1932 Auckland Rugby League season explained

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

Devonport United won the Senior grade with a 7 win, 2 draw, and 1 loss record ahead of Marist Old Boys and Ponsonby United. They were the dominant team and their only loss came in the final round when they had already secured their second title first having won it in 1928. Marist Old Boys stuffed their trophy cabinet when they won the Roope Rooster (defeating City Rovers 28–8), Stormont Shield (defeating Devonport United 15–8), and Max Jaffe Cup for finishing runner up in the Senior Championship (they beat Ponsonby United in a playoff after both teams tied for second by 37 to 8). City Rovers won the Thistle Cup after beating Devonport in the final by 22 to 19 after both teams finished with 8 competitions points in the second round thus forcing a playoff for the Cup. Richmond won the Davis Shield after their lower grade teams combined for the most competition points in Auckland. This was remarkably their 10th win in the Shields 12-year history.

In the reserve grade Richmond Reserves won with an 8 win, 2 loss record, with Ponsonby Reserves finishing runner up. The Marist Old Boys club added yet another trophy to their season haul with their reserve grade team winning the Stallard Cup (awarded to the reserve grade knockout winners) when they beat Devonport Reserves by 12–6 in the final.

The representative program was marked by a match between Auckland and the touring England team. In a very competitive match Auckland went down by 14 to 19. Aside from this fixture Auckland only played matches against South Auckland where they won 29 to 13, and Lower Waikato in Huntly where they won 35–8. There were a series of trial matches such as North Island v South Island and Probables v Possibles matches dominated by Auckland players.

Season News

Club teams by grade participation

width=230 Teamwidth=50 abbr="1st Grade" Fox Memorialwidth=50 abbr="Reserves" Reserveswidth=50 abbr="2nd Grade" 2ndwidth=50 abbr="3rd Grade" 3rd Openwidth=50 abbr="3rd Grade" 3rd Int.width=50 abbr="4th Grade" 4thwidth=50 abbr="5th Grade" 5thwidth=50 abbr="6th Grade" 6thwidth=50 abbr="7th Grade" 7thwidth=50 abbr="Schoolboys" Schoolswidth=50 abbr="Total" Total
Richmond Rovers110111122111
Marist Old Boys11011120007
Devonport United11101010117
City Rovers11001011016
Ponsonby United11110100005
Newton Rangers11000110015
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers00101020015
Point Chevalier00100111004
Akarana00011110004
Ellerslie United00100010114
Mount Albert United00111000003
Papakura00110100003
Māngere United00100001103
Otahuhu Rovers00100100013
Papatoetoe00000010012
Glenora00010000001
Avondale Schools00000000011
Total6697781255974

Annual general meeting

At the annual general meeting of the Auckland Rugby League on 11 April, Mr. E.J. Phelan presided as acting president due to Mr. James Carlaw's absence. The plan put in place at the beginning of the 1931 season of having each club electing two members to represent them on the management committee and clubs taking a percentage of the gate receipts was considered a success. The election of officers took place and the results were: Patron: Hon. J.B. Donald (re-elected), President: Mr. James Carlaw (re-elected), Vice-presidents: Mr. George McMillan, Mr. O. Blackwood, Mr. S.H. Grange, Mr. W. Wallace, Mr. Gordon Seagar, Mr. Richard (Dick) Benson, Mr. C.H. Drysdale, Mr. E.J. Phelan, Mr. A.E. Laird, Mr. John A. Lee, Mr. R.H. Woods, Mr. R.T. Sharman (all re-elected), and Mr. W.J. Meilklejohn, Mr. G. Gray Campbell, Mr. J.W. Dixon, and Mr. C. Faulkner.[1]

Manukau Rugby League Club reborn, club name changes and competition restructuring

Prior to the season commencing the Mount Wellington club requested permission to change its name to Otahuhu Rovers and this was approved by the league. Their chairman Mr. L.W. Arnold said that the reorganised club was in good hands and they would enter teams in the second, fourth, and school teams grades. Their colours would be royal blue.

It was decided that the Ellerslie-Otahuhu club would revert to the name of Ellerslie United, and that senior players would be able to transfer to any other club, but juniors would need to obtain transfer clearance from Ellerslie.[2]

At a meeting the following night the league decided to cut the teams in the first grade from seven to six with Ellerslie (or rather the combined Ellerslie-Otahuhu United team of 1931) being culled from the grade.[3] The teams which would remain were Marist Old Boys, Devonport United, Ponsonby United, City Rovers, Newton Rangers, Richmond Rovers. The New Zealand Herald previewed the 6 teams in the week leading up to the first round of matches.[4] It was initially decided to play two senior matches at Carlaw Park with the reserve teams playing the curtain raisers. However, for Round 2 it was decided to play all three senior matches at Carlaw Park and reserve grade games elsewhere.[5] This was a decision which clubs fought over as they wanted their reserve teams playing prior to the Senior A teams in case of needing players. This came to a fore after Round 5 when City Rovers arrived at Devonport, New Zealand 4 players short. Fortunately for them the reserve grade match was being played at the same venue at 1:30pm and so they were able to use those players to avoid defaulting.[6]

In mid September plans began to manifest for the formation of a Manukau Rugby League Club. The plans were reported to an Auckland Rugby League Management Committee meeting. It was stated that there was a good deal of playing talent in the Manukau district. Mr. J. Rukutai was deputed to investigate the matter.[7] On Thursday, 29 September they placed an ad for intending players and supporters to be held at the Strand Theatre Buildings, Onehunga.[8] At this meeting the club was officially formed with Mr. H. Kemp convening the meeting. There were 52 people present including W. Mincham, referee of the RL Association, and Mr. T. Davis, secretary of the junior control board. Mr. J Rukutai said that the proposed club had been discussed by the league and they would give it every consideration. A resolution to form the club and have its headquarters in Onehunga was adopted. Mr W. Hayward was elected chairman, with the patron being Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P., and the president Mr. E. Martin, Mayor of Onehunga. Financial assistance has also been promised by several local businessmen.[9] A committee was formed to further the development of the club during the off season.[10] The newly formed club asked that an exhibition match be played in Onehunga so that the club could gain some funds. Permission was granted for the match between second grade knockout final between Mangere and Mount Albert to be played at the Onehunga Recreation Reserve.[11] The match was won by Mangere by 18 points to 15.

Financial statement, player passes and ground fees

The financial statement said that the revenue from the 1931 season totalled £2,907 with £2,293 coming from gate receipts and £228 from ground rents. Spending had amounted to £2,066 meaning a net surplus of £813. Of this £472 was given to Auckland clubs, £68 to the Referees’ Association and the Junior Management Committee, £30 in grants to visiting teams, £195 in honorariums, and £66 in presentations and trophies. Carlaw Park was valued as an asset at £10,152.[12] At a meeting of the Auckland Rugby League Board of Control on 17 March it was decided to continue with giving teams a percentage of the gate takings as had been started in 1931.[13]

The League made a decision on an issue that had caused problems for several years, which was the abuse of players passes to gain entry to Carlaw Park on match days. Club secretaries would now have to supply the names of senior team players and that they would be checked in a side gate by a special official.[14]

It was decided to admit military patients from Auckland Hospital into Carlaw Park to watch Senior matches free of charge news. The Patients’ Welfare Committee gratefully acknowledged the league for the move.[15]

The Auckland Rugby League, Auckland Rugby Union, and Auckland Football Association had asked the city council if they could reduce their ground fees owing to the number of unemployed players. The city council decided to reduce charges despite their Parks Committee suggesting otherwise. Mr. E.J. Phelan moved to reduce fees from 5s to 3s for games played from 12:30pm to 1:45pm, from 10s to 7s/6d for games played from 1:45pm to 3pm, and from 15s to 12s/6d for games played from 3pm onwards. This motion was passed by a show of hands.[16]

Radio broadcast of Carlaw Park games

For the first ever time commentary of a game at Carlaw Park was broadcast. The 1ZQ station broadcast coverage of the Ponsonby v Devonport game in Round 1.[17] A temporary stand was also built to accommodate extra spectators for the England tour matches.

Rule issues

At the Auckland Rugby League Referees’ Association meeting on 16 May the City Club inquired about the play the ball rule. It was said that the rule was not being enforced properly regarding the forwards needing to be inside a 5-yard radius behind their halfback when the ball was being played. The New Zealand Council also wished for it to be known that the attacking side had the loose head at scrums but the defending team were to put the ball in. In addition hookers were not to go on their knees in scrums in order to get an advantage when raking the ball back.[18]

Bert Cooke switches codes

In the middle of the season the famous All Black Bert Cooke (rugby) switched codes when he moved back to Auckland. He signed with the Richmond Rovers.[19] [20] The move proved very successful, so much so that he was selected for the North Island team in a trial match against the South Island only weeks after switching codes. He scored three tries and was selected for the New Zealand team to play England.

Obituaries

D.W. McLean

On 1 March Mr. D. W. McLean suffered a heart attack and died at a meeting of the North Shore Rowing Club where he was president. He was the first New Zealand president of rugby league in Auckland. He, along with Mr. William Wynyard and others was one of the founders of rugby league in New Zealand.[21]

William Wynyard

In August William Thomas Wynyard, aged 49 died. He was from a sporting family with three uncles who were part of the 1888–89 New Zealand Native football team that went on a rugby union tour of Great Britain. William played rugby union for North Shore and was an Auckland trialist before switching codes. He was a member of the New Zealand team which toured England in 1907–08 playing in 15 matches and scoring 4 tries.[22] He was then part of the inaugural Auckland rugby league competition in 1909 playing intermittently for North Shore Albions from 1909 to 1913, and representing Auckland in 5 matches from 1908 to 1910. He retired in 1913 but remained involved in the game for many years after.

Harry Johns

On the morning of 4 October the Richmond senior player Harry Johns died aged 21 after a boxing match at the Auckland Town Hall the previous evening. He was knocked out in the 14th round of a 15-round fight by Archie Hughes of New South Wales. Johns had played junior football for Richmond since the age of 13 where he was a halfback. He had been in the seventh grade team which had won the championship and he repeated this feat in the following two years. In 1931 he was in the Third Intermediate grade which won the grade and he was promoted to the reserve grade team in 1932. His form was so good that he was promoted to the senior side and made the Probables versus Possibles match which played at Carlaw Park on 23 July. He was regarded as a certainty to gain higher honours in the future. Johns was originally from the West Coast of the South Island and was the oldest in a family of four.[23] Several articles were published in The New Zealand Herald and the Auckland Star newspapers on his life and death.[24] It was later reported that he had sustained a concussion in the Probables v Possibles match and bled from the nose along with requiring stitches in his head. He fought in Hastings shortly afterwards and lost. Johns then complained of feeling unwell and produced a medical certificate that he was not fit to fight. However he carried on playing league in the interim until beginning training for the fatal bout. It was said that those who knew him well could tell that he was not his usual self in the fight.[25] He was laid to rest on 5 October at Waikumete Cemetery following an enormous gathering at the service with boxers and footballers walking before the cortege. Over 70 motor cars tailed the hearse and the entire procession was a mile long. The casket was draped in Richmond colours of blue and maroon.[26]

Fox Memorial Shield (senior grade championship)

Fox Memorial standings

width=175 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
Devonport United1072113010416
Marist Old Boys1052312910512
Ponsonby United1060415915812
City Rovers103251341648
Richmond Rovers103071171346
Newton Rangers102261041086

Fox Memorial fixtures

Round 2

All Round 2 Senior matches were originally postponed due to heavy rain on the Saturday morning of 7 May.[27] Horace Hunt, the former Auckland cricket representative wicket keeper scored for Devonport in their 14-9 win over Richmond. Frank Delgrosso's penalty proved the difference in Ponsonby's win over Newton. Delgrosso was in his 14th season for the Ponsonby seniors.

Round 3

Following the match between Marist and Ponsonby there was a protest by the Ponsonby club asking for a replay. Near the end of the game with Ponsonby leading an offside player (Alan Clarke) from a kick recovered the ball without Frank Delgrosso, the Ponsonby fullback touching the ball. The player then ran in a try untouched and Marist went on to add to their score. The incident saw the referee jeered by the spectators for some time. The Auckland Rugby League were not interested in a replay as it was a matter of a possible refereeing error rather than an incorrect rule interpretation.[28]

Round 4

Newton's win over Richmond was a milestone in the club's history with it being their 100th first grade win. To this point they had played in 23 seasons. By the season end their all-time first grade record stood at 100-11-133 (For: 2,796 Against: 3,307).

Round 7

In the Ponsonby match with Newton, C Stevens was ordered off for Ponsonby after questioning the referee's decisions. He had been warned for doing this 3 times already.

Round 9

Round 9 was marked by the debut of Bert Cooke for the Richmond Rovers. He was a famous All Black rugby player and his switching of codes caused great interest. He kicked a penalty in a 13-6 win over Newton at Carlaw Park. It was decided to play the reserve and senior matches between Ponsonby and City at the Northcote municipal ground at Stafford Park to help raise funds for the Northcote relief fund as the depression was in full swing by this time.[29] A sum of nearly £7 was raised for the Northcote Relief Committee as a result of the collection taken up at the match.[30]

Round 10

The Round 10 matches were originally postponed on 9 July due to heavy rain in the lead up. This created scheduling issues with the need to select an Auckland team and New Zealand team to play against the touring England side in addition to finding opponents to play the victorious Northern Union Cup winners.[31] Ultimately the final round was not able to be played until 13 August. Marist's match with Newton saw the debut for them of Jim Laird who had transferred from Ngaruawahia and the following weekend saw him debut for New Zealand in the third test.

Roope Rooster knockout competition

In the Round 1 match between Ponsonby and Newton three players were ordered off in the second half, two from Ponsonby (Heck Lunn and C Stevens) one from Newton (Ed St George). It was the second time C Stevens had been ordered off this season.

Semi finals

William (Bill) Cornthwaite, the Auckland rugby representative switched codes and joined the Marist club, debuting for them in their semi-final match where he scored a try and kicked a goal in a 19–18 win over Devonport.[32]

Final

Bill (Rauaroa Tangaroapeau) Turei debuted for City after switching codes from the Manukau rugby club. He had played for New Zealand Māori against New South Wales in 1928 and was originally from Gisborne. He was a very good tennis player, making the Auckland championship finals in 1932. Turei would later enlist in the World War II effort and died while in Italy in 1944.

Stormont Shield

Albert Laing injured his leg in the first half when he collided with Bert Schultz and had to leave the field. Devonport United led the Stormont Shield match until about 5 minutes from time when Marist Old Boys scored the go ahead try in the corner. A large number of spectators had encroached on the field and Devonport argued that the match should be replayed but this was refused. Arguments were put forward about what could be done to keep spectators from the field as it was a recurring problem at Carlaw Park, especially with matches on the #2 field where fans would often walk across it after the #1 field match was completed despite the match on #2 still being in progress.[33] Des Herring, the future New Zealand international was on debut for Marist and scored a try close to full time.

Thistle Cup final

This was the first occasion that the Thistle Cup had been decided by a final. It was a trophy awarded to the team which accrued the most competition points in the second round of the championship. Both City and Devonport finished with 8 competition points (City secured 3 wins and 2 draws to Devonports 4 wins and 1 loss). City had to defeat Devonport in Round 10 of the championship to force this match and they repeated the result in the final by winning 22–19.

Max Jaffe Cup charity match

The Max Jaffe Cup was awarded to the team which finished runner up in the championship. As Marist Old Boys and Ponsonby United were tied a playoff was required.

Top try scorers and point scorers

Top try and point scorers for the Fox Memorial, Roope Rooster and Stormont Shield competitions (the competitions all A Division teams competed in). Frank Delgrosso of Ponsonby was the top point scorer for the 4th time in his career with 74 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 774 points for Ponsonby in all matches. The top try scorer was Claude List of Marist.

RankPlayerTeamTries
1Claude ListMarist9
1R PurdyCity8
3Heck LunnPonsonby7
3Pat MeehanMarist7
5George MillsPonsonby6
5Leonard RileyPonsonby6
7Ted BrimbleNewton6
7William McLaughlinCity6
7Dick SmithDevonport6
9A McIntyrePonsonby5
9Alan ClarkeMarist5
9Stan PrenticeRichmond5
RankPlayerTeamTriesConPenDrop GoalPoints
1Frank DelgrossoPonsonby2259074
2Alan ClarkeMarist5176163
2Dick SmithDevonport6125052
4Steve WateneCity0125034
4Reece MarshallRichmond483034
6Arnold PorteousNewton327027
7R PurdyCity800024
7Claude ListMarist700024
9Pat MeehanMarist710023
9Allan SeagarDevonport154123

Senior reserve grade competition

Senior reserve grade standings

width=200 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
Richmond Rovers Reserves10802694416
Ponsonby United Reserves10712772615
Marist Old Boys Reserves10513963911
Devonport United Reserves1041490659
City Rovers Reserves10117341193
Newton Rangers Reserves10108451182

Senior reserve grade fixtures

Round 10 was postponed due to heavy rain prior to and on the day of the matches. The Round 10 match between Ponsonby Reserves and Richmond Reserves decided the title. Richmond won 8 to 3 in a match which later caused major controversy as several Ponsonby players played in the match and then belatedly made their way to Carlaw Park to play for the senior side. This meant that the senior match was 20 minutes late kicking off and the players involved were suspended by their club.[34] The coach, Mr. F. C. White later took responsibility for the decision.[35] The reserve grade team met and made a lengthy statement about their situation and actions. They felt that they had been treated unjustly and were upset with the management of the Ponsonby club during the season.[36] Ponsonby decided to disqualify the reserve grade coach, Mr. F. C. White from his position as coach and as club vice-president for his role in the saga.[37] The situation dragged on for several weeks with Auckland Rugby League seeking explanations from the Ponsonby club as the players in particular pleaded their case and the sanctions were largely applied by the club rather than the league.

As reporting of the reserve grade was usually limited to just the results there were weeks where results were missing altogether. The Round 5 results were not reported, and the Round 9 match between Newton and Richmond was not reported though Richmond were the winners. They were also the winners of the Round 5 match over Devonport which was crucial in enabling them to win the championship.

1932 Senior reserve results
DateScoreScoreVenue
Round 130 Apr [38] Ponsonby 6 Devonport 0 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:45pm
30 Apr City 8 Newton 7 Auckland Domain # 2, 2pm
30 Apr Richmond 5 Marist 0 Carlaw Park # 2, 2pm
Round 214 May [39] Richmond 3 Devonport 2 Auckland Domain # 2, 1:30pm
14 May Marist 20 City 0 Auckland Domain # 3, 3pm
14 May Ponsonby 36 Newton6 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm
Round 321 May [40] Ponsonby 3 Marist 2 Auckland Domain # 2, 1:30pm
21 May Richmond 18 City 2 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm
21 May Devonport 20 Newton 3 Auckland Domain # 2, 3pm
Round 428 May [41] Marist 15 Devonport 5 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm
28 May Richmond 6 Newton 3 Auckland Domain, 1:30pm
28 May Ponsonby 10 City 2 Auckland Domain, 3pm
Round 54 JuneNewton ? Marist ? Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm
4 June Ponsonby L Richmond W Carlaw Park #1, 1:30pm
4 June Devonport ? City ? Devonport, 1:30pm
Round 611 June [42] Ponsonby 3 Devonport 2 Auckland Domain #2, 1:30pm
11 June Marist 18 Richmond 11 Carlaw Park #2, 1:30pm
11 June Newton 11 City 3 Auckland Domain # 2, 3pm 1:30pm
Round 718 June [43] Marist 19 City 3 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm
18 June Ponsonby 6 Newton 0 Auckland Domain # 1, 1:30pm
18 June Devonport 9 Richmond 5 Auckland Domain # 1, 3pm
Round 825 June [44] Ponsonby 2 Marist 0 Auckland Domain # 2, 1:30pm
25 June Devonport 27 Newton 15 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm
25 June Richmond 13 City 5 Auckland Domain # 2, 3pm
Round 92 July [45] Devonport 10 Marist 10 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm
2 July Richmond W Newton L Carlaw Park # 2, 3pm
2 July City 6 Ponsonby 6 Stafford Park, Northcote, 2pm
Round 1013 Aug [46] Devonport 15 City 5 Auckland Domain # 1, 1:45pm
13 Aug Richmond 8 Ponsonby 5 Auckland Domain # 1, 1:30pm
13 Aug Marist 12 Newton 0 Ellerslie 2pm

Stallard Cup knockout competition

1932 Stallard Cup results
DateScoreScoreVenue
Round 127 Aug [47] Richmond18 City 11 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:30pm
27 Aug Newton 14 Ponsonby 8 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm
Semi Final2 Sep [48] Devonport24 Newton 9 Carlaw Park # 2, 1:30pm
Semi Final2 Sep Marist13 Devonport 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:30pm
Final9 Sep [49] Marist12 Devonport 6 Carlaw Park # 1, 1:30pm

Other club matches and lower grades

Lower grade clubs

The Davis Shield awarded to the club with the most competition points in lower grades was again awarded to Richmond. Since it had been awarded for the first time in 1921 they had won it every single year except for 1924 when City Rovers won it and 1931 when Marist Old Boys won it.[50]

Papakura won the Wright Shield for taking out the Second Grade, Ponsonby won the Third Grade Open and were awarded the Hayward Shield, Northcote's Third Intermediate team won the Walker Cup, Point Chevalier won the Fourth Grade Hospital Cup, City Rovers won the Fifth Grade Endean Shield, Richmond won the Sixth Grade Banner and the Seventh Grade Myers Cup. The Myers Cup was the trophy originally awarded to the winners of the Senior Championship in its formative years. The Davis Shield for junior points went to Richmond with Marist in second place. This was the third year in a row that these two clubs finished in the top two positions.[51]

Second grade

The championship was won by Papakura who defeated Otahuhu in an extra match to decide the title by 5 points to 2 on September 24. Northcote and Papakura had been tied with two rounds to go and Papakura won 5-2 to move up equal with Ōtāhuhu. This forced a playoff for the championship which Papakura won. Māngere beat Mount Albert 18–15 in the knockout final on October 15. This match was played at Onehunga and used to raise funds for the newly reformed Manukau club. Māngere had defeated Ōtāhuhu 11-2 in one semi-final while Mount Albert beat Papakura 19-8 in the other.

width=225 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
Papakura1713042439126
Ōtāhuhu Rovers171205895424
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers161104622322
Mount Albert United16815965217
Māngere United16615757013
Ellerslie United16606627712
Point Chevalier1632841858
Ponsonby United161011491432
Devonport United161013281502

Third Grade Open standings

Ponsonby won the championship, finishing two points clear of Richmond. Richmond won the knockout competition when they beat Ponsonby in the final 19 points to 18 on October 15. After the first round of the knockout competition there were three teams remaining (Ponsonby, Richmond, and Marist). Ponsonby beat Marist to qualify for the final, while Richmond beat the same Marist side a week later to make the final which they won.

width=175 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
Ponsonby United1210011383720
Richmond Rovers129031313918
Marist Old Boys127031392214
Mount Albert United1230443856
Akarana1220725634
Glenora12207191084
Papakura13008151560

Third Intermediate Grade standings

Northcote won the championship, 2 points ahead of City. The knockout final was won by Marist who beat Richmond on October 1 by 15 points to 12.

width=225 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers1411021415022
City Rovers1210021042520
Marist Old Boys146041203512
Richmond Rovers1340571688
Mount Albert United1211415703
Devonport United1210734992
Akarana13019101481

Fourth Grade standings

The championship was won by Point Chevalier with Akarana runners-up, one point back. The knockout cup was won by Akarana who defeated Papakura in the final on September 24. Papakura had defeated Ōtāhuhu in one semi final, while Akarana beat Point Chevalier in the other.

width=215 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
Point Chevalier1511221312924
Akarana151113894023
Papakura15803753316
Marist Old Boys157141044315
Richmond Rovers15607627112
Ōtāhuhu Rovers1540430478
Ponsonby United15201235914
Newton Rangers150012131850

Fifth Grade standings

City won the championship. The knockout final was won by Newton 3–0 over Northcote. One of the Brimble brothers who later represented New Zealand captained the Newton side. Northcote B withdrew after 6 rounds. On July 30 City beat Marist A 3-0 in a curtain-raiser to the New Zealand v England test match, while a week later Ellerslie beat City 5-2 in a curtain raiser to the Auckland-England game.

width=235 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
City Rovers1613011312126
Newton Rangers1512121412325
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers A141202802224
Marist Old Boys B1611141866023
Ellerslie United176051235012
Marist Old Boys A1733976989
Richmond Rovers17309401376
Point Chevalier15229311156
Akarana1313530825
Devonport United1720669354
Papatoetoe161012202682
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers B50020150

Sixth Grade standings

The championship was won by Richmond A who finished 6 competition points ahead of City. Richmond A also won the knockout cup when they beat Richmond B 21 points to 5 on September 17. Richmond A had defeated Point Chevalier in one semi final by 8 points to 0, while Richmond B beat City 6-5 in the other.

width=215 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
Richmond Rovers A10900134018
City Rovers10514335211
Point Chevalier10512923911
Richmond Rovers B9207281254
Māngere United90098790

Seventh Grade standings

In a remarkable season, the Richmond A team won the championship by 10 competition points over Devonport. They won all 12 matches and scored 333 points, conceding 0.[52] They also won the knockout competition, defeating Māngere 27-0 in a semi final, and then Ellerslie 38-0 in the final.

width=215 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
Richmond Rovers A121200333024
Devonport United12624167814
Richmond Rovers B1122435606
Ellerslie United1320612714
Māngere United120083700

Primary schools standings

Ellerslie won the championship. A 'knockout' competition was played however it involved a full round robin with Ellerslie winning the final by 3 points to 0 over Newton on October 8. There were also full season competition point totals reported for Ellerslie (29), Newton (27), and Devonport (19) so it appears that the knockout competition was more appropriately named a second round competition. The full season standings are posted below however many match results were not reported so it is a composite standings.

width=185 Teamwidth=20 abbr="Played" Pldwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="For" Fwidth=20 abbr="Against" Awidth=20 abbr="Points" Pts
Ellerslie Schools1914141274129
Newton Schools191234953127
Devonport Schools18916457119
Avondale Schools19805658316
City Schools17715423315
Ōtāhuhu Schools1741766609
Papatoetoe Schools1920918494
Northcote Schools172013281584
Richmond Schools1411244103

Other matches

DateScoreScoreVenue
Auckland City Mission fundraiser23 Apr Ponsonby Reserves7 Marist Reserves 5 Carlaw Park # 1, 2:30pm
Exhibition match17 Sep[53] Taupiri12 City Reserves 17 Taupiri
Exhibition match25 Sep[54] Hamilton10 Richmond 28 Hinemoa Park, Hamilton, 3pm
Exhibition match25 Sep[55] Kaikohe 16 Mount Albert 19 Kaikohe
Exhibition match3 Oct[56] Taranaki 25 Marist 17 New Plymouth
Exhibition match10 Oct[57] Hikurangi-Waro 5 Newton 18 Hikurangi

Other notable matches

Auckland City Mission fundraiser

Prior to the start of the season a carnival was held to raise money for the Auckland City Mission. The day included "wood chopping, whippett racing, and popular haka by a Maori group..." Marist and Ponsonby played matches with both their senior and senior reserve sides.

Devonport v Ponsonby in New Plymouth

On 9 September Ponsonby and Devonport played an exhibition match at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth where plans were underway to form a league competition. A large crowd attended and saw a fast-paced match which ended in a 28 all draw. The Ponsonby team featured Richmond Rovers player and former All Black, Bert Cooke who had recently switched codes.

Trevor Hanlon benefit match

On 17 October a charity match was played between Marist and a combined Auckland club team to raise funds for the former Richmond player Trevor Hanlon to help raise funds for him to return with his family from England.

Representative fixtures

Auckland v South Auckland (Waikato)

The first representative match of 1932 was between an Auckland XIII and South Auckland as part of the selection process for the upcoming England tour. Lord Bledisoe was in attendance at the match, this was the second time he had attended a Rugby League match at Carlaw Park.[58]

Probables v Possibles trial match

Former New Zealand international, Maurice Wetherill made his senior refereeing debut in the match between the Probables and Possibles.

Inter-Island match

Jim Amos left the field with an injured shoulder for the South Island team and was replaced by E O'Brien. Bert Cooke made his North Island debut and played brilliantly, scoring three tries for the winners in front of a crowd of 15,000. He had only recently converted to rugby league but his performance was instrumental in his selection for the New Zealand test team. Len Scott also scored three tries with Claude List crossing for one. Albert Laing converted three of the North Island's seven tries. Laing also made his debut for New Zealand after his effort, while Scott and List also gained New Zealand selection once more after having debuted for New Zealand in 1928. For the South Island Devonport and Hamberger scored a try each. Jim Amos had kicked two goals before being replaced. Jonas Masters kicked their other three goals.

Auckland v England

With the attraction of the England team which had recently toured Australia the league authorities added several hundred seats by building a temporary stand at the northern end of the field at Carlaw Park. The reported attendance for the match was 15,000.

Lower Waikato v Auckland (inter-provincial Sunshine Cup charity match)

Several of the originally named players for Lower Waikato were unable to play so a weakened lineup was fielded.

England Tour (Carlaw Park tests)

Following their tour of Australia where they had a tour record of 15 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, including a 2–1 test series victory the English team toured New Zealand. They arrived on the Niagara ship into Auckland on 25 July and were met on the boat by Mr C.A. Sneddon, the president of the New Zealand Rugby League Council, Mr. W.O. Carlaw, secretary, and Mr. R.W. Pollock, a member of the council. They were then given a civic welcome at the Town Hall by the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison. The team stayed at the Hotel Auckland before travelling to Whangarei for their first tour match.[59] Their programme included 8 tour matches against Northland (Won 56–5), South Auckland (Won 65–11), Auckland (Won 19–14), West Coast (Won 32–8) and North Island XIII (Won 59–8), along with three tests (Won 24–9, 25–14, and 20–18). This meant that they finished their tour with the fine record of 23–1–2. The First and Third tests were played at Carlaw Park as was the match against Auckland. The team trained at Victoria Park, Auckland on the day after their arrival in preparation for their first match of the tour.[60]

DateScoreScoreVenueAttendance
First Test30 July [61] New Zealand 9 England 24 Carlaw Park # 1, 3pm15,000
Third Test20 Aug [62] New Zealand 18 England 20 Carlaw Park # 1, 3pm12,000

Auckland representative matches played and scorers

NoNameClub TeamPlayTriesConPenDGPoints
1Puti Tipene WateneCity1170017
2Alan ClarkeMarist2052014
3Claude ListMarist230009
4Bert CookeRichmond220006
4Trevor HallNewton220006
4Leonard RileyPonsonby120006
7Ben DavidsonCity210003
7Len ScottDevonport110003
7George MillsPonsonby110003
7Leslie OlliffDevonport110003
7Bert LeatherbarrowDevonport110003
7EllisRichmond110003
13Norm CampbellMarist200012
14Hec BrisbaneMarist200000
14A McIntyrePonsonby100000
14Lou HuttPonsonby200000
14Gordon CampbellMarist200000
14Stan ClarkCity300000
14Ray LawlessRichmond300000
14Claude DempseyNewton100000
14Henry CrookNewton100000
14Ted BrimbleNewton100000
14C StevensPonsonby100000
14Bill TelfordRichmond100000
14Doug McLeayPonsonby100000
14Pat MeehanMarist100000
14Wilf HassanMarist100000

Annual general meetings and club news

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Election of Officers/The Game in Otago. 14. Auckland Star. LXIII. 86. 12 April 1932. 1 November 2019.
  2. News: Management Affairs/Officials and Players. 15. Auckland Star. LXIII. 94. 21 April 1932. 4 November 2019.
  3. News: Six Senior Teams/Opening Matches and Draw. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 88. 14 April 1932. 1 November 2019.
  4. News: The League Code/Good Year Anticipated/Visit of British Team/Players and Their Clubs. 16. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21167. 27 April 1932. 4 November 2019.
  5. News: Management Meeting/All Senior Games at Park. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 105. 5 May 1932. 11 November 2019.
  6. News: Second Round to Commence/Keen Contests Anticipated/Devonport in the Lead. 16. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21203. 8 June 1932. 6 November 2019.
  7. News: Move in Manukau/South Auckland Benefit/Auckland Management Matters. 18. Auckland Star. LXIII. 225. 22 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  8. News: League Football/Proposed Manukau Rugby League Football Club. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 229. 27 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  9. News: Club at Onehunga. 12. Auckland Star. LXIII. 232. 30 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  10. News: Formation of New Club/Headquarters at Onehunga. 7. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21301. 30 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  11. News: Rugby League. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 243. 13 October 1932. 11 November 2019.
  12. News: Football Finance/Auckland League Profit/£813 Surplus Last Season/Carlaw Park Valued at £10,000. 8. Auckland Star. LXIII. 53. 3 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  13. News: Auckland Executive/Senior Team Quotas. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 65. 17 March 1932. 29 October 2019.
  14. News: Management Affairs/Officials and Players. 15. Auckland Star. LXIII. 94. 21 April 1932. 4 November 2019.
  15. News: A.R.L. Executive/Transfers of Players. 18. Auckland Star. LXIII. 111. 12 May 1932. 7 November 2019.
  16. News: Grounds for Football/Reduction in Charges/City Council Concession. 10. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21205. 10 June 1932. 6 November 2019.
  17. News: Radio Topics/Auckland Broadcasts/The Week's Programmes, Features From Station 1YA. 15. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21172. 3 May 1932. 4 November 2019.
  18. News: Referees’ Criticism. 12. Auckland Star. LXIII. 115. 17 May 1932. 5 November 2019.
  19. News: To Play League/A.E. Ciike Turns Over/Joins Richmond Rovers. 8. Auckland Star. LXIII. 151. 28 June 1932. 9 November 2019.
  20. News: Cooke For League/Ex-Rugby Star Goes Over/Accepts Offer of Position. 7. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21220. 28 June 1932. 9 November 2019.
  21. News: Sudden Death/Mr. D. W. McLean, of Devonport/Seizure at Club Meeting. 8. Auckland Star. LXIII. 2 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  22. News: Obituary/Mr. W. T. Wynyard. 12. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21268. 23 August 1932. 28 October 2019.
  23. News: Boxer's Death/Collapse in Ring. 9. Auckland Star. LXIII. 235. 4 October 1932. 11 November 2019.
  24. News: Fatal Boxing Bout/Death of Harry Johns/Tragic Ending to Match/Adjournment of Inquest/Brilliant Sporting Career. 5. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21305. 5 October 1932. 11 November 2019.
  25. News: Boxing Ring/Death of Harry Johns/New Zealand Championships/Aucklanders’ Performances. 19. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21305. 5 October 1932. 11 November 2019.
  26. News: Laid to Rest/Harry Johns’ Funeral/Many Sportsmen Attend/Last Tribute. 14. Auckland Star. LXIII. 237. 6 October 1932. 11 November 2019.
  27. News: Senior Games Postponed. 14. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21177. 9 May 1932. 28 October 2019.
  28. News: Management Committee/Ponsonby Club's Protest/Venue of Senior Matches. 7. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21192. 26 May 1932. 6 November 2019.
  29. News: Northcote Committee. 3. Auckland Star. LXIII. 151. 28 June 1932. 9 November 2019.
  30. News: Unemployed Relief/Northcote Activities. 5. Auckland Star. LXIII. 156. 4 July 1932. 9 November 2019.
  31. News: Next Saturday's Games/North Island v South Island. 13. Auckland Star. LXIII. 162. 11 July 1932. 10 November 2019.
  32. News: Rugby Player For Marist. 7. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21278. 3 September 1932. 20 August 2019.
  33. News: Auckland Management Matters. 18. Auckland Star. LXIII. 225. 22 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  34. News: Team Suspended/Ponsonby League Club/Reserve Players’ Defiance. 9. Auckland Star. LXIII. 193. 16 August 1932. 10 November 2019.
  35. News: Refusal to Play/Ponsonby Reserve Team/League Endorses Club Action/Coach Claims Responsibility. 17. Auckland Star. LXIII. 195. 18 August 1932. 10 November 2019.
  36. News: Ponsonby Club Split/Suspended Reserve Players/A Statement in Defence. 11. Auckland Star. LXIII. 199. 23 August 1932. 10 November 2019.
  37. News: Recent Club Dispute/Disqualification of Coach/Action by Ponsonby. 7. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21270. 25 August 1932. 10 November 2019.
  38. News: Opening Games Played/Devonport Beats Ponsonby/Surprise Win for Richmond. 13. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21171. 2 May 1932. 4 November 2019.
  39. News: Lower Grade Results. 7. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21184. 17 May 1932. 11 November 2019.
  40. News: Senior Competition Games/Marist Defeats Ponsonby/Newton Creates Surprise. 12. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21189. 23 May 1932. 5 November 2019.
  41. News: Lower Grade Results. 12. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21195. 30 May 1932. 6 November 2019.
  42. News: City and Newton Draw. 13. Auckland Star. LXIII. 138. 13 June 1932. 6 November 2019.
  43. News: Senior B Grade. 13. Auckland Star. LXIII. 144. 20 June 1932. 9 November 2019.
  44. News: Play in the Second Round/Newton's Splendid Effort/Narrow Win for Devonport. 12. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21219. 27 June 1932. 9 November 2019.
  45. News: Lower Grade Results. 12. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21225. 4 July 1932. 9 November 2019.
  46. News: The League Code/Senior Championship Games/City Defeats Devonport/Nineteen Points to Thirteen. 12. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21261. 15 August 1932. 10 November 2019.
  47. News: Lower Grade Results. 12. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21273. 29 August 1932. 10 November 2019.
  48. News: Lower Grade Results. 12. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21279. 5 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  49. News: Senior Reserve Stallard Cup Final. 12. Auckland Star. LXIII. 216. 12 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  50. News: Junior Grade Champions. 27. Auckland Star. LXIII. 229. 27 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  51. News: Junior Management/Success of New Control. 14. Auckland Star. LXIV. 68. 22 March 1933. 17 November 2019.
  52. News: Junior Grade Champions. 27. Auckland Star. LXIII. 229. 27 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  53. News: Games in the Province. 3. Auckland Star. LXIII. 222. 19 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  54. News: Richmond Beats Hamilton. 12. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21297. 26 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  55. News: Mount Albert at Kaikohe. 15. Auckland Star. LXIII. 230. 29 September 1932. 11 November 2019.
  56. News: Marists in Taranaki/City Team Defeated. 13. Auckland Star. LXIII. 234. 3 October 1932. 11 November 2019.
  57. News: Newton Beats Hikurangi. 13. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21309. 10 October 1932. 11 November 2019.
  58. News: Governor-General At League Football. 6. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21237. 18 July 1932. 10 November 2019.
  59. News: Touring Footballers/English League Team/Civic Welcome Tendered/Players Fine Physique/Northland Match Tomorrow. 11. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21244. 26 July 1932. 11 November 2019.
  60. News: British Rugby League Players. 9. Auckland Star. LXIII. 176. 27 July 1932. 10 November 2019.
  61. News: League Test/Win for England/24 Points to Nine/Dominion Forwards Outclassed/Cooke's Fine Display. 11. Auckland Star. LXIII. 180. 1 August 1932. 10 November 2019.
  62. News: League Tour Ends/The Final Test Match/Close Call for England/New Zealand Team Defeated/Margin of Two Points. 13. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21267. 22 August 1932. 10 November 2019.
  63. News: Auckland Rugby League. 5. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21130. 12 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  64. News: Limiting Senior Teams/Season Opens on April 11. 7. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21151. 7 April 1932. 1 November 2019.
  65. News: League Football/Grading of Referees. 13. Auckland Star. LXIII. 63. 1 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  66. News: Referees’ Association/Record Annual Meeting. 12. Auckland Star. LXIII. 80. 5 April 1932. 29 October 2019.
  67. News: Referees For Tests/Auckland Association's Protest. 11. Auckland Star. LXIII. 199. 23 August 1932. 10 November 2019.
  68. News: Akarana Rugby League Football Club. 13. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21159. 16 April 1932. 1 November 2019.
  69. News: City Rovers’ Football Club. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 71. 24 March 1932. 29 October 2019.
  70. News: City Rovers Club. 14. Auckland Star. LXIII. 74. 29 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  71. News: Devonport United Club. 13. Auckland Star. LXIII. 71. 24 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  72. News: Ellerslie United League Football Club. 14. Auckland Star. LXIII. 77. 1 April 1932. 29 October 2019.
  73. News: Limiting Senior Teams/Season Opens on April 30. 7. The New Zealand Herald. LXIX. 21151. 7 April 1932. 1 November 2019.
  74. News: Ellerslie United League Football Club. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 90. 16 April 1932. 1 November 2019.
  75. News: Ellerslie-Otahuhu United League Football Club. 20. Auckland Star. LXIII. 67. 19 March 1932. 29 October 2019.
  76. News: Marist Old Boys League Football Club. 18. Auckland Star. LXIII. 74. 29 March 1932. 29 October 2019.
  77. News: Mangere United Football Club. 22. Auckland Star. LXIII. 70. 23 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  78. News: League Football. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 62. 14 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  79. News: Mount Albert Club. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 65. 17 March 1932. 29 October 2019.
  80. News: League Football. 18. Auckland Star. LXIII. 55. 5 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  81. News: League Football. 18. Auckland Star. LXIII. 55. 5 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  82. News: Northcote and Birkenhead. 13. Auckland Star. LXIII. 57. 8 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  83. News: League Football. 22. Auckland Star. LXIII. 76. 31 March 1932. 29 October 2019.
  84. News: Northcote High School. 3. Auckland Star. LXIII. 80. 5 April 1932. 29 October 2019.
  85. News: Papakura Club. 15. Auckland Star. LXIII. 70. 23 March 1932. 29 October 2019.
  86. News: Papakura Town Board. 5. Auckland Star. LXIII. 75. 30 March 1932. 29 October 2019.
  87. News: Social Gatherings. 10. Auckland Star. LXIII. 93. 20 April 1932. 1 November 2019.
  88. News: League Football. 18. Auckland Star. LXIII. 63. 15 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  89. News: League Football. 16. Auckland Star. LXIII. 58. 9 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  90. News: Ponsonby United Club. 17. Auckland Star. LXIII. 67. 17 March 1932. 28 October 2019.
  91. News: League Football. 22. Auckland Star. LXIII. 76. 31 March 1932. 29 October 2019.
  92. News: League Football. 14. Auckland Star. LXIII. 54. 4 March 1932. 28 October 2019.