1931 Auckland Rugby League season

The 1931 Auckland Rugby League season was its 23rd.

The inaugural Fox Memorial Shield was won by Marist Old Boys who defeated Devonport United 12–5 in the final round to win by 3 competition points over the same side. This was Marists second ever first grade title after previously winning it in 1924. Devonport United did however win the Roope Rooster competition defeating Ponsonby United in the final. This was their second time winning the Roope Rooster after they won the inaugural title in 1915. They also beat Marist Old Boys to win the Stormont Shield Trophy for the second year in a row. Alongside these feats Devonport also won the inaugural reserve grade competition with a 5–5 draw in the final securing them the 1 competition point they needed to edge out Ponsonby United. Richmond Rovers won the Stallard Cup by winning the reserve grade knockout competition, defeating Newton Rangers reserves in the final 13-5.

On the final day of the season Mr. Samuel Harris of the Newton Rangers team had a heart attack while running with the ball in the final of the Seven-A-Side charity tournament. The game was called off with no result given. He had played with Newton for 2 seasons after moving to Auckland from Hikurangi. He was single and 26 years of age at the time.[1]

Eastern Suburbs toured New Zealand at the end of the season and played 5 matches including 3 at Carlaw Park against Devonport, Devonport-Marist combined, and an Auckland Colts side.

Fox Memorial Shield (Senior Grade Championship)

The Senior Grade was reduced from 8 teams to 7 for the 1931 season. Each team had to field a reserve side and their matches were to be played prior to the A team's matches at the same venue.[33]

Senior A grade standings

Team Pld W D L F A Pts Marist Old Boys 12 11 0 1 204 88 22 Devonport United 12 10 0 2 178 92 20 Richmond Rovers 12 7 1 4 143 93 15 Ponsonby United 12 6 1 5 152 143 13 Newton Rangers 12 2 2 8 83 145 6 City Rovers 12 2 1 9 132 179 5 Ellerslie-Otahuhu United 12 1 1 10 85 237 3 Senior A Grade Fixtures Round 1 In Round 1 Marist won after time however the play was continued erroneously. Time was up but the time keeper allowed additional tackles and did not ring the bell until after the winning try had been scored.[34] Richmond protested the result and after multiple meetings it was eventually decided by the league Management Committee to replay the match.[35] 2 May Devonport 23-18 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Alf Scott, Allan Seagar, Trevor O’Leary, Harding, O’Donnell Con: Alf Scott, Allan Seagar 3 [36] Try: Reynolds, George Perry, Ben Davidson 2 Con: Kerr 3 Referee: Les Bull 2 May Marist 11-10* Richmond Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Norm Campbell 2, Claude List Con: Riley [37] Try: Stan Prentice, Telford Con: G Davis 2 Referee: P Rogers 2 May Ellerslie-Otahuhu 5-5 Newton Ellerslie Reserve   3:00 Try: Hickey Pen: Craddock Dufty [38] Try: Allan Pen: Dempsey Referee: E McCall Round 2 In the match between Marist and Ponsonby, Lunn (Ponsonby) left the field in the 2nd half with a broken rib. 9 May Marist 20-9 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Phil Brady, George Batchelor, Hec Brisbane, Claude List Con: George Batchelor, Railey Pen: Clark Drop: Claude List [39] Try: L Winters, A Schofield, Thompson Referee: P Rogers 9 May Richmond 28-15 City Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Stan Prentice, Pell 2, Ray Lawless, Ritchie, Patterson Con: G Davis 4 Pen: G Davis [40] Try: G Munce, Joe Hadley Con: Ben Davidson Pen: Ben Davidson Referee: A Rae 9 May Devonport 26-0 Newton Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Len Scott, Allan Seagar, H Hunt, L O’Leary 2, E Scott Con: Allan Seagar 2, L O’Leary 2 [41] Referee: Vic Simpson Round 3 The Round 3 match between Richmond and Newton was the first ever senior league match played at Western Springs Stadium which had opened for cycling and field sports in 1929. 16 May Ponsonby 24-13 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: V Fagan, L Winters, E Friend Con: Frank Delgrosso 3 Pen: Frank Delgrosso 3 [42] Try: Laurie Barchard, Len Barchard, Ben Davidson Con: Steve Watene Pen: Steve Watene Referee: John Stormont 16 May Devonport 23-12 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: E Ruby, Len Scott 2, Trevor O’Leary, Harding Con: L O’Leary 2, Allan Seagar [43] Try: Drew, Quirke Con: Craddock Dufty 2 Drop: Craddock Dufty Referee: W Simpson 16 May Richmond 6-3 Newton Western Springs   3:00 Try: B Davis, Patterson [44] Try: Porteous Referee: H Taylor Round 4 23 May City 16-2 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Laurie Barchard, J Iveson Con: Steve Watene Pen: Steve Watene 4 [45] Pen: Charles Gregory Referee: F Thompson 23 May Richmond 17-9 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: G Davis, Telford, Stan Prentice Con: G Davis 2 Pen: G Davis 2 [46] Try: Hemingway, Boswell, Craddock Dufty Referee: B Emirali 23 May Ponsonby 20-8 Newton Western Springs   3:00 Try: D McLeay 2, W Goodwin, E Friend Con: Frank Delgrosso 3 Pen: Frank Delgrosso [47] Try: Allen, Hill Con: Hill Referee: Les Bull Round 5 30 May Devonport 13-5 Richmond Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Simpson, Len Scott, Casey Con: Alf Scott 2 [48] Try: Stan Prentice Con: G Davis Referee: B Emirali 30 May Marist 18-9 Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Wilf Hassan, Hec Brisbane 2, George Batchelor Con: Charles Gregory 3 [49] Try: Brimble 3 Referee: Les Bull 30 May Ellerslie-Otahuhu 8-24 Ponsonby Ellerslie Reserve   3:00 Try: Hobbs, Hickey Con: Craddock Dufty [50] Try: E Friend, P Skelton 2, Thompson, George Gardiner, Angelo Con: E Friend 2, V Fagan Referee: E McCall Round 1 Replay This match was replayed from Round 1 when the time keeper allowed play to continue well after the bel should have been rung. In the replayed match H Carter for Marist was ordered off for “rough play”. Charles Gregory and Norm Campbell both of Marist then left the field with injuries leaving Marist to hang on with 10 men for the last few minutes of the game. 6 June Marist 13-7 Richmond Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Norm Campbell, Phil Brady, Young Con: Charles Gregory Pen: Charles Gregory [51] Try: Lawless Pen: G Davis Referee: Vic Simpson Round 6 13 June Devonport 9-8 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Len Scott, Trevor O’Leary, Leslie O’Leary [52] Try: McLeay, White Drop: Skelton Referee: Les Bull 13 June City 0-0 Newton Western Springs   3:00 [53] Referee: P Rogers 13 June Marist 39-3 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Hec Brisbane 3, Drew 3, George Batchelor 2, Wilf Hassan Con: Meehan 6 [54] Try: Webb Referee: F Thompson Round 7 20 June Marist 11-4 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Batchelor 2, Meehan Pen: Clarke [55] Pen: Simons, Allan Seagar Referee: E McCall 20 June Richmond 2-2 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Pen: Mincham [56]> Pen: E Friend Referee: P Rogers 20 June City 20-2 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Auckland Domain 1   3:00 Try: McLaughlin 2, Laurie Barchard 2 Con: Steve Watene 2 Pen: Steve Watene 2 [57] Pen: Hickey Referee: B Emirali Round 8 27 June Devonport 16-5 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Masefield, Rhodes, Len Scott, O’Donnell Con: Allan Seagar 2 [58] Try: Alderton Pen: Steve Watene Referee: P Rogers 27 June Newton 14-3 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: St George 2, Hill, Stanley Francis Con: Hill [59] Try: Drew Referee: Les Bull 27 June Marist 8-3 Richmond Western Springs   3:00 Try: Claude List, Webberley Pen: Clarke [60] Try: Jones Referee: F Thompson Round 9 In the Richmond – City match both Stan Prentice and Steve Watene were both sent off for fighting. 4 July Marist 25-10 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Batchelor, Phil Brady 2, Meehan 2, Claude List 2 Con: George Batchelor, Meehan [61] Try: Cyril Thompson, E Friend Pen: Frank Delgrosso 2 Referee: Les Bull 4 July Richmond 11-8 City Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Pell, Mincham, G Davis Con: Mincham [62] Try: Iveson, McLaughlin Con: Steve Watene Referee: John Stormont 4 July Devonport 20-5 Newton Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: E Ruby 3, Alf Scott, O’Donnell, Trevor O’Leary Con: Simons [63] Try: A Pope Con: Hill Referee: E McCall Round 10 11 July Devonport 14-10 Richmond Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: R Smith, Harding Con: Alf Scott Pen: Simons, Alf Scott 2 [64] Try: Mincham, Stan Prentice Con: G Davis Pen: Mincham Referee: P Rogers 11 July Ponsonby 20-17 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: E Friend 2, Stevens, Lou Hutt Con: Frank Delgrosso 3 Pen: Frank Delgrosso [65] Try: Webb 2, Oliff Con: Drew Pen: Chapman, Unknown x 1 Drop: Hemingway Referee: A Rae 11 July Marist 17-9 Newton Western Springs   3:00 Try: Clarke, Meehan, George Batchelor Con: Clarke 2, Meehan Drop: Norm Campbell [66] Try: Harris, A Pope, Brimble Referee: Vic Simpson Round 11 18 July Marist 18-10 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: P Meehan 3, Norm Campbell Con: Clarke 3 [67] Try: Steve Watene, Alderton Con: Steve Watene Pen: Steve Watene Referee: Vic Simpson 18 July Richmond 32-3 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Dunn 2, Ritchie, Mincham, Stan Prentice 4, Pell, Unknown x 1 Con: Dunn [68] Try: Oliff Referee: E McCall 18 July Ponsonby 12-7 Newton Northcote Municipal Reserve   3:00 Try: Goodwin, S Riley Con: Frank Delgrosso 2 Pen: Frank Delgrosso [69] Try: Hill Con: Porteous Pen: Porteous Referee: Les Bull Round 12 The Round 12 match at Devonport between the hosts and Ellerslie-Otahuhu was one with paid entry after permission was granted by the Devonport Borough Council. A sum of £12 5/ was raised to assist the Devonport Welfare League's funds.[70] 25 July Ponsonby 18-7 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: V Fagan, Lou Hutt, E Friend, McLeay Con: Frank Delgrosso 3 [71] Try: Laurie Barchard Con: Steve Watene Pen: Steve Watene Referee: F Thompson 25 July Richmond 8-0 Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Ritchie, Telford Con: Mincham [72] Referee: A. E. Smith 25 July Devonport 12-6 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: R Smith, Len Scott, Keesing, Harding [73] Try: O’Donnell, Hickey Referee: Les Bull Round 13 The Round 13 matches were played in terrible conditions which saw the cancellation of almost all league in Auckland. The match between Marist and Ellerslie-Otahuhu played at Papatoetoe was abandoned at halftime due to the north-westerly squalls making playing conditions impossible. The score of 21-3 in favour of Marist was declared the final score. City was severely understrength with 5 of its regular players absent, while in the Ponsonby-Devonport match Lou Hutt of Ponsonby was ordered off near the end of the match. 1 August Devonport 13-0 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: A Smith, Allan Seagar, E Ruby Con: Dick Smith Pen: Dick Smith [74] Referee: P Rogers 1 August Newton 23-10 City Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Ferguson, Middleton, A Pope, St George 2 Con: Middleton 2, Porteous Pen: Middleton [75] Try: McLaughlin, Len Bachard Con: Laurie Barchard 2 Referee: W Simpson 1 August Marist 21-3 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Papatoetoe   3:00 Try: P Young, Charles Gregory, Clarke, Claude List, George Batchelor Con: Charles Gregory 3 [76] Try: Hickey Referee: Vic Simpson Round 14 8 August Marist 12-5 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: P Meehan 2, George Batchelor 2 [77] Try: Masefield Pen: Alf Scott Referee: Les Bull 8 August Richmond 14-5 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Mincham, G Davis, Pell, Blood Con: Mincham [78] Try: Pat Skelton Pen: Frank Delgrosso Referee: E McCall 8 August Ellerslie-Otahuhu 14-10 City Ellerslie Domain   3:00 Try: Hobbs, Hickey, Webb, Drew Con: Boswell [79] Try: Len Barchard, McLaughlin Con: Steve Watene 2 Referee: S Billman Roope Rooster knockout competition Round 1 28 August Ponsonby 24-12 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Lou Hutt 2, Winters, McLeay 2, Stevens Con: Frank Delgrosso 3 [80] Try: Len Barchard, Laurie Barchard, McLaughlin, Iveson Referee: B Emirali 28 August Devonport 41-8 Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Smith 2, Len Scott 4, Hawkes 3, Rhodes 2 Con: Smith, Harding, Casey, Unknown x 1 [81] Try: Allen 2 Con: Middleton Referee: E McCall 28 August Richmond 15-11 Ellerslie-Otahuhu Carlaw Park 1   1:45 Try: Stan Prentice, Dunn, Lennie Con: Mincham 2 Pen: Mincham [82]> Try: Glenn Pen: Webb 4 Referee: W Simpson Semi-Finals The semi-finals were postponed initially due to poor weather before being played on 12 September. The match between Ponsonby and Richmond went to extra-time after it was 20-20 at the end of regular time. This was very rare as usually tied games were replayed. Ponsonby went on to win 28–20. 12 September Ponsonby 28-20 (20-20) Richmond Carlaw Park 2   3:15 Try: Winters, Lunn 2, Pat Skelton 2, Stevens Con: Frank Delgrosso 3 Pen: Frank Delgrosso Drop: Frank Delgrosso [83] Try: Mincham, Dunn 2, Davis Con: Mincham 2 Pen: Mincham 2 Referee: P Rogers 12 September Devonport 11-8 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:15 Try: Harding, Masefield, Len Scott Drop: Smith [84] Try: Norm Campbell, McDonald Con: Clarke Referee: E McCall Final 19 September Devonport 34-17 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 1   3:15 Try: Casey, Leatherbarrow, E Ruby, Smith 2, Allan Seagar 2, Masefield Con: Smith 4 Pen: Smith [85] Try: Drew, S Riley, George Gardiner Con: Frank Delgrosso 2 Pen: Frank Delgrosso 2 Referee: P Rogers Stormont Shield Final 3 October Devonport 25-6 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Allan Seagar 2, Smith 2, Simpson Con: Allan Seagar 4 Pen: Allan Seagar [86] Try: Pat Meehan 2 Referee: Vic Simpson Top Try Scorers and Point Scorers Top try and point scorers for A Grade and Roope Rooster matches. Frank Delgrosso of Ponsonby was the top point scorer for the 3rd time in his career with 70 points. He was regularly in the top 5 point scorers in the first grade competitions and to this point in his career had amassed more than any other player, with 665 points. Len Scott (Devonport United) was the top try scorer with 12, closely followed by George Batchelor (Marist Old Boys) with 11, and Stan Prentice (Richmond Rovers) with 10. Rank Player Team Tries 1 Len Scott Devonport United 12 2 George Batchelor Marist Old Boys 11 2 Stan Prentice Richmond Rovers 10 4 P Meehan Marist Old Boys 9 5 E Friend Ponsonby United 7 6 Hec Brisbane Marist Old Boys 6 6 Laurie Barchard City Rovers 6 6 D McLeay Ponsonby United 6 6 E Ruby Devonport United 6 6 McLaughlin City Rovers 6 11 Allan Seagar Devonport United 5 11 Harding Devonport United 5 11 Hickey Ellerslie-Otahuhu 5 11 Pat Skelton Ponsonby United 5 11 Norm Campbell Marist Old Boys 5 11 Claude List Marist Old Boys 5 11 Mincham Richmond Rovers 5 11 Pell Richmond Rovers 5 Rank Player Team Tries Con Pen Points 1 Frank Delgrosso Ponsonby United 0 22 13 70 2 P Meehan Marist Old Boys 9 8 0 43 3 Steve Watene City Rovers 1 9 10 41 4 G Davis Richmond Rovers 3 10 5 39 4 Mincham Richmond Rovers 5 7 5 39 6 George Batchelor Marist Old Boys 11 2 0 37 7 Len Scott Devonport United 12 0 0 36 8 Allan Seagar Devonport United 5 8 0 31 9 Stan Prentice Richmond Rovers 10 0 0 30 10 E Friend Ponsonby United 7 2 1 27 Senior Reserve Grade standings The standings include the 'final' between Devonport and Ponsonby which was a 5–5 draw. This meant Devonport won the title as they finished the competition with one more point that Ponsonby. A Round 11 result between Marist and City is unknown as it was not reported in the newspapers while the score between Devonport and Ellerslie-Otahuhu in Round 12 is also unknown, though Devonport were the victor. Team Pld W D L F A Pts Devonport United Reserves 12 9 2 1 149 48 20 Ponsonby United Reserves 12 9 1 2 163 63 19 Richmond Rovers Reserves 12 9 0 3 147 74 18 Marist Old Boys Reserves 10 5 1 4 118 47 11 City Rovers Reserves 10 2 0 8 58 110 4 Ellerslie-Otahuhu United Reserves 11 2 0 9 41 142 4 Newton Rangers Reserves 11 1 0 10 27 219 2 Senior Reserve grade fixtures The Round 13 matches at Carlaw Park were cancelled due to the poor weather conditions and the necessity to protect the ground for the Senior matches to follow immediately afterwards. 1931 Senior Reserve results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 2 May[87] Devonport 21 City 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 2 May Richmond 8 Marist 6 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 2 May Ellerslie-Otahuhu 10 Newton 5 Ellerslie, 1:45pm Round 2 9 May[88] Ponsonby 13 Marist 5 Domain # 5, 1:45pm – 9 May Richmond 16 City 11 ? – 9 May Devonport 39 Newton 0 Devonport Domain, 3pm Round 3 16 May[89] Ponsonby 8 City 4 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 16 May Devonport 14 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 2 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 16 May Richmond 32 Newton 0 Western Springs Stadium, 1:45pm Round 4 23 May[90] Marist 21 City 2 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 23 May Richmond 19 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 6 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 23 May Ponsonby 38 Newton 3 Western Springs Stadium, 1:45pm Round 5 30 May[91] Devonport 21 Richmond 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 30 May Marist 32 Newton 0 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 30 May Ellerslie-Otahuhu 3 Ponsonby 14 Ellerslie, 1:45pm Round 6 13 June[92] Devonport 12 Ponsonby 8 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 13 June City 10 Newton 3 Western Springs, 1:45pm – 13 June Marist 14 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 3 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm Round 7 20 June[93] Devonport 10 Marist 6 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 20 June Richmond 15 Ponsonby 10 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 20 June City 16 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 0 Auckland Domain # 1, 1:45pm Round 8 27 June[94] Devonport 15 City 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 2pm – 27 June Newton 16 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 12 Carlaw Park # 2, 2pm – 27 June Marist 5 Richmond 0 Western Springs Stadium, 2pm Round 9 4 July[95] Ponsonby 8 Marist 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 4 July Richmond 13 City 7 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 4 July Devonport 9 Newton 0 Devonport, 1:45pm Round 10 11 July[96] Richmond 19 Devonport 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 11 July Ponsonby 34 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 3 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 11 July Marist 21 Newton 0 Western Springs, 1:45pm Round 11 18 July[97] Marist ? City ? Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 18 July Richmond 10 Ellerslie-Otahuhu 2 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 18 July Ponsonby 6 Newton 0 Northcote, 2pm Round 12 25 July[98] Ponsonby 13 City 3 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 25 July Richmond 10 Newton 0 Carlaw Park #2, 1:45pm – 25 July Devonport W Ellerslie-Otahuhu L Devonport Domain, 1:45pm Round 13 1 Aug Devonport CCD Ponsonby CCD Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 1 Aug City CCD Newton CCD Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 1 Aug Marist CCD Ellerslie-Otahuhu CCD Papatoetoe, 1:45pm Round 14 8 Aug[99] Marist 3 Devonport 3 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm – 8 Aug Ponsonby 6 Richmond 5 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 8 Aug Ellerslie-Otahuhu WBD City LBD Ellerslie Racecourse, 1:45pm Final 15 Aug[100] Devonport 5 Ponsonby 5 Carlaw Park #1, 1:45pm Reserve grade knockout competition (Stallard Cup) 1931 Results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 5 Sep[101] Ponsonby 31 City 2 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm – 5 Sep Newton 9 Devonport 3 Auckland Domain, 1:45pm – 5 Sep Ellerslie-Otahuhu L Richmond W Auckland Domain, 3pm semi-final 12 Sep[102] Newton 18 Marist 15 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm semi-final 12 Sep Richmond 15 Ponsonby 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 3:15pm Final 19 Sep[103] Richmond 13 Newton 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm Charity day tournament and death of a player On 31 October a Charity Day was held at Carlaw Park. It featured a Seven-A-Side tournament, an 'old timers' match, a match between the referees and St Johns Ambulance, and several running races. The proceeds would all go to the St John Ambulance Brigade. Mr. Samuel Harris of the Newton team collapsed and died from heart failure a few minutes from time in the final. He had played in their earlier matches and had participated in a running race but had complained of feeling too unwell to run again. He collapsed while running with the ball and despite immediate attention from members of St, John Ambulance he died almost immediately. The match was called off.[104] Harris had joined Newton in 1930 and was originally from Hikurangi. His funeral was held in Hikurangi on 4 November.[105] 1930 Charity Seven-A-Side Tournament Results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 31 Oct[106] Ellerslie-Otahuhu A 21 Ellerslie-Otahuhu B 6 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm Round 1 31 Oct Richmond WBD Marist LBD Carlaw Park # 2, 2pm Round 1 31 Oct Ponsonby 15 Newton B 5 Carlaw Park # 2, 2pm Round 1 31 Oct Newton A 13 City 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 2:25pm Round 1 31 Oct Devonport 38 Ellerslie-Otahuhu A 2 Carlaw Park # 2, 2:25pm semi-final 31 Oct Newton A 19 Ponsonby 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 4:30pm semi-final 31 Oct Devonport 16 Richmond 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 4:30pm Final 31 Oct Devonport no result Newton A no result Carlaw Park # 1, 4:30pm Lower grades and other club matches Lower grade teams The Mid-Week competition which was running once again was made up of nine teams. It was decided to allocate the Monteith Shield to the championship. This had formerly been awarded to the winner of the Senior grade champions, but as of this year the newly presented Fox Memorial Shield would replace it. The Waitemata (Endean) Shield would be awarded to the team scoring the most championship points in the second round, and the "Nuko" Cup to the winner of the two lower teams on the ladder.[107] Marist were awarded the Davis Shield for scoring the most competition points in the junior grades.[108] Grades were made of the following teams with the winning team in bold: Senior Reserve Grade: City, Devonport, Ellerslie, Marist, Newton, Ponsonby, Richmond Second Grade: City, Mangere, Mount Albert, Mount Wellington, Northcote, Papakura, Point Chevalier, Ponsonby (Papakura won the knockout competition) Third Grade Open: Devonport, Ellerslie, Glen Lynn, Marist, Papatoetoe, Ponsonby, Richmond (Marist won after beating Ponsonby 4–2 in the final, while Ponsonby won the knockout final 8–2 over Marist) Third Grade Intermediate: Akarana, City, Glen Lynn, Glenora, Marist, Mount Albert, Ponsonby, Richmond (Richmond won the championship and knockout competition) Fourth Grade: Akarana, Avondale, City, Devonport, Ellerslie, Glen Lynn, Marist, Mount Albert, Mount Wellington, Newmarket, Northcote, Papakura, Papatoetoe, Point Chevalier, Ponsonby, Richmond (Marist won the championship and the knockout competition) Fifth Grade: City, Devonport, Ellerslie, Glen Lynn, Marist, Mount Albert, Newmarket, Newton, Northcote, Papatoetoe, Ponsonby, Richmond (Marist won the championship and the knockout competition) Sixth Grade: Akarana, City, Devonport, Ellerslie, Marist, Newmarket, Newton, Northcote, Point Chevalier, Richmond (Newmarket beat Richmond 3–2 in the final) Seventh Grade: City, Ellerslie, Glen Lynn, Newmarket, Papatoetoe, Point Chevalier, Richmond A, Richmond B (Richmond A won the championship) Primary Schoolboys: Avondale, City, Devonport, Ellerslie, Newton, Newmarket, Northcote, Papatoetoe, Parnell, Richmond A, Richmond B Mid-Week Competition: Auckland Loco, Birkenhead, City Markets, Green Lane, New Zealand Fertilisers, Nicholson Park, Post Office, Stonex and Stormont's, Town Board Rovers, Waterside Workers Other notable matches List of Matches Date Score Score Venue Attendance Exhibition Match 11 July[109] Kia Ora (Huntly) 5 City 25 Huntly Exhibition Match 18 July[110] Ngaruawahia 6 Devonport 19 Huntly Exhibition Match 25 July[111] Wellington Combined Team 19 Marist 40 Wellington Show Stadium Exhibition Match 1 Aug[112] Whangarei United 11 Richmond 13 Kensington Park, Whangarei Exhibition Match 9 Aug[113] Hamilton 6 Newton 31 Hinemoa Park, Hamilton Exhibition Match 15 Aug[114] Riverhead 6 Point Chevalier Second Grade 11 Hobsonville Exhibition Match 22 Aug[115] Papakura Third Grade 8 South Auckland Juniors 3 Carlaw Park # 1, 2pm Exhibition Match 22 Aug[116] Newton Seniors 8 Hamilton Seniors 5 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:45pm Northern Union Cup Match 22 Aug[117] South Auckland 8 North Auckland 16 Carlaw Park # 1, 3pm Exhibition Match 29 Aug[118] Ngaruawahia Juniors 8 Northcote Fourth Grade 16 Ngaruawahia Exhibition Match 5 Sep[119] Lower Waikato 11 Marist 13 Steele Park, Hamilton Exhibition Match 12 Sep[120] Ellerslie-Otahuhu 3 City (Whangarei) 6 Ellerslie Exhibition Match 12 Sep[121] Hikurangi 19 Auckland Watersiders 10 Whangarei Exhibition Match 19 Sep[122] Huntly 9 Marist 20 Huntly Exhibition Match 26 Sep[123] Hamilton 13 Richmond 8 Hamilton Exhibition Match 3 Oct[124] Hamilton 35 Ponsonby 14 Hamilton Representative Match 17 Oct[125] Wednesday Representatives 23 Auckland Junior Representatives 6 Carlaw Park Representative season It was a very quiet year on the representative team front. There was a match played between North Island and South Island, but the Auckland team's only match was against Northland. In a surprise result Northland had defeated South Auckland to lift the trophy. Auckland played Northland but the match was not for the Northern Union Shield and so they decided to play several young players and could only manage a 19 all draw. Auckland junior teams played two matches and a colts side played against the touring Eastern Suburbs team from Sydney who were the recently crowned premiers of the New South Wales Rugby League competition. Representative fixtures Inter Island Match 15 August North Island 52-23 South Island Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: P Meehan 4, Claude List 3, Edwin Abbott2, Hec Brisbane 2, S Clarke Con: P Meehan, Claude List, S Clarke 5 Pen: S Clarke [126] Try: Falgar 2, Jorgensen, Dodds, Masters Con: Dodds Referee: Les Bull Auckland v Northland 26 September Auckland 19-19 Northland Carlaw Park 1   3:15 Try: E Mincham 2, Allan Seagar, P Meehan 2 Con: E Mincham, Allan Seagar [127] Try: E Meyer, C Payne, E O’Callaghan Con: R Hamilton, C Hamilton 2 Referee: P Rogers Auckland Representative Matches Played and Points Scored No Name Club Team Played Tries Con Pen Points 1 E Mincham Richmond Rovers 1 2 1 0 8 2 Pat Meehan Marist Old Boys 1 2 0 0 6 3 Allan Seagar Devonport United 1 1 1 0 5 4 Dick Smith Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 4 Albert Laing Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 4 Wilf Hassan Marist Old Boys 1 0 0 0 0 4 J Iveson City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 4 H Lunn Ponsonby United 1 0 0 0 0 4 R Carter Marist Old Boys 1 0 0 0 0 4 Stan Clark City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 4 Norm Campbell Marist Old Boys 1 0 0 0 0 4 St George Newton Rangers 1 0 0 0 0 4 E Ruby Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 Annual general meetings and club news Auckland Rugby League held their annual general meeting in the Chamber of Commerce, Swanson Street on Thursday 16 April.[128] At a later meeting they voted to adopt the motion whereby its grading of referees and appointments of them for matches would be done by a group of three, consisting of two of its members and a representative of the Auckland Rugby League.[129] Tenders were requested for the lease of the Carlaw Park Refreshment Stall, and for the rights of the Rugby League Gazette.[130] Auckland Rugby League Junior Management Committee held their annual meeting at the Grey Buildings on Tuesday, 31 March.[131] After the reports were given by club delegates the prospect was for a record season in terms of team and player numbers. Mr. C. Adamson was elected Chairman, with his deputy Mr. W. Lusty.[132] During the season the Junior Management Committee became dissatisfied with their chairman Mr. C. Adamson because he voted contrarily to their position at an Auckland Rugby League meeting. They subsequently voted him out of the position. Mr. George Rhodes, chairman of the senior management committee attended a later meeting to say that Adamson was on the senior board as an independent representative, not as a representative of the Junior Management Committee and their dismissal of him was unjustified. A vote was then held over who should be chairman with Mr. J. H. Eddowes nominated along with Mr. Adamson and the former won by 10 votes to 6.[133] Auckland Rugby League Primary School Management Committee Auckland Rugby League Referees Association annual meeting was held at the League Rooms, Grey Buildings on 30 March. The report stated that membership had increased and the standard of refereeing was maintained at a high level.[134] Akarana Rugby League Football Club held their annual general meeting at Carlaw Park on Thursday 9 April.[135] Avondale League Football Club held their annual meeting at Hick's Tearooms, Avondale on Wednesday 25 March.[136] There was an attendance of about twenty players and the cash credit was £7 10/8. The club voted to thank Mr. H. P. Burton for the use of his ground where the majority of their matches were played in 1930.[137] City Rovers annual meeting was held at Carlaw Park on Sunday 22 March to discuss the annual report, balance sheet, general business and to elect officers. Seventy five people attended the meeting where the annual report showed a balance of £33 10/6. They stated that their chances of winning the title the year before was spoiled by the fact that they lost four players to the New Zealand team which toured Australia. They were aiming to have teams in all of the junior grades.[138] Devonport United Football Club annual general meeting was held in the Labour Rooms (above Hellaby's), Devonport on Monday 30 March regarding the election of officers and general business.[139] About fifty members attended and the balance sheet showed a credit of £9 7/2.[140] Ellerslie United League Football Club held their annual general meeting at the Club's Training Shed, Ellerslie on Monday 23 March. They requested that everybody attend as it would be their final meeting due to the league enforced merger with Otahuhu.[141] Ellerslie-Otahuhu United League Football Club held their first general meeting at the Ellerslie club's training shed opposite the railway station on Monday 30 March.[142] They had practice for all grades on Saturday 18 April to make final arrangements for all teams as there was a merger of Ellerslie, Otahuhu and Mangere.[143] Glen Lynn League Football Club held their annual general meeting at the Delta Theatre on Monday 23 March.[144] The Glen Lynn club wrote a letter to the New Lynn Borough Council asking for assistance in acquiring a playing area. The council intended to give the club details of an existing league football area on Great North Road in New Lynn which had been used by the New Lynn club prior to the joining of New Lynn and Glen Eden.[145] Kingsland Athletic Rugby League Football Club held their annual meeting at Liberty Luncheon Rooms at the top of Symonds Street on Monday 30 March to discuss the annual report and balance sheet.[146] They held a further Special General Meeting on Thursday 16 April at Donovan's Gym, Parnell with all juniors requested to roll up.[147] The Kingsland club amalgamated with the Marist club after they lost Senior A grade status. Marist Brothers Old Boys League Football Club annual meeting held at Donovan's Gymnasium, Parnell on Monday 30 March.[148] Mangere Rugby League Football Club held a meeting in the Strand Theatre Hall, Onehunga on Wednesday, 29 April.[149] Mt. Albert United Rugby League Football Club held their annual meeting at the King George Hall in Mount Albert on Thursday, 5 March to discuss the annual report, balance sheet, election of officers, and general business.[150] There first practice was held at the club's grounds on Springleigh Avenue on Saturday, 11 April.[151] At a Management Committee meeting on 22 April Mount Albert applied to have its Senior B team (who had played in the Senior B Grade – effectively the 2nd division of senior teams in 1930) regraded to first junior.[152] Mt Wellington Rugby League Football Club annual meeting was held at the Abattoir, Westfield on Tuesday 24 March to discuss the annual report and balance sheet, the election of officers, and general business. Players and intending players were requested to attend.[153] Newmarket Rugby League Football Club annual meeting was held at the Club Room 235, Khyber Pass, Thursday 26 March. All players and intending players were invited to attend.[154] Newton Rangers Football Club annual meeting was held at the Y.M.C.A on Wellesley St. East on Monday 23 March. All vice presidents, members and intending members were invited to attend including late Senior B players (players from Senior B clubs who no longer had senior teams).[155] There was a large attendance with Mr. W. Badley presiding over the meeting and Mr. W. Monteith was elected patron[156].. Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers Football Club annual general meeting was held at the Foresters' Hall, Birkenhead on Thursday 12 March to discuss "business important".[157] They donated £2 2s to the Mayors fund for Napier Earthquake fund.[158] The annual meeting of the Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers Football Club was their 21st. The president of the club was Mr. A. E. Greenslade who was also the mayor of Northcote. The club report stated that they had a membership of 115 and fielded six teams in the league competition, and that this made them the fourth largest club in Auckland.[159] Otahuhu Rugby League Football Club were given use of the Sturges Park and Princes Street playing grounds in a shared arrangement with rugby by the Otahuhu Borough Council.[160] Papakura Rugby League Football Club The Papakura Rugby Club had decided to disband and play league instead.[161] They held their first ever meeting in the Parish Hall, Papakura on Thursday, 26 March. Officials of the Auckland Rugby League were present. All members, intending members, players and supporters were invited to attend.[162] Following the meeting a club was formed with 60 players enrolling.[163] Papatoetoe Rugby League Club held their annual meeting in mid April. There was a large attendance and it was decided to nominate five teams for the season, namely third grade open, fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, and a schoolboys.[164] The club held its annual ball in the Papatoetoe Town Hall on 24 July. The venue was decorated in the club's colours of blue and gold.[165] Point Chevalier League Football Club held their annual meeting at the Sailing Club's Hall on Thursday 19 March to discuss business, balance-sheet, and election of officers.[166] Ponsonby United Football Club held their annual meeting at Leys Institute, Ponsonby on Monday 30 March to receive their annual report and balance sheet, elect officers, and general business.[167] 80 members attended the meeting and the report referred to how successful the club had been, especially with the senior side winning the Monteith Shield, Roope Rooster, and Thistle Cup. The third grade open team was particularly good and the schoolboy team consisted of players from Ponsonby, Curran Street, and Bayfield Schools.[168] Richmond Rovers Football Club annual meeting was held in the Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent on Friday 20 March to discuss the annual report and statement of accounts, and general business.[169] About 100 members were in attendance. The report showed that the club had fielded 12 teams in 1930 with four winning the championship. Trophies were presented as follows – Lauder Cup, fourth grade; Milicich Cup, seventh grade A team; Walker Shield: second grade; and a trophy to the schoolboys who tied for first place.[170] They held an additional meeting for all prospective Senior, Senior B, and Second Grade players at Grey Lynn Park on Wednesday, 8 April.[171] On 16 May the Richmond club performed the notable feat of having all eight of its A teams winning their matches, although its Seventh Grade B team was defeated, and the 5th Grade team's victory was by default.[172] Prior to the start of the season the Third Grade captain for Richmond, Mr. George Williams drowned in a fishing accident in Breaker Bay, Wellington.[173][174]

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External links

• Auckland Rugby League Official Site