1937 Auckland Rugby League season
The 1937 Auckland Rugby League season was its 29th. Richmond Rovers won their third Fox Memorial title with a 10 win, 1 draw, 3 loss record. At one point they threatened to run away with the title when after 9 rounds they had a 4-point lead over their nearest challengers. However a loss to Ponsonby United in round 10, a draw with Manukau in round 12, and a loss to Marist Old Boys in round 13 meant that the title was not decided until the final round. They however beat the wooden spooners Newton Rangers 30–9 to secure the title.
After a disappointing 1936 season Marist Old Boys finished 3rd in the Fox Memorial, one point behind Richmond and then went on to win the Roope Rooster knockout competition with wins over Newton Rangers, City Rovers, and Ponsonby United 25–10 in the final. They then defeated Richmond Rovers in the Stormont Shield champion of champions match 12–5. They were helped significantly by the record breaking point scoring of John Anderson. He scored 154 points through all matches for Marist during the season which was comfortably the most in Auckland Rugby League club history with only Bill Davidson (116) in 1922, and Frank Delgrosso (108) in 1929 even passing the 100 point mark.
North Shore Albions won the Phelan Shield after being knocked out of the Roope Rooster competition in the first round. They beat Richmond, Manukau and then Mount Albert in the final 22–18. Richmond won the reserve grade title (Norton Cup). Marist won the reserve grade knockout competition (Stallard Cup) by defeating Ponsonby 22–5 in the final.
The 9 team Senior B grade was won once again by Papakura who finished with a 14 win, 1 loss record to lead the trailing Point Chevalier who finished with 11 wins and 3 losses. Papakura also won the knockout competition when they defeated Green Lane 19–7 in the final.
The representative season saw Auckland beat Auckland Māori 24–14, followed by wins on the same day over South Auckland (Waikato) 26–12, and Taranaki (27-10), though 2 separate teams were obviously used. At the end of the season an injury depleted Auckland side lost to a very strong New Zealand Māori team 43–21. The New Zealand Māori side had earlier defeated the touring Australian side and included George Nēpia. The Auckland Māori side played two matches, aside from their game against Auckland, against Waikato Māori and North Auckland Māori. They won the matches 28-6 and 37-3 respectively.
Auckland Rugby League meetings and news
Annual general meeting
The 27th annual meeting was held on April 5 with John A. Lee speaking at length as president about the importance of sport for the health of men and women. He went on to say “you know I consider that all the defeats, or rather, disabilities, this code has had, and had overcome, have welded it strongly… we like the other game, and good fellows we know are playing it, but we think and know our game is better. In other words, we like the other game, Rugby Union, but we like our own game best. It may be an offshoot. I suppose it is a case of the juvenile being better than the parent (Applause). Anyhow, we think our game is improved, livened up, harder and faster, and it has a tempo more in keeping with our time…”[1] The meeting made reference to the passing of John Stormont, A. Cowan, Dr. Tracy Inglis from the previous year. The balance sheet showed gate receipts for club matches were £3584 5/ which was an increase of £769 15/9 as compared to 1934, and £285 12/ compared with 1935. Grants made to clubs from gate percentages totalled £658 18/1, which was an increase of 20 percent over 1935. The following officers were elected:-patron, Mr. J. B. Donald; vice patron, Mr. J.F.W. Dickson; president, hon. John A. Lee; vice presidents, Messrs. E. Davis, R.D. Bagnall, R. Benson, J. Bellamy, O. Blackwood, J. Donald, C. Drysdale, H. Grange, R.J. Laird, W.J. Lovett, E. Morton, E. Montgomery, T.G. Symonds, Joe Sayegh, C. Seagar, F.W. Schramm, M.P., W. Wallace, H. Walmsley, R.H. Wood, G.T. Wright and H.W. Brien; trustees, Messrs. J.W. Probert and Jim Rukutai (re-elected), and T. Davis and F.T. McAneny as new members; junior delegate, Mr. D. Wilkie; referees delegate, Mr. W. Mincham. A Stormont was succeeding his father as a trustee.[2]
The Board of Control met in early April with the chairman Mr. G. Grey Campbell welcoming new members Messrs. Davis and McAneny. Ivan Culpan and J.E. Knowling were re-elected honorary secretary and honorary treasurer respectively. Mr. R. Doble was re-elected delegate on the New Zealand Rugby League Council and Press steward; auditor, Mr. R.A. Spinley; honorary solicitor, Mr. H.M. Rogerson; honorary physicians, Drs. M.G. Pezaro, F.J. Gwynne, K.H. Holdgate, J.H. Waddell, G.W. Lock, H. Burrell, and S. Morris; honorary masseur, Mr. F. Flanagan: time keepers, Messrs. T. Hill, and A.E. Chapman. The following were appointed to committees:- Insurance, Messrs. Doble, Davis, and Wilkie; Accounts, Messrs. Knowling, J.W. Probert and F.T. McAneny; Emergency, chairman and any three members of the board. It was decided that the season would begin on April 17 when a preliminary round of two Saturdays will be started and a night match may be arranged with the championship officially opening on May 1. Senior team nominations would be dealt with on April 14.[3]
Coronation dance
On May 11 the Auckland Rugby League held a Coronation dance at the Peter Pan venue. Over 800 people attended with music being supplied by Theo Walter's Band.[4]
Auckland representative team
At the control board meeting on April 14 it was decided to appoint Hec Brisbane as the sole Auckland selector for the season. Brisbane was a former New Zealand international (50 matches including 10 tests), Auckland representative (14 matches from 1923 to 1933), and who had played for and captained Marist Old Boys from 1923 to 1934 in 156 matches.[5]
Australian visit and St George request
In August the Australian side played two tests against New Zealand and another midweek match against New Zealand Māori. All three matches were played at Carlaw Park. New Zealand lost the first test 12–8, before winning the second test 16-15 while New Zealand Māori defeated Australia 16–5. Following the matches Ernie Asher, on behalf of the Māori Control Board presented the ARL committee with a framed photograph of the team. Chairman Mr. G. Grey Campbell “pointed out that the victory was a historic event in league history”. St. George cabled the ARL on September 2 requesting the opportunity to tour for three matches at some point on or after September 18 however the ARL regrettedly declined as it had been a long season and the national side had already played matches in Auckland. They had also offered to have Frank Burge the former international forward coach the Auckland team for two weeks whilst here.[6]
First grade competition
The same teams as 1936 all nominated sides to compete in the Fox Memorial championship once again. The ARL decided to play 2 preliminary rounds in mid and late April before commencing the season proper on May 1.[7] Prior to the opening round of preliminary games the Auckland Star wrote: Manukau, with a pack averaging over 14st per man, will include “Logan, the Central Hawke's Bay representative five eighths. Their challenge will be met confidently by Richmond, who recently teamed brilliantly in the trial at Morningside, where the new forwards, McLeod, the Taranaki representative, and Mitchell, of Wairarapa, were conspicuous. Ponsonby, now coached by R. McIntyre, the ex-Ponsonby and Auckland representatives, are in the best of trim for their battle with Mount Albert, and the teams may provide a surprise or two. Newton will miss E. T. Brimble, who is at present in hospital, but the back division will include their promising centre, Sissons, with Dempsey as custodian. The team is being coached by George Morman, who captained the Rangers when they won the championship in 1927…Marists will present a powerful vanguard against City. The Rovers will have the services of moody, a big Bay of Plenty forward from Taneatua, and Potier, the South Auckland representative halfback, among several other alterations. Three Navy players, Fitzgerald, at centre, and Donaldson and Boyle, forwards, will appear for the green and golds”.[8] The New Zealand Herald reported that “Richmond will be considerably strengthened by A. E. Cooke, the international, who retired last season, but has decided to play again. Manukau will field practically the same side as that last year, Hemi, Pickrang, and Brodrick all being available. It is doubtful whether Trevarthan, who is at present in the south, will turn out”.[9]
After the first weekend of preliminary games the New Zealand Herald wrote a lengthy article on the personnel in each side. Manukau fielded “the same team as that last year. Its forwards included [Jack] Brodrick, Kawe, Whye, [Angus] Gault, and new players Phillips and Meredith, a hooker… [Steve] Watene will again lead the team… however, he may play in the forwards”. Jack Hemi appeared to have recovered from his leg injury of late last season, while Shalfoon, a newcomer to the team, showed a fine burst of speed on the wing. Hollis is a rugged type of five-eighths, and should get plenty of opportunities from Mahima, who will be the other halfback”. Other backs include Jack Broughton, an ex-Wairarapa representative three quarter. Richmond would field Jack Satherley at hooker, with Telford, Tetley, and Broadhead in the side with Metcalfe showing good form with Davis being another promising forward. Noel Bickerton and Roy Powell would be in the halves once again.
Marist had promoted a promising junior, Donovan who was clever on attack. Crocker was new at half back with Glover again at fullback. Haslam was again in the side, with Fitzgerald, Murdoch, and Bakalich in the backs. Their forwards would be made up of Anderson, Breed, Finlayson, and McGreal, along with Bogle and Donaldson who had been with the navy ship H.M.S. Philomel. Mount Albert had appeared to be the fittest looking team after the preliminary matches and would have a strong forward pack. Peterson, a Hawke's Bay forward who was with Mount Albert had transferred to Ponsonby with his place being filled by E. Satherley of Richmond. Hanson had been promoted from te 3rd grade side and Des Herring, Shadbolt, Bickerton, and Allen were all available. The backs would like be made up of Halsey, Wilf Hassan, and the three Schultz brothers.
The City Rovers side had lost Lou Brown but had gained J. Hapi. Hutchinson had been promoted from 3rd grade while Lynch joined the side from Matamata. Other backs included McLaughlin, Tawhai, and Rata with Cyril Wiberg at fullback. The forwards would include Spiro, Johnson, McCarthy, and moody (a rugby recruit). Raymond from Poverty Bay was in the forwards, while J. Webner from the Addington club in Christchurch had also joined the side. For North Shore Albions Vanich and Sterling had joined the side and looked promising. Jack Smith was a promoted junior who was fast and clever. Len Scott and Verdun Scott would be on the wings with Cowan at halfback. The forwards would be light, but very experienced consisted pf Simpson, Hunt, Hollows, E Scott, Rogers, and Barnett.
Newton were said to be the weakest looking of all the sides and had not trained well. Dempsey, Sissons, Young, and Brimble were all still in the side. The forwards would include Ellis, Cairns, proctor, Surtees, Beatty, and Ginders. Ponsonby would be fielding a young side. They were rumoured to be losing Brian Riley but he did ultimately play for them again. Miles was available at full back with Black at half back. Stockley, Arthur Kay, Frank Halloran, and Jones were all said to be playing again. New forwards included D. Keane, Blackman, and Eade.[10]
Hawea Mataira and George Nēpia switch to rugby league
On June 8 it was reported in the New Zealand Herald that All Black and Hawke's Bay rugby representative Hawea Mataira was joining the City Rovers. He was a forward and had represented the All Blacks on their Australian tour in 1934. He also toured Australia with the Maori All Blacks in 1935 under the captaincy of George Nēpia.[11]
Club visits to other centres
On June 19 six of the Auckland senior sides travelled throughout the North Island to play various local sides. Carlaw Park was unavailable that weekend as the ARL had made it available for the second soccer test match. Ponsonby travelled to Wellington, North Shore to Huntly, Mount Albert to New Plymouth, Marist to Whangarei, Manukau to Taneatua in the Bay of Plenty, and City to Tokaanu to play Taupo. The match between Taupo and City at Tokaanu was the first ever match of either oval ball code in the area.[12]
Travel round
19 June | St George (Wellington) | 20-20 | Ponsonby | Newtown Park, Wellington | ||
3:00 | Try: A O’Connor 2, C Mulholland 2, T Cook, C McNeil Pen: A Selwood |
[13] | Try: J Peterson 2, T Davis, Brian Riley, Arthur Kay, D Keane Con: D Keane |
Referee: G Bell |
19 June | New Plymouth | 15-28 | Mount Albert | Pukekura Park, New Plymouth | ||
3:00 | [14] |
19 June | Bay of Plenty | 33-51 | Manukau | Taneatua | ||
3:00 | Try: P Mio 2, R Blackie 2, Taikakoa 2, Kupai, Haki, McGarvey Con: Unknown x 3 |
[15] | Try: Rangi Chase 3, Tom Chase 2, Jack Brodrick 2, Jack Hemi, Joe Broughton, Allen Con: Jack Hemi 8 Pen: Jack Hemi |
19 June | Huntly | 5-23 | North Shore | Huntly Domain, Huntly | ||
3:00 | [14] |
19 June | Kamo | 0-28 | Marist | Jubilee Park, Whangarei | ||
3:00 | [14] | Try: McGreal 2, Finlayson, Vincent Bakalich 2, Crocker Con: John Anderson 4 Drop: McLaren |
19 June | Taupo | 23-35 | City | Tokaanu, Taupo | ||
3:00 | [16] | Referee: A McIntosh |
Senior B and second grades
At the annual meeting for the Papakura club Mr. A. Wilkie (chairman of the ARL Junior Board) said he “deplored the lack of good competition in the senior B grade last season…[and that] this had been the matter of serious consideration during the recess and the Junior Board had recommended to the Auckland league that the second grade be abolished. This would bring about ten teams into the senior B grade and tend to make the competition far more interesting in the coming season”.[17] It was ultimately decided that the Senior B and 2nd Grades would be “amalgamated in order to increase competition between the open-weight grades”.[18]
Carlaw trophy
Mr. Harold Walmsley donated a trophy in memory of James Carlaw which consisted of “inlaid New Zealand woods on three tiers with the pioneer administrator's photograph inset in the top square it is summounted by goal posts and a silver football. The trophy was to be dedicated to the annual representative Pakeha – Māori match.[19]
Carlaw Park
At the control board meeting on March 17 it was reported that further improvements of the terraces at Carlaw Park were being carried out “for the convenience of patrons”.[20] The terraces were “bitumised during the summer months”.[21] At the time of the opening round it was reported that the league proposed to pad the entire length of the picket fence along the side line which ran on the city side of the field to prevent injury.[22] Following the round 3 matches the grounds committee reported that the No. 2 ground was in “bad condition, and it was desirable to give the area some relief if possible”. The control board decided to defer the allocation of the City v Newton, and Marist v Richmond round 4 matches.[23] In mid October it was announced that Carlaw park was to see the installation of floodlighting with a tender having been accepted. Chairman Campbell said “the board has been considering the question of night football for some time past… and we desire to make the ground a more attractive centre where athletic sports, boxing, wrestling, band contests and other attractions may be staged to the best advantage”. The introduction of the lighting would mean that four steel towers would need to be erected to “carry the clusters of fittings for the lights”. The work would take about two months to complete but would not interfere with the use of the park for public gatherings.[24]
At an October meeting of the control board Mr. Culpan reported that a special South African grass which had been recommended by Mr. P. W. Day, manager of the Springboks, “had already been tried with success at Carlaw Park. The new grass was proving efficacious on bad parts of the playing areas.[25]
Devonport United becomes North Shore Albion once again
At their annual club meeting on March 17 there was discussion of the name of the Devonport United club. “Owing to the district restriction implied by the name “Devonport”, and the fact that the team was always called “Shore”, Mr. H. Mann was supported in a proposal for a reversion to the club's old name, North Shore Albion Rugby League Club”. The name of Devonport United had been adopted when North Shore Albions merged with the Sunnyside club many years earlier and the Sunnyside members refused to accept the name of North Shore. The motion to change the name back to North Shore Albions was adopted.[26]
Otahuhu ground issues
In 1936 the Otahuhu Borough Council had controversially granted exclusive use of Sturges Park to the Otahuhu Rugby Club despite strong protests from Auckland Rugby League via multiple delegations to speak to the council. Then in 1937 when the issue was being revisited the Auckland Rugby League submitted a tender where they would pay £30 per annum, plus give 33.33% of gross takings on match days minus costs and guaranteed a minimum payment of £55 a season. They would play at least four senior A matches and 12 senior B matches there with other first class junior matches. The Otahuhu Rugby Club tender was the same as the previous year which was a 20 percent share of the gate with a guarantee to play 12 senior games. The council had anticipated this would net £75 the previous year but it had not and the poor weather was said to be to blame. The council who included Mayor Charles Robert Petrie and was in fact the Otahuhu RL clubs patron, heard the tenders and then spent 15 minutes in special committee before deciding that they “had no option but to renew the lease with the rugby union according to last year's agreement” with legal advice confirming this opinion. Sturges Park was then leased to the Rugby Union for a period of 5 years.[27][28]
State of Grey Lynn Park
In late July Northcote and Birkenhead complained in a letter to the ARL about the state of Grey Lynn Park after arriving to play Richmond. The letter said that they had feared they had arrived at the wrong place and instead had arrived in an area “reputed for bovine aromas and mudflats”. It was said to be “a sea of mud, eight or nine inches deep in some places, and the smell had to be experienced to be appreciated”. The letter went on to say that they “hoped that no further games be allotted to Grey Lynn Park until the city fathers install a drainage system”. The league decided not to arrange for any more matches at the park until it was in a proper condition for play. [29]
Senior grade competitions
Following round 9 the ARL decided to rework the draw because Richmond was comfortably first (by 4 points with 5 matches to play) and they may be able to conclude the competition early.[30]
At the ARL meeting on October 6 Wally Tittleton of the Richmond club was announced as being awarded a special trophy for the outstanding senior grade player. The award was made by the donor Mr. J.F.W. Dickson and was for consistently good play throughout the season. Tittleton had also won selection for Auckland and New Zealand during the year.[31]
President of New Zealand Rugby League, Cyril Snedden donated a special trophy to John Anderson who registered a total of 148 points (or 154 according to the other report) and E. Bennett of Takapuna gave Jack Smith a trophy for scoring 132 points.[32][33] It was said in an article later that he had scored 162 points. Though this would likely also include Auckland matches.[34]
Preliminary round 1
It was rumoured that Bert Cooke was going to come out of retirement to play again for Richmond whoever he did not appear in their first practice match.
17 April | Richmond | 15-11 | Manukau | Carlaw Park 1 | ||
3:00 | Try: Ted Mincham 3 Con: George Tittleton 3 |
[35] | Try: Angus Gault Con: Jack Hemi Drop: Jack Hemi 2 |
Referee: Maurice Wetherill |
17 April | Mount Albert | 21-10 | Ponsonby | Carlaw Park 1 | ||
1:30 | Try: Watkins 2, Cliff Satherley, Richard Shadbolt, M Hanson Con: Cliff Satherley 2 Pen: Cliff Satherley |
[35] | Try: McKinney, Black Con: Ross Jones 2 |
Referee: J Hawkes |
17 April | Marist | 27-22 | City | Carlaw Park 2 | ||
3:00 | Try: Unknown | [35] | Try: Unknown | Referee: Percy Rogers |
17 April | North Shore | 34-8 | Newton | Carlaw Park 2 | ||
1:30 | Try: Unknown | [35] | Try: Unknown | Referee: L Kelly |
Preliminary round 2
Bill Schultz of Mount Albert fractured his leg in their match with City. Charles Dunne also of Mount Albert broke his jaw and both players were taken to Auckland Hospital. Wilf Hassan injured his shoulder badly and was set to miss several weeks. Donald Fraser was concussed while playing for Newton.
24 April | Richmond | 17-10 | Ponsonby | Carlaw Park 1 | ||
1:30 | Try: Alf Broadhead 3, Greenwood, George Tittleton Pen: Noel Bickerton |
[36] | Try: Peterson, D Keane Con: Ross Jones Pen: Ross Jones |
Referee: O Chalmers |
24 April | North Shore | 24-15 | Marist | Carlaw Park 1 | ||
3:00 | Try: Len Scott 2, Hunt, Barnett Con: Jack Smith, Verdun Scott 2 Pen: Jack Smith 3 |
[36] | Try: Donaldson, Murdoch, Bakalich Con: John Anderson Pen: John Anderson 2 |
Referee: Freeman Thompson |
24 April | Mount Albert | 11-11 | City | Carlaw Park 2 | ||
1:30 | Try: Richard Shadbolt, William McCallum 2 Con: Cliff Satherley |
[36] | Try: A MacLachlan Con: Cyril Wiberg Pen: Cyril Wiberg 3 |
Referee: D Taylor |
24 April | Manukau | 37-19 | Newton | Carlaw Park 2 | ||
3:00 | Try: Jack Brodrick 3, Jack Hemi 2, Logan 2 Con: Jack Hemi 5 |
[36] | Try: P Young 2, Finders, Beattie, C Cairns Con: C Cairns Pen: C Cairns |
Referee: S Billman |
Fox Memorial standings
Fox Memorial resultsRound 1Bert Cooke played and was said to be “superlative” however he was late tackled and was limping at the end of the game. This was to be his last ever rugby league appearance. He began coaching the North Shore rugby senior side for the remainder of the year.
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4In Marists heavy defeat at the hands of Richmond they lost Glover and Gordon Midgley to injury and played most of the second half with 11 players. The City v Newton match was originally supposed to be played at Carlaw Park but after the number 2 field was declared in a poor state the match was moved to Glen Eden.
Round 5The match between Richmond and Newton was played at Fowld's Park to raise money for the King George V. Memorial Fund. The game was ceremonially kicked off by the Mayor of Mount Albert, Mr. W.A. Anderson.
Round 6
Round 71934 All Black Hawea Mataira switched codes and made his debut appearance for Manukau. Tom Chase and Rangi Chase both had also switched codes and debuted for Manukau also. Tom had been a representative player for Wanganui. All three would go on to represent New Zealand.[56]
Round 8Round 8 was initially scheduled to be played on June 26 but all rugby league in Auckland, along with several other outdoor sports was cancelled due to poor weather. Frank Pickrang transferred from Manukau to Ponsonby and made his debut for his new side. He had been trying to move for some time but chose to stand down due to transfer difficulties. Joining him at Ponsonby at the same time was fellow Kiwi, Joe Cootes who was transferring from Wellington.[61]
Round 9
Round 10
Round 11
Round 12
Round 13
Round 14
Roope Rooster (knockout competition)Round 1
Semi finals
Final
Phelan ShieldRound 1
Semi finals
Final
Stormont Shield![]() Mr. A. Stormont (father of Bill Stormont) presenting R. Haslam, Gordon Midgley, Halsey, and McGreal with their winners medals
Top try scorers and point scorersThe point scoring lists are compiled from matches played in 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). The top point scorer was once again John Anderson. He scored 143 points in the aforementioned competitive matches and also scored in preliminary matches and in a Marist tour match which were not included in his statistics. Jack Smith finished second with 87 points. Both players would go on to represent New Zealand in 1938. The top try scorer was William McCallum for Mount Albert who was in his first season for them.
Senior reserve competitionsThere were several rounds of the senior reserve grade competition that had no results reported. These were rounds 7 where only 1 result was reported, and rounds 11, 13, and 14 where no results were reported at all. It is possible that Richmond Rovers had won the competition by the latter stages and so the fixtures became optional and possibly not played or of no championship significance and so therefore not reported by club officials. The Auckland Rugby League would often conclude competitions prematurely if a champion had already been found. Norton Cup standings
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