Preliminary rounds Round 1 Newton Rangers were being coached by
Puti Tipene Watene. Moana Herewini was the coach of the Point Chevalier side. They had a good win over Otahuhu 15-11 with tries being scored by D Walker, Kirby, Len Davies, and Pope with Davies converting 2 and Pope 1. There was some controversy as W.L. Werohia played for Manukau despite having signed on from the South Auckland league with the Newton club. He appeared before the board of control midweek stating that he had thought that his uncle
Pita Ririnui would be playing with Newton and later found out that he would play with Manukau, and he wished to now play there instead. He was later given permission to play for Manukau. He scored 4 tries in their win with lock George Shilton scoring 2.
Tommy Chase converted 5 and added a penalty goal. For Newton, T Kani scored a try on the wing and T Shaw kicked four goals from full back. There was no individual scoring reported from the match at Grey Lynn Park between Richmond and Marist.
Round 2 the City back.Before the matches at
Carlaw Park the teams stood in silence to remember former Kiwi and Newton Rangers player
Billy Dervan who had died. The "principal match" was between Ponsonby and Richmond, with the former side winning 13-8 after the scores were tied at 5-5 at half time.
Roy Nurse played on the wing for Ponsonby and played well, as did Des Williams at halfback as did
Bob Grotte who scored 2 tries. In the Ponsonby forwards Dick Hull, Raymond Lohenet, and O Hadley "were prominent". The newly introduced side,
Point Chevalier put in a surprisingly strong effort against
Mount Albert United, only losing 21-18. As a result it was decided by
Auckland Rugby League to include them in the championship competition. For Point Chevalier tries were scored by Kirby, Harris, and Humphries (2), while Humphries also converted a try, with Rich also converting two. For Mount Albert 6 different players scored tries with Ivan Sumich gaining 1 of them and converting 2. The experienced half Les Clement was one of their scorers. The match between Otahuhu and Manukau was played at Sturges Park in
Otahuhu and saw a surprising 22-10 win to the home side against a strong Manukau team. For Otahuhu, back, Cliff Wellm scored 4 tries while Colin Riley converted 3 of them and added 2 penalties. For Manukau, loose forward George Shilton scored both of their tries which were converted by the veteran representative player
Tommy Chase.
Fox Memorial standings Fox Memorial results Round 1 Prior to the commencement of the main matches at
Carlaw Park all 4 teams lined up and stood in silence for one minute after Mr. J.W. Watson "referred feelingly to the recent death of Mr. George Grey Campbell", the former chairman and president of Auckland Rugby League who had died recently.{{cite news
Round 2 North Shore were playing their 400th first grade match when they took on Ponsonby at the Devonport Domain though it is unlikely they were aware of this fact. They became the fourth club to achieve this feat behind fellow foundation clubs City Rovers, Ponsonby, and Newton. After they lost to Ponsonby 8-0 their all-time record to this point was played 400, won 206, drawn 26, lost 168. Future New Zealand international,
Bruce Graham stood out for North Shore while Dick Hull and MacDonald did the same for Ponsonby and
Travers Hardwick, another future New Zealand international scored his first ever try. In the backs Gamble and Cave "did good work for North Shore, while in the Ponsonby backs Des Williams "was prominent" as were
Roy Nurse and J Rapana. Jimmy Matthews returned from the Middle East where he had been serving in the armed forces and played for City having previously played for Marist from 1938 to 1940. He scored a "spectacular try" in their win over Richmond.
Bert Leatherbarrow was also now playing for City after transferring from Mount Albert near the conclusion of the 1943 season. City fielded a strong pack which also included international front rower
Hawea Mataira and the experienced Wirepa Jackson, George Bodman, Eugene Donovan, and Fred James who was "a tall and speedy player who does valuable work in the loose".{{cite news
Round 3 Oswald Lawrence Martin, aged 29 broke his leg while playing for Manukau against City at Carlaw Park in the main match. He was taken to
Auckland Hospital as was Allan Thomas Vost, aged 23 who was concussed in the match at Walker Park between North Shore and Point Chevalier. Vost was playing for the North Shore side. Both were reported to be in "satisfactory" condition the following day.{{cite news
Round 4 In the early match on the number 1 field at Carlaw Park North Shore came back to beat Otahuhu 11-8 after trailing 5-8 at halftime. Shore fielded a heavy pack which included a lot of experience with Horace Hunt, Jock Rutherford, Thomas Field,
Bruce Graham, and Mercer. Their advantage was particularly gained through Rutherford's hooking and Graham being able to keep up with the play in the loose. J Speedy at halfback for Otahuhu "opened his play with celerity" but his inside backs did not play well and the talented and experienced Ray Halsey on the wing received few opportunities. Manukau fielded Wiremu Te Tai, one of their outstanding forwards who was in his 5th season with the club in the centre three-quarter position. He weighed in at 14 stone but was said to have played a "serviceable game". For Ponsonby their only points came from a penalty to Rapana. D Manley, Edwin Kay, and William Benzie played in the halves with Benzie showing "the brilliance of youth" with his straight running. The match between Mount Albert and Point Chevalier was played on Mount Alberts home ground of Fowlds Park in
Morningside. When they scored their last points of the match they passed the 2,000 point mark in the first grade competition. They became the 8th club to achieve the feat. The Mount Albert hooker Thomassen was outstanding with his hooking and his loose play. On the wing, the prolific scorer Basil Cranch kicked three goals but "lacked dash in positional play". At fullback Cyril Wiberg "was unimpressive at full back ... hos opposite number Rich, confirmed the earlier good impression he had made".City beat Marist 21 to 8 with winger B. Taylor scoring 3 tries. Fullback
Warwick Clarke converted 3 of their 5 tries. The other 2 were scored by Pouvi Salaia and Fred James. For Marist their best back was Te Wiri who "made three fine dashes from half way". In Newton's loss to Richmond they fielded Hutchinson as pivot, formerly of City. In the inside positions Niwa and Kerr were "outstanding". Richmond was without
Ron McGregor but Whittaker on the wing "impressed with speed and determination".
Round 5 In the principal match Manukau beat Richmond on a heavy ground and for a time in heavy rain. Wiremu Te Tai, the 14 stone Manukau forward "was untroubled by a slippery ball, and the fact that the ground, in places was a quagmire". Rogers played well in their forwards also, while Aubrey Thompson and M. Thompson "showed up in the loose play, but the heavy weight
Pita Ririnui found the going too much of a problem". In the Manukau backs Joe Murray and Jack Major showed "great defence". For Richmond, R. Seymour "played a great game, and made commendable efforts to open up the game for the Richmond backs" from the loose forward position. He was well supported by fellow forwards N. Dowling, T. Kipa, Frank Hilton, and Te Whanga, while Leo Davis was "outstanding". The two fullbacks, Ralph Martin (Manukau), and Jack Magill (Richmond) "were faultless in their fielding, and resolute in their defence". North Shore and Mount Albert drew 2-2 with Jack Laing and Jack Zane-Zaninovich kicking penalty goals for the respective teams. The teams were "well served by their half-backs, J. McArthur for North Shore and Les Clement for Mount Albert, yet, when the halfbacks did send the ball away the inside backs found safe handling of the ball almost impossible and the three-quarters had to fend for themselves". Near the end of the game the five eighths for Mount Albert, Jones, "made a couple of splendid efforts to cut a way through the North Shore inside backs. In one effort he made a great opening before sending on to Jack Zane-Zaninovich. The latter did his part well by drawing the Shore fullback, but Basil Cranch, with the way wide open, dropped the ball when the pass was given, and the last scoring chance that Mount Albert had" was lost.James (Jimmy) Chalmers, the former Marist senior player was in attendance at Carlaw Park. He had fought in the war and had a leg amputated as a result of injuries he received. He "was given a fine welcome by the patrons". Don Mullett, the New Zealand Heavyweight boxing champion made his first appearance for the Ponsonby side and caused quite a bit of interest.{{cite news
Round 6 was still in outstanding form for City despite being in the later stages of his career. was still in good hooking form for City in his 14th season of seniors. he had debuted for North Shore in 1931 and also played for Ponsonby and Mt Albert prior to joining City in 1943.The round 6 matches were played in rain on heavy fields. In the early game on Carlaw Park #1 Marist beat Richmond by 2 points to 0. The only points came from the boot of Morrie Brockliss for Marist. They kicked poorly, missing several penalty kicks from close to the posts and could have won by more. Brockliss was not in good form and after missed attempts they tried three other kickers without success. Brockliss also "gave a good exhibition of positional play". For Richmond their fullback, Jack Magill "was also at his best" though was injured in the second half and went off before later being able to come back on. In the main match of the day two of the best sets of forwards in the competition met with City beating North Shore 15 to 11. City were led by veteran international forward
Hawea Mataira who was still regarded as "one of the great forwards of the game". Both teams had very good specialist hookers,
Bert Leatherbarrow for City was now in his 14th season of senior grade rugby league and had represented New Zealand on their aborted 1939 tour of England while playing 10 games for Auckland from 1932 to 1941. For North Shore, Jock (John) Rutherford was their hooker and in his 5th season with them. In the North Shore pack, Horace Hunt, Tom Field, and
Bruce Graham were "tireless workers to the end of a hard game" and Jack Laing and Humphries "performed well". Towards the end Rutherford scored a try between the posts to make the score 12-11 to City, but City finished strongly and B Taylor scored from a passing bout. Pouvi (Robert) Salaia, centre three-quarter was "the pick of the City backs". Turnbill played well at five eighths, and Alan Donovan at halfback "controlled the play well". In the City forward Wirepa Jackson, Eugene Donovan, and George Bodman showed "excellent play in the loose". Otahuhu had an easy win over Point Chevalier by 29 points to 3. Their forwards gave "easily the best display of team work seen this season" according to the
Auckland Star. Mick Johnson scored three of their tries and "was in every movement", while fellow forward Jim Fogarty "played a fine game in the loose and was always up with passing bouts", and hooker Owen Hughes "was prominent in the loose". Barnes scored the only points for Point Chevalier. Manukau thrashed Newton 34-0 with M Thompson, the Manukau loose forward scoring a remarkable 5 tries, while his fellow loose forward Wiremu Te Tai crossed for 2 himself. The team handled the ball "very cleanly and there was an entire absence of kicking when a pass was wanted". Rogers, who usually played in the forwards was moved to centre three-quarter for the second time this season where he "played a clever game ... and was the outstanding back". Ray Martin the brother of Ralph Martin, their star fullback debuted and did well at five eighths. At the Devonport Domain, Mount Albert had a close 5-2 win over Ponsonby. Ponsonby were missing back, Darcy Bailey, and forward Dick Hull who were both likely to be out for weeks with injuries but still managed to dominate the second half and were considered unlucky to lose.
Travers Hardwick "was prominent among those present for Ponsonby. Their third grade recruit, William Benzie played a "good game", and Des Williams at half back and
Roy Nurse on the wing showed "more dash than their opposites. For Mount Albert, McKinnon "was prominent in the forwards" and Jones "was one of the most impressive backs". Near the end of the game "it appeared that obstruction prevented a certain try for Ponsonby".
Round 7 Once again the matches were played on heavy grounds. In the early game on the #1 field at Carlaw Park Mount Albert beat Otahuhu 13-10 after leading 13-2 at halftime. The teams were well matched in the forwards but the Mount Albert backs "were superior". John Speedy "gave splendid scrum service for Otahuhu, that was in keeping with his reputation of being one of the best halves in the code" but Cliff Wellm in the five eighths "was uncertain at handling the ball" and they missed Keat at centre so Ray Halsey and K Simons on the wings "were starved for opportunities". The Mount Albert five eights, Ivan Sumich and A. Jones "worked smoothly, and Basil Cranch played an outstanding game in the three quarter line". In the main game Marist and Manukau drew 5-5. Marist had led 5-0 through a penalty to Morrie Brockliss and a try to H. Te Wiri who "raced through to score", but Tom Butler scored a late try which he converted from the sideline to share the match. it was brilliant play from Joe Murray, Rogers, and M Thompson which led to the try. Earlier they should have scored when "Butler beat the defence, but Werohia dropped Rogers pass". Marist could have won the match but missed four penalty attempts at goal including one which hit the post. The Marist forwards "held their own against the Manukau six, and the five eighths, [Jimmy] White, and [Gerry] Hughes, with unwavering defence, cramped the attacking play of the Manukau inside backs" though the
New Zealand Herald criticised them for their attack saying they "passed across-field instead of varying their attacks". The outstanding Marist forward was said to be veteran Lindsay Simons who "occasionally also played the extra back game". On the #2 field in the late match Richmond beat North Shore 28-10 though the match was said to be closer than the score suggested. Richmond were praised by the Auckland Star for "a high class display of the passing game" in scoring 8 tries. North Shore were unfortunate in losing Cave to injury after he had earlier scored a try. Richmond's halfback, C.W. Williams was the best back on the ground and his "variety of methods from the scrum base paved the way for tries. His judicious use of the stab kick placed the fast Richmond backs quickly on attack".
Ron McGregor at centre "made nice openings, and gave [Bernard] Lowther one really good try". The North Shore forwards "more than held their own against the Richmond set, and in the loose [Horace] Hunt, Bruce Graham (rugby league)|[Bruce] Graham, and [Tom] Field worked hard to avert defeat". Of their backs Jack Laing was the pick, "doing excellent work both on attack and in defence". The 5th match of the round was played at Walker Park, the home ground of Point Chevalier. They were defeated by City 18 points to 10 but made a close thing of it and led 10-5 at halftime. The played was described as "rather ragged" early in the match. Point Chevaliers forwards Wells, and Cecil Blincoe were said to be responsible for their halftime lead. In their backs A.W. Pope "was the hardest worker on the field". For City, Alan Donovan was heavily involved in their back play, while
Hawea Mataira "was to the front in the forward attacks". Point Chevalier crossed the City try line twice in the second half but both tries were disallowed through forward passes. City's win and Otahuhu's loss meant that City took the lead in the championship.
Round 8 In the early match on the #1 field at Carlaw Park Manukau beat Mount Albert 10-2 after trailing 0-2 at half time. Manukau were said to have shown "some good flashes of concerted effort in the second half, and got two converted tries". One of them came when "the Mount Albert defence was completely broken and the Manukau fullback Ralph Martin, joined in a passing movement which carried play to the right wing when the attack was reversed, Martin took a pass well, made ground, and sent the ball on. It went from hand to hand until Murray ran in to score between the posts". Butler was named as the "outstanding back" for Manukau, while Joe Murray and Ralph Martin "stood out for excellent defence". Point Chevalier recorded their first ever win in the Fox Memorial first grade competition when they defeated Newton 9–7 on Carlaw Park #2 field in the early kickoff. Owen Elliott of Newton had to leave the field in the first half with an ankle injury. Richmond played in their 300th first grade match against Otahuhu though it is unlikely they were aware of this fact. Following their win they had an all-time record of 300 played, 143 wins, 10 draws, and 147 losses. The only try in the match came when
Ron McGregor at centre "intercepted a pass and made a clean break through. Coming to Mullins the Otahuhu fullback, he feinted to take the inside track, and then with a change of pace went outside. Once clear, McGregor ran to score as he liked. Despite being beaten by McGregor, Mullins "played a splendid game at full back for Otahuhu" and Jack Magill the Richmond fullback "also giving a clever display". Peter McManus was injured for Otahuhu early in the second half forcing them to play a player short thereafter.
Point Chevalier recorded their first ever championship win against Newton by 9 points to 7. Their forward, Croad scored a try and "played a fine game in the loose" with Cecil Blincoe also being noticed for "following the ball in keen anticipation" during the game. and Alfred Dormer kicked 3 penalties. Newton were unlucky in losing Owen Elliott early in the first half to injury after he had kicked "a fine penalty goal" and then lost Maurice Quirke, their hooker. Other forwards in the Newton side who were prominent were Gallagher and Te Haara. Godfrey Sorby scored their only try with Elliot kicking a penalty and R. Duncan also kicking a penalty. The match between Marist and North Shore was played at the Ellerslie Domain. The
Ellerslie League Football Club was given permission by the Ellerslie Domain Board to "demand a fee for admission to the domain, not in any case to exceed 6d per person".{{cite news
Round 9 Stuart Billman refereed his 135th match involving first grade sides in Auckland club football which was more than any other referee had done when he officiated in the Otahuhu v City match. He had been a referee for 19 years and in the senior grade for 10. At the end of the season the
Auckland Star wrote an article on Billman after he had been elected honorary secretary of the Auckland Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association.{{cite news
Round 10 The second round of games were started once more on heavy grounds. Flags were flown at half mast at
Carlaw Park after the death in a mining accident in Huntly of
New Zealand international
George Beadle.{{cite news
Round 11 Former
New Zealand international
Arthur Kay came out of retirement to re-join his Ponsonby side. He kicked a conversion in their 11–4 win over North Shore and showed "good pivotal play" in the five eighths. In the Ponsonby forwards Darcy Bailey, Dick Hull, and Don Mullett "were outstanding". In the North Shore backs J. McArthur, Cave, and Jack Laing "gave convincing displays". N. Finlayson was ordered off for Manukau in their match with Otahuhu but they still won 5–4. Eugene Donovan the City loose forward was ordered off just 10 minutes into the game in their 13–12 loss to Richmond. He had made remarks to the referee, George Kelly. There were rumours in the following Saturday's newspapers that they may not take the field in protest at the send off and they ultimately turned out to be true.{{cite news
Round 12 , who had recently come out of retirement for Ponsonby, kicked 2 goals in their win over Richmond.City refused to play their match with Manukau in protest at the punishment imposed on Eugene Donovan who had been sent off the week prior. The Auckland Rugby League had said that unless he apologised to the referee (George Kelly) he would remain suspended. As he had not apologised he was unable to play. As a result, the Mount Albert – Marist match which was scheduled for the number 2 field was moved to the main field with a 3:10 kickoff. H Tate refereed his 50th match involving first grade teams becoming the 12th referee to achieve this feat. The fullback play was "of a high order", with Herbert Zane-Zaninovich for Mount Albert and Morrie Brockliss for Marist fielding "cleverly and kicked with good direction and length" on a field described as a "quagmire" with heavy rain falling throughout. Most of the players "were sorely troubled by the difficult conditions" but one player "who showed up in a remarkable way was W. Rangi, the lock for Marist. Les Clement at halfback for Mount Albert made a good play which enabled five eighth Ivan Sumich to score. The try was converted by Basil Cranch and Mount Albert led 5-3 at half time. In the Mount Albert forwards McKinnon, Malam, and Conza "played well". North Shore had a 10-3 win over Point Chevalier with both hookers playing well. The representative hooker, Jock Rutherford "was seen to advantage" for North Shore, winning the ball from the scrums frequently and scoring a good try. His opposite, Francis Goffin scored the only try for Point Chevalier. In the North Shore backs, Gamble at fullback "played a good game... and his fielding under the worst conditions possible, was excellent". At halfback, J. McArthur "was a tower of strength,and varied his play well". Jack Laing and Cave "were also prominent on attack". Laing was the son of former New Zealand representative
Bert Laing.{{cite news
Round 13 , who had returned from war was instrumental in Ponsonby's come back draw with Manukau. played an excellent game in the loose for Manukau.City once again defaulted their match as Auckland Rugby League still required Eugene Donovan to apologise to the referee and an apology was not forthcoming, City arguing that Donovan's version of events differed from those given by the referee and also that the referee (George Kelly) did not ask for an apology. In the main match Manukau who were leading the league drew 6-6 with Ponsonby. They led 6-0 until near the end when tries to
Roy Nurse and Fielder leveled the scored. Manukau scored a try after J Rapana, the Ponsonby fullback was criciticed for kicking too much, with George Shilton, Joe Murray, and Ewe leading a passing rush which saw Reg Martin score giving them a 3-0 halftime lead. They added another try showing "superior speed and good handling" to Tom Butler. Ponsonby fought back however and
Arthur Kay and
Len Jordan "burst through. The pair handled the ball a second time, and Nurse sent it back to Fielder who scored a great try. Once more Kay and Jordan broke through for Nurse to score. Kay then cut the defence to ribbons in the final moments with Jordan and Nurse racing in support however Kay turned back infield instead of passing and Ralph Martin at fullback saved them. Kay "played a clever pivotal game in the five-eighth line, and the team was strengthened by the reappearance of
Len Jordan at centre". He had last played for Ponsonby in 1940 and had gone off to serve in World War 2 in 1941 before recently returning. He would go on to represent New Zealand 7 times from 1946 to 1949 while his son
Chris Jordan also played for New Zealand in 1977-78 on 5 occasions. In the loose Ponsonby's standouts were Don Mullett, Darcy Bailey, and Dick Hull. For Manukau their fullback, Ralph Martin "was at his best", while in the forwards George Shilton "played an enterprising game, often coming off the scrum to play the extra back game and assist in launching Manukau attacks" and Ewe and
Pita Ririnui "were excellent in the loose". On the #2 field at Carlaw Park, Richmond easily beat Newton 32-0. Colin Cowley and Bernard Lowther both scored 2 tries while Lowther also kicked a conversion. Aubrey Thompson, the Manukau loose forward had transferred to Richmond this season and was playing at five eighths where he had "sharpened up the backs". Cowley and
Ron McGregor "combined well, and gave Lowther, on the wing, some good scoring chances". In the Richmond forwards R. Seymour was "outstanding" and scored a "splendid try and added goal points. He was in every attacking movement. Leo Davis played a good game, and was well supported by [Frank] Hilton, and N. Dowling". In the match at Devonport Domain the home side lost 10-3 to Otahuhu. Colin Riley at standoff for Otahuhu kicked a conversion and a penalty. The penalty came from halfway and cleared the cross bar easily.
Roy Clark had returned from the war and played at second five eighth for North Shore. His "good all-round play made the Shore backs a more effective attacking force". While Hugh Brady who had recently joined Otahuhu at centre "was impressive", while Hiscocks played a good game on the wing for North Shore.
Round 14 made his debut for Mount Albert. He was an All Black in 1938 and then represented New Zealand rugby league team in 1939. A former Papakura player he hadn't played since 1940.The suspension of Eugene Donovan was lifted by the Auckland Rugby League, but ironically their opponent, Newton, defaulted the match which was due to be played at Walker Park. Newton was still win less to this point in the season. In the early game on the #1 field at Carlaw Park, Otahuhu beat Marist 5-2. There wasn't much between the forwards and both sides tried hard to initiate attacks in the backs. In the second half veteran player Lindsay Simons "gave a good display" for Marist in the backs and Maurice Costello, Gerry Hughes, and Jimmy White also teamed well. The main match was won 15 to 14 by Richmond over Manukau which opened back up the championship race. A large crowd was present and they saw Richmond score within two minutes of the start with Colin Cowley "capping a swift passing movement ". They added another 5 points to take a 10-0 lead before Manukau could respond and make the score 10-3 at halftime. Manukau's side had settled down after the early set back and George Shilton,
Pita Ririnui, and Wiremu Te Tai were playing well. For Richmond
Ron McGregor "played an outstanding game and had good support from [Bernard] Lowther, Cowley, and [Aubrey] Thompson". McGregor "was easily the best back on the ground and he must have played his way into the representative team". Manukau scored two tries bringing them to within a point but Richmond held them off. North Shore and Mount Albert were said to have played one of the best games seen on the number 2 field this year. The match was drawn 10-10.
Harold Milliken, former All Black turned out for the first time for Mount Albert and "was prominent in the loose although not yet in condition. He is a decided acquisition" to their forwards. He had switched codes in 1940 when he joined the
Papakura senior side and had been away at war.{{cite news
Round 15 , who had recently joined Point Chevalier scored a try. Originally from the West Coast he joined the Marist club in 1936 and played over 100 games for them. He represented New Zealand 5 times on their 1938 tour of Australia.In the 3:10 game at Carlaw Park number 1 the game between Ponsonby and Mount Albert resulted in a 9-9 draw. Mount Albert only scored one try to Richard Shadbolt who had not played for Mount Albert since 1942, but the kicking of winger, Basil Cranch saw them reach 9 points. Ponsonby on the other hand scored three tries but could not kick any goals missing 3 conversions and 3 penalty attempts all from "reasonably easy positions". Ponsonby was missing 2 of its best forwards in Dick Hull and Darcy Bailey, though Don Mullett was "outstanding" and scored a try following a "clever dribbling effort". And Hermes Hadley also played a "fine game". He scored a try after Mullett and
Travers Hardwick led the Ponsonby forwards in an attack. A few minutes later the same forwards were involved in an attack which led to
Arthur Kay taking a pass from Fielder and racing over. In the earlier game Marist beat Richmond 11 to 6 with J. Smith scoring 2 tries and Maurice Costello 1. Their defence was said to "probably be the deciding factor". Gerry Hughes, and Costello "featured in some bright movements, and the wing, Smith also showed up with fast running". While in their forwards Ivan Simpson, Don McLeod and Lindsay Simons "were able to find scope for their favourite brand of open play". For Richmond, N. Dowling, Leo Davis, and Frank Hilton "were in the thick of the forward play". City played a well contested game with North Shore and won 15 to 10.
Roy Clark "played splendidly" for Shore at five eighth and the Auckland Star wrote that it would be no surprise to see him paired with Joe Murray in a later Auckland side. In the centre position for City, Pouvi Salaia "got through a lot of useful work, and was a thorn in the side of the Shore defence. Salaia does not get a great deal of assistance from the City five-eighths and there is all the more credit due for his ability as an attacking back". There was no individual scoring reported from the match at Fowlds Park in Morningside where Manukau beat Newton 29 to 10.
Round 16 Going into this round, with 3 remaining the top of the table was extremely competitive with teams on 22, 20, 20, 20, 18, and 18 competition points. Crucially Manukau, who had been in first place lost to Marist, while near rivals Mount Albert and City both won leveling all 3 teams on 22 points. City had a hard fought win over Point Chevalier who battled hard. City's good forward pack began to show their best form late in the second half. Otahuhu who had been on 20 competition points faltered with a loss also. There was no individual scoring reported in the match at the Devonport Domain between North Shore and Richmond. In Marist's 12-0 win Morrie Brockliss "one of the most improved players of the season, gave a splendid exhibition at fullback... fielding faultlessly, kicking with length and judgment, and putting up a resolute defence". He was also responsible for half their points with a conversion, and 2 penalties. Marist led 9-0 at halftime and the game was said to be beyond doubt by this stage with Manukau failing to score a single point. J Smith who scored 2 tries and Iain Te Weri who played his first game for several weeks and had requested a transfer only a week earlier, "were prominent on attack". At half back Gordon Crocker "got through a lot of useful work, and played his best game this season". In the Marist forwards Don McLeod, Ashley Best, Lindsay Simons, and Skinner "worked hard". The best game of the day at Carlaw Park was said to be the match between Otahuhu and Mount Albert won by the later 15 to 14. Otahuhu scored 4 tries to 3 but could only manage a conversion by Colin Riley while left winger, Basil Cranch was again in kicking form for Mount Albert converting 2 of their 3 tries and adding a penalty. He had also scored 2 of the tries himself for a personal haul of 12 points. A. Jones and Ivan Sumich "figured prominently in the back play, with Herbert Zane-Zaninovich a sound full-back". Jack Speedy the Otahuhu halfback was said to have been "the superior of [Les] Clement, the Mt. Albert and Auckland half, who was penalised on a surprisingly large number of occasions". Newton played on of their better games of the season but still lost to Ponsonby 13 to 3. Their forwards did "good work" and were "heavier all round" than Ponsonby's set. Amongst Newton's best players were W. Briggs at five eighth, and J. Sullivan in the forwards who were both ex Ponsonby players.
Round 17 made a rare appearance for Manukau. He had retired at the end of 1940 but made the occasional appearance for them in the years since. He played 7 games for New Zealand in 1938 and 1939.In the early match on the number 1 field Ponsonby beat Marist 20 to 13.
Roy Nurse and
Len Jordan "were outstanding" and helped their backline penetrate "the Marist defence to give the side a decisive win". Nurse ran in four tries, all of those scored by their backline. In their forwards Darcy Bailey and Dick Hull played well. Marist only managed one try, to one of the Johnson brothers (Johnny or Ivan), while Morrie Brockliss had an impressive day with the boot kicking five penalties. In the Marist forwards the Simpson brothers, Don McLeod and Lindsay Simons "were prominent". Norm Johnson of Otahuhu was ordered off in their match with City which was the feature game of the day. City won 20-10 to keep their championship hopes alive. They led 7-0 at halftime but Otahuhu came back to take the lead. Neither team combined very well and it was individual play which stood out more. Alan Donovan in his seventh season with the City senior side "was in his best form as a goal kicker, and landed four goals". He also showed speed from the base of the scrum at halfback and gave good support to his backs also adding a try. In the City side
Warwick Clarke "played a fine game at fullback and [Pouvi] Salaia made a few nice runs". In their forwards
Hawea Mataira "stood out prominently, while [Wirepa] Jackson, and
Bert Leatherbarrow did good work". For Otahuhu, Cliff Wellm showed "great pace" in scoring two tries. For the first one he "followed through fast, fielded a bouncing ball, and then outpaced everybody". For his second he followed a passing movement "and then took the gap with a lateral run with such a burst of speed that he was untouched by the opposition". During the week the Otahuhu club wrote protesting against the refereeing. The matter was discussed in committee and the chairman reported that the Otahuhu club would be communicated with. It was decided that Norm Johnson, the Otahuhu player who had been sent off, would receive no further punishment. Mount Albert defeated Richmond 26 to 10 on Carlaw Park number 2 with Basil Cranch scoring two tries and kicking four goals. The win was a surprise as Richmond were expected to have a strong side on a dry ground. Les Clement at halfback and Ivan Sumich and A. Jones in the five eighths combined well. Sumich "played easily his best game this season. Jones was also impressive and twice cut the defence to ribbons with clever running and tricky play". In the Mount Albert forwards Richard Shadbolt scored twice and "was in every movement, and played an outstanding game. He followed up fast, and tackled soundly".
Harold Milliken "also showed a glimpse of his form of three years ago, and played splendidly. Conza was a tireless worker in the loose". Newton finally recorded their first win of the season when they beat North Shore 8-4. Two of their new players, D. Muru and George A. Woolley were the best of their backs. Muru on the wing "revealed a lot of speed, and a very tricky run". Woolley was said to be "an acquisition as a good goal-kicker". The match between Manukau and Point Chevalier was played at Onehunga Primary School. Manukau won 21- 13 in a game which featured a rare appearance from former New Zealand player
Jack Brodrick in 1937 and 1938. Despite only being aged 31 he had largely stopped playing at the end of the 1940 season aged 27. He was said to have been a mainstay of the Manukau pack in the win along with
Pita Ririnui himself also a former New Zealand international in 1939. For Point Chevalier
John Anderson "was outstanding, mainly for his speed in breaking from the ruck". During the week the league expressed their sympathy to the family of W.J. Gibbons who had died. He had been a former time keeper for games at Carlaw Park.{{cite news
Round 18 With City and Mount Albert both winning and Manukau losing it meant that the two former teams were tied on 26 competition points with Manukau dropping into third. With the round robin completed it meant that City and Mount Albert had to play off for the Fox Memorial title for 1944. Richmond scored their 4,000 first grade point in their 26–9 win over Otahuhu. In the early kickoff on the number 1 field City had a good 14-8 win over Ponsonby who had been the form team in the second round of games. The Auckland Star wrote that it "proved one of the best games seen this season, and the early crowd was treated to some exciting and high-class play". The City five eighths A. Silva and W. Cossey "played easily their best game this season, and the pair combined effectively throughout. Silva was particularly good and had usually played on the wing but was "outstanding" at five eighth. His tackling was sound and he never missed a chance to open up the game for Salaia, the centre. Cossey could not be faulted, and Alan Donovan, at half-back did everything right". It was noted that there was little fault with the way Ponsonby played and they were unlucky to meet City at the top of its form. It was also mentioned that
Arthur Kay and Des Williams in the five eighths "could have cut through the defence more often to open up the play for fast three-quarters. Williams tried it twice, and he nearly brought off tries". Darcy Bailey who was usually a loose forward struggled on the wing but still went well as an attacking back, while D Manley at fullback "started off well, but later his tackling was weak and his kicking lacked power". In the later kickoff the match between Manukau and Mount Albert was effectively a semi final to achieve a playoff with City for the Fox Memorial title. Mount Albert won a closely fought game 10 to 7. It was the play of Mount Albert in the second half which won them the game after they had trailed 0-2 at halftime. The refereeing was criticised with "far too many stoppages for minor breaches, and the continual blowing of the whistle slowed the game down". Their advantage was said to have started with Stanley Thomassen at hooker who won a good share of the ball from the scrums. His fellow forwards Richard Shadbolt,
Harold Milliken, and Conza "gave splendid support". At halfback for Mount Albert Les Clement "gave a sharp and good scrum service", and scored "a brilliant solo try". While Ivan Sumich and A. Jones in the five eighths teamed well and gave the three-quarters a lot of ball with Moore in the wing playing well. Herbert Zane-Zaninovich at fullback "played a particularly fine game, and compared favourably with [Ralph] Martin, who gave his usual polished display". Joe Murray scored a try for Manukau which was converted by Ralph Martin to make the score 8-7 before a penalty to Basil Cranch sealed Mount Albert's win. There was no mention of any score from the Point Chevalier match against Newton at Walker Park in Point Chevalier. With both teams at the foot of the table it is possible that the match was not played. Referee Jack Hawkes officiated in his 50th match involving first grade sides, becoming the 13th Auckland referee to do so up until this point.
Championship final Following the final round of the championship the league decided to play the final 3 weeks later due to representative fixtures being played prior. This led to a protest letter from the Mount Albert club who felt the gap was too long and that the final should have "priority over other fixtures".{{cite news
Roope Rooster Round 1 North Shore scored an upset win over Richmond after trailing 4-8 at halftime. Early in the game Horace Hunt kicked a penalty for North Shore. R. Seymour, Mojnt Albert's loose forward was playing a good game in the loose "broke away and pushing off two tacklers, passed to [Ernie] Pinches, who scored". Bernard Lothwers conversion gave Richmond a 5-2 lead. Richmond continued to attack and Roberston sent the ball on to
Ron McGregor "who pierced the defence to cross". The conversion missed but Richmond now held an 8-2 lead as halftime arrived. In the second half
Roy Clark, "playing promisingly at five eighth ... passed to send McArthur over between the posts" and with Clark converting they now only trailed by one. Richmond attacked the North Shore line hard but Gamble at fullback for North Shore played a safe game and they held them off. The Shore forwards were "working hard" and from a scrimmage sent the ball to Hunt who passed to winger, R. Taylor who scored. Clark's conversion gave them the 14-8 score which they held. In the other match Newton beat Point Chevlalier 18-5. The game "opened up at a fast pace, and a feature was the rugged play of the Newton forwards.
John Anderson the former New Zealand second rower missed three penalty attempts in the first half "by inches". Point Chevalier "had little better of the game, and Walker raced hard for the try line but a good tackle by W. Briggs stopped him".. Godfrey Sorby opened up the scoring with a drop goal and then Briggs and Woolley placed Newton into a scoring position and from a scrum Scarlett passed to Elliott but Wells at fullback saved. Point Chevalier attacked further through Barnes and Walker could not cross and the halftime score was Newton 2 Point Chevalier 0. In the second half Frank Zimmerman who "was fresh from his boxing exploits, raced 30 yards, but hung on a little long to hold up a promising Newton offensive". Newton attacked further and eventually "Scarlett passed to Woolley who made a fine opening, and raced over for a good try" with Sorby converting to give Newton a 7-0 lead. Anderson opened Point Chevaliers scoring with a penalty and after an attacking exchange Woolley scored another try for Newton, and then he scored again from "a fine passing bout". Woolley added a third try and Point Chevalier replied with a try to Humphries on the wing with Sorby converting to finish the scoring.
Round 2 In the principal match at Carlaw Park Ponsonby easily beat City 31 to 17 after leading 16 to 5 at halftime.
Warwick Clarke was back at full back for City, though Alan Donovan was missing from the halfback position and was replaced by Cunningham, a player from Northland. In the Ponsonby backs two rugby players were in their side, Gordon Littlejohn at fullback who had come from the Manukau rugby club, and
Brian Nordgren on the right wing. Nordgren would prove to be a prolific try scorer for Ponsonby scoring 5 tries in the coming weeks and 23 in 1945 before signing to play for
Wigan in England where he would play for ten seasons, scoring 312 tries in 294 games. For Ponsonby
Roy Nurse scored two tries and added a conversion, while
Arthur Kay at five eighths who played "a fine pivotal game" scored a try and kicked four goals.
Len Jordan at centre "was showing cleverness in directing the attack". Loose forwards
Travers Hardwick and Dick Hull also crossed for tries. In the City side
Hawea Mataira led the forwards well and Taylor showed speed in the backs. In the second half Raymond Lohenet began to win most of the ball from the scrums and Dacre Black at halfback "was sending the ball away with clean, well-directed passing", then from loose play Hardwick gained his try. They now led 31-12 before City got a consolation try to Jimmy Matthews converted by Arthur Silva. On the number 2 field in the late kickoff Newton upset Marist 11 points to 10. They led 11-5 at halftime and despite not scoring another point held on for the victory. Shepherd opened the scoring when the winger "outpaced the Newton backs" following good play from Maurice Costello and J Smith. Marist was unfortunate to lose Costello to an injury soon after. Newton's forwards Sullivan and Te Haara "caught Marist out of position, and Scarlett snapped up to score a really good try" with Godfrey Sorby converting to give them a 5-3 lead. Morrie Brockliss kicked a penalty goal to level the scores. Then just before halftime Scarlett scored for Newton and D. Muru "raced away" to add 3 more points for what ultimately proved to be a decisive try. Early in the second half Brockliss kicked a penalty and then a while later Gordon Crocker "burst through to score a nice try" from a scrum 30 yards out though the conversion missed. Both teams attacked hard at various stages and Smith and White went close to winning the game for Marist but "a popular win was recorded to Newton". In the early kickoff on the number 1 field North Shore defeated Manukau 18 to 8. Manukau began the game a man short and usual star full back Ralph Martin had to play in the five eighths. Tom Butler had moved into the full back position from his normal wing position and he scored the first points through a penalty struck from ten yards inside halfway. North Shore responded through a try to half back J. McArthur after taking a pass from prop Tom Field. Ranginui Ewe scored a "surprise try who fell over the line with a tackler hanging on to him". The teams traded more points before halftime with North Shore leading 8-5. New signing for North Shore, Arthur Reid on the wing was involved in some attacking efforts and early in the second half and was forced out in the corner after an "excellent effort".
Roy Clark at five eighth was playing well with his partner J.W. Priest who had just joined the side but Manukau were "defending strongly but showing little combination". Another new player for North Shore, W.J. Walker in the centres made a good run to get them near the try line and then Clark kicked across field for McArthur to score. Soon after Clark "penetrated brilliantly and sent to
Bruce Graham who dived across to score". Later in the game
Pita Ririnui in the Manukau forwards "carried play to the Shore end, where [Kenneth] Finlayson passed to Werohia, who scored". The game ended soon after. Mount Albert eliminated Otahuhu from the Roope Rooster with a 10-8 win after leading 6-3 at halftime. Mount Albert were missing
Harold Milliken and Arnold Jones. Otahuhu gave away several penalties for offide and Herbert Zane-Zaninovich kicked three penalty goals to take a 6-0 lead. Graham Simpson who had played for City previously was in the five eighths was prominent and passed to Colin Riley who went close to scoring. Then good play by Cliff Wellm set up a try for Norm Johnson to make it 6-3 at half time after Mount Albert lost a try when Jack Zane-Zaninovich mishandled from a break by Les Clement and Ivan Sumich. Early in the second half Dick Shadbolt the Mount Albert prop headed a forward attack which led to a penalty goal from Clement. Then Otahuhu drew level after Colin Riley made a "brilliant opening and beat the defence badly, before passing to [Cliff] Wellm, who ran on to score easily the best try of the game". Otahuhu was on top but the Mount Albert defence was "very sound" and the Mount Albert backs kicked instead of passing which lost them chances. Then right on time Herbert Zane-Zaninovich kicked a penalty goal to win the game.
Semi finals Late in the match between Mount Albert and Ponsonby Mount Albert's Richard (Dick) Shadbolt was sent off for fighting. It was the fourth time that he had been sent off in senior rugby league. He had been cautioned three times already and had "a final serious talking to" before the final incident. The league decided to "severely warn" him.{{cite news In the early game between North Shore and Newton the Devonport based side won 13 to 0. North Shore scored tries to Hiscock, J. McArthur and Taylor with
Roy Clark converting a try and kicking a penalty. Their first try came when J. McArthur at halfback for Shore attacked to the right and Clark and Cave came into position for Cave to sell a dummy and send Taylor in for a try. Clark was playing brilliantly in the five eighths line but Newton held out well. Then McArthur ran by himself on the blind side of s scrum to score. Jock Rutherford was winning most of the scrum ball from his opposite Sullivan. Near the end of the game Gamble the North Shore fullback ran upfield and passed to Clark who sent it to the right wing, Hiscock who had too much pace for the Newton pursuit" and scored to finish the scoring. In the main match Ponsonby defeated Mount Albert 17 to 2.
Len Jordan scored 2 tries for Ponsonby in the centre position, while
Brian Nordgren the new sensation for Ponsonby also scored twice. Their other try scorer was
Travers Hardwick while
Arthur Kay kicked a conversion. They opened the scoring after a forward attack which Hardwick finished off for Kay to convert. Kay then cut through again and threw a back hand pass for Jordan to "streak over for a classy try". Late in the first half the Ponsonby forwards "with Don Mullett in the van swept over the opposition, and the boxing champion kicked over the line for Brian Nordgren to dive on the ball for a splendid try". Darcy Bailey was injured just before halftime and replaced by Fielder. In the second half
Roy Nurse made a "beautiful opening before passing to Jordan who outpaced the opposition to score" with Kay converting. After tempers frayed Richard Shadbolt was sent off. Towards the end of the game Jorand took the ball and passed to Kay, and then Dacre Black made some ground for Fielder, leading to Nordgren scoring to end the game.
Roope Rooster final Playing for Ponsonby were Darcy Bailey, a former
Canterbury rugby representative and J.W. Priest, a former
Taranaki rugby representative. For North Shore, Arthur L. Read, a former
Poverty Bay rugby player also played. North Shore led 10–3 at halftime before a big comeback by Ponsonby which won the second half 16 to 3 to claim their 6th Roope Rooster title 19 points to 13. The game started "with spectacular football, the Ponsonby backs showing speed, and throwing the ball about with freedom". Raymond Lohenet was winning scrum ball for Ponsonby and Des Black "was quick to open up attack" from halfback.
Brian Nordgren on the right wing came in and made an extra back on the other side of the field.
Arthur Kay at five eighths "showed skill at making the opening before contacting Len Jordan in the centre. However the North Shore defence was "sound and good" with
Roy Clark "going in fast to hold the Ponsonby attack, and Gamble at fullback, disclosing admirable cover defence". The North Shore forwards occasionally "stormed upfield ... and Littljohn, the Ponsonby fullback, won applause for clever clearances". The first try of the game came when J McArthur "cut through the Ponsonby inside backs, drew Littlejohn and passed to send Taylor across to score close to the posts". Later in the first half Lohenet won a scrum and Des Black sent the ball to Manley to Kay to Jordan who crossed wide out. North Shore then replied when Hiscock, the "speedy Shore left wing made a big run" and then worked infield and passed further infield to Taylor who "raced in for his second try" to make the half time score 10-3 in North Shore's favour. After the halftime break Fielder had replaced Darcy Bailey who had been injured in the first half. Then Brian Nordgren made a spectacular run, he "worked quickly through a wide gap before converging defence could trap him, [and] veered out sharply to avoid Gamble, the Shore fullback, and then gave an exhibition of speed to circle and score by the posts. Arthur Kay's conversion narrowed the score to 10-8. The speed of Nordgren and Jordan then gave Ponsonby the lead. Nordgren "raced along the sideline, and then inpassed to Jordan. with full speed on the Ponsonby centre gathered his pass, veered out to score wide amid great enthusiasm on the part of Ponsonby supporters". Ponsonby added to their lead when Arthur Kay "made a good opening with a lateral run, and the ball went via Jordan to Nordgren. The winger broke through a good tackle effort by Clark, and then had a clear field to sail in by the flag". To essentially finish the game Kay made a diagonal run which caught the Shore backs "out of position. He then reverse-passed to send Jordan in for his third try" with Kay's conversion giving them a 19-10 lead. shore played "valiantly" towards the end. The North Shore fullback, Gamble worked his way through the inside backs of Ponsonby but didn't have support. Soon after Arthur Read made "two hard dashes" and got play to the try line where
Bruce Graham dived over to finish the scoring. Read was a wrestling champion.
Stormont Shield final City's win was their first ever Stormont Shield title since its inception in 1925. The field was said to be in good order despite some heavy rain prior. The City forwards dominated the early stages with Ponsonby hard on defence. Ponsonby held out and worked to the City end and
Arthur Kay opened the scoring with a penalty for Ponsonby. The City forwards went on the attack once more and Eugene Donovan was held up on the try line but got the ball away to lock Harold Gee who "dived over between the posts" with Albert Silva converting. City had an advantage in the scrums which was unsurprising with
Hawea Mataira at prop and
Bert Leatherbarrow at hooker. City won a penalty and Silva kicked it "from the widest of angles". Cunningham at halfback for City was getting many chances to get the backs going but the City inside backs, W. Cossey and Silva "were not certain in their handling". Ponsonby then made a big raid down the right wing with Kay and
Len Jordan joining in "in a spectacular way". Dacre Black and Don Mullet were involved but Mullet dropped a low pass. City were penalised shortly after and Kay's penalty made the score 7-4. Just before halftime Cunningham sent the ball from a City scrum win to Silva who "raced past the Ponsonby inside backs, James was up in time for the pass, and sent the ball on to Harold Gee, who ran in to score by the flag". Halftime came with City leading 10-4. The second half began with the Ponsonby forwards storming to the City end but the City defence held up again. Then City went on the attack and "the outstanding player for City at this stage was the veteran
Mataira, who threw out to his backs passes of extraordinary lengths". At one stage he made a 50 yard run "bumping off several tackling attempts". Ponsonby once again attacked strongly but still failed to register their first try and then City worked the ball to the Ponsonby end "when Mataira threw a long pass across, Silva getting the ball andkicking towards the wing. Both Taylor and Cossey raced for possession, and when Manley did not clear Cossey snapped up the ball, circled in and scored behind the posts" with Silva converting to give them a decisive 15-4 lead. Ponsonby attacked hard and a clearing kick found their fullback, Gordon Littlejohn who kicked a drop goal to make it 15-6. The play was still open but Ponsonby was too far behind to really challenge and then forward Don Mullett was injured and left the field. Ponsonby received a penalty and Kay kicked "an up and under" with
Brian Nordgren coming in fast to gather the ball and score. Kay's conversion made it 15-11 giving them a faint chance but City was on the attack when the game finished shortly after. In comments about the game the New Zealand Herald wrote "Ponsonby was actually unlucky not to come out a winner... [they] appeared to score a try in the second spell, but the referee ruled that the player in possession,
Travers Hardwick, lost the ball. On other occasions dropped passes [by Mullet], and then later after a brilliant opening by Kay, Fielder dropped the final pass two yards from the line cost tries. They also commented on the "excellence" of City's tackling and that Silva and Pouvi (Robert) Salaia "were outstanding with hard, low tackling". The standout players for City were Mataira "who was in every attack, being outstanding. Gee was not far behind, while James and Donovan played well. Cunningham, the substitute halfback, played an excellent game. being responsible for two tries".
Warwick Clarke at fullback had an off day with his fielding "uncertain".
Top try scorers and point scorers The try and point scoring lists were compiled from Fox Memorial, Roope Rooster, Phelan Shield, and Stormont Shield matches. Bernard Lowther of Richmond was the leading try scorer with 14, with
Bruce Graham and
Roy Nurse scoring 12 each. Basil Cranch (Mt Albert) finished with the most points once again with 92. Colin Riley of
Otahuhu scored 80 and was also awarded a medal for being a top goal kicker. Prolific scorer Alan Donovan finished third with 76. There were however 2 matches that received no reported individual scoring. They were the match between Richmond and North Shore, won by Richmond 8-5 and Manukau's 29–10 win over Newton. ==Lower grades==