A total of £500 was taken at the gates with 10,000 spectators in attendance. The day also featured a program of boxing matches with the prizes donated back to Stack. After all the accounts were balanced it was worked out that the fund for Stack totalled £610 12/3. An oddity of the games themselves was the low scoring nature and that all four losing teams failed to register a single point. Given the timing in the season and the fact they were for charity and competition points they were largely treated as practice matches with the City Rovers side using 18 players. [12]

21 AprilPonsonby13–0NewtonCarlaw Park 1 
3:30Try: Lou Hutt, George Gardiner, Victor Fagan
Con: George Gardiner, Langley
[13] Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Les Bull
21 AprilMarist3–0DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
2:00Try: Kirkland [14] Attendance: 10,000
Referee: William Mincham
21 AprilRichmond10–0CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:30Try: McCarthy, Jones
Con: L Taylor
Pen: L Taylor
[15] Attendance: 10,000
Referee: H McKubrey
21 AprilGrafton2–0EllerslieCarlaw Park 2 
Pen: Ralph Longville [16] Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Percy Rogers

Monteith Shield (First Grade Championship)

Monteith Shield standings

TeamPldWDLFAPts
Devonport United 1290322414918
Richmond Rovers 1271414313215
Newton Rangers 1270514313814
Ponsonby United 1252515414412
Marist Old Boys 1251615417011
City Rovers 124081441648
Ellerslie United 123091021626

Monteith Shield fixtures

Ellerslie v Ponsonby on April 28, 1928.png

Round 1 saw the newly promoted Ellerslie upset Ponsonby 15 points to 8. This was Ellerslie's first ever match in the first grade. The season was ceremonially kicked off by Miss Peggy Rhodes, daughter of George Rhodes, the chairman of Auckland Rugby League Management Committee.

Round 1

28 AprilRichmond18–10NewtonCarlaw Park 1 
3:15Try: McCarthy 2, Turton, Ralph Jenkinson
Con: L Taylor 3
[17] Try: M Herewini, Alan Clarke
Con: Craddock Dufty
Pen: Craddock Dufty
Attendance: 5500
Referee: William Mincham
28 AprilDevonport24–6CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:15Try: Len Scott 2, Sid Rule, S Casey, Alf Scott, Alfred Saxon
Con: Allan Seagar 2
Pen: Allan Seagar
[18] Try: George Perry, N PascoeAttendance: 5500
Referee: Les Bull
28 AprilEllerslie15–8PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
1:45Try: Davis, Allen, A Dance
Con: J Shand 3
[19] Try: Tim Peckham, J Payne
Pen: Tim Peckham
Attendance: 5500
Referee: Vic Simpson

Round 2

Richmond v Marist 5 May, 1928.png
5 MayRichmond15–0MaristCarlaw Park 1 
3:15Try: Ralph Jenkinson 2, H Stewart
Con: L Taylor
Pen: L Taylor 2
[20] Attendance: 6000
Referee: Les Bull
5 MayDevonport12–11NewtonCarlaw Park 1 
1:45Try: Len Scott 2, Preston, Alfred Saxon [21] Try: Hayden, Henry, Murray
Con: Craddock Dufty
Attendance: 6000
Referee: H McKubrey
5 MayPonsonby19–6CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Goodley, Tim Peckham, Victor Fagan, J Payne 2
Con: Tim Peckham 2
[22] Try: J Iveson, LawrenceAttendance: 6000
Referee: Percy Rogers

Round 3

12 MayDevonport31–22MaristCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Len Scott 4, Alfred Saxon, Horace Dixon 2
Con: Alf Scott 2, Ernest Ruby 2
Drop: Lindsay Simons
[23] Try: Bernard Sweeney, Dick Moisley, Jock Graham, Hec Brisbane
Con: Owen Cronin 4
Pen: Owen Cronin
Attendance: 6000
Referee: William Mincham
12 MayNewton22–13PonsonbyCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Trevor Hall, Robert Purdy, Murray, M Little
Con: Craddock Dufty 4
Pen: Craddock Dufty
[24] Try: Lou Hutt, Albert Payne, Victor Fagan
Con: Tim Peckham 2
Attendance: 6000
Referee: Arthur Rae
12 MayCity26–3EllerslieAuckland Domain 1 
3:00Try: George Perry, Lawrence 2, Fraser Webberley, Norman Pascoe, Bill Hamilton
Con: Horne 3
Pen: Horne
[25] Try: Ivan Littlewood Referee: Les Bull

Round 4

Richmond v Devonport, 19 May, 1928.png

It was decided by Auckland Rugby League after the 3rd round that they would no longer play curtain-raiser matches by Senior A Grade teams at 1:30pm. This was due to players having difficulty getting to the ground on time as they often worked on Saturdays and had to travel from the outer suburbs. A recent example had been the Newton Rangers v Devonport match where several Newton players had arrived late and the match was so late kicking off that the second half lasted only 25 minutes instead of 40. [26] Leslie Letton, a well known rugby player transferred from rugby union where he had been playing for Marist, and scored 2 tries for Ponsonby on debut in their 18–14 loss to Marist.

19 MayDevonport12–7RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Alf Scott, Ernest Ruby
Con: Wells
Pen: Wells 2
[27] Try: Colebrook
Pen: L Taylor 2
Attendance: 9000
Referee: Percy Rogers
19 MayMarist18–14PonsonbyCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Hec Brisbane, Jim Johnson 2, Wilf Hassan
Con: Charles Gregory 3
[28] Try: Leslie Letton 2
Con: Frank Delgrosso
Pen: Frank Delgrosso 3
Attendance: 9000
Referee: Bert Emirali
19 MayEllerslie5–13NewtonEllerslie Reserve 
3:00Try: Davis
Con: J Shand
[29] Try: M Little, Roy Hardgrave 2
Con: Craddock Dufty
Pen: Craddock Dufty
Referee: H McKubrey

Round 5

Ponsonby v Richmond May 26, 1928 ph2.png
Ponsonby v Richmond May 26, 1928.png
26 MayPonsonby10–6RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: C 'Dooley' Moore, Frank Delgrosso
Con: Frank Delgrosso
Pen: Frank Delgrosso
[30] Pen: L Taylor 3Attendance: 4000
Referee: Les Bull
26 MayMarist26–8EllerslieCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Dick Moisley 4, Hec Brisbane, Jack Keenan
Con: Charles Gregory 4
[31] Try: Bob Crewther, Cooke
Con: Selby Crewther
Attendance: 4000
Referee: William Mincham
26 MayCity6–3NewtonAuckland Domain 1 
3:00Try: Joe Hadley, Lawrence [32] Try: Alan Clarke Referee: H McKubrey

Round 6

The match between Richmond and Ellerslie was played on the Kings Birthday holiday as part of the celebrations.

2 JuneDevonport21–19PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Len Scott, Allan Seagar 2, J Beattie, Ernest Ruby, Alfred Saxon
Con: Alf Scott 2, Alfred Saxon
[33] Try: George Gardiner, Lou Hutt, J Payne
Con: Frank Delgrosso 3
Pen: Frank Delgrosso 2
Attendance: 5000
Referee: H McKubrey
2 JuneMarist39–12CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Owen Cronin, George Batchelor, Hec Brisbane, Dick Moisley, Noble, Sweeney, Phil Brady 2, Jock Graham
Con: Charles Gregory 5, Owen Cronin
[34] Try: George Perry, Lawrence
Con: Laurie Barchard
Pen: Laurie Barchard
Drop: George Perry
Attendance: 5000
Referee: Wilfred Simpson
4 JuneRichmond6–4EllerslieCarlaw Park 1 
9:30Try: L Taylor 2 [35] Pen: Bob Crewther 2Attendance: 1500
Referee: A Saunders

Round 7

9 JuneNewton21–3MaristCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Murray, Trevor Hall, G Rhodes, Robert Purdy, Roy Hardgrave
Con: Craddock Dufty 3
[36] Try: George BatchelorReferee: William Mincham
9 JuneRichmond27–18CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: L Taylor 2, Stan Prentice, Davis, McCarthy
Con: L Taylor 4
Pen: L Taylor 2
[37] Try: Maurice Wetherill 2, George Perry, McDonald
Con: Laurie Barchard
Pen: Laurie Barchard 2
Referee: H Taylor
9 JuneDevonport16–3EllerslieDevonport Domain 
3:00Try: Stan Webb, Len Scott 2, Allan Seagar
Con: Alf Scott 2
[38] Try: V SpeightReferee: Percy Rogers

Following the conclusion of the first round, The New Zealand Herald published the individual points tallies of all the point scorers. This was the first time this had been done. Taylor of Richmond led the standings with 46 points, Len Scott of Devonport had 33, while Craddock Dufty of Newton was third with 26 points. [39]

Round 8

23 JuneNewton17–13RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
2:45Try: M Little, Roy Hardgrave, G Cammick
Con: Craddock Dufty
Pen: Craddock Dufty 3
[40] Try: Trevor Hanlon
Con: L Taylor
Pen: L Taylor 4
Attendance: 3000
Referee: Arthur Rae
23 JunePonsonby22–5EllerslieCarlaw Park 2 
2:45Try: Leslie Letton 2, C 'Dooley' Moore, Sydney Usher 2, Horne
Con: Tim Peckham, Frank Delgrosso
[41] Try: Hemingway
Con: J Shand
Attendance: 3000
Referee: William Mincham
23 JuneDevonport8–6CityDevonport Domain 
3:00Try: Len Scott, Preston
Con: Alf Scott
[42] Try: Williams, CrouchReferee: Les Bull

Round 9

30 JuneNewton23–16DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
2:45Try: Roy Hardgrave 3, Murray, Wally Somers
Con: Craddock Dufty 4
[43] Try: Len Scott 3, J Beattie
Con: Alf Scott 2
Attendance: 4000
Referee: Les Bull
30 JuneRichmond10–9MaristCarlaw Park 2 
2:45Try: Wheaton, Trevor Hanlon
Con: L Taylor 2
[44] Try: George Batchelor, Dick Moisley, Bernard SweeneyAttendance: 4000
Referee: T Hill
30 JunePonsonby2–0CityAuckland Domain 2 
3:00Pen: Frank Delgrosso [45] Referee: H McKubrey

Round 10

7 JulyPonsonby17–3NewtonCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Cyril Thompson, Frank Delgrosso, Donovan
Con: Frank Delgrosso 3
Pen: Frank Delgrosso
[46] Try: Trevor Hall Referee: Percy Rogers
7 JulyMarist14–13DevonportCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Hec Brisbane 2, William Noble, Jim O'Brien
Con: Charles Gregory
[47] Try: Len Scott, Allan Seagar, Stanley Rule
Con: Allan Seagar, Alf Scott
Referee: T Chernside
7 JulyEllerslie22–2CityCarlaw Park 1 
1:30Try: Hemingway, Davis, V Speight, Ivan Littlewood
Con: Hemingway 3
Pen: Hemingway
[48] Pen: Laurie BarchardReferee: H McKubrey

Round 11

Richmond v Devonport, 14 July 1928.png
14 JulyRichmond16–14DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Ralph Jenkinson, G Stewart, L Taylor, Colebrook
Con: L Taylor 2
[49] Try: Stanley Rule, J Beattie, Allan Seagar, Len Scott
Con: Alf Scott
Attendance: 5000
Referee: William Mincham
14 JulyPonsonby11–11MaristCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Kenneth Peckham, Joseph Peckham, Leslie Letton
Con: Frank Delgrosso
[50] Try: William Noble, Hec Brisbane, Phil Brady
Con: Charles Gregory
Attendance: 5000
Referee: Bert Emirali
14 JulyNewton5–2EllerslieAuckland Domain 1 
3:00Try: C Rhodes
Con: Craddock Dufty
[51] Pen: HemingwayReferee: T Hill

Round 12

The New Zealand team was playing the 2nd test against England in Dunedin this weekend so all the Auckland players in the New Zealand side were unavailable for their club sides.

18 AugustPonsonby13–13RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: George Gardiner 2, C 'Dooley' Moore
Con: George Gardiner 2
[52] Try: Colebrook, Jones, Dixon
Con: L Taylor 2
Referee: H McKubrey
18 AugustCity31–5NewtonCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: George Perry, Bill Hamilton 2, C Reynolds 2, Lawrence 2
Con: Laurie Barchard 4
Pen: Laurie Barchard
[53] Try: Alan Clarke
Con: Alan Clarke
Referee: Percy Rogers
18 AugustEllerslie11–0MaristCarlaw Park 1 
1:45Try: Ivan Littlewood, Hemingway, V Speight
Con: Edward Crewther
[54] Referee: Les Bull

Round 13

William Mincham refereed approximately his 50th ever senior club match in the game at Ellerslie Reserve between Ellerslie and Richmond. He had begun refereeing in 1920 after retiring from playing. Mincham had represented Auckland and his son Ted Mincham and grand son Robert Mincham both represented New Zealand.

25 AugustDevonport24–6PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Horace Dixon, Jim O'Brien 2, O’Leary, Ernest Ruby, Allan Seagar
Con: Alf Scott 2, Ernest Ruby
[55] Try: J Payne, FordReferee: Les Bull
25 AugustCity14–10MaristCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Reynolds 2, Lawrence
Con: Laurie Barchard
[56] Try: Gordon Campbell, Petherick
Con: Charles Gregory
Pen: Charles Gregory
Referee: Arthur Rae
25 AugustEllerslie8–10RichmondEllerslie Reserve 
3:00Try: Ivan Littlewood 2
Con: Selby Crewther
[57] Try: Swift, L Taylor
Con: L Taylor
Drop: L Taylor
Referee: William Mincham

Round 14

1 SeptemberDevonport33–16EllerslieCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Len Scott 2, Alf Scott, O'Leary, Jim O'Brien, Ernest Ruby, Stan Webb
Con: Alf Scott 3, Allan Seagar 2
Drop: Simmonds
[58] Try: Allan, Ivan Littlewood
Con: Hemingway 2
Pen: Hemingway 3
Referee: Percy Rogers
1 SeptemberCity17–2RichmondCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: William McLaughlin, Joe Hadley, George Perry, Bill Hadley, Lawrence
Con: Horne
[59] Drop: L TaylorReferee: William Mincham
1 SeptemberNewton10–2MaristCarlaw Park 1 
1:45Try: Roy Hardgrave, M Little
Con: M Little
Pen: Joy
[60] Pen: Charles Gregory Referee: A Saunders

Roope Rooster Knockout Competition

Marist won the Roope Rooster for 1928 after defeating Ponsonby in a closely contested final. It was the first time they had won the trophy in their history.

Round 1

8 SeptemberNewton25–16CityCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Trevor Hall, Wilson, Roy Hardgrave 3
Con: Craddock Dufty 5
[61] Try: Lawrence, George Perry, J Iveson, Joe Hadley
Con: Lawrence, Laurie Barchard
Referee: William Mincham
8 SeptemberMarist14–9RichmondCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: George Batchelor, Hec Brisbane, Dick Moisley, C McKay
Con: Hec Brisbane
[62] Try: Paterson
Con: L Taylor
Pen: L Taylor 2
Referee: H McKubrey
8 SeptemberDevonport12–11EllerslieCarlaw Park 1 
1:45Try: O'Leary, Horace Dixon
Con: Allan Seagar
Pen: Allan Seagar
Drop: Bill Cleaver
[63] Try: Ivan Littlewood, A Dance, Allen
Con: Selby Crewther
Referee: Arthur Rae

Semifinals

Extra time was played in the Ponsonby match with Newton. Craddock Dufty was tackled into touch going for a try and the match ended a 5–5 draw with a replay required the following weekend.

22 SeptemberNewton5–5PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
3:15Try: M Little
Con: Craddock Dufty
[64] Try: Revell
Pen: Frank Delgrosso
Referee: Percy Rogers
22 SeptemberMarist10–5DevonportCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Jim Johnson, Hec Brisbane
Con: Charles Gregory
Pen: Charles Gregory
[65] Try: Stanley Rule
Con: Lindsay Simons
Referee: William Mincham

Semifinal Replay

30 SeptemberPonsonby8–6NewtonCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: J Payne, Lou Hutt
Con: Frank Delgrosso
[66] Try: M Little, Roy Hardgrave Referee: William Mincham

Final

6 OctoberMarist10–8PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: William Noble, F Hanson
Con: Charles Gregory 2
[67] Try: George Gardiner, Kenneth Peckham
Pen: Frank Delgrosso
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: A Saunders

Stormont Memorial Shield

Stormont Shield.png
Marist v Devonport, Stormont Shield final 13 Oct, 1928.png

Marist won the Stormont Shield (named after their former teammate William (Bill) Stormont) for the first time when they defeated the Monteith Shield champions Devonport with a late try by 9 points to 8.

13 OctoberMarist9–8DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Hec Brisbane, John Stormont, F Hanson [68] Try: O'Leary 2
Con: Lindsay Simons
Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Les Bull

Labour Day Tournament

The Marist team of 1928.png

The ‘Labour Day Tournament’ was played over two days (the official holiday, and the following Saturday). It featured Huntly from the Lower Waikato competition and Pt Chevalier who had won the second grade competition. Marist won the trophy despite having to win two games on the first day, and two more on the second. For their efforts they were awarded £50 in prize money. Future international Ted Mincham made his debut for Richmond and scored a try.

Round 1

20 OctoberMarist12–10HuntlyCarlaw Park 1 
2:00Try: George Batchelor, William Noble, F Hanson, Petherick [69] Try: Gronby, Tom Timms
Con: Jones, Rayner
Referee: Arthur Rae
20 OctoberCity11–3DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: George Perry 2, William McLaughlin
Con: Laurie Barchard
[70] Try: O’LearyReferee: H McKubrey
20 OctoberRichmond11–5NewtonCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Bill Davis, Colebrook, Ted Mincham
Con: Eric (Mick) Carroll
[71] Try: Roy Hardgrave
Pen: Craddock Dufty
Referee: T Chernside
20 OctoberPonsonby25–13Pt ChevalierCarlaw Park 2 
4:00Try: Cyril Thompson 2, Frank Delgrosso 2, Kenneth Peckham, Revell, C 'Dooley' Moore
Con: Frank Delgrosso
[72] Try: McPherson, Carroll, Monoghan
Con: Robert Purdy
Referee: Percy Rogers
20 OctoberMarist11–8EllerslieCarlaw Park 1 
4:00Try: Phil Brady, Dick Moisley, George Batchelor
Con: William Noble
[73] Try: Ivan Littlewood, Capner
Pen: Crewther

Semifinals

Richmond v Ponsonby, 27 Oct, 1928.png
27 OctoberRichmond11–5PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
2:00Try: L Taylor 3
Con: L Taylor
[74] Try: Crooks
Con: Frank Delgrosso
Attendance: 2,500
Referee: Les Bull
27 OctoberMarist17–12CityCarlaw Park 2 
2:00Try: George Batchelor 3, George Batchelor, Jim O'Brien
Con: Charles Gregory
[75] Try: George Perry 2
Con: Laurie Barchard 2
Pen: Laurie Barchard
Attendance: 2,500
Referee: H McKubrey

Final

27 OctoberMarist12–5RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
4:00Try: Jim O'Brien, Jock Graham, George Batchelor, Hec Brisbane [76] Try: Ted Mincham
Pen: L Taylor
Attendance: 2,500
Referee: Percy Rogers

A Division B Division promotion-relegation match

For the second year in a row Ellerslie United and Grafton Athletic met in a match to decide who would play in the Senior A Division in 1929. Ellerslie scored a converted try in the closing stages of the match to remain in the A Grade.

6 OctoberEllerslie15–13GraftonCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: V Speight, Allen, Davis
Con: Selby Crewther 2
Pen: Selby Crewther
[77] Try: N York, York jun., Allen
Con: Ralph Longville
Pen: Ralph Longville
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: Bert Emirali

Top try scorers and point scorers

Top try and point scorers for A Division, Roope Rooster and Labour Day competitions (the three competitions all A Division teams competed in).

Norton Cup (B Grade standings and results)

Norton Cup standings

TeamPldWDLFAPts
Grafton Athletic 1210201456922
Otahuhu Rovers 1271412311515
Kingsland Rovers 1260613010512
Māngere United 125161398911
Parnell 1251611812711
Point Chevalier 124171041389
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 121011521712

Norton Cup results

Round 1 saw the opening of the new municipal ground (Stafford Park) at Northcote prior to Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers match with Point Chevalier. The ground was opened by Northcote Mayor A. E. Greenslade who kicked off the ball to start the match. It was approximately the 21st ground in Auckland that had hosted an official senior club rugby league match. During the season Otahuhu asked the Otahuhu Borough Council for permission to take up a collection at the Princes St. Reserve and they also asked the council if they would erect a building. The council agreed to the collection but declined in regards to the building. [78] On June 9 Sturges Park in Ōtāhuhu was used for the first time for an official senior rugby league game when Ōtāhuhu beat Māngere 7 to 5. Prior to the Round 11 matches Wirenui Mapi, the halfback of the Mangere team died after a short illness. The team wore white armbands for their match with Newton in honour of him.

Grafton Athletic won the competition after an undefeated season.

Fixtures
DateScoreScoreVenue
Round 128 April [79] Parnell13Mangere5Carlaw Park # 2, 3:15pm
28 AprilNorthcote10Point Chevalier9Stafford Park, Northcote, 3pm [80]
28 AprilOtahuhu13Grafton15Otahuhu Reserve, 3pm
Round 25 May [81] Grafton12Parnell12Auckland Domain # 1, 3pm
5 MayMangere8Kingsland5Auckland Domain # 3, 3pm
5 MayPoint Chevalier5Otahuhu5Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 312 May [82] Grafton12Kingsland5Auckland Domain # 6, 3pm
12 MayOtahuhu14Northcote0Victoria Park, 3pm
12 MayPoint Chevalier8Parnell14Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 419 May [83] Grafton11Mangere8Auckland Domain # 1, 3pm
19 MayKingsland30Point Chevalier7Auckland Domain # 5, 3pm
19 MayParnell7Northcote5Victoria Park # 2, 3pm
Round 526 May [84] Northcote5Kingsland9Stafford Park, Northcote, 3pm
26 MayOtahuhu8Parnell5Otahuhu Reserve, 3pm
26 MayPoint Chevalier5Mangere11Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 62 June [85] Mangere13Northcote5Victoria Park, 3pm
2 JuneOtahuhu3Kingsland8Otahuhu Reserve, 3pm
2 JunePoint Chevalier0Grafton12Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 79 June [86] Northcote2Grafton24Stafford Park, Northcote, 3pm
9 JuneŌtāhuhu7Māngere5Sturges Park, Otahuhu, 3pm
9 JuneKingsland19Parnell10Auckland Domain # 2, 3pm
Round 823 June [87] Point Chevalier17Northcote3Point Chevalier, 3pm
23 JuneGrafton15Otahuhu0Auckland Domain # 2, 3pm
23 JuneMangere32Parnell18Mangere Trotting Club, 3pm
Round 930 June [88] Otahuhu22Point Chevalier9Sturges Park, Otahuhu, 3pm
30 JuneGrafton13Parnell8Auckland Domain # 6, 3pm
30 JuneKingsland6Mangere3Otahuhu Trotting Track, 3pm
Round 107 July [89] Grafton8Kingsland3Auckland Domain # 1, 3pm
7 JulyOtahuhu8Northcote6Victoria Park, 3pm
7 JulyPoint Chevalier8Parnell5Outer Domain, 3pm
Round 1114 July [90] Grafton3Mangere3Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm
14 JulyParnell18Northcote3Victoria Park, 3pm
14 JulyPoint Chevalier19Kingsland8Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 1218 Aug [91] Otahuhu14Parnell8Auckland Domain # 5, 3pm
18 AugKingsland16Northcote5Outer Domain, 3pm
18 AugMangere6Point Chevalier7Victoria Park, 3pm
Round 1325 Aug [92] Grafton11Point Chevalier10Victoria Park # 2, 3pm
25 AugMangere27Northcote3Auckland Domain # 2, 3pm
25 AugOtahuhu25Kingsland21Auckland Domain # 6, 3pm
Round 141 Sep [93] Grafton9Northcote5Victoria Park, 3pm
1 SepMangere18Otahuhu6Auckland Domain, 3pm
1 SepParnellWBDKingslandLBDOuter Domain, 3pm

Stallard Cup Knockout Competition

In the first round of matches the referee (Mr. Hill) in the Otahuhu v Kingsland game stopped play early and awarded the game to Kingsland due to the rough play of the Otahuhu side. There were several fights during the match and the referee had difficulty keeping spectators off the field. According to the writer in the NZ Herald this “was not the first time the spectators at Otahuhu had made trouble, and they were really the cause of the players getting out of hand”. [94]

The final saw Grafton and Point Chevalier tied at the end of normal time necessitating two extra periods of five minutes before Monaghan of Point Chevalier kicked a penalty goal to win the cup. This handed Point Chevalier their first ever senior trophy.

1928 Stallard Cup Results
DateScoreScoreVenue
Round 18 Sep [95] Point Chevalier15Mangere8Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm
8 SepGrafton10Northcote2Auckland Domain # 1, 3pm
8 SepOtahuhu5Kingsland8Otahuhu, 3pm
Semifinal22 Sep [96] Point Chevalier13Parnell6Point Chevalier, 3pm
Semifinal22 Sep [97] Grafton18Kingsland10Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm
Final30 Sep [98] Point Chevalier15Grafton13Carlaw Park # 2, 3pm

Other club matches and lower grades

Lower grade competitions

Richmond were awarded the Davis Points Shield for the most junior grade wins. They gained 75 points, with Devonport finishing second.

Second grade (Wright Cup)

Devonport United won the championship, 6 points clear of Remuera, Ponsonby and Newton. Many of the results were not reported so the final standings are incomplete and shows the trailing teams 8 points behind. Newton won the knockout competition with an 8-7 win over Ponsonby on September 8.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Devonport United 1210011774020
Remuera 1260511418712
Newton Rangers 116042835612
Ponsonby United 116052687612
Richmond Rovers 123091391176
Māngere United 600602340

Third grade open (Walker Shield)

The championship was won by Richmond who finished 2 competition points ahead of Mount Albert though with many results not reported the standings do not reflect this. Richmond also won the knockout competition when the defeated Mount Albert on October 27. Mangere United withdrew after defaulting in round 1.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Richmond Rovers 15132011912328
Mount Albert United 15111311483123
Grafton Athletic 138011623416
Ellerslie United 136221692814
New Lynn 136041674112
Kingsland Rovers 145151545811
Parnell 9414255469
Otahuhu Rovers 15409026898
Glen Eden 13305237466
Ponsonby United 143090681636
Devonport United B 13217237885
Devonport United A 14106131512
Northcote & Birkenhead Rambers 1401101301771
Māngere United 10010000

Third grade intermediate

Won by Richmond who were unbeaten with 15 wins, 8pts clear of Ponsonby. They had scored 308 points and conceded only 28. They also won the knockout competition when they beat Newmarket 15-10 in the final on September 29. Newmarket had beaten Devonport 6-3 in one semi final, while Richmond defeated New Lynn in the other semi final. The Richmond team had been together for four seasons and won the competition each year as they progressed from sixth grade to third. They had only lost one championship match in that time. [99] Grafton Athletic withdrew after 1 round so have not been included in the standings. Remuera withdrew after 9 rounds having lost all their matches to that point.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Richmond Rovers 15150023082830
Ponsonby United 15924113511320
Newmarket 1572411438816
City Rovers 1561422027813
Newton Rangers 164170601309
Devonport United 15325138588
Point Chevalier 153181571817
New Lynn 132191291895
Remuera 8007161050

Fourth grade (Hospital Cup)

Richmond won by Richmond, 2 pts clear of Remuera. Richmond also won the knockout competition when they beat Akarana in the final by 13 points to 8 on October 13. Richmond had beaten Remuera 3-2 in one semi final, while Akarana defeated City 11-3 in the other.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Richmond Rovers 13111121403023
Remuera 15101211294221
Akarana 1291231582519
City Rovers 1271421103215
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 135051784810
Otahuhu Rovers 143091271456
Ponsonby United 13109221952
Point Chevalier 12008261580
Ellerslie United 1000612960
Devonport United 20020000

Fifth grade (Endean Shield)

Akarana won the championship by 6 clear points from Devonport. Devonport beat Richmond 15–7 in the knockout final on September 15. On July 14 the newly formed Mount Albert side entered a team mid season and played 4 matches before the conclusion of the competition. Browne Bros and Geddes were a side made up of the employees of a confectionery company which entered a team in the competition. Their only win came against the Mount Albert side on July 21 when they beat them 6-4.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Akarana 11110022011122
Devonport United 107033933215
Grafton Athletic 9405253578
Richmond Rovers 11406150638
Browne Bros & Geddes 1110102191892
Mount Albert United 400304870

Sixth grade A

Point Chevalier won the championship, 6pts clear of Richmond. Richmond won the knockout competition when they beat Newmarket 5-3 in the final on October 6. Richmond had beaten Northcote 27-7 in a semi final while Newmarket beat Point Chevalier 14-0 in the other semi final. Otahuhu withdrew after 9 rounds.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Point Chevalier 16140211052928
Richmond Rovers 1611051715322
Marist Old Boys 1691511445319
Newmarket 157241462216
Akarana 156241993514
Kingsland Rovers 15228135576
Devonport United 142292231216
Otahuhu Rovers 8115116893
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 15001028880

Sixth grade B (Myers Cup)

Point Chevalier won the championship with a 5 point gap back to Marist. Marist won the knockout competition with a 6-2 win over Point Chevalier in the final on September 29. Point Chevalier had beaten Richmond in one semi final, while Marist beat Devonport 11-6 in the other.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Point Chevalier 1311201133824
Marist Old Boys 1591201642219
Richmond Rovers 1772321074116
Devonport United 1480411208016
City Rovers 156040675812
Akarana 13318056517
Newton Rangers 1530110381446
Newmarket 140014032840

Schoolboys competition

Newmarket Primary School won the championship. Otahuhu Schools won the final of the school knockout competition after defeating Onehunga Convent 13 to 3 on October 27. Otahuhu had beaten Newmarket 12-10 in their semi final while Onehunga Convent A beat Mount Albert Primary School 8-0 in the other semi final. Newton, Mount Albert, Otahuhu B, Onehunga Convent B, and Onehunga Convent C had entered teams for the knockout competition which began on September 8.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Newmarket Primary School940017458
Otahuhu Schools10311188197
Richmond Rovers9311152107
Papatoetoe Primary School8202122524
Onehunga Convent A8101030172
Ellerslie Primary School900422620
Mangere Primary School9004131060

Exhibition matches

Richmond traveled north to play Hikurangi in the first rugby league match in the area. The local rugby team had become dissatisfied with their treatment by the rugby union and had switched to the league code. Richmond won the match in poor weather by 5 points to 0 with manager Ben Davis refereeing the match.

Ponsonby Tour Matches v Hikurangi

1 SeptemberHikurangi10–22PonsonbyHikurangi Recreation Ground 
3:00Try: C Meyers, Taylor
Pen: J Hamilton 2
[100] Try: Leslie Letton 3, Lou Hutt, Ford, George Gardiner
Con: Kenneth Peckham 2
1 SeptemberHikurangi Juniors5–11Ponsonby JuniorsHikurangi Recreation Ground 
12:30Try: O'Callaghan
Con: Unknown x 1
[101] Try: Wilson 2, Ashby
Con: Fleming

Hikurangi tour to Auckland

8 SeptemberPonsonby17–14HikurangiCarlaw Park 2 
1:45Try: Crooks, Moore, Victor Fagan 2, Kenneth Peckham
Con: Frank Delgrosso
[102] Try: Bell, E Cunningham
Con: J Hamilton
Pen: J Hamilton, T Meyers
Drop: J Hamilton
Referee: B Emirali

Exhibition matches

List of exhibition matches
DateScoreScoreVenueRefereeAttendance
Exhibition Match7 July [103] Hikurangi0Richmond5HikurangiBen Davis
Exhibition Match8 Aug [104] Hikurangi Juniors13Richmond B17Hikurangi
Exhibition Match15 Sep [105] Hikurangi23Parnell6Hikurangi Recreation Park-400
Exhibition Match6 Oct [106] North Auckland9Auckland Selection33Whangarei-1,000
Exhibition Match13 Oct [107] Northcote5Hamilton3Carlaw Park # 2, 3pm-
Exhibition Match20 Oct [108] Mount Albert 3rd Grade5Huntly Juniors15Carlaw Park # 1, 1pm-

Representative season

Auckland v South Auckland, 16 June, 1928.png

The first representative fixture of the season was played against South Auckland for the Northern Union Challenge Cup which the visitors had won from Auckland in 1927. Auckland won the 1928 match by 22 points to 3. The game was played in poor weather and was notable for the number of serious injuries with Stan Prentice of Auckland breaking his nose, W. Smith of Huntly suffering a severe back injury, and Stan Raynor of Huntly breaking his ribs. All three of them were taken to Auckland Hospital. [109]

A midweek trial match was played between the Possibles and Probables in order to select the Auckland team which was due to play the touring England side later in the season.

Auckland v Canterbury, July 21, 1928.png

Auckland trounced Canterbury in a Northern Union Cup match by 66 points to 22 with winger Roy Hardgrave (son of former Kiwi Arthur Hardgrave) running in five tries. The match was played in good conditions for the most part and was witnessed by a large crowd of 15,000.

A North Island v South Island trial match was played at Carlaw Park. The North Island team fielded a large contingent of Auckland players including Craddock Dufty, Roy Hardgrave, Hec Brisbane, Maurice Wetherill, Stan Prentice, Frank Delgrosso, A. Scott, Lou Hutt, Wally Somers, and Jim O'Brien (Marist). The North Island team was far too good, winning 44 to 8. The following week a Probables v Possibles match was played as part of the selection process for the New Zealand team to play against the touring England side. The two teams featured the following Auckland players (Probables): Craddock Dufty, Len Scott, Hec Brisbane, Allan Seagar, Tim Peckham, Wally Somers, Jim O'Brien (Marist), Trevor Hall, Alf Scott, (Possibles): J Beattie, Trevor Hanlon, and Bill Cleaver.

Auckland Province v England, August 8, 1928.png

A match was also played by Auckland in Whangarei. This was the first time an Auckland representative team had played in Northland and they were up against a fledgling North Auckland side. The area was relatively lowly populated and it was thought that they could not sustain both competitive rugby union and rugby league sides. Auckland win relatively convincingly and rugby league was to continue to struggle in the area for some time. The final match of the season saw Auckland go down to South Auckland both physically and on the scoreboard by 21 points to 7. The Auckland team was below strength.

Representative fixtures and trials

Auckland v South Auckland (Northern Union C.C.)

Auckland v South Auckland, 16 June, 1928 ph2.png
16 JuneAuckland22–3South AucklandCarlaw Park 1 
2:45Try: Len Scott, Claude List 2, Roy Hardgrave, Lou Hutt, Albert Payne
Con: Craddock Dufty 2
[110] Try: L WilliamsAttendance: 3,000
Referee: Les Bull

Auckland trial match

AKL Probables v Possibles, 11 July 1928.png
11 JulyAuckland Probables14–24Auckland PossiblesCarlaw Park 1 
2:30Try: Tim Peckham, Ralph Jenkinson, Joe Hadley, Moore
Con: Charles Gregory
[111] Try: Roy Hardgrave, Maurice Wetherill, Claude List, Stan Prentice 2, Trevor Hall
Con: Frank Delgrosso 2
Pen: Frank Delgrosso
Attendance: 1,500
Referee: H McKubrey

Auckland v Canterbury

21 JulyAuckland66–26CanterburyCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Craddock Dufty 3, Claude List 2, Maurice Wetherill, Roy Hardgrave 5, Allan Seagar 3, Stan Prentice 2
Con: Craddock Dufty 2, Allan Seagar, Frank Delgrosso 4, Alan Clarke, Wally Somers
[112] Try: P Smith, J Spillane 3, E Consedine, E Spencer
Con: B O’Connell, P Smith, E Spencer
Pen: R Bond
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: R.T. Hill

Auckland v South Auckland

25 JulyAuckland17–19South AucklandCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Len Scott 2, Claude List, Roy Hardgrave, Alan Clarke
Con: Tim Peckham
[113] Try: George Raynor, George Tittleton, Stan Raynor, Brownie Paki
Con: Stan Raynor
Pen: D Hall
Attendance: 2,500
Referee: William Mincham

Inter Island Match

28 JulyNorth Island44–8South IslandCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Roy Hardgrave 2, Hec Brisbane 3, Stan Raynor, Frank Delgrosso 2, Lou Hutt, Tom Timms
Con: Craddock Dufty, Frank Delgrosso 5
Pen: Craddock Dufty
[114] Try: J Spillane, Goodall
Con: J Spillane
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Les Bull

New Zealand Trial Match

1 AugustNZ Probables27–24NZ PossiblesCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Ralph Longville 3, Allan Seagar, Wilson 2, Ralph Jenkinson
Con: Craddock Dufty 2, Wally Somers
[115] Try: J Spillane, Alf Townsend, Quinn, J Payne, Alan Clarke, McOliver
Con: J Beattie, Bert Eckhoff
Pen: Alan Clarke
Referee: H McKubrey

England Tour Match

The entire Auckland Provincial team were Auckland club players aside from Joe Menzies

8 AugustAuckland Province9–14EnglandCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Len Scott
Pen: Craddock Dufty 3
[116] Try: Alf Frodsham, Les Fairclough, Emlyn Gwynne, Billo Rees
Con: Walter Gowers
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: Percy Rogers

Auckland v England

Crowd making their way to Carlaw Park. Crowd going to Auckland v England game at Carlaw Park, 11 Aug, 1928.png
Crowd making their way to Carlaw Park.
11 AugustAuckland15–26EnglandCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Len Scott, Roy Hardgrave, Alan Clarke
Con: Craddock Dufty 2
Drop: Craddock Dufty
[117] Try: Alf Ellaby, Jim Brough, Alf Frodsham, Billo Rees 2, Harold Bowman
Con: Jim Sullivan 4
Attendance: 25,000
Referee: William Mincham

Auckland v Otago (Northern Union C.C.)

15 SeptemberAuckland42–22OtagoCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Roy Hardgrave 3, Len Scott, Hec Brisbane 3, Dick Moisley, Ernest Ruby 2
Con: Craddock Dufty 4, Frank Delgrosso 2
[118] Try: W Clydesdale, R Cusack, J Timlin, T Hicks
Con: W Clydesdale 2
Pen: W Clydesdale, Bert Eckhoff 2
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Les Bull

North Auckland v Auckland

6 OctoberNorth Auckland9–33AucklandKensington Park, Whangarei 
3:00Try: H Connolly, E Cunningham, J Hamilton [119] Try: Claude List, Roy Hardgrave 2, Jones, Trevor Hall, Ernest Ruby, Ralph Jenkinson
Con: Craddock Dufty 4, Roy Hardgrave
Drop: Craddock Dufty
Attendance: 1,000
Referee: Les Bull

Auckland v South Auckland

13 OctoberSouth Auckland21–7AucklandHuntly Recreation Ground 
Try: Unknown x 21 points [120] Try: Unknown x 7 points

Auckland representative matches played and scorers

NoNameClubPlayedTriesConPenDGPoints
1 Craddock Dufty Newton53140241
1 Roy Hardgrave Newton61310041
3 Claude List Kingsland6600018
4 Len Scott Devonport5500015
5 Frank Delgrosso Ponsonby3060012
6 Allan Seagar Devonport4310011
7Ernest RubyDevonport330009
7 Hec Brisbane Marist130009
9 Alan Clarke Newton421008
10 Stan Prentice Richmond420006
11 Lou Hutt Ponsonby510003
11Albert PaynePonsonby410003
11 Maurice Wetherill City210003
11 Trevor Hall Newton510003
11Dick MoisleyMarist110003
11W JonesRichmond110003
11Ralph JenkinsonRichmond110003
18 Tim Peckham Ponsonby301002
18 Wally Somers Newton501002
20 Jim O'Brien Marist300000
20Crewther (Bob, Selby or E)Ellerslie100000
20Alf ScottDevonport100000
20 Horace Dixon Devonport100000
20Trevor HanlonRichmond200000
20B DavisEllerslie100000
20G RhodesNewton100000
20Bill HamiltonCity100000
20M LittleNewton100000
20Ralph LongvilleCity100000
20L TaylorRichmond100000
20 Jack Wilson jun. Mangere100000

Auckland players selected for New Zealand

The following Auckland players were selected in the New Zealand team to play the first test versus England at Carlaw Park: Craddock Dufty (Newton), Roy Hardgrave (Newton), Claude List (Kingsland), Len Scott (Devonport), Maurice Wetherill (City), Stan Prentice (Richmond), Frank Delgrosso (Ponsonby), Lou Hutt (Ponsonby), Wally Somers (Newton), Jim O'Brien (Marist), Reserves: Tim Peckham (Ponsonby), and Trevor Hall (Newton). New Zealand won the test by 17 points to 13 in front of 27,000 spectators. [121] Hec Brisbane who had not been considered for the first test due to injury was selected for the second test to be played in Dunedin and replaced Len Scott in the side.

Annual general meetings and club news

Details of annual club meetings were as follows, along with notable news during the season.

Related Research Articles

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1920 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

The Auckland Rugby League was in its 12th season.

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

The 1922 Auckland Rugby League was the 14th in its history. There were 68 teams playing across the various grades. City Rovers won the first grade championship for the 5th time, with Ponsonby winning the Roope Rooster for the 2nd time. City Rovers also defended the Challenge Shield, warding off efforts from Petone, Tongariro, and Huntly to lift it from them. Bill Davidson set a record for points scored in an Auckland club rugby league season with 116 for City Rovers. He and his brothers Ben and George between them scored 186 of City Rover's 339 points which was also a competition record for a team in a single season. City scored a further 19 points in the Roope Rooster competition and 85 points in their 3 Challenge Shield matches for 443 points in all official games.

The 1923 season of the Auckland Rugby League was its 15th. The First Grade competition featured 7 teams with the Fire Brigade club who featured in it in 1922 not entering a team.

The 1925 season of Auckland Rugby League was its 16th. On 30 March Auckland Rugby League held its fifteenth annual meeting with 200 in attendance. The strong financial position of the league was commented on. It was also decided that if possible the Senior Grade would be split into A and B divisions owing to the increasing number of teams who wished to enter but also the gap in standard between the best teams and the worst.

The 1926 season of the Auckland Rugby League was its 17th.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1927 Auckland Rugby League season</span> Rugby league season

The 1927 Auckland Rugby League season was its 18th. Newton defeated Ponsonby by 6 points to 3 in the championship final to win the Monteith Shield after both teams finished the season tied with identical 8 win, 1 draw, 3 loss records. This was the second time Newton had won the championship in 18 efforts, with the first being in 1912 and was to be their last after they merged decades later with City Rovers and the combined team ceased in the early 2000s. Richmond won the Roope Rooster knockout trophy for the second consecutive season. Newton Rangers defeated Richmond to win the Stormont Shield.

<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 1931 Auckland Rugby League season was its 23rd.

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1933 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

The 1933 season of Auckland Rugby League was its 25th. The championship was won by Devonport United. This was their fifth title having previously won it in 1913, 1914, 1928 and 1932. The first two titles were prior to their merger with the nearby Sunnyside club when they were known as North Shore Albions, a name they later reverted to. They finished 1 point ahead of runner up Marist Old Boys. Devonport also won the Stormont Shield for the third time following victories in 1930 and 1931. They defeated Richmond Rovers in the final by 12 points to 7. Richmond had gained their place in the Stormont Shield match by winning the Roope Rooster with wins over Newton (29–15), Marist Old Boys (10–0), and City Rovers in the final by 26 points to 14. This was Richmond's third Roope Rooster title following wins in 1926 and 1927. Marist were awarded the Thistle Cup for the most competition points scored in the second round.

The 1934 Auckland Rugby League season was its 26th. The senior championship was won by Richmond Rovers who ran away with the title with an 11 win, 2 loss record. Such was their dominance that a 14th round was not played as Richmond had a 6-point lead over their nearest competitor Newton Rangers. Richmond also won the Roope Rooster knockout competition with a 20 to 13 win over Marist Old Boys in the final. Their remarkable season also included the Stormont Shield which they won 21 to 5 over Newton Rangers. This was the first ever time that an Auckland club had won all three senior grade titles in the same season. The Richmond reserve grade team also won the title which was remarkable in that they lost their first two matches before reeling off 12 consecutive wins to claim the title. They also won the Stallard Cup knockout competition when they beat City Rovers Reserves 21 to 9. Richmond also recorded two wins over the touring Western Suburbs side who had won the New South Wales premiership with 18–16 and 10–3 wins. This was easily the strongest set of results of any club at the senior level in Auckland Rugby League's history to this point and arguably to this day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ivan Littlewood</span> NZ international rugby league & union footballer

Inglis Ivan Irwin Levers Littlewood was a rugby league player who represented New Zealand for the first time in 1925. In so doing he became Kiwi 181. He also represented the Lower Waikato, South Auckland, and Auckland representative rugby league teams from 1919 to 1927.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stan Prentice</span> NZ international rugby league player

Stan Prentice (1903-1982) was an Auckland rugby league player who represented New Zealand in 5 test matches from 1928 to 1935. He was Kiwi #192 when he debuted against England in 1928 when he played in all 3 test matches. He then played in 2 tests against Australia in 1935. Prentice played 141 games for Richmond Rovers, captaining them in the later half of his career. He also represented Auckland on 20 occasions, as well as 5 times for the North Island. He later coached Mount Albert United to the 1939 Fox Memorial title and also coached Auckland in 1939 and 1948 as well as being a selector of the side through many seasons.

Gordon Campbell was a rugby league player who represented New Zealand in 2 tests in 1932 against England. Campbell played in the position of hooker. In the process he became the 223rd player to represent New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alan Clarke (rugby league)</span> NZ international rugby league footballer

Alan Clarke was a rugby league player who represented New Zealand in one test match against England in 1932 at lock. In the process he became the 227th player to represent New Zealand. He also played rugby league for the North Island and Auckland representative sides as well as the Newton Rangers, and Marist Old Boys clubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roy Hardgrave</span> NZ international rugby league player

Roy Arthur Hardgrave was a rugby league player. He represented New Zealand rugby league team in 3 tests in 1928. In the process he became the 189th player to represent New Zealand. Hardgrave also played for Newton Rangers, St Helens, Mount Albert United, York, and Toulouse rugby league clubs, along with the North Island, and Auckland representative sides. His father Arthur Hardgrave also represented New Zealand from 1912 to 1914.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Len Scott</span> New Zealand rugby league player

Leonard Joseph Scott was a rugby league player. He represented the New Zealand rugby league team in 5 tests between 1928 and 1936, becoming the 191st player to represent New Zealand. Scott also played for the North Shore Albions club based in Devonport on Auckland's North Shore. Scott also played representative matches for Auckland, Auckland Colts, Auckland Province, New Zealand trial sides, a New Zealand XIII, and the North Island. He is the cousin of New Zealand rugby league player and New Zealand test cricketer, Verdun Scott and the two played together at North Shore later in Len's career.

References

  1. "Formation of New Club". The New Zealand Herald . Vol. LXV, no. 19914. 5 April 1928. p. 15. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  2. "Management Committee Meet/Earlier Start of Games/Another Player Reinstated". Auckland Star . Vol. LIX, no. 139. 14 June 1928. p. 14. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  3. "Leagues Good Year". Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 328. 13 April 1928. p. 6. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  4. "The Fourth Graders". Franklin Times, Volume XXI, Issue 78. 6 July 1931. p. 8. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  5. "Auckland Governing Body/Report on the Past Season". The New Zealand Herald . Vol. LXV, no. 19907. 28 March 1928. p. 17. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  6. "Auckland Activities/Mew Officers Elected/Plans for Coming Season". The New Zealand Herald . Vol. LXV, no. 19920. 13 April 1928. p. 15. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
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