1937 Auckland Rugby League season

====Round 5====

====Round 5====

[[File:G Crocker and Phil Donovan of Marist in 1937.jpg|thumb|left|Benny Crocker and Phil Donovan of Marist, before their win over Ponsonby. Donovan was killed in action in Italy in early 1945.]][[File:Bert Leatherbarrow portrait photo.png|thumb|left|[[Bert Leatherbarrow]] (Mt Albert hooker)]][[File:Ivor Stirling.png|thumb|[[Ivor Stirling]] (North Shore)]]The match between Richmond and Newton was played at Fowld's Park to raise money for the King George V. Memorial Fund. The game was ceremonially kicked off by the Mayor of Mount Albert, Mr. Henry Albert Anderson. The ground was in a "wretched state" and "heavy in places". Newton threatened an upset when they led 6-5 at halftime. For Richmond [[George Mitchell (rugby league)|George Mitchell]] was "outstanding" in their forwards. The Newton backs, [[Wilfred Brimble]], [[Ted Brimble]], and Pat Young "played very cleverly" while Maurice Quirke hooked very well for them in his first game of the season. He had debuted for Newton in 1933 and his final year with them was 1942 before he spent 1943 with Mt Albert. With the wins to Richmond and Mt Albert it meant they both moved to the top of the standings. For Mt Albert in their 13-0 win over North Shore their captain, Len Schultz scored two "fine tries" and "paved the way for another". Future New Zealand hooker [[Bert Leatherbarrow]] hooked successfully giving Mt Albert most of the ball from the scrums. J.C. Cowan made a reappearance for North Shore at halfback with [[Ivor Stirling]] moving out to first five eighth where he "detracted from an otherwise good performance by too frequently kicking". The Herald said that if he "showed a little more judgment in placing his kicks" he should go on to higher honours. Two years later Stirling was selected for the New Zealand tour of England. The game between Ponsonby and Marist was played on a heavy ground. Reginald Haslam of Marist was a key figure in their win. He had to come on to replace Phil Donovan who was injured and "at once took a big part in both the attack and defence". Both teams were said to have suffered "an extraordinary crop of minor casualties" and at one stage four players were on the sideline receiving treatment. In the second half Ponsonby winger N. McKinney was sent off for disputing a refereeing decision. Manukau led City by five points with ten minutes to go but a late rally by City saw them draw the match 13-13. City dominated the game territorially but didn't take their opportunities. [[Jack Hemi]] played at fullback for Manukau after playing in the five eighths recently while his opposing fullback, Cyril Wiberg played a very food game fielding and kicking "splendidly". Peter Mahima, the Manukau halfback "opened the game up for his supports at every opportunity" and teamed well with [[Walter Brimble]] who "made some splendid openings".

[[File:G Crocker and Phil Donovan of Marist in 1937.jpg|thumb|left|Benny Crocker and Phil Donovan of Marist, before their win over Ponsonby. Donovan was killed in action in Italy in early 1945.]][[File:Bert Leatherbarrow portrait photo.png|thumb|left|[[Bert Leatherbarrow]] (Mt Albert hooker)]][[File:Ivor Stirling.png|thumb|[[Ivor Stirling]] (North Shore)]]The match between Richmond and Newton was played at Fowld's Park to raise money for the King George V. Memorial Fund. The game was ceremonially kicked off by the Mayor of Mount Albert, Mr. Henry Albert Anderson. The ground was in a "wretched state" and "heavy in places". Newton threatened an upset when they led 6-5 at halftime. For Richmond [[George Mitchell (rugby league)|George Mitchell]] was "outstanding" in their forwards. The Newton backs, [[Wilfred Brimble]], [[Ted Brimble]], and Pat Young "played very cleverly" while Maurice Quirke hooked very well for them in his first game of the season. He had debuted for Newton in 1933 and his final year with them was 1942 before he spent 1943 with Mt Albert. With the wins to Richmond and Mt Albert it meant they both moved to the top of the standings. For Mt Albert in their 13-0 win over North Shore their captain, Len Schultz scored two "fine tries" and "paved the way for another". Future New Zealand hooker [[Bert Leatherbarrow]] hooked successfully giving Mt Albert most of the ball from the scrums. J.C. Cowan made a reappearance for North Shore at halfback with [[Ivor Stirling]] moving out to first five eighth where he "detracted from an otherwise good performance by too frequently kicking". The Herald said that if he "showed a little more judgment in placing his kicks" he should go on to higher honours. He was "quick off the mark, a straight runner with the ability to vary his play". Two years later Stirling was selected for the New Zealand tour of England. North Shore was missing winger [[Len Scott]] who was injured with Bennetts doing well in his place. The game between Ponsonby and Marist was played on a heavy ground. Reginald Haslam of Marist was a key figure in their win. He had been out injured and was in the reserves for his comeback and then came on to replace Phil Donovan who was injured and "at once took a big part in both the attack and defence". Both teams were said to have suffered "an extraordinary crop of minor casualties" and at one stage four players were on the sideline receiving treatment. In the second half Ponsonby winger N. McKinney was sent off for disputing a refereeing decision. Manukau led City by five points with ten minutes to go but a late rally by City saw them draw the match 13-13. City dominated the game territorially but didn't take their opportunities. [[Jack Hemi]] played at fullback for Manukau after playing in the five eighths recently while his opposing fullback, Cyril Wiberg played a very food game fielding and kicking "splendidly". Peter Mahima, the Manukau halfback "opened the game up for his supports at every opportunity" and teamed well with [[Walter Brimble]] who "made some splendid openings".

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| date = 29 May

| date = 29 May