1936 Auckland Rugby League season
The 1936 Auckland Rugby League season was its 28th. The Fox Memorial was won by Manukau in their first season back in the senior A grade as a stand-alone club since the early 1910s. They also won the Roope Rooster competition when they defeated City Rovers 23 to 10 in the final. Richmond Rovers finished runners up in the Fox Memorial and earned the right to play Manukau for the Stormont Shield. Richmond won the trophy after beating Manukau 30–9 in the Stormont Shield clash. Richmond also won the Phelan Shield after they had been knocked out of the Roope Rooster in the first round. They beat Marist Old Boys 13–9 in the final.
By accumulating the most points in the second round of the Fox competition Ponsonby United won the Thistle Cup. Mount Albert United won the senior reserve championship (Norton Cup) which was the first senior title in their history. Marist won the reserve grade knockout competition (Stallard Cup). The senior B grade (Sharman Cup) was won by Papakura who went unbeaten throughout the season. They also won the Walmsley Shield by going unbeaten in the extra round played for that trophy. Point Chevalier won the senior B knockout competition after they defeated Green Lane 22–9 in the final.
Auckland played 3 representative fixtures with the first 2 played on the same day, when they fielded 2 teams against separate opponents. The opposition was Tāmaki (Auckland Māori) who they lost to 30-21, and Wellington who they beat 25–22. The highlight of their season was the match against the touring Great Britain played in front of 14,000 at Carlaw Park. Great Britain had recently spent 8 weeks in Australia where they won the test series 2-1 and 14 of their 17 tour matches. Auckland played well but went down 16–22.
Aside from their match with Auckland, the Tāmaki (Auckland Māori) team played Waikato Māori on June 15 and lost 30–43 at Te Kohanga, and had a win over Northland Māori (Takahiwai) 39–15 in a match for the Waitangi Shield. Jack Hemi, the New Zealand Māori rugby representative had switched codes and played all 3 matches for them. They were scheduled to play a fourth match against Waikato Māori for the Waitangi Shield but owing to the awful weather around that time, and the desire to protect the Carlaw Park surface from any further damage before the touring Great Britain sides matches the game was cancelled.
Auckland Rugby League meetings and news
Annual meeting
On February 26 the ARL met to discuss several issues and to decide on an approximate date for the annual meeting. It was recommended to play a benefit match for Jim Laird of the Marist Old Boys who had been in hospital suffering from a leg injury since the New Zealand – Australia match late in the previous season. It was also stressed that the percentage of money earned given to clubs should increase so that they can promote increased organisation in the sport. Mr. D. Wilkie said it was felt that senior clubs were not catering sufficiently for juniors and the junior board considered that the constitution should compel each club to have at least three junior teams.[1] On March 25 at a board of control meeting several clubs were reported to have altered their uniforms following last year's official suggestion due to colour clashes in many matches.[2]
The annual general meeting was held on April 6. Mr. G. Grey Campbell stated that “if the rugby league public, clubs and players were enthusiastic last year, they are now more than doubly so; in fact, abounding with a confidence that augurs well for the approaching season”. Mr. Harold Walmsley was in attendance and was thanked for his generosity with rugby league for many years and for donating his 21st trophy to the game which would be known as the Tracy Inglis football. Dr. Inglis had been associated with the game as a prominent medical officer. It was later decided to allocate the trophy as an award for junior clubs only for competition on similar lines to the Davis Points Shield.[3]
The following officers were elected to the board:- Patron, Mr. J.B. Donald; vice-patron, Mr. J.F.W. Dickson; president, John A. Lee (M.P.); vice presidents, Messrs. E. Davis, R.D. Bagnall, J. Bellamy, R. Benson, O. Blackwood, John Donald, C. Drysdale, H. Grange, R.J. Laird, W.J. Lovett, E. Montgomery, T.G. Symonds, Joe Sayegh, C. Seagar, Bill Schram (M.P.), W. Wallace, H. Walmsley, R.H. Wood, G.T. Wright, and H.W. Brien; chairman, Mr. G. Grey Campbell; vice-chairman, Ted Phelan; club delegates on the control board, Messrs. Jim Rukutai and J.W. Probert; referee delegate, Mr. W. Mincham; junior board delegate, Mr. D. Wilkie. At the meeting of the control board which followed the following appointments were confirmed:- Hon. secretary, Mr. Ivan Culpan; hon. treasurer, Mr. J.E. Knowling; hon. solicitor, Mr. H.M. Rogerson; hon. Physicians, Drs. Tracy Inglis, M.G. Pezaro, F.J. Gwynne, K.H. Holdgate, J.N. Waddell, H. Burrell and G.W. Lock; hon. masseur, Mr. F. Flanagan; auditor, Mr. R.A. Spinley; Press steward, Mr. R. Doble; referees’ appointment board delegate, Mr. L. Binns; New Zealand Council delegate, Mr. R. Doble; finance committee, the chairman, secretary and Messrs. J.W. Probert and W. Mincham; insurance committee, Messrs. Doble, Binns and D Wilkie; emergency committee, chairman, secretary and Mr. Jim Rukutai; grounds chairman, secretary and Mr. Binns.
The gross receipts were £3,298 13s 9d and were an increase of £500 on the previous season. During the season ground rents due to the hire of Carlaw Park were increased by £71 17s 6d. Players benefited by insurance to the extent of £70 17s. The greatest increase in expenditure was maintenance of Carlaw Park, which amounted to £353 6s 6d. A sum of £520 was granted to senior clubs as gate percentages, which was a record since clubs had benefited from such payments.[4]
It was decided to begin the season on the 18th of April and a “substantial portion” of the gate would be donated to Jim Laird, the Marist player who was still recovering from an injury received playing for New Zealand the previous season. Senior premiership matches would start on May 2.[5]On September 12 during the break between Roope Rooster games at Carlaw Park John A. Lee was presented with a silver mounted oak inkstand by officials of Auckland Rugby League. Lee was an M.P. and was being elevated to Parliamentary Under-Secretary in charge of the State housing scheme. This required him to spend a lot more time in Wellington and he would be relinquishing the presidency of Auckland Rugby League at the end of the season. Lee said “I love the game and I like the people associated with it”... “what ever can do for the league code will be done, not because of politics, but because I love league football”.
Ivan Culpan was then presented with a dressing table set for his work making all the ground arrangements at Carlaw Park throughout the recent English tour. Mr. Culpan said that his work for the league since he became secretary in 1918 had been his hobby.[6]
Honours board
At the annual meeting on April 6 it was decided to compile and hang and honours board at the ARL head office. It would include the names of all “living officials who have a record of 25 years and over in the service of the code in Auckland”. Those present at the meeting who would qualify were William Mincham, Messrs. E.K. Asher (City Rovers) and A. Ferguson (Devonport), 27 years; Jim Rukutai (control board) and William James Liversidge (NZ Council), 26 years; Ivan Culpan (ARL secretary), and Pro. Henry (Newton Rangers), 25 years.[7] The board was being donated by Mr. R.H. Wood who was thanked at a board of control meeting on April 15. It was decided to write to all clubs asking them to "supply the names of members or officials who have 25 years' record of active connection with the game in playing and official capacity".[3]
Carlaw Park
At the February 26 meeting of the ARL the board agreed to erect higher goal posts at Carlaw Park. They also decided to make permanent accommodation there for the Mount Albert United Club.[1] Chairman Campbell at the pre-season ARL meeting said that the ground space had extended the ground space by 12 feet in width by the setting back of the picket fence at the foot of the terrace which meant “the danger of players being thrown against the terrace fence had been greatly minimised”.[8] They had also formed steps behind the stand leading to the hill. The turf has also been top dressed, and made more even than it had formerly been. It was also discussed that a round of night games in early April could be played and this was supported by several delegates.[9][10] A by-law had come into place whereby "theatres and other places of amusement capable of seating 500 or more people" would have to have firemen in attendance. In the past the by-law did not operate in regards to sports organisations. From May 1 firemen would be supplied directly by the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board.[11] New Zealand was transitioning to a 40-hour work week meaning that many people would no longer be working half days on Saturday. Mr. G. Grey Campbell said if Saturday were a universal holiday the league would “undoubtedly take full advantage of it. Reserve grade games might well be played in the morning. Furthermore, opportunity could be taken to have senior B matches played on Saturday morning at Carlaw Park” which had been a difficulty up to this point.[12] The grounds executive submitted a report to the board that a start had been made by May 20 on the formation of tea rooms near the grandstand as part of the programme of improvements in preparation for the visit of the British team.[13] It was reported at the May 27 meeting of the board of control that Mr. Early had donated a board for display at Carlaw Park which would show the senior team placings in the competition from week to week. It was reported at the same meeting that after 4 rounds the gate takings were far in excess of anything since 1931.[14] It was decided at a meeting on June 1 to purchase special whistles for referees on the #2 field because there was sometimes confusion when a whistle was blown as to which field it related to.[15]
Senior team prospects for the season
On April 13 the Auckland Star reported on various teams prospects for the season. The New Zealand Herald did the same on April 29. Marist had secured Mr. Con Hall as selector/coach to replace Charles Gregory. Gregory was moving to an outer district and would not be able to do commute. Hall had been a national selector the previous season and was leaving the West Coast. They would still have Dan Keane, J Woods, Carter, Breed (formerly of Otahuhu Rovers), and hooker O’Kane, with John Anderson the West Coast Rugby League representative forward joining their ranks. Norm Campbell, Vincent Bakalich, Sidney Loader, Furlonger, George Kerr, James Chalmers and William Glover would also be on hand to play in the backs. Aro was joining them from the Technical Old Boys rugby club.
Richmond Rovers were losing Bert Cooke who was retiring and moving to coach Ponsonby United. They were acquiring George Tittleton, the international player from the Waikato along with his brother Walter, they would play alongside Eric Fletcher and Roy Powell with Ted Mincham, Alf Mitchell, E McNeil and Noel Bickerton also in the backs. The forwards were rumoured to see Bill Telford, the Satherley brothers (Jack and Cliff), Alfred Broadhead, Harold Tetley and Ray Lawless along with Hadley who was returning from the Foster Club in Australia. Though Lawless did not play in 1936.
City Rovers would again be led by outstanding New Zealand player Lou Brown.[16] City were adding former South Auckland rugby union hooker Lapwood to the forwards where he would join Stan Clark, J Herring, McLaughlan, James Dye, Steve Watene, John Magee, and Bowman. Harry Wayne was returning from Taranaki (though he a short time later moved to South Africa), and Jack Rata was joining from South Auckland rugby (Tuakau) along with Allen, the Waikato rugby fullback. Ex-Wairarapa player Ford was also expected to join City’s ranks. Cyril Wiberg, J Tawhai, Arthur Porteous, J Thompson were likely to make up the backs. Porteous was moving across from the Marist rugby side, though he had previously played for Newton Rangers.
Newton Rangers, holders of the Roope Rooster trophy were confident of success and would be wearing new uniforms supplied by the St Helens club in England via former players who were playing there. Claude Dempsey would be in the backs again along with P. Young, the Brimble brothers, Sissons (promoted from the juniors), H. Brady, and Schlesinger. Knott from the Ponsonby rugby team was also joining the backs. In the forwards R. Johnson, R. Middleton, A. Nathan, Clemm, Watson and Kelsall would play, with Ginders transferring from Richmond with Lou Hutt joining from Ponsonby. Emanuel, Merrick (returning from North Auckland), and Mackin would also be in the forward pack with a brother of Mount Albert’s R. Shadbolt joining. Watson from Northern Wairoa rugby and a Hawke’s Bay representative would be another addition to the pack.
Mount Albert performed brilliantly in their first ever season in the season finishing runners-up. Tom Haddon was selector again and it was understood that international player T. Campbell would lead the reserve grade side. H Flannagan, Des Herring, Constable, J Gunning and Richard Shadbolt would be in the forwards again with Peterson, the Hawke’s Bay rugby representative joining the loose forwards. Other players joining Mount Albert included Elwin from Manukau rugby, J. O’Brien from South Auckland (Waikato) along with “several others”. They had also gained the services of Watkins’ the Grafton rugby halfback. Len Schultz was re-joining the side from York in England with Pawson rumoured to be joining from South Auckland. Bill Schultz would play on one wing with Halsey joining from the Otahuhu senior B side. Robert Morrissey would again be in the fullback position.
Ponsonby were being coached by Bert Cooke. Arthur Kay, Brian Riley and Frank Halloran would again be in the backs. Devonport United were rumoured to be gathering their best team for several years and had former New Zealand international Bert Laing in charge of their senior side.[17] E. Morgan who had played for Grammar Old Boys was also changing codes as was Davis, from the Grafton club, he had been a member of the Auckland B team. Dreaver and Blood were also named as two promising young forwards. Another player to switch codes and join Ponsonby was Frank Paton.[16]
Devonport saw the return of backs C Rhodes, J Cowan, C Hall, and Len Scott. They were being strengthened by the inclusion of Gordon, a junior rugby five-eighth. Kennedy, Greenwood and Parkinson were also joining the side from the rugby ranks. In the forwards Reg Hallows was another rugby convert from Northland and was joining first team regulars John Donald, Simpson, H Hunt, Tony Milicich, L Sowter, and E Scott.[16]
Non-replacement rule
Following a decision by the New Zealand Council that the non-replacement rule be enforced the Auckland Rugby League was forced to adhere to it more stringently. Previously teams would be allowed to replace an injured player in the first half but the rule was now being brought into line with the way it was enforced in England where no player may be replaced at all. Considerable debate took place at the meeting with Jim Rukutai and Mr. J.W. Probert saying that “the present rule allowing replacements up to half-time seemed to be working well”. Rukutai said that “the enforcement of the rule might spoil matters and be a handicap”. Mr. Doble said that the enforcement of the rule might “do considerable good and compel increased fitness by players and teams”. Chairman Campbell said it would be unfair to “spring the rules on the clubs Saturday”, so it was decided to bring the rule in for the round 4 matches the week after.[18] At the May 20 meeting of the control board four clubs (Newton Rangers, Ponsonby United, Devonport United, and Marist Old Boys) all wrote letters strongly opposing the rule. The other clubs were also against the rule, as were the schools’ management and the junior control board. All who spoke were in agreement that the league could use its discretion and not apply the rule to club competition and that the rule should only be used for representative matches. Mr. Doble suggested that they trial the rule that weekend and then apply for dispensation but chairman Campbell said that “the risk of upsetting the games and the public was too great. It was preferable in the circumstances to offend the council than for games to be spoilt for the public through becoming one-sided as the result of any injury to players”. It was then decided to rescind the rule change.[19]
Admission of Manukau Rovers club into the senior competition
At the ARL control board meeting on April 29 the Manukau Rovers were admitted to the senior championship first grade competition.[20] This was their first appearance in it since 1913 though they did field a combined team with a Mangere club in 1924 before switching enmasse to the rugby code the same year. In 1932 the club was revived but mainly fielded teams in the junior grades. Jack Hemi and Joe Broughton left the rugby union code where they were playing for Wairarapa, and Horowhenua - Manawatu respectively and joined the Manukau club prior to the start of the season. Both were representative players with Hemi also having played for the Maori All Blacks.[21] Thomas Trevarthan then joined the team for their second round match. Trevarthan was a rugby player from Otago and he went on the represent New Zealand in his debut league season.[22] In addition Len Kawe, Angus Gault, and Frank Pickrang all King County rugby representatives joined Manukau early in the season. Towards the end of the season Manukau signed Jack Brodrick who was honoured with the best forward award following the New Zealand Maori rugby union tour of Australia.[23] Tragedy struck Manukau immediately following their first win of the season against Richmond in round 2. Mr. Albert Cowan, who had founded the team joined them in the dressing room to congratulate them but collapsed and could not be revived. The players and patrons were “distressed when the news was confirmed, and flags lowered to half-mast. The Manukau reserve team which was playing a later game at the Domain found out during their match which was then abandoned.[24]
Junior insurance scheme
A compulsory junior insurance scheme, controlled by the ARL was to be brought in for the 1936 season. Mr. Wilkie said that clubs had been involved in its idea and implementation. It would involve an increase in the player registration fee and see insurance and the first doctor’s expenses met.[25]
Broadcasting of matches
It was decided to continue broadcasting matches prior to the commencement of the season.[1] On May 30 (round 5) the first of the matches was broadcast on 1ZB. The Friendly Road station had been off air for some time for “urgent repairs and overhaul”. “Griffo”, who was the station's sports announcer, was to be the commentator.[26]
Annual prize-giving
On the 16th of November the Auckland Rugby League held their annual prize giving at the Auckland Town Hall. Mr. E.J. Phelan congratulated the players and officials on the season and paid tribute to the championship winning Manukau side. Mr. G. Grey Campbell said that it was a pleasure to be associated with the clubs this season and thanked the control board for the “earnest co-operation of club officials [and that] the valuable assistance rendered by the ladies’ committee was a feature of the successful social side of the Auckland League's activities. Mr. Phelan then presented the trophies and caps won by teams and players.[27]
Arthur Singe
Arthur Singe played for Marist Old Boys in 1921, and again from 1924 to 1926 after a spell out of Auckland for work. He made 48 appearances for them in total and scored 140 points from 22 tries and 37 goals. Singe originally played rugby union, representing the Marist Old Boys rugby club after returning from World War 1. He had represented the New Zealand Army side which played a large number of games in Europe late in the war and after it had ceased. Singe was a fast wing forward who was regularly hailed as a “match winner” and widely considered to be a brilliant footballer. He toured South Africa with the NZ Army side on their way back to New Zealand in 1919. In 1920 Singe represented Auckland at rugby in 8 matches along with 1 appearance for the North Island side, and was considered unlucky not to make the New Zealand team. Soon after missing selection he switched to rugby league. He represented Auckland 15 times from 1921 to 1926. Singe was selected to play for New Zealand in 1925 against the touring Queensland side, and was then chosen for the ill-fated 1926-27 tour of England and Wales. Singe was part of a group of players who refused to play at two points of the tour due to their objection to the selections and coaching of Ernest Mair. Upon his return he, along with the other strikers was banned from rugby league for life. Singe had received a life ban from rugby union for switching to rugby league and so could no longer play in either code. In 1962 the New Zealand Rugby League administration lifted the ban on Singe and his 6 teammates however Singe had been dead for 26 years by this time.[28] Singe died on January 5, 1936 after suffering ill health likely related to the war and was buried at Waikumete Cemetery.[29]
Thomas Wells
Thomas (William Godfrey) Wells had arrived in Auckland around 1929 and became a delegate for the Parnell club on their junior and senior management committees of the ARL. He was killed in a motorcycle accident on Franklin Road, Ponsonby on March 14 when his motorcycle veered off the road and crashed into a tree. He “received the full force of the impact on his head”, and was taken away in an ambulance to Auckland Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. He was married with no children and aged just 36. He was buried at Hillsborough Cemetery on March 17.[30]
Albert Cowan
On May 9 Mr. Albert Askin Cowan collapsed and died in the Manukau dressing room following their win against Richmond at Carlaw Park. He was a founder of the Manukau side and their secretary. He had been a “keen stalwart of the rugby league code for many years, and was responsible for the organisation of the Ellerslie United and Otahuhu Rovers clubs when Ellerslie attained senior rank”. He was a member of the Manukau Cruising Club. Mr. Cowan was born in Port Chalmers in 1880, and resided at Selwyn Street, South Onehunga. He was “survived by Mrs. Cowan, a son who is an invalid and two daughters”. He was 57 years of age.[24] Cowan's funeral was held on the morning of May 12 in Onehunga at the Church of the Assumption. Over 50 vehicles made up the cortege with the pall-bearers Messrs, G. Love, Angus Gault, Steve Watene, and G. Zanovich. All sections of the Auckland Rugby League were represented, including Mr. G. Grey Campbell and E.J. Phelan.[31]
John Stormont
John Stormont died in September. He was a trustee of Auckland Rugby League for 8 years and was a part donor of the Stormont Memorial Shield in honour of his son who played for the New Zealand side and died aged 26 from rheumatic heart disease in 1925. When news reached the meeting of the ARL Mr. Campbell said “the passing of such a widely respected citizen and trustee of the game in this city would be widely deplored.[32] John Stormont was aged 73 and was survived by his wife and seven sons.[33][34]
Special opening matches
On April 18 a special round of matches were played to open the season. The proceeds were divided between the clubs and a benefit fund for Jim Laird, the Marist international player who was injured in a New Zealand match late in the 1935 season. In the match between Richmond and Mount Albert, a Richmond forward was ordered off (though the newspapers did not state who the player was) and was suspended for four weeks.[35] There were four matches played at Carlaw Park. The Manukau senior side had yet to be admitted at this point and so Devonport played the Pukemiro team from the South Auckland league. The same weekend Papakura defeated Point Chevalier in a pre-season match at Papakura by 38 points to 5.[36]
Matches
Dye of the City side received a bad head injury and was taken to Auckland Hospital suffering from concussion. He was able to return to work on the Tuesday. For Richmond in their match with Mount Albert, R. Couper injured his knee which had previously caused him trouble.[37]
| 18 April | Marist | 15-5 | Newton | Carlaw Park 1 | ||
| 1:45 | Try: John Anderson, R Aro, R Haslam Con: John Anderson Pen: John Anderson |
[36] | Try: Brimble Con: Brimble |
Referee: Percy Rogers |
| 18 April | Mount Albert | 22-15 | Richmond | Carlaw Park 1 | ||
| 3:00 | Try: Constable, Halsey, Shadbolt, Len Schultz, Pawson, Stewart Con: Des Herring Pen: Robert Morrissey |
[36] | Try: Ronald Couper, Wally Tittleton, O Wilkie Con: Cliff Satherley, George Tittleton Pen: Cliff Satherley |
Referee: S Billman |
| 18 April | Ponsonby | 21-17 | City | Carlaw Park 2 | ||
| 3:00 | Try: Davis, Arthur Kay, Holland, Bert Leatherbarrow, Frank Halloran Con: Frank Paton 3 |
[36] | Try: J Tawhai 2, Stan Clark, Jack Rata, Arnold Porteous Con: Cyril Wiberg |
Referee: Wilfred Simpson |
| 18 April | Devonport | 7-5 | Pukemiro (Waikato) | Devonport Domain | ||
| 3:00 | Try: Len Scott Con: Tony Milicich Pen: Tony Milicich |
[36] | Try: Rodger Pen: Pitt |
Referee: R Otto |
Fox Memorial Shield (senior championship)
Fox Memorial standings
Fox Memorial resultsRound 1The round 1 matches were played at Carlaw Park in rain with occasional hail. There was some controversy at the end of the match between Marist and City. Sidney Loader scored a try for Marist with time up but the ball was still in play which won them the match. City protested the result believing too much time had been played but the time keeper gave a detailed description of why time had been added and City accepted the result.[38] Manukau in their first game in the senior A grade for decades played well in the first half and only trailed 3–2 at half time before falling away and losing 27–2.
Round 2Following the Manukau win over Richmond, Mr. Albert Cowan, one of the founders of the Manukau senior side entered their dressing room to congratulate the team. Whilst there he suffered a fatal heart attack and was unable to be revived. The 3pm kickoff games were underway and the flags were lowered to half mast. News of his death reached the nearby Domain where the reserve matches were taking place. Upon hearing of his death the Manukau reserve team game was stopped. During Manukau's game at Carlaw Park international Cliff Satherley was concussed and taken to Auckland Hospital.
Round 3New Zealand international Eric Fletcher had to leave the field for Richmond with a foot injury. It was to be his last ever appearance in rugby league as he moved back to Palmerston North and was reinstated to rugby union. He finished the season playing several matches for Manawatu before retiring and taking up representative golf. His younger brother Keith joined the Richmond senior side soon afterwards.
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6The City v Mount Albert match was played at Prince Edward Park in Papakura. Pawson left the field during the match with an ankle injury and then Halliwell was knocked out by a late tackle in the first half and was unconscious for “three quarters of an hour”.[56] Jack Hemi injured his knee playing for Manukau and had to leave the field. The injury saw him miss several weeks.
Round 7
Round 8After a remarkable 4 and a half year absence, former Kiwi Craddock Dufty turned out for City at the age of 36. He scored 47 points over the remainder of the season which meant he was the 6th highest point scorer for the season. During the Manukau and Devonport match George Kerr had to leave the field with 15 minutes remaining with a leg injury. For Ponsonby Payne was carried from the field near fulltime with a side injury.
Round 9
Round 10Moate debuted for Manukau. It was his first game of rugby league as he had switched codes, previously represented East Coast in rugby union and was a five-eighth. In the final minute of the game he beat 4 defenders to score with Watene's conversion giving Manukau the win.[73]
Round 11Following the Devonport v Newton match A. Nathan of the Newton side was involved in an “incident” in the dressing room area and as a result was suspended for the remainder of the season and all of the 1937 season. The other player involved from Devonport (who was never named) was “exonerated”. Over the coming months the Newton club appealed the suspension to both the ARL and the New Zealand Council but the suspension was upheld.[78] Conditions were atrocious for all of the games but by the time of the 3pm kickoffs the fields were covered in mud and water. In the Ponsonby v Mount Albert match the referee stopped the game to admit that he could not tell the teams apart so requested that they stay onside. Players were even running off the field to wash their eyes in buckets of water.[79]
Round 12Jack Hemi returned to play for Manukau after a 4-week absence due to injury. It was reported that following the Auckland v Great Britain match at Carlaw Park the week previous that the Manukau side had met to discuss what they had seen and learned from the match.
Round 13The City v Mount Albert and Ponsonby v Newton matches were both postponed due to the weather. The Ponsonby-Newton match was to be played at Stafford Park in Northcote. The number 2 field at Carlaw Park was covered in sheets of water so the reserve grade match due to be played there and the City-Mount Albert game were not able to be played. The weather was so bad that the 2 lone spectators sitting in the uncovered terraces were invited across the field to join those under cover in the railway stand.[88]
Round 14It was decided that the 2 postponed matches from round 13 would only be played if necessary. Going into the final round of matches the points table saw the following points for each team: Manukau 17, Richmond 16, Devonport 16, Mount Albert 15, Ponsonby 12, Marist 11, City 9, and Newton 4. Mount Albert, Ponsonby, City and Newton all had played one less game but after the final round of matches Manukau progressed to 19 competition points with their easy 26–6 win over Newton. Richmond trailed them by 1 point but had completed all of their matches while Devonport were 2 points further back so had no chance of overhauling Manukau therefore the 2 postponed matches were not necessary and thus the Fox Memorial for 1936 had been decided with Manukau winning their first ever title. The round also saw the debut of A. Beyer for Richmond. He had previously represented Auckland at rugby union.
Roope Rooster (knockout competition)It was decided to admit the Senior B champion side Papakura once again. This meant that nine teams were in the competition and Papakura drew the bye in the first round.[96] Round 1The City v Newton match went to extra time as the score was locked at 15–15 at full time. Two five minute spells were played and the deadlock was broken when Craddock Dufty kicked a penalty goal from the side line. Marist fielded Fletcher of the Grammar Old Boys rugby club and Murdock of the Technical Old Boys club.[97] Verdun Scott played for Devonport and kicked 3 goals. He later went on to become a test cricketer for New Zealand and is the only dual rugby league and cricket representative in New Zealand's history.
Semi-finalsWith five teams remaining Devonport drew the bye. The Papakura v Manukau match was played at Prince Edward Park, Papakura's home ground. Steve Watene, the Manukau captain said after the match that they had “cause to thank [their] fitness for saving defeat” and that his team had been completely surprised by the form Papakura had shown.[102]
Major semi-finalAs there were three teams remaining in the competition a draw was made which saw Manukau receive a bye and direct entry to the final.
Final
Phelan ShieldThe Phelan Shield was played for by the teams which had been knocked out of the Roope Rooster in the first round. They were however joined in later rounds by the likes of Papakura and Devonport who had been knocked out of the Roope Rooster competition in later rounds. Round 1
Semi-finals
Major semi-finalMarist were awarded a bye with three teams remaining in the Phelan Shield and progressed directly to the final.
Final
Stormont Shield
Top try scorers and point scorersThe point scoring lists are compiled from matches played in the Opening round of matches, the Fox Memorial, Roope Rooster, Phelan Shield and Stormont Shield matches which all first grade sides were eligible for competing in (provided they avoided elimination from the knock out competitions). Lou Brown after returning from playing professionally in England once again topped the try scoring lists. The top point scorer was John Anderson who had joined the Auckland competition after moving from the West Coast of the South Island. Remarkably Craddock Dufty featured on the top point scorer lists after a 5 year absence from playing, and in his 36th year in a competition dominated by players around 10 years his junior.
Senior reserve (Norton Cup)Reserve grade standingsThe Richmond match with Manukau was abandoned with Richmond leading after news arrived that Cowan (a Manukau official) had died earlier in the afternoon at Carlaw Park. Manukau had lost their round 1 match v Devonport by default. The score for the City v Newton round 10 match was not reported, neither was the round 13 match between Richmond and Newton, and the round 14 match between Manukau and Newton also had no score reported. In round 14 Richmond defeated City by default. The 12th round was washed out completely meaning only 13 rounds were played. A 15th round was scheduled on September 5, but there were no results reported indicating the round was not played.
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