1925 Auckland Rugby League season

The 1925 season of Auckland Rugby League was its 16th. On 30 March Auckland Rugby League held its fifteenth annual meeting with 200 in attendance. The strong financial position of the league was commented on. It was also decided that if possible the Senior Grade would be split into A and B divisions owing to the increasing number of teams who wished to enter but also the gap in standard between the best teams and the worst.[1]

Trophy winners

City Rovers won the First Grade Championship for the 7th time in just 15 seasons. Ponsonby won the Roope Rooster Knockout competition for the 4th time in the 11 seasons it had been competed for. Ponsonby also won the Stormont Shield after defeating City in the final in its inaugural season.

While in the B division Ellerslie won the inaugural title and were awarded the Norton Cup. At the end of the season these teams competed for their own knockout trophy which was named the Stallard Cup. It was won by Otahuhu who defeated Northcote in the final.

In the lower grades Richmond Rovers dominated like they were to come to do for many seasons. They won the 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and both sections of the 6th grade. They were a very powerful club at the junior level and this would ultimately lead to great success at the senior grade level.

Representative season

The Auckland team played in 5 matches with a number of other Auckland B and Auckland C team matches. They played against the New Zealand team twice and the touring Queensland side who they drew with 18 all. The Auckland side claimed the Northern Union Challenge Cup off the holders, South Auckland and they retained it against the same opponents in a later match. In addition the Auckland Provincial team played Queensland but were soundly beaten 54–14.

Death of Bill Stormont and inauguration of the Stormont Shield

On June 4 William Stormont (known better as Bill Stormont) died, succumbing to rheumatic heart disease. [2] Stormont had played for the Marist Old Boys senior team from 1920 to 1924 scoring 24 tries and kicking 31 goals. He had also represented Auckland on 16 occasions, scoring 4 tries and kicking 2 goals as well as playing 3 matches for New Zealand in 1920. He had been ill for quite some time and had not played for Marist since the end of the 1924 season. The funeral was on the Sunday leaving his parents residence in Epsom and progressing to Purewa Cemetery where he was buried. [3] The match between Marist and Richmond Rovers on Saturday was originally postponed but was never played. [4] The matches at Carlaw Park saw one minutes silence before kickoff. On July 9 at the New Zealand Council meeting John Stormont presented a shield to be played for among the senior clubs. It was to be known as the “William Stormont Memorial Shield”. [5]

On July 22 at an Auckland Management Committee meeting it was decided that the shield would be played for by the “winners of the senior grade club competition and the winners of the Roope Rooster”. [6] A request came in for the trophy to be played for among champion teams from around the country but it was eventually settled that it would be for Auckland teams. The championship winning City Rovers team, the Roope Rooster winning Ponsonby United, and Stormont's Marist side were the three teams chosen to compete for it. City drew the bye so Ponsonby were to come up against Marist in the ‘semi-final’ match. [7] Ponsonby defeated Marist 23–22 to progress to the Stormont Shield final.[8] Ponsonby then trounced City Rovers 35–3 in the final to become the first team with their name on the trophy. [8]The Stormont Shield is still played for today though it is played for in round 1 of the regular season with the Fox Memorial grand finalists from the previous year competing for it.

Monteith Shield (first grade championship)

Final A division standings

Team Pld W D L F A Pts City Rovers 12 11 0 1 300 142 22 Ponsonby United 12 10 0 2 271 113 20 Marist Old Boys 11 6 0 5 162 112 12 Devonport United 12 5 0 7 174 207 10 Richmond Rovers 11 4 0 7 155 184 8 Athletic 12 4 0 8 133 276 8 Newton Rangers 12 1 0 11 152 314 2 First Grade A division fixtures Prior to the kickoff in the Round 7 games at Carlaw Park on 6 June, the teams stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect for the late William Stormont who had died two days earlier. He was a World War I veteran and had played for Marist from 1920 to 1924. Round 1 18 April City 27–8 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: J Wardlaw 2, Alf Townsend, Lou Brown 2, H Hawkes, Maurice Wetherill Con: H Hawkes, Sam Crewther Drop: Ben Davidson [9] Try: Ivan Littlewood 2 Con: Frank Delgrosso Referee: Les Bull 18 April Athletic 38–18 Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Bert Avery, Craddock Dufty 3, John Lang, J Hadley, Wilson Hall 2 Con: Craddock Dufty 6 Pen: Craddock Dufty [10] Try: Watson, Gallagher, Alan Clarke, Humby Con: A Mansill 2, Alan Clarke Referee: W Mincham 18 April Devonport 29–9 Richmond Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Norman Veart 2, Horace Dixon, Allan Seagar, J Laing, Stan Webb, Harry Douglas Con: Charles Hand, Allan Seagar, Alf Scott [11] Try: James Hing 2, Davis Referee: Saunders Round 2 2 May City 19–8 Athletic Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: J Wardlaw, Lou Brown 3, Hec McDonald Con: W Sandham 2 [12] Try: J Hadley, Bert Avery Pen: Craddock Dufty Referee: Les Bull 2 May Ponsonby 18–14 Richmond Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Hector Cole 2, H Godley, Tim Peckham Con: Frank Delgrosso 2 Pen: Frank Delgrosso [13] Try: Ray Hyland 3, Penalty Try Con: William Hanlon Referee: Saunders 2 May Marist 18–9 Devonport Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Cadman, Gallagher, Jack Kirwan, Hec Brisbane Con: Charles Gregory 3 [14] Try: A Harper, Norman Veart, Harry Douglas Referee: W Mincham Round 3 9 May Marist 8–7 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Gallagher, Jack Kirwan Con: Charles Gregory [15] Try: Sam Lowrie Con: Frank Delgrosso Pen: Frank Delgrosso Attendance: 6,000 Referee: Taylor 9 May City 43–19 Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: J Wardlaw 2, Lou Brown 3, Hec McDonald, Ben Davidson, E Mackie, Sam Crewther, E Ruby, Nelson Bass Con: Sandham 2, Mackie, V Thomas, Maurice Wetherill [16] Try: Thompson, Alan Clarke, Anderson, Watson, Wally Somers Con: Clarrie Polson 2 Attendance: 6,000 Referee: R. A. Bovaird 9 May Athletic 13–8 Richmond Auckland Domain 1   3:00 Try: Jones, J Hadley, Webb Con: Craddock Dufty 2 [17] Try: Little, K Hyland Con: William Hanlon Referee: McCowatt Round 4 Sam Lowrie was ordered off in the match between Ponsonby and Devonport. 16 May Ponsonby 40–5 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Frank Delgrosso 3, Ivan Littlewood 2, George Gardiner, J Payne 2, Hector Cole, Victor Fagan Con: Frank Delgrosso 4 Pen: Frank Delgrosso [18] Try: Jim O'Brien Con: J Laing Attendance: 8,000 Referee: P Rogers 16 May Marist 18–5 Athletic Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Arthur Singe 3, Malloy Con: Charles Gregory 3 [19] Try: Craddock Dufty Con: Craddock Dufty Attendance: 8,000 Referee: Saunders 16 May Richmond 21–9 Newton Victoria Park 1   3:00 Try: Avery, Kettlewell 3, W Hanlon Con: W Hanlon 2 Pen: W Hanlon [20] Try: Clarrie Polson Con: Alan Clarke Pen: Alan Clarke 2 Referee: McCowatt Round 5 23 May Athletic 8–6 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Ernie Herring 2 Pen: Craddock Dufty [21] Try: Alf Scott, Butland Referee: McCowatt 23 May City 17–0 Richmond Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Hec McDonald 2, Lou Brown 2, Sam Crewther Con: Sam Crewther [22] Referee: Les Bull 23 May Marist 18–0 Newton Auckland Domain   3:00 Try: Hec Brisbane 2, Malloy, Arthur Singe Con: Charles Gregory 2 Pen: Charles Gregory [23] Referee: Hill Round 6 30 May City 9–7 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: C Mitchell Con: W Sandham Pen: W Sandham Drop: Ben Davidson [24] Try: Jack Kirwan Con: Charles Gregory Pen: Charles Gregory Attendance: 12,500 Referee: W Ripley 30 May Ponsonby 18–6 Athletic Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Frank Delgrosso, A Payne, Ivan Littlewood, Hector Cole Pen: Frank Delgrosso 3 [25] Try: Webb, McGregor Attendance: 12,500 Referee: Taylor 30 May Devonport 29–11 Newton Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Bert Laing, Hooker, Stan Webb 2, Jim O’Brien, E Cleaver, Horace Dixon Con: Bert Laing 3 Pen: Bert Laing [26] Try: Roy Hardgrave, H Anderson, Unknown x 1 Con: Clarrie Polson Referee: Les Bull Round 7 The match between Marist and Richmond scheduled to be played at Victoria Park was cancelled due to the death of recent Marist player Bill Stormont two days earlier. 6 June City 27–20 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: H Hawkes, Maurice Wetherill, Lou Brown 3, E Brown, E Mackie Con: W Sandham 2 Pen: W Sandham [27] Try: Jim O’Brien, J Laing, Tom Haddon, Horace Dixon Con: Bert Laing 3 Pen: Bert Laing Referee: Les Bull 6 June Ponsonby 42–3 Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Frank Delgrosso 4, George Gardiner, Tim Peckham, Ivan Littlewood 2, A Payne, Hector Cole Con: Frank Delgrosso 4, Tim Peckham, Hector Cole [28] Try: Lawson Referee: P Rogers 6 June Marist Cancelled Richmond Victoria Park 1   3:00 [29] Referee: Saunders Round 8 13 June Ponsonby 10–9 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: J Payne, Ivan Littlewood Con: Frank Delgrosso 2 [30] Try: Sam Crewther, Hec McDonald 2 Attendance: 10,000 Referee: W Ripley 13 June Richmond 23–5 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Thorburn, R Hyland, W Hanlon, Bass, M Little Con: McDonald 2 Pen: W Hanlon 2 [31] Try: Horace Dixon Con: Bert Laing Attendance: 10,000 Referee: Saunders 13 June Newton 38–11 Athletic Victoria Park   3:00 Try: Clarrie Polson, Roy Hardgrave 2, Wally Somers 2, Dick Stack, E Brown, Alan Clarke Con: C Hand 6 Pen: E Thompson [32] Try: Ernie Herring, Watkins, Bert Avery Con: Ernie Herring Referee: Hill Round 9 Jim O'Brien for Marist and Tom Haddon for Devonport were ordered off for fighting in their match at Carlaw Park. In one of the more amazing team efforts in early Auckland rugby league history the City team saw all 13 of its players score points in a 57–10 victory over Athletic. There were nine different try scorers and the four who didn't cross the line all kicked at least one conversion. 20 June Devonport 19–11 Marist Carlaw Park 1   2:45 Try: Jim O’Brien, Tom Haddon, Stan Webb Con: J Laing Pen: Bert Laing 4 [33] Try: Hec Brisbane, Malloy, Gallagher Con: Charles Gregory Attendance: 9,000 Referee: Taylor 20 June City 57–10 Athletic Carlaw Park 2   2:45 Try: Lou Brown 4, George Paki, E Ruby 2, J Wardlaw 2, Hec McDonald, Sam Crewther, H Hawkes, E Mackie, Alf Townsend Con: Nelson Bass 3, E Brown, H Hawkes, E Mackie, Alf Townsend, Ben Davidson, Bob Crewther [34] Try: Bert Avery, Len Mason Con: Craddock Dufty Pen: Angelo Attendance: 9,000 Referee: A Saunders 20 June Ponsonby 14–7 Richmond Auckland Domain 1   3:00 Try: Ivan Littlewood 2, Joseph Peckham, Frank Delgrosso Pen: Frank Delgrosso [35] Try: Little Con: McDonald Pen: McDonald Referee: McCowatt Round 10 4 July Ponsonby 24–6 Marist Carlaw Park 1   2:45 Try: S Riley, Moore 2, George Gardiner, Ivan Littlewood, Ward Con: Hector Cole, George Gardiner, Tim Peckham [36] Try: Johnston, Hanson Attendance: 6,000 Referee: Gallagher 4 July Athletic 16–15 Richmond Carlaw Park 2   2:45 Try: Len Mason 2, Sorrenson Con: Angelo 2 [37] Try: Jenkinson, Little, Ray Hyland Con: W Hanlon 2 Pen: W Hanlon Attendance: 6,000 Referee: T Hill 4 July City 27–16 Newton Auckland Domain 2   3:00 Try: J Wardlaw, George Davidson, Nelson Bass, Henry Hawkes 2, Hec McDonald, E Ruby Con: W Sandham 3 [38] Try: E Thompson, Charles Hand, Alan Clarke, Wally Somers Con: Charles Hand 2 Referee: W Ripley Round 11 11 July Ponsonby 22–5 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   2:45 Try: Ivan Littlewood 2, Victor Fagan, George Gardiner, Riley, Donovan Con: George Gardiner, Moore [39] Try: Norman Veart Con: Matt Scott Referee: W Murray 11 July Richmond 12–11 Newton Carlaw Park 2   2:45 Try: Redwood, W Hanlon Con: McDonald 2 Pen: W Hanlon [40] Try: Alan Clarke, C Hand, Clarrie Polson Con: C Hand Referee: Les Bull 11 July Marist 35–3 Athletic Auckland Domain   3:00 Try: F Hanson, W Kirkland 4, Mannix, Arthur Singe, Billy Ghent, Johnston Con: Arthur Singe 3, Johnston [41] Try: McKinley Referee: Taylor Round 12 18 July City 34–22 Richmond Carlaw Park 1   2:45 Try: C Mitchell 2, J Wardlaw, Ben Davidson 2, George Davidson 3 Con: W Sandham 4 Pen: W Sandham [42] Try: W Hanlon 2, Ballantyne 2 Con: W Hanlon 3, Bass Pen: W Hanlon Referee: R. A. Bovaird 18 July Marist 19–6 Newton Carlaw Park 2   2:45 Try: Billy Ghent, Lineen, W Kirkland, Malloy, Lonergan, Johnston Con: Arthur Singe 2 Pen: Arthur Singe 2 [43] Try: Alan Clarke, Wally Somers Referee: A Saunders 18 July Devonport 19–10 Athletic Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Butland, Tom Haddon 2, Norman Veart, Unknown x 1 Con: Alf Scott, Unknown x 1 [44] Try: Len Mason, Wilkie Con: Angelo Pen: Angelo Referee: Les Bull Round 13 25 July City 6–5 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Sam Crewther, James Wardlaw [45] Try: Arthur Singe Pen: Arthur Singe Attendance: 7,500 Referee: W Murray 25 July Ponsonby 25–5 Athletic Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: H Godley 3, Joseph Peckham, Riley 2, J Payne Con: George Gardiner 2 [46] Try: Watkins Pen: Malloy Referee: Les Bull 25 July Devonport 11–3 Newton Victoria Park   3:00 Try: Norman Veart, Buffett, K Scott Con: Bert Laing [47] Try: Warren Referee: W Mincham Round 14 1 August City 25–17 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Hec McDonald, Sam Crewther, Mitchell, Ben Davidson, George Davidson, Henry Hawkes, E Ruby Con: Sam Crewther, George Davidson [48] Try: Alf Scott, Norman Veart, Harry Douglas Con: Alf Scott Pen: Alf Scott, G Yardley Attendance: 7,000 Referee: A Saunders 1 August Richmond 24–17 Marist Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Russell 2, Hanlon, Duane 2, Little Con: Hanlon 2 Pen: Hanlon [49] Try: Arthur Singe 2, Johnson 2, Gallagher Con: Billy Ghent Attendance: 7,000 Referee: T Hill 1 August Ponsonby 43–18 Newton Auckland Domain 1   3:00 Try: Goodley 2, George Gardiner 2, Riley 2, Ivan Littlewood, Payne, Moore 2, Donovan Con: George Gardiner, Ivan Littlewood, Donovan, Unknown x 1 Pen: George Gardiner [50] Try: C Hand, Warren, Roy Hardgrave, Smith Con: C Hand, Clarrie Polson, Wally Somers Referee: W Murray Roope Rooster knockout competition Round 1 8 August Devonport 15–12 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Alf Scott, Harry Douglas, Jim O’Brien Con: Alf Scott Pen: Alf Scott 2 [51] Try: F Hanson, B Sweeney, Lenihan, Gallagher Attendance: 4,000 Referee: Les Bull 8 August Ponsonby 50–23 Athletic Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Tim Peckham, George Gardiner 3, H Godley 2, Riley, Wilfred McNeil, Ivan Littlewood, Herewini, Donovan, Peckham Con: George Gardiner 7 [52] Try: Webb, Bill Te Whata, Len Mason, Wilkie, J Hadley Con: Malloy 3 Pen: Malloy Attendance: 4,000 Referee: Taylor 8 August City 29–8 Richmond Auckland Domain   3:00 Try: Sam Crewther, Reid, J Wardlaw 2, H Hawkes 2, E Ruby Con: Sam Crewther 4 [53] Try: Bass 2 Con: W Hanlon Referee: T Hill Semi finals 15 August City 22–11 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Ben Davidson 2, H Hawkes, J Wardlaw, George Davidson, Cleal Con: Sam Crewther 2 [54] Try: George Yardley, K Scott, Norman Veart Con: George Yardley Referee: Taylor 15 August Ponsonby WBD-LBD Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 [55] Referee: McCowatt Final 22 August Ponsonby 10–5 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Ivan Littlewood, Riley Pen: George Gardiner 2 [56] Try: E Ruby Pen: S Crewther Attendance: 7,500 Referee: Ripley Stormont Memorial Shield Semi final 26 September Ponsonby 23–22 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Gardiner 2, Frank Delgrosso, Ward, A Payne Con: Frank Delgrosso 3 Pen: George Gardiner [57] Try: Charles Gregory, Billy Ghent, Jack Kirwan, Jim O’Brien Con: Charles Gregory 3 Pen: Charles Gregory 2 Referee: Saunders Final 3 October Ponsonby 35–3 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Gardiner 4, Tim Peckham 2, Godley, S Riley, Payne Con: Frank Delgrosso, Tim Peckham Pen: Frank Delgrosso 2 [58] Try: Lou Brown Referee: Taylor Top try scorers and point scorers (senior grade and Roope Rooster) Rank Player Team Tries 1 Lou Brown City Rovers 17 2 Ivan Littlewood Ponsonby United 16 3 Wardlaw City Rovers 13 4 Frank Delgrosso Ponsonby United 9 4 George Gardiner Ponsonby United 9 4 H Hawkes City Rovers 9 4 Hec McDonald City Rovers 9 8 H Godley Ponsonby United 8 8 Riley Ponsonby United 8 8 Norman Veart Devonport United 8 8 Arthur Singe Marist 8 12 Alan Clarke Newton Rangers 7 12 J Payne Ponsonby United 7 12 Sam Crewther City Rovers 7 12 E Ruby City Rovers 7 16 W Hanlon Richmond Rovers 6 16 Ben Davidson City Rovers 6 16 George Davidson City Rovers 6 Rank Player Team Tries Con Pen Points 1 Frank Delgrosso Ponsonby United 9 14 7 69 2 George Gardiner Ponsonby United 9 12 3 57 3 W Hanlon Richmond Rovers 6 12 5 52 4 Lou Brown City Rovers 17 0 0 51 5 Ivan Littlewood Ponsonby United 16 1 0 50 6 Sam Crewther City Rovers 7 9 1 41 7 Arthur Singe Marist Old Boys 8 5 3 40 8 Craddock Dufty Athletic 4 10 3 38 9 W Sandham City Rovers 0 14 3 34 B Grade standings and results Final B division standings Team Pld W D L F A Pts Ellerslie 12 8 2 2 89 62 18 Otahuhu 11 6 1 4 85 48 13 Kingsland 10 4 2 4 93 76 10 Mangere United 10 3 1 6 66 96 7 Northcote 11 3 0 8 75 126 6 First Grade B division fixtures 1925 First Grade Results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 18 April [59] Ellerslie 16 Mangere 3 Carlaw Park # 1 – 18 April Kingsland 21 Northcote 3 Carlaw Park # 2 Round 2 2 May [60] Ellerslie 6 Kingsland 3 Carlaw Park # 1 – 2 May Northcote 6 Otahuhu 5 Victoria Park Round 3 9 May [61] Ellerslie 7 Otahuhu 14 Ellerslie Reserve – 9 May Mangere 13 Kingsland 13 Peter Moke Farm, Mangere Round 4 16 May [62] Ellerslie 19 Northcote 11 Auckland Domain – 16 May Otahuhu 13 Mangere 0 Otahuhu Round 5 23 May [63] Mangere 12 Northcote 11 Victoria Park – 23 May Otahuhu 16 Kingsland 3 Otahuhu Round 6 30 May [64] Northcote 8 Kingsland 5 Carlaw Park # 1 – 30 May Ellerslie 12 Mangere 5 Carlaw Park # 2 Round 7 6 June [65] Otahuhu 2 Northcote 0 Carlaw Park # 1 – 6 June Ellerslie 9 Kingsland 5 Carlaw Park # 2 Round 8 13 June [66] Ellerslie 3 Otahuhu 3 Carlaw Park # 1 – 13 June Kingsland 11 Mangere 2 Carlaw Park # 2 Round 9 20 June [67] Ellerslie 7 Northcote 5 Ellerslie Reserve – 20 June Mangere 10 Otahuhu 14 Mangere Round 10 4 July [68] Kingsland 13 Otahuhu 3 Victoria Park, 3 pm Round 11 11 July [69] Kingsland 14 Northcote 11 Victoria Park, 3 pm – 11 July Mangere L Ellerslie W Mangere, 3 pm Round 12 18 July [70] Ellerslie 5 Kingsland 5 Ellerslie Reserve – 18 July Otahuhu 15 Northcote 6 Victoria Park Round 13 25 July[71] Otahuhu L Ellerslie W Otahuhu Round 14 1 Aug [72] Northcote 8 Ellerslie 5 Victoria Park – 1 Aug Mangere W Otahuhu L Mangere Round 15 8 Aug [73] Mangere 21 Northcote 6 Victoria Park – 8 Aug Kingsland CCD Otahuhu CCD Auckland Domain The round 15 match between Kingsland and Otahuhu was not played due to the poor condition of the field at the Auckland Domain. Stallard Cup knockout competition This was the first season with a B Division in the First Grade competition and at the end of the season a knockout competition was played between the five teams. 1925 Stallard Cup Results Date Score Score Venue Round 1 15 Aug [74] Northcote 3 Ellerslie 0 Victoria Park Semi final 15 Aug [75] Northcote 19 Mangere 18 Carlaw Park # 2 Semi final 8 Aug Otahuhu 11 Kingsland 2 Auckland Domain Final 5 Sep [76] Otahuhu 6 Northcote 2 Carlaw Park Other club matches and lower grades Lower grades There were 5 lower grades in 1925, with the Sixth Grade split into A and B divisions as it had been in previous years. Grades were made of the following teams with the winning team in bold: Second Grade: City, Devonport, Ellerslie, Kingsland, Mangere, Newton, Ponsonby A, Ponsonby B, Richmond, United Suburbs Third Grade: Athletics, City, Coromandel Old Boys, Devonport, Kingsland, Mangere, Newton, New Lynn, Northcote, Parnell, Point Chevalier, Ponsonby A, Ponsonby B, Otahuhu, Richmond, United Suburbs A, United Suburbs B Fourth Grade: Athletics, City, Marist, Devonport, Ellerslie, Kingsland, Newton, Parnell, Point Chevalier, Ponsonby, Richmond Fifth Grade: Athletic, City, Ellerslie, Marist, New Lynn, Northcote, Parnell, Ponsonby, Richmond Sixth Grade A: Athletics, City A, City B, Devonport, Ellerslie, Leys Institute, Marist, Newton, Northcote, Point Chevalier, Ponsonby, Richmond (unbeaten season) Sixth Grade B: Athletics, City, Ellerslie, Northcote, Point Chevalier, Richmond, United Suburb Exhibition matches On 19 April, when Marist had a bye in the first round of the club competition they travelled to Christchurch and played Marist of Christchurch. They won by 16 points to 7. The match also marked the opening of Monica Park.[77] Exhibition match 19 April Marist (Christchurch) 7–16 Marist (Auckland) Monica Park, Christchurch   3:00 Try: Petersen Con: Ellis Pen: Ellis [78] Try: Jack Kirwan, Carroll, Gallagher, Jim O’Brien Con: Charles Gregory Pen: Charles Gregory Labour Day carnival 25 Oct Ponsonby 26–16 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Frank Delgrosso 2, Wilfred McNeil, Tim Peckham, Payne, George Gardiner Con: Frank Delgrosso 4 [79] Try: Hec Brisbane, Arthur Singe, Jack Kirwan, Sweeney Con: Charles Gregory 2 Attendance: 2,000 Representative season The Auckland representative team had a busy season. After a series of 3 trial matches on 27 June both the New Zealand team and Auckland teams were selected. Officials had declared that "give us fine weather and we will get an attendance of 20,000". Unfortunately the weather did not oblige and it was in fact described as "the worst experienced this season ... in one place there was a miniature lake." This resulted in a crowd many times smaller, however thousands came into the ground to watch the main match between North Island and South Island, won by the former 27 points to 9.[80] Auckland then played against the New Zealand team and lost 9 points to 16. Following this they played a Northern Union Challenge Cup match against the holders South Auckland and were victorious by 24 points to 16. After the New Zealand team returned from their tour of Australia they again played Auckland at Carlaw Park and they used the experience they had gained to trounce Auckland by 41 points to 17, employing tactics that the Auckland team were not prepared for. Two weeks later Auckland played Queensland who were being touted as the finest league team in the world at the time in the first of three matches. They drew the first, before narrowly losing the second and then being well and truly outclassed in the 3rd match by 54 points to 14. Representative fixtures After the trial matches were played the New Zealand team was selected by Mr Liversedge, Pearce, and Harding, and 14 Auckland players made the side. They were: Craddock Dufty, P. Gregory, Lou Brown, Hec Brisbane, Frank Delgrosso, Jack Kirwan, Bert Laing, Maurice Wetherill, Wilson Hall, Stan Webb, Bert Avery, Ernie Herring, J. O'Brien, and Horace Dixon. The following day Sam Lowrie of Ponsonby United was added to the touring side. Inter-Island match 27 June North Island 27–9 South Island Carlaw Park 1   2:45 Try: Lou Brown, Ben Davidson, Ernie Herring 3, Horace Dixon, Bert Avery Con: Frank Delgrosso [81] Try: Neil Mouat Pen: Neil Mouat 3 Attendance: 4,000 Referee: W Ripley Auckland Trial match 27 June Auckland A 0–5 Auckland B Carlaw Park 2   1:30 [82] Try: Payne Con: Shand Attendance: 4,000 Referee: Les Bull Auckland C v South Auckland 27 June Auckland C 11–13 South Auckland Carlaw Park 2   12:30 Try: Cleaver, Wardlaw, McDonald Con: Clarrie Polson [83] Try: P Paki, Johnstone Con: S Raynor 2 Attendance: 4,000 Referee: W Murray Auckland v New Zealand 2 July Auckland 9–16 New Zealand Carlaw Park 1   2:45 Try: George Gardiner, Arthur Singe, Jim O’Brien [84] Try: Parkes, Stan Webb, Frank Henry 2 Con: Neil Mouat Referee: Les Bull Auckland v South Auckland (Northern Union C.C.) 19 August Auckland 24–16 South Auckland Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Ivan Littlewood 2, George Gardiner 2, Ben Davidson 2 Con: George Gardiner, Clarrie Polson 2 [85] Try: Finlay, P Paki, Johnston, Jackways Con: G Raynor Pen: Finlay Attendance: 3,000 Referee: Rogers Auckland v New Zealand 29 August Auckland 17–41 New Zealand Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Ben Davidson, Riley, Neville St George Con: Arthur Singe 3 Pen: Arthur Singe [86] Try: Maurice Wetherill 3, Jim O’Brien, Horace Dixon, Bert Avery 3, Saunders Con: Frank Delgrosso 7 Attendance: 15,000 Referee: W Ripley Auckland B v West Coast 9 September West Coast 15–22 Auckland B Greymouth, West Coast   Try: Quinn, O’Brien, Penalty Try Con: Neil Mouat 2 Pen: Neil Mouat [87] Try: W Kirkland, Tim Peckham, Hector Cole 2, Claude List, Alf Townsend Con: Hector Cole 2 Auckland v Queensland 9 September Auckland 18–18 Queensland Carlaw Park 1   Try: Stan Webb, Bert Avery 2, O’Brien Con: Frank Delgrosso 2 Pen: Frank Delgrosso [88] Try: Eric Fraunfelder, Cecil Aynsley, Jeff Moores, Herb Steinohrt Con: Jim Craig 3 Attendance: 6,000 Referee: W Ripley Auckland B v Canterbury 12 September Canterbury 6–5 Auckland B Monica Park, Christchurch   3:00 Try: Polaschek, Frank Henry [89] Try: Bill Te Whata Pen: Len Mason Attendance: 2,500 Referee: W Healey Auckland B v Wellington 16 September Wellington 9–68 Auckland B Newtown Park, Wellington   3:00 Try: Shanahan Pen: Balk 3 [90] Try: Ben Davidson 3, Claude List, Hardgrave, S Crewther, Bill Te Whata 5, Hec McDonald 2, Nelson Bass 3 Con: Hardgrave, Hector Cole, Hec McDonald, Nelson Bass 6 Pen: Len Mason Referee: Parkinson Auckland v South Auckland (Northern Union C.C.) 19 September Auckland 36–19 South Auckland Carlaw Park 1   2:45 Try: M Kirkland 2, Claude List 3, Neville St George, Jim O’Brien, Arthur Singe Con: Frank Delgrosso 5 Pen: Frank Delgrosso [91] Try: Finlay, Dufty, P Paki Con: F Raynor, Dufty Pen: F Raynor 3 Referee: Mincham Auckland Province v Queensland 10 October Auckland Province 14–54 Queensland Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Arthur Singe, Penalty Try Con: Frank Delgrosso Pen: Frank Delgrosso 3 [92] Try: Arthur Henderson, Bill Spencer 4, Tom Gorman, Cecil Aynsley 3, James Purcell Con: Jim Craig 9 Attendance: 9,000 Referee: Les Bull Auckland representative matches played and scorers This list only includes the Auckland team games and does not include the Auckland B, Auckland C, and Auckland Province matches. No Name Club Team Play Tries Con Pen Points 1 Frank Delgrosso Ponsonby United 2 0 7 2 18 2 Arthur Singe Marist Old Boys 5 2 3 1 14 3 George Gardiner Ponsonby United 3 3 1 0 11 4 Ben Davidson City Rovers 3 3 0 0 9 4 Claude List Kingsland 1 3 0 0 9 6 Bert Avery Athletic 1 2 0 0 6 6 Ivan Littlewood Ponsonby United 4 2 0 0 6 6 M Kirkland Marist Old Boys 1 2 0 0 6 6 Neville St George Devonport United 4 2 0 0 6 10 Clarrie Polson Newton Rangers 1 0 2 0 4 11 S Riley Ponsonby United 2 1 0 0 3 11 Stan Webb Devonport United 1 1 0 0 3 13 Hector Cole Ponsonby United 4 0 0 0 0 13 Hec McDonald City Rovers 3 0 0 0 0 13 M Herewini Ponsonby United 3 0 0 0 0 13 Charles Gregory Marist Old Boys 2 0 0 0 0 13 J Payne Ponsonby United 2 0 0 0 0 13 Tim Peckham Ponsonby United 2 0 0 0 0 13 Bill Te Whata Athletic 1 0 0 0 0 13 Ernie Herring Athletic 1 0 0 0 0 13 Greening Northcote 1 0 0 0 0 13 Roy Hardgrave Newton 1 0 0 0 0 13 Harry Douglas Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 13 Horace Dixon Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 13 Jack Kirwan Marist Old Boys 1 0 0 0 0 13 Jim O'Brien Marist Old Boys 1 0 0 0 0 13 Len Mason Athletic 1 0 0 0 0 13 Lou Brown City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 13 Mackie City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 13 Maurice Wetherill City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 13 Nelson Bass City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 13 Jim O'Brien Marist or Devonport 1 0 0 0 0 13 Sam Crewther City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 13 Alf Townsend City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 References "Most Successful Year/Sound Financial Position/The Election of Officers". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (18981). 31 March 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Deaths – Stormont". Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 131. 5 June 1925. p. 1. Retrieved 10 November 2019. "Deaths-Stormont". New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19037. 6 June 1925. p. 1. Retrieved 20 April 2020. "Management Committee". Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 131. 5 June 1924. p. 8. Retrieved 20 April 2020. "New Zealand Council/Stormont Memorial Shield". Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 161. 10 July 1925. p. 9. Retrieved 20 April 2020. "Auckland League/Management Committee". Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 172. 23 July 1925. p. 10. Retrieved 20 April 2020. "Management Committee/Draw for Stormont Shield". New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19119. 10 September 1925. p. 6. Retrieved 20 April 2020. "Stormont Shield Match/Ponsonby's Close Call". New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19134. 28 September 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 9 December 2019. 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"City and Athletic Win". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19014). 11 May 1925. p. 7. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "City and Athletic Win". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19014). 11 May 1925. p. 7. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Devonport Overwhelmed/Outclassed by Ponsonby". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19020). 18 May 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Marist Defeat Athletic". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19020). 18 May 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Devonport Overwhelmed". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19020). 18 May 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Athletic Beat Devonport/A Last-Minute Victory". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19026). 25 May 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Marist and City Win". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19026). 25 May 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Marist and City Win". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19026). 25 May 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Leaders' Great Contest/Marist Beaten By City". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19032). 1 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Leaders' Great Contest". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19032). 1 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Leaders' Great Contest". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19032). 1 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "End of the First Round/City Defeat Devonport". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19038). 8 June 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "End of the First Round/Ponsonby Outclass Newton". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19038). 8 June 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "End of the First Round". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19038). 8 June 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "City's First Defeat/Ponsonby Win by a Point". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19044). 15 June 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Two Surprise Victories". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19044). 15 June 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Two Surprise Victories". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19044). 15 June 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Surprise By Devonport/Marist Old Boys Beaten". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19050). 22 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "City Overwhelms Athletic". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19050). 22 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "Surprise By Devonport". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19050). 22 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "The Club Competitions/Ponsonby's Decisive Win". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19062). 6 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "The Club Competitions/Close Call for Athletics". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19062). 6 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "The Club Competitions". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19062). 6 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "Senior Championship/Easy Win For Ponsonby". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19068). 13 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "Senior Championship". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19068). 13 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "Senior Championship/Marist Outclass Athletic". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19068). 13 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "The Senior Championship/City and Marist Win". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19074). 20 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "The Senior Championship/City and Marist Win". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19074). 20 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "The Senior Championship/Devonport Beat Athletic". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19074). 20 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "Exciting Football/City's Narrow Win/Beat Marist A Point". Auckland Star. LVI (175). 27 July 1925. p. 10. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "Exciting Football/Wins For Ponsonby and Devonport". Auckland Star. LVI (175). 27 July 1925. p. 10. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "Exciting Football/Wins For Ponsonby and Devonport". Auckland Star. LVI (175). 27 July 1925. p. 10. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "City Win Championship/Devonport Team Beaten". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19086). 3 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 10 September 2019. "Richmond Surprise Marist". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19086). 3 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 10 September 2019. "City Win Championship". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19086). 3 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 10 September 2019. "Roope Rooster Contests/Devonport Defeat Marist/Several Easy Victories". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19092). 10 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Roope Rooster Contests/Several Easy Victories". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19092). 10 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Rooper Rooster Contests/Devonport Defeat Marist/Several Easy Victories". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19092). 10 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Roope Rooster Contest/City Defeat Devonport/Ponsonby Win by Default". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19098). 17 August 1925. p. 14. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Roope Rooster Contest/City Defeat Devonport/Ponsonby Win by Default". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19098). 17 August 1925. p. 14. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Final of Roope Rooster Knock-out Competition/Ponsonby's Good Win a Great Contest". Auckland Star. LVI (199). 24 August 1925. p. 11. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Stormont Shield Match/Ponsonby's Close Call". New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19134. 28 September 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 9 December 2019. "Storming Memorial Shield/Ponsonby's Easy Win". New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19140. 5 October 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 9 December 2019. "Opening of the Season/Senior Grade Contests/Five Matches Played". Auckland Star (92). 20 April 1925. p. 11. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "The Club Competitions/City Defeat Athletic/Marist Win at Devonport". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19008). 4 May 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Marists' Narrow Victory/Margin of Only One Point/City and Athletic Win". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19014). 11 May 1925. p. 7. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Devonport Overwhelmed/Outclassed by Ponsonby/Marist Defeat Athletic". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19020). 18 May 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Athletic Beat Devonport/A Last-Minute Victory/Marist and City Win". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19026). 25 May 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Leaders' Great Contest/Marist Beaten By City/Field Goal Just on Time". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19032). 1 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "End of the First Round/City Defeat Devonport/Ponsonby Outclass Newton". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19038). 8 June 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "City's First Defeat/Ponsonby Win by a Point/Two Surprise Victories". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19044). 15 June 1925. p. 13. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Surprise By Devonport/Marist Old Boys Beaten/City Overwhelms Athletic". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19050). 22 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "The Club Competitions/Ponsonby's Decisive Win/Close Call for Athletics". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19062). 6 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "Senior Championship/Easy Win For Ponsonby/Marist Outclass Athletic". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19068). 13 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "The Senior Championship/City and Marist Win/Devonport Beat Athletic". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19074). 20 July 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "To-Day's Senior". Auckland Star. LVI (175). 27 July 1925. p. 10. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "City Win Championship/Devonport Team Beaten/Richmond Surprise Marist". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19086). 3 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 September 2019. "Rooper Rooster Contests/Devonport Defeat Marist/Several Easy Victories". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19092). 10 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Ellerslie v Northcote". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19098). 17 August 1925. p. 14. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Northcote V Mangere/Kingsland V Otahuhu". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19104). 24 August 1925. p. 14. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Matches on Saturday/Otahuhu Defeat Northcote". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19116). 7 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Auckland v Christchurch/Southern Team Defeated". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (18997). 20 April 1925. p. 4. Retrieved 11 September 2019. "Marist Old Boys Match/Southern Team Defeated". New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18997. 20 April 1925. p. 4. Retrieved 9 December 2019. "Ponsonby Defeat Marist/Twenty Six to Sixteen". New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19158. 26 October 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 9 December 2019. "The Minor Trial Games/A Win for South Auckland/Play Marred by the Rain". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19056). 29 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "Inter-Island Contest/Victory for the North". New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19056. 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 13 December 2020. "The Minor Trial Games/A Win for South Auckland/Play Marred by the Rain". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19056). 29 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "The Minor Trial Games/A Win for South Auckland/Play Marred by the Rain". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19056). 29 June 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "New Zealand V Auckland/Win for Dominion Team/Good Work by the Backs". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19059). 2 July 1925. p. 6. Retrieved 12 September 2019. "Northern Union Cup/South Auckland Defeated/Local Thirteens's Success". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19101). 20 August 1925. p. 6. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Dominion Team in Form/New Methods of Attack/Local Side Outclassed". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19110). 31 August 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Auckland Touring Team/West Coasters Defeated". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19119). 10 September 1925. p. 6. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Visiting League Team/Exciting Drawn Game/Auckland's Good Effort/Score, Eighteen Points All". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19119). 10 September 1925. p. 11. Retrieved 2 September 2019. "Auckland Defeated/Margin of One Point". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19122). 14 September 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 16 September 2019. "Cricket Score Registered/Auckland v Wellington". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19125). 17 September 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 9 December 2019. "Northern Union Cup/Retained by Auckland/South Auckland Outclassed". Auckland Star. LVI (223). 21 September 1925. p. 10. Retrieved 9 December 2019. "Queensland's Easy Win/Provincial Team Outclassed/Margin of Forty Points". The New Zealand Herald. LXII (19146). 12 October 1925. p. 6. Retrieved 16 September 2019. External links Auckland Rugby League Official Site