Auckland Rugby 2022
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1937: The biggest crowd to ever watch a championship match
Auckland simply couldn't settle on an easy system for awarding the Gallaher Shield in the 1930s and strange as it may seem, it wasn't always the biggest trophy at stake.
In some seasons "Dave" was awarded to the first round winner, while the second round was played for the Jubilee Trophy and then a Charity Cup decider, between the two winners, would take place. There's an obvious flaw in this set-up, but in 1937 the match was between Ponsonby (Gallaher Shield) and University (Jubilee Trophy). Ponsonby won easily enough, 27-12, but the game drew the biggest crowd ever to a championship match (58,500).
The real reason was the second match of the day was the third test between New Zealand and South Africa. But it still must have been a thrill for Dave Solomon and Wally Knight to score hat-tricks in front of that mob.
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Mesulame Skelton debuting for Papatoetoe v College Rifles tomorrow
First cousin of Wil and Cam Skelton ..size runs in the whānau
Mesulame is 6’7 118kgs 21 years old
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Manukau v Ponsonby at Williams Park
I am heading along to watch this game , I smell a hint of an upset in the air ..
College Rifles. Ponsonby
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Went along to the Manukau Rovers v Ponsonby game at Williams Park .
Really enjoyable game with the home team taking out the victory 36-31
after leading 22-14 at halftime .
With 15 minutes to go Manukau lead 36-14 , but Ponsonby being Ponsonby came right back with 3 tries in 12 minutes which set up an exciting finish
Manukau however deserved their win , I felt they went away from playing in the last 20 and kicked a little too much .
The Rovers forward pack paved they way for the win with dominance at set piece scrum especially, using their big ball carrying runners effectively., they stunned the visitors with 2 brilliant set piece tries in the opening five minutes , both wingers Josh Gray and Sailosi Vatubua finishing both chances expertly..Manu Paea at halfback and first five Faletoi Peni .
Peni played for Karaka in the Counties Manukau competition and has superb organisational skills ,and great eye for a gap.Ponsonby pulled themselves back 14-14 a piece after 27 minutes , Sam Wye showing some individual brilliance to skin the defence from 22 metres and Joel Cobb showing a clean pair heels after the Rovers midfield defence got breached for one of the few times in the first half .
A further penalty to Peni put Manukau back in the lead before big Rovers tight head prop Ronnie Matapula proved unstoppable after tacking a quick tap close to the line right on halftime
22-14 Rovers at halftime and the visitors with a building wind in the 2nd half
The game would be decided in the space of 4 minutes between 10 and 15 minute mark with a penalty try after first five Faletoi Pene was taken in a high tackle by Essendon Tuitupou in the act of scoring ,the fullback sent packing to the bin and it was further pain for Ponies when Joel Gray picked loose pass and bolted 50 metres to nail his 2nd try
Despite Ponies 3 tries in the last 15 minutes to number 8 Kaleb Emile - Vaoga ,centre Nigel Ah Wong and Essendon Tuitupou it would be the Homeside that would hang for a well deserved win
For the Rovers , the whole pack went well , Ekuasi is an absolute beast , started in the 7 jersey and moved to number 8 , gee he takes some stopping , Paea and Peni were impressive.,
Both co skippers , Savelio Ropati at lock and 2nd five Kolio Hifo
12 were both industrious ..Ponsonby for a team that is rebuilding after losing so many players from last year deserve a lot of credit for the way they fought back
Sam Wye at halfback was excellent , Joel Cobb always dangerous when he was given space ,Wiseguy Faiaane was solid ..and in the forwards Kaleb Emile Vaoga was dynamite for a small number 8 -
@Steven-Harris Thanks for that report Steven. So many of Ponies usual starters from last season are away playing overseas like in the U.S. MLR comp etc. I don't know how many of them are eventually returning to play club. There were a few who arrived part way into last season.
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@Daffy-Jaffy hearing also both Liaki Moli and Melani Nanai could be returning to the Manukau Rovers during the season as well as 3 or 4 MP players could be released to play for the South Auckland club.
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Two Auckland Rugby stalwarts have re-committed to the union and will further the already experienced group of players set to join our @bunningsnpc campaign.
Angus Ta’avao has been in the Auckland NPC campaign for several seasons. The Dilworth School old boy recently made his 50th Cap for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific and sits on 45 caps for the Blue and White Hoops. Auckland #1386
Simon Hickey returned from a distinguished rugby career overseas to re-join our NPC outfit in 2020. The @grammartec member is with the Crusaders for Super Rugby Pacific, and we are looking forward to seeing him back in Auckland colours this season. Auckland #1412
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Some of the SR Players: Plumtree, Visinia (at 13), Ekuasi, Milo Harris, Jock McKenzie, Corey Evans
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Waitemata put 50 on College Rifles!
https://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/draws-results-1/goodyear-club-rugby-draw-1
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100 years of the Gallaher Shield: The 14 best moments from Auckland club rugby
