1922 Auckland Rugby League season

The 1922 Auckland Rugby League was the 14th in its history. There were 68 teams playing across the various grades. City Rovers won the first grade championship for the 5th time, with Ponsonby winning the Roope Rooster for the 2nd time. City Rovers also defended the Challenge Shield, warding off efforts from Petone, Tongariro, and Huntly to lift it from them. Bill Davidson set a record for points scored in an Auckland club rugby league season with 116 for City Rovers. He and his brothers Ben and George between them scored 186 of City Rover's 339 points which was also a competition record for a team in a single season. City scored a further 19 points in the Roope Rooster competition and 85 points in their 3 Challenge Shield matches for 443 points in all official games.

It was an incredibly busy year for the Auckland representative team. They played more matches than some club teams had played in earlier seasons with ten matches in total. There was also an Auckland Provincial team match against New South Wales, and one Auckland B fixture with the team making the trip down to Cambridge to play the local side. Bill Davidson also led the representative team in scoring with 37 points.

Carlaw Park

At a pre-season meeting of the management committee it was discussed that Carlaw Park needed more ‘modern equipment’, and it was decided that “the establishment of more modern methods of dealing with the turf and the purchase of more efficient machinery shall be an early charge on the new season's funds”. Sufficient money was made from gates at club and rep fixtures at Carlaw Park and the Auckland Domain to begin improvements on the ground at the conclusion of the season.

New Clubs and Name Changes

The Auckland Rugby League accepted a new club into the fold, named Central Mangere. They entered a team in the 2nd Grade.

The Maritime club also changed their name to ‘Athletics’ and in 1926 they were to change their name again to Grafton Athletic. This was not to be confused with Grafton Athletic who had existed as a team from 1914–1920 under the leadership of Karl Ifwersen and were now playing under the name of 'Fire Brigade'.

Richmond Rovers applied for entry into the Senior A Grade competition and this was approved. This made the competition an even 8 teams meaning 4 matches per round and no byes. Unlike most previous seasons there were no byes, no defaults, and no postponed matches meaning 56 matches were played in total, easily the most in the competitions history. Richmond would go on to finish 7th with 3 wins and 11 losses.

George Davidson's Return

George Davidson played for Maritime (now named Athletics) in the 1919 season but had missed most of the 1920 and 1921 seasons as he was training for and competing at the Antwerp Olympics where he came 5th in the 200m final. He stated that over those two seasons he had only played for Maritime on two or three occasions as he was seeking a transfer to the City Rovers where his two brothers Bill and Ben played. Athletics were denying his request and Davidson appealed to the league who then asked the Athletics club to reconsider his request "favourably". He would eventually have his transfer to City approved.

First Grade Championship

Final Standings

Team Pld W D L F A Pts City Rovers 14 11 0 3 339 157 22 Ponsonby United 14 10 0 4 205 169 20 Marist Old Boys 14 9 1 4 258 192 19 Devonport United 14 7 1 6 223 194 15 Newton Rangers 14 6 1 7 197 219 13 Athletic 14 6 0 8 242 208 12 Richmond Rovers 14 3 0 11 141 295 6 Fire Brigade 14 2 1 11 143 313 5 First Grade Fixtures Round 1 22 April Ponsonby 15–10 Newton Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: James Hing, W Southernwood, Norman Con: McGregor, W Hanlon Pen: Frank Delgrosso Try: Clarrie Polson 2 Con: Clarrie Polson Pen: Clarrie Polson Attendance: 4000 Referee: A Ball 22 April Marist 19–6 Fire Brigade Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Bill Stormont 2, John Lang, Arthur Singe, P Gallagher Con: Billy Ghent, Arthur Singe Try: Wareing, Unknown x 1 Attendance: 4000 Referee: W Mincham 22 April Devonport 17–32 City Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Johnston, Harry Douglas, Neville St George 2, Scott Pen: Neville St George Try: Bert Laing, Bill Davidson 2, Jack Keenan, Alf Townsend, George Paki, Unknown x 1 Con: Bert Laing, Bill Davidson 3 Referee: Archie Ferguson 22 April Richmond 2–14 Athletic Grey Lynn Park   3:00 Pen: Henderson Try: Eric Grey 2, Hall, G Yardley Con: G Yardley Referee: T Neill Round 2 In the match between Athletic and Ponsonby Eric Grey had a highly unusual collection of points after he scored a try, and kicked a conversion, a penalty, a goal from a mark, and a drop goal. 29 April Athletic 23–5 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Eric Grey, Ivan Littlewood, G Yardley 2, Bert Avery Con: Eric Grey Pen: Eric Grey & 1 mark Drop: Eric Grey Try: Joe Meadows Pen: Dougie McGregor Attendance: 5000 Referee: W Murray 29 April City 48–10 Fire Brigade Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Ben Davidson 2, Bill Davidson, Harry Francis, F Wilson 2, R Harley, Jack Keenan 2, Maurice Wetherill 2, Alf Townsend Con: Bill Davidson 2, Harry Francis, Maurice Wetherill 2 Pen: Unknown x 1 Try: Charles Woolley, O’Brien Con: G Cargill Pen: Wareing Referee: T Hill 29 April Devonport 17–17 Newton Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Bert Laing 2, Miller Con: C Hand 2 Pen: C Hand 2 Try: Walter Voysey, Lou Brown 2, J Sorenson, L Brockliss Con: Clarrie Polson Attendance: 700 Referee: W Mincham 29 April Richmond 11–25 Marist Grey Lynn Park   3:00 Try: Little 3 Pen: Butler Try: Stevens, Lawson, P Gallagher 2, Arthur Singe, Cadman 2 Con: Stevens, Lawson Referee: F Thompson Round 3 6 May Newton 20–16 Athletics Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Sorenson 2, Wally Somers,Biggs Con: Clarrie Polson 3 Pen: Clarrie Polson Try: Ivan Littlewood 2, Eric Grey, Craddock Dufty Con: Eric Grey, Craddock Dufty Attendance: 5000 Referee: Archie Ferguson 6 May Marist 14–6 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Nelson Bass, P Gallagher, A Duane, John Lang Con: Arthur Singe Try: James Hing, W Hanlon Referee: Len Farrant 6 May Richmond 5–22 City Grey Lynn Park   3:00 Try: Little Pen: Unknown x 1 Try: Jack Keenan 3, George Paki Con: Bill Davidson 2 Pen: Bill Davidson 2, Maurice Wetherill 6 May Devonport 18–7 Fire Brigade Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: C Hand, Wheeler, Clarence Webb, Calderwood Con: C Hand, Bert Laing Pen: C Hand Try: Ripley Con: Wareing Pen: Wareing Referee: A Ball Round 4 13 May Marist 21–20 Athletics Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Turner, P Gallagher 2, George Duane, Cadman Con: John Lang, Nelson Pen: Billy Ghent Try: Ivan Littlewood, McGregor, Eric Grey Con: W Flynn 2 Pen: W Flynn, Craddock Dufty Attendance: 5500 Referee: Bert Gallagher 13 May Ponsonby 15–10 City Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: James Hing, Frank Delgrosso, Cook Con: Thomas McClymont 3 Try: Ben Davidson, F Wilson Con: Bill Davidson Pen: Bill Davidson Referee: W Ripley 13 May Devonport 24–10 Richmond Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Scott, Miller, C Hand, Clarke, Wheeler, C Webb Con: C Hand, Tommy Taylor Pen: C Hand Try: Blakey, McFarlane Con: J Carroll, McFarlane Referee: T Hill 13 May Newton 16–8 Fire Brigade Grey Lynn Park   3:00 Try: Unknown x 4 Con: Unknown x 2 Try: Lovett, Unknown x 1 Con: Unknown x 1 Referee: F Thompson Round 5 27 May City 20–5 Atletics Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Davidson, Penalty Try, Jack Keenan, Alf Townsend Con: Bill Davidson 4 Try: Halliday Con: Eric Grey Referee: Bert Gallagher 27 May Marist 15–5 Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Bill Stormont, P Gallagher, Billy Ghent Con: Arthur Singe Pen: Bill Stormont, Arthur Singe Try: W Miller Pen: C James Referee: F Thompson 27 May Richmond 5–15 Fire Brigade Grey Lynn Park   3:00 Try: J McLean Con: Carroll Try: Brady, Wareing, Cargill Con: J Woolley Referee: Les Bull 27 May Devonport 8–20 Ponsonby Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Stan Webb, Wheeler Pen: C Hand Try: W Hanlon, Frank Delgrosso, James Hing, Cook Con: Frank Delgrosso 2, Thomas McClymont 2 Referee: W Murray Round 6 10 June City 17–13 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Bill Davidson, Ben Davidson, Maurice Wetherill Con: Bill Davidson 2 Pen: Bill Davidson 2 Try: Billy Ghent, P Gallagher, John Lang Pen: Arthur Singe, Murray Referee: Archie Ferguson 10 June Ponsonby 12–4 Fire Brigade Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Thomas McClymont, W Hanlon Con: McGregor, Frank Delgrosso Pen: Thomas McClymont Pen: Wareing, Henderson Referee: Mincham 10 June Newton 32–8 Richmond Victoria Park 2   3:00 Try: Clarrie Polson, Lou Brown 2, Walter Voysey, Wally Somers 2, Gregory, Bill Cloke Con: James, Miller, Unknown x 2 Try: Parkes, Butler Con: Carroll Referee: T Hill 10 June Devonport 20–12 Athletics Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Price, Clarke, Stan Webb, Scott Con: C Hand, Bert Laing Pen: C Hand + 1 mark Try: Halliday, Ivan Littlewood Con: Eric Grey Pen: Bert Avery Referee: Len Farrant Round 7 17 June City 19–13 Newton Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Davidson, Ben Davidson, Penalty Try Con: Bill Davidson 3 Pen: Maurice Wetherill 1 mark Drop: Ben Davidson Try: L Barraclough, Lou Brown, A Jones Con: Clarrie Polson Pen: Clarrie Polson Referee: L Bull 17 June Fire Brigade 32–25 Athletics Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Henderson 2, Brady 2, Cargill, Charles Woolley, J Woolley 2 Con: Wareing, Henderson 2 Pen: Wareing Try: Nicholson, Brake, Brien, Bert Avery, Lunn Con: Eric Grey 3 Drop: Eric Grey, McGregor Referee: T Hill 17 June Devonport 14–12 Marist Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Clarence Webb, Scott, Wheeler, George Duane Pen: Bert Laing Try: P Gallagher, Bill Stormont, S Chatfield, Billy Ghent Referee: W Murray 17 June Richmond 13–21 Ponsonby Grey Lynn Park   3:00 Try: Little, McKenzie, Butler Con: Carroll, Butler Try: W Southernwood, Thomas McClymont, Bill Walsh, Frank Delgrosso, McGregor Con: Thomas McClymont 3 Referee: Bert Gallagher Round 8 1 July City 9–3 Devonport Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Davidson, F Wilson, H Hawkes Try: Stan Webb Referee: Len Farrant 1 July Ponsonby 16–5 Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: W Hanlon, McGregor, Black, Wilfred McNeil Con: Dougie McGregor Pen: Frank Delgrosso Try: Annan Con: Clarrie Polson Referee: A Ball 1 July Marist 21–21 Fire Brigade Victoria Park 1   3:00 Try: Billy Ghent, Tate, John Lang, A Martin, P Gallagher Con: Murray 2 Pen: Billy Ghent Try: Lovett, J Woolley, Wareing, Coates, Ernie Herring Con: Wareing, O’Brien Pen: Lovett Referee: L Hemming 1 July Athletic 7–8 Richmond Victoria Park 2   3:00 Try: Miller Pen: Eric Grey 2 Try: McKenzie, Little Pen: Butler Referee: Vause Round 9 8 July City 32–2 Fire Brigade Auckland Domain 2   3:00 Try: George Davidson, Ben Davidson 2, Bill Davidson Con: Bill Davidson 4, Maurice Wetherill Pen: Bill Davidson 2 Pen: Henderson Referee: L Bull 8 July Marist 27–15 Richmond Auckland Domain 1   3:00 Try: P Gallagher, John Lang 2, Arthur Singe, Stevens 2, Norm Loveridge Con: P Gallagher, John Lang Pen: John Lang Try: J McLean 3 Con: Carroll 2 Pen: Carroll Referee: T Hill 8 July Newton 16–11 Devonport Victoria Park 1   3:00 Try: Clarrie Polson, Walter Voysey Con: Clarrie Polson 2 Pen: Clarrie Polson, Walter Voysey 2 Try: Price, Clark, C Hand Drop: Harrison Referee: A Ball 8 July Ponsonby 30–10 Athletic Victoria Park 3   3:00 Try: Thomas McClymont, Dougie McGregor 2, McGregor, Hanlon, James Hing Con: Thomas McClymont 5 Pen: Frank Delgrosso Try: G Yardley, R Lonergan Con: Craddock Dufty 2 Referee: Mincham Round 10 15 July Ponsonby 13–9 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: W Hanlon, Frank Delgrosso, Cook Con: Thomas McClymont 2 Try: Nelson Pen: Bill Stormont, John Lang Drop: John Lang Referee: W Murray 15 July City 48–12 Richmond Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: H Hawkes, George Paki 2, Bill Davidson 2, V Thomas, F Wilson 3, Mackie, Ben Davidson 2 Con: Bill Davidson, Ben Davidson, Alf Townsend, Maurice Wetherill, Mitchell Pen: H Hawkes Try: McKenzie, S McLean Con: E Carroll Pen: E Carroll 2 Referee: Len Farrant 15 July Devonport 21–7 Fire Brigade Victoria Park   3:00 Try: Harry Douglas 2, Bert Laing, Stan Webb, Tommy Taylor 2 Con: Bert Laing 2, Tommy Taylor Try: Wareing Pen: Wareing 2 Referee: W Ripley 15 July Newton 16–15 Athletic Auckland Domain 2   3:00 Try: Lou Brown 2, Wally Somers, L Barraclough Con: Clarrie Polson Pen: Walter Voysey Try: Lonergan, G Nicholson, G Yardley Con: Craddock Dufty 2 Pen: Craddock Dufty Referee: Archie Ferguson Round 11 22 July City 40–9 Ponsonby Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Davidson 3, Maurice Wetherill 4, Bill Davidson, George Paki, Alf Townsend Con: Bill Davidson 4, Mackie Try: Thomas McClymont Con: Thomas McClymont Pen: Frank Delgrosso 2 Referee: Bert Gallagher 22 July Athletic 29–8 Marist Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Bert Avery 2, Lonergan, Dance, Craddock Dufty, G Yardley 2 Con: Craddock Dufty 2, G Yardley, Mike Flynn Try: Nelson, Johnson Con: Bill Stormont Referee: L Bull 22 July Devonport 37–15 Richmond Auckland Domain 1   3:00 Try: Godick, Bert Laing, Harry Douglas, Neville St George, C Webb, Tommy Taylor, Stan Webb 2, Johnson Con: Bert Laing, Neville St George, Stan Webb, Harrison Try: Davis, Butler, H McDonald Con: Butler 2 Pen: Butler Referee: A Ball 22 July Newton 19–17 Fire Brigade Victoria Park 2   3:00 Try: Bill Williams, Lou Brown 2, Clark, L Brockliss Con: Walter Voysey, Clarrie Polson Try: Wareing 2, G Cargill Con: Wareing 2 Pen: Wareing 2 Referee: T Hill Round 12 29 July Athletic 19–12 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Lonergan 3, G Yardley, Bert Avery Con: Craddock Dufty, G Yardley Try: V Thomas, F Wilson Con: Bill Davidson 2 Pen: Bill Davidson 1 mark Referee: L Bull 29 July Marist 31–10 Newton Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Nelson Bass, Arthur Singe, Billy Ghent 2, P Gallagher 2, George Duane Con: Norm Loveridge, Stevens Pen: Nelson Bass + 1 mark, Billy Ghent Try: Wally Somers, Bill Cloke Con: Walter Voysey 2 Referee: Vause 29 July Devonport 11–5 Ponsonby Auckland Domain 1   3:00 Try: Scott, Stan Webb, Price Con: Tommy Taylor Try: Frank Delgrosso Con: Thomas McClymont Referee: Mincham 29 July Richmond 18–3 Fire Brigade Auckland Domain 3   3:00 Try: Little, Carroll, Lovegrove, McKenzie Con: McKenzie Pen: Barry 2 Try: W McLure Referee: Hemming Round 13 5 August Marist 21–12 City Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Duane 2, P Gallagher, Bill Stormont, McNamara Con: Bill Stormont 2, Norm Loveridge Try: Ben Davidson, H Hawkes Con: Bill Davidson Pen: Bill Davidson 2 Referee: W Murray 5 August Athletic 11 -9 Devonport Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Bert Avery Con: G Yardley Pen: G Yardley 2, Craddock Dufty Try: Bert Laing Con: Tommy Taylor Pen: Bert Laing 1 mark, C Hand Referee: F Thompson 5 August Ponsonby 23–6 Fire Brigade Auckland Domain 1   3:00 Try: Riley, James Hing 2, Mason, Unknown x 1 Con: Dougie McGregor 2, Unknown x 1 Pen: Dougie McGregor Try: Henderson, Ernie Herring Referee: Bert Gallagher 5 August Richmond 13–5 Newton Auckland Domain 2   3:00 Try: McKenzie, Puha, Carroll Con: Butler Pen: Butler Try: A James Pen: Lou Brown Referee: W Ripley Round 14 12 August City 18–13 Newton Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: George Davidson 2, Ben Davidson 2 Con: Bill Davidson 3 Try: C James, Rope, Bill Williams Con: Clarrie Polson, Clark Referee: Archie Ferguson 12 August Marist 22–13 Devonport Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: Lynch, P Gallagher, Arthur Singe 2 Con: Bill Stormont, Billy Ghent, Norm Loveridge Pen: Bill Stormont + 1 mark Try: Stan Webb 3 Con: Tommy Taylor 2 Referee: A Ball 12 August Athletic 36–5 Fire Brigade Auckland Domain   3:00 Try: Eric Grey 3, C Webb, Nicholson, Craddock Dufty, Bert Avery, Unknown x 1 Con: Eric Grey, G Yardley, Lee, Unknown x 1 Drop: Eric Grey, J McGregor Try: Lovett Pen: Wareing Referee: W Ripley 12 August Richmond 6–15 Ponsonby Grey Lynn Park   3:00 Try: Butler 2 Try: Ivan Littlewood, Frank Delgrosso 2 Con: Dougie McGregor, Ivan Littlewood Pen: Dougie McGregor Referee: Mincham Roope Rooster Knockout Competition Round 1 26 August Ponsonby 16–13 Marist Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Wilfred McNeil, Hanlon, Ivan Littlewood 2 Pen: Dougie McGregor & 1 mark Try: Bill Stormont, Arthur Singe, Stevens Con: Norm Loveridge 2 Referee: Mincham 26 August Athletics 15–12 Fire Brigade Carlaw Park 2   3:00 Try: McGregor, Bert Avery, Nicholson Con: Craddock Dufty Pen: Craddock Dufty 2 Try: Wareing, Henderson Con: Wareing Pen: Wareing 2 Referee: T Hill 26 August Newton 18–13 Richmond Auckland Domain   3:00 Try: Clarrie Polson, Biggs, T Virtue, Bill Williams, Unknown x 1 Con: Lou Brown, Unknown x 1 Try: Redwood, Carroll, Parkes Con: Carroll Pen: Butler Referee: Len Farrant 26 August Devonport 11–12 City Devonport Domain   3:00 Try: Wheeler, Stan Webb, Scott Pen: Bert Laing Try: George Paki, George Davidson Con: Maurice Wetherill Pen: Bill Davidson 2 marks Referee: W Murray Semi Finals 9 September Ponsonby 41–20 Newton Carlaw Park 1   1:45 Try: E McGregor, Williams, Ivan Littlewood 5, Wilfred McNeil 2, Southernwood, Cole Con: Dougie McGregor 3, Thomas McClymont Try: Walter Voysey, Biggs, Wally Somers, Lou Brown Con: Wally Somers 2 Pen: Walter Voysey (pen & mark) Referee: Mincham 9 September Athletics 9–7 City Carlaw Park 1   3.30 Try: Bert Avery Con: Eric Grey Pen: G Yardley Drop: Eric Grey Try: Mitchell Con: Bill Davidson Pen: Bill Davidson Referee: L Bull Final 30 September Ponsonby 11–10 Athletics Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Thomas McClymont 2, Wilfred McNeil Con: Thomas McClymont Try: Nicholson, Eric Grey Con: Eric Grey Pen: Eric Grey Referee: Bert Gallagher Top Try Scorers and Point Scorers These lists include tries and points scored in the First Grade competition and the Roope Rooster competition only. Ben Davidson set a record for the number of points scored by a single player in a season. While earlier seasons were often incomplete with some points unattributed his 116 points was well ahead of the previous highest of 78 by Karl Ifwersen in the 1915 season. P Gallagher of Marist was the top try scorer with 15. Rank Player Team Tries 1 P Gallagher Marist Old Boys 15 2 Ivan Littlewood Maritime & Ponsonby United 13 3 Ben Davidson City Rovers 12 4 Stan Webb Devonport United 11 5 George Davidson City Rovers 10 5 Eric Grey Athletic 10 7 Bert Avery Athletic 9 8 Bill Davidson City Rovers 8 8 G Yardley Athletic 8 8 Maurice Wetherill City Rovers 8 11 Jack Keenan City Rovers 7 11 Wilson City Rovers 7 11 Frank Delgrosso Ponsonby United 7 11 Hanlon Ponsonby United 7 11 J Hing Ponsonby United 7 11 Arthur Singe Marist Old Boys 7 11 Wareing Fire Brigade 7 11 Little Richmond Rovers 7 Rank Player Team Tries Con Pen Mark Drop Goal Points 1 Bill Davidson City Rovers 8 33 13 0 0 116 2 Eric Grey Athletic 10 10 4 1 5 70 3 Thomas McClymont Ponsonby United 6 18 1 0 0 56 4 Wareing Fire Brigade 7 6 11 0 0 55 5 Clarrie Polson Newton Rangers 5 12 4 0 0 47 5 P Gallagher Marist Old Boys 15 1 0 0 0 47 7 Ivan Littlewood Athletic & Ponsonby United 13 1 0 0 0 41 8 Ben Davidson City Rovers 12 1 0 0 1 40 8 G Yardley Athletic 8 5 3 0 0 40 10 Maurice Wetherill City Rovers 8 5 2 0 0 38 Challenge Shield Matches City Rovers came into the season as holders of the trophy after defeating Ponsonby United the previous season. The shield had taken the place of the Thacker Shield which had been taken from Ponsonby and returned to the Canterbury Rugby League after a dispute over who was eligible to compete for it. City went on to defend the shield 3 times during the season defeating Petone, Tongariro, and Huntly. City v Petone 7 October City 5–3 Petone Carlaw Park   3:00 Try: Wilson Pen: Crowther Try: Kruse Referee: Archie Ferguson City v Tongariro The Tongariro team was “made up of Maori players drawn from the scattered settlements of the King Country” according to the New Zealand Herald match report, though were missing some of their best players. The Auckland Star reported that many of their players were graduates of Te Aute College. 14 October City 37–14 Tongariro Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Maurice Wetherill 3, Alf Townsend, E Mackie, George Paki, F Wilson, Ben Davidson 2 Con: E Mackie 3, H Hawkes Pen: S Crowther Try: Springall, H Pau, Taia, Hamu Con: H Pau Referee: L Bull City v Huntly Huntly came to Auckland as the South Auckland (Waikato) champions and were expected to provide a stern test to City however after a competitive first half they fell away badly in the second half with City ending up running in 11 tries. 28 October City 43–13 Huntly Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: H Hawkes 4, Maurice Wetherill, Ben Davidson 3, George Davidson 2, George Paki Con: H Hawkes, Maurice Wetherill, George Davidson, E Mackie, George Paki Try: S Raynor, Sheeran, Peckham Pen: G Raynor 2 Lower Grades Lower Grade Clubs There were 6 lower grades in 1922 if you include the Sixth Grade which was split into an A and B grade. Grades were made of the following teams with the winning team in bold: Second Grade: Athletics, City, Devonport United, Ihumatao (misspelt as 'Ihumata' in the Newspapers), Mangere, Manukau, Newton, Northcote, Otahuhu, Ponsonby, Richmond, (City defeated Devonport 16–13 in the final). Third Grade Myers Cup: Athletics, City A, City B, Coromandel, Devonport, Ellerslie, Kingsland, Manukau, Newton, Northcote, Parnell, Point Chevalier, Ponsonby (undefeated), and Richmond. Fourth Grade: Athletics, City, Devonport United, Ellerslie, Newton, Otahuhu, Parnell, Ponsonby, and Richmond. Fifth Grade Endean Memorial Shield: Devonport, Marist Old Boys, Marist Old Boys, Manukau, Newton, Northcote, Ponsonby, Richmond, and Takapuna. Sixth Grade A: City, Athletics A, Athletics B, Ellerslie, Kingsland, Manukau A, Manukau B, Northcote, Otahuhu, Parnell, Ponsonby, Richmond Sixth Grade B: Athletics, City, Manukau, Marist Old Boys, Northcote, Parnell, Richmond Cadet Competition: Athletic Cadets, 22nd (Eden) Company, 26th Company, 29th Company, 36th (Northcote) Company Representative Season It was an extremely busy season for the Auckland representative side. They played ten matches in total, while many members of the side also played for the Auckland Provincial team, and an Auckland B team also played a match in Cambridge. Of the ten matches they lost 6 and won 4. The first representative fixture of the season was played on 20 May between Auckland and the Maori team which was preparing to visit Australia and play a series of matches. There were 7,000 in attendance and gate receipts totaled £297 2s 6d. On 19 June the touring Australian Universities Rugby League team arrived in Auckland on board the ‘Manuka’. They were welcomed at a function at the Auckland Town Hall by a large assembly of Auckland politicians including the Mayor Mr. J.H. Gunson, and representatives of Auckland Rugby League and the New Zealand League Council. The Australians acquitted themselves well by beating Auckland twice, and losing to them once and a loss to the South Waikato team in Hamilton. The games were played over the space of just 8 days. After the NZ Māori team returned from their tour of Australia seven members of their team were transferred to the Fire Brigade Club, though only four played in their round 9 match (Pitman, Gardner, Yeats and Te Whata). History was made on 2 September when Auckland was defeated for the first time in a Northern Union Challenge Cup match. They had held the Cup for over a decade, but had to hand it over when they were defeated by South Auckland 21 to 20 on Carlaw Park in front of a large crowd. On 16 September they met the touring New South Wales team at the Auckland Domain and in front of a huge crowd of 20,000 they went down in a “tremendously fast and exciting game” by 45 points to 25. Auckland v New Zealand Maori 20 May Auckland 18–28 New Zealand Maori Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: John Lang 2, Clarrie Polson, Maurice Wetherill Con: Bill Davidson 3 Try: Yates, Morrison, Craddock Dufty, Lockwood 2, Bill Te Whata Con: Craddock Dufty 2, Bill Te Whata Pen: Craddock Dufty, Yates Attendance: 7000 Referee: W Murray Auckland v Australian Universities The Australian University team was made up of players from Sydney University and Brisbane University. 21 June Auckland 12–13 Australian Universities Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Ivan Littlewood, Nelson Bass Con: Bill Davidson Pen: Bill Davidson, Thomas McClymont Try: WP Lynskey, F Cripps, J Dunworth Con: H Courtenay Pen: J Craig Referee: W Murray Auckland v Australian Universities 24 June Auckland 7–18 Australian Universities Auckland Domain   3:00 Try: Nelson Bass Pen: Bill Davidson, Arthur Singe Try: J Craig, Cunningham, Cripps Con: J Craig, Courtney Attendance: 12-15000 Referee: Bert Gallagher Auckland v Australian Universities 28 June Auckland 24–16 Australian Universities Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Eric Grey 3, Bert Avery 2, Maurice Wetherill Con: Bill Davidson 3 Try: J Craig, Lynskey 2, Connaghan Con: J Craig 2 Referee: Archie Ferguson Auckland v Cambridge 26 July Auckland 73–29 Cambridge Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Craddock Dufty, George Davidson 3, Nelson Bass 4, Maurice Wetherill, Bert Avery 3, Bill Davidson 2, Bert Laing 2, Sam Lowrie Con: Craddock Dufty, George Davidson, Clarrie Polson 2, Nelson Bass, Bill Davidson, Bert Laing, Bill Stormont, Sam Lowrie, Arthur Singe, Stan Webb Try: Lyall Stewart, C McMillan 2, Jackson, D Kelly Con: H Shostrom, Lyall Stewart, C McMillan 3 Pen: C McMillan 2 Referee: Len Farrant Auckland v Hawkes Bay (Northern Union Challenge Cup) 19 August Auckland 23–5 Hawkes Bay Carlaw Park   3:00 Try: George Davidson, Bert Avery, Maurice Wetherill, Frank Delgrosso, H Hawkes Con: Bill Davidson 2 Pen: Bill Davidson and 1 mark Try: N Gillies Pen: N McCarthy Cambridge v Auckland B 19 August Cambridge 8–22 Auckland B Victoria Square, Cambridge   3:00 Try: Campbell, Hill Con: C McMillan Try: Wilson 2, E McGregor 2, Stevens, Hanlon Con: Little, Voysey Referee: J McIvor Auckland v South Auckland (Northern Union Challenge Cup) 2 September Auckland 20–21 South Auckland (Waikato) Carlaw Park 1   3:00 Try: Craddock Dufty, George Davidson, Clarrie Polson, H Hawkes Con: Craddock Dufty 3 Pen: Craddock Dufty Try: Brownie Paki 2, W Wilson Con: Tonga Mahuta, C Peckham Pen: Tonga Mahuta 4 Referee: Bert Gallagher Auckland v New South Wales Auckland played the touring New South Wales team in front of 20,000 spectators at the Auckland Domain but was heavily defeated with Australian legend Frank Burge running in 5 tries. 16 September Auckland 25–40 New South Wales Auckland Domain   3:00 Try: Bert Avery 2, Ivan Littlewood, Lou Brown 2 Con: Craddock Dufty, Maurice Wetherill Pen: Craddock Dufty 3 Try: Toohey, Ives, Latta 2, Gray, Frank Burge 5 Con: Horder 2, Frank Burge 3 Attendance: 20000 Referee: W Murray Auckland Province v New South Wales A few days after the match with New South Wales an Auckland provincial team took on the touring side. The Auckland team was largely made up of Auckland club players but also included Bill Te Whata who had played in Australia for the New Zealand Māori side, and a handful of others from the Waikato. They lost a tight match by 21 points to 20. Frank Burge was ordered off for disputing Wilson's try late in the match. 20 September Auckland Province 20–21 New South Wales Auckland Domain 1   3:00 Try: Bert Laing 2, Maurice Wetherill, Billy Wilson Con: Craddock Dufty, Bill Davidson 2 Pen: Bill Davidson Try: H Horder, W Toohey 2, B Grey, Frank Burge Con: H Horder, Frank Burge 2 Attendance: 5500 Referee: L Bull South Auckland v Auckland (Northern Union Challenge Cup) 2 October South Auckland (Waikato) 26–18 Auckland Steele Park, Hamilton   3:00 Try: Hemmingway, Brownie Paki, Bishop, Wilson, Jackson, Guthrie Con: Hemmingway 3, Wilson Hall 2 Try: George Davidson, Lou Brown, Ben Davidson, Nelson Con: Maurice Wetherill, Clarrie Polson Attendance: 2500 Referee: A Harlock Bay of Plenty v Auckland 7 October Bay of Plenty 26–33 Auckland Tauranga   3:00 Try: Morrison, George Iles, H Hume, G Gardiner, D Barclay, Ahomiro Con: G Gardiner 2, Ahomiro Pen: G Gardiner Try: Lou Brown 3, J Johnson, Clarrie Polson, F Wilson, Wally Somers Con: Mike Flynn, M Webb 2, Clarrie Polson 2 Pen: M Webb Referee: A Crane Auckland Representative Matches Played and Scorers No Name Club Team Play Tries Con Pen Mark Points 1 Bill Davidson City Rovers 6 5 7 3 1 37 2 Craddock Dufty Athletic 4 2 5 4 0 24 2 Bert Avery Athletic 8 8 0 0 0 24 4 Nelson Bass Marist Old Boys 7 6 1 0 0 20 4 George Davidson City Rovers 6 6 1 0 0 20 6 Clarrie Polson Newton Rangers 8 3 5 0 0 19 7 Lou Brown Newton Rangers 4 6 0 0 0 18 8 Maurice Wetherill City Rovers 9 4 2 0 0 16 9 Eric Grey Athletic 1 3 0 0 0 9 10 Bert Laing Devonport United 5 2 1 0 0 8 11 H Hawkes City Rovers 8 2 0 0 0 6 11 John Lang Marist Old Boys 4 2 0 0 0 6 11 Ivan Littlewood Ponsonby United 5 2 0 0 0 6 11 M Webb Athletic 1 0 2 1 0 6 15 Sam Lowrie Ponsonby United 2 1 1 0 0 5 16 Arthur Singe Marist Old Boys 5 0 1 1 0 4 17 Frank Delgrosso Ponsonby United 4 1 0 0 0 3 17 Wally Somers Newton Rangers 7 1 0 0 0 3 17 Ben Davidson City Rovers 3 1 0 0 0 3 17 F Wilson City Rovers 2 1 0 0 0 3 17 Nelson Marist Old Boys 1 1 0 0 0 3 17 J Johnson Devonport United 2 1 0 0 0 3 23 Bill Stormont Marist Old Boys 6 0 1 0 0 2 23 Stan Webb Devonport United 2 0 1 0 0 2 23 Thomas McClymont Ponsonby United 3 0 0 1 0 2 23 W Flynn Athletic 1 0 1 0 0 2 27 F Turner Marist Old Boys 2 0 0 0 0 0 27 Charles Woolley Fire Brigade 2 0 0 0 0 0 27 Ernie Herring Fire Brigade 2 0 0 0 0 0 27 J McGregor Athletic 2 0 0 0 0 0 27 W Hanlon Ponsonby United 2 0 0 0 0 0 27 Harry Douglas Devonport United 2 0 0 0 0 0 27 P Gallagher Marist Old Boys 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 George Duane Marist Old Boys 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 Alf Townsend City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 Joe Meadows Ponsonby United 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 C Nicholson Newton Rangers 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 G Reid City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 Harrison Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 Scott Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 Mackie Fire Brigade 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 Mitchell City Rovers 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 C Hand Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 Neville St George Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 0 27 Jim O'Brien Devonport United 1 0 0 0 0 0 References External links Auckland Rugby League Official Site