From the Farm to the Mountain

Onehunga-Mangere United

FORMED 1921

As Onehunga Methodist, name changed to Onehunga Athletic in 1924;

name changed to Onehunga in 1926; changed name to present title in 1966

HONOURS

1927 Division 2 Champions
1939 Falcon Cup Winners
1945 Division 2 Champions
1954 Chatham Cup Winners
1954 Falcon Cup Winners
1956 Division 1 Champions
1958 Division 1 Champions
1959 Everson Trophy Winners
1960 Auckland Trophy Winners
1963 Division 1 Champions
1983 NRFL Division 4 Champions
1984 NRFL Division 3 Champions
1999 NRFL Division 3Champions
2006 Cambridge Tournament Winners
2021 NRFL Division 2 Champions

RECORD SCORELINES

League win 12-1 Northland United, 1994

Cup win 11-1 Waiouru Rangers, 1986

NORTHERN LEAGUE RECORD

Year Division p w DL F A GD Pts Pos From
1965 One B 16 2 4 10 31 68 -37 8 5th 6
1966 Two A 9 6 1 2 31 14 17 13 2nd 10
1967 One B 18 9 5 4 62 27 35 23 3rd 10
1968 One 18 9 3 6 41 36 5 21 4th 10
1969 One 18 2 4 12 25 69 -44 8 10tl1 10
1970 Two A 14 2 1 11 14 40 -26 5 8th 8
1971 Three 18 12 3 3 64 22 42 27 2nd 10
1972 Two 18 2 5 11 19 43 -24 11 9th 10
1973 Three 18 2 1 15 24 56 -32 5 9th 10
1974-5 did not enter
1976 Four 18 4 3 11 22 50 -28 11 10th 10
1977 Four 18 3 1 14 17 63 -46 7 10th 10

Year Division p w DL F A GD Pts Pos From
1978 10
1979 Four North 18 8 4 6 33 36 -3 20 5th 10
1980 10
1981 Four North 18 7 4 7 27 25 2 20 4th 10
1982 10
1983 Four North 18 4 4 10 19 46 -27 12 7th 10
1984 10
1985 Four North 18 5 2 11 29 42 -13 12 9th 10
1986 10
1987 Four North 18 10 2 6 39 24 15 22 5th 10
1988 12
1989 Four North 18 13 5 0 38 14 24 31 1st 12
1990 12
1991 Three 18 13 3 2 33 15 18 42 1st 12
1992 12
1993 Two 18 7 7 4 30 22 8 28 5th 12
1994 10
1995 Two 18 11 4 3 48 24 24 37 3rd 8
8
1996 One 18 3 4 11 22 30 -8 13 10th 12
1997 12
1998 One 22 7 4 11 23 40 -17 25 9th 14
1999 10
2000 One 22 2 4 16 22 66 -44 10 11th 12
2001 12
2002 Two 22 4 2 16 29 56 -27 14 11th 12
2003 12
2004 Three 22 10 3 9 45 39 6 33 5th 12
2005 12
2006 Three 22 7 5 10 49 48 1 26 7th 12
2007 9
2008 Three 22 8 6 8 45 46 -1 30 6th 11
2009 13
2010 Three 18 10 3 5 37 27 10 33 5th 16
8
2011 Grading B 7 3 2 2 13 10 3 11 4th 12
2012 12
2013 Three 14 7 5 2 33 27 6 26 3rd 12
2014 12
2015 Two 22 10 2 10 50 40 10 32 6th 12
2016 11
2017 Three 22 6 5 11 29 42 -13 23 11th 12
2018 12
2019 Three 26 7 2 17 60 94 -34 23 11th 12
2020 12
2021 Three 18 14 2 2 48 22 26 44 1st 12

Two 22 12 4 6 36 27 9 40 4th

Two 22 14 4 4 43 22 21 46 2nd

One 22 7 5 10 23 37 -14 26 7th

One 22 7 3 12 34 51 -17 24 10th

One 22 6 0 16 37 79 -42 18 11th

Two 22 11 4 7 42 34 8 37 4th

Two 22 9 6 7 57 43 14 33 7th

Two 16 4 1 11 35 45 -10 13 8th

One 20 6 3 11 26 44 -18 21 8th

One 24 12 5 7 61 38 23 41 5th

One Grading 15 8 2 5 32 27 5 26 6th

One B 7 2 1 4 10 20 -10 7 6th

One 22 3 0 19 15 100 -85 9 12th

Two 22 6 3 13 34 49 -15 21 11th

Two 22 9 3 10 45 63 -18 30 7th

Two 22 6 6 10 40 52 -12 24 9th

Two 22 11 2 9 49 46 3 35 5th

Two 20 9 2 9 38 35 3 29 6th

Two 22 4 4 14 29 77 -48 16 11th

Two 22 6 3 13 25 44 -19 21 10th

Two 22 7 4 11 43 63 -20 25 8th

Two 8 6 1 1 17 11 6 19 N/A

Two 19 13 4 2 56 24 32 43 1st

NORTHERN LEAGUE PLAY
-OFFS RECORD

Year Results Notes

1995 2-0 Forrest Hill - Milford Div Two Promotion play-off
2018 2-0 & 1-1 Beachlands - M Div Two Promotion play-off won 3-1 on aggregate

CHATHAM CUP RECORD
Cup Winners 1954 | Since 1965 | P 80 W 32 L 48

Oldest Auckland Clubs:
North Shore (1894) Metro (1900) Onehunga (1921) Eastern Suburbs and Navy (1924)

FROM THE FARM TO THE FILL THE PEWS. and the church was packed every
MOUNTAIN. Sunday.
In 1921 the wealthy brewer Ernest
Not every club lives on the top of a Davis, always a good friend of the The first president was Wes Norris
mountain, especially a volcanic cone. game, filled the vacant presidency and Bill Carson was the coach. Other
What a wonderful place to play. of the AFA. Out in the far suburbs, club members included Jack Hall,
It is a long way from “The Farm”, in one of the older areas of the city, Will Moor, Hee Stuart, Martin and Nat
or Waikaraka Park, in the early days soccer was stirring. In Onehunga, Benfell, George Payne, Clyde Harris,
where they herded the sheep off the (although one report states that the and Edgar Johns.
pitch before the game, changed in an meeting was first held in1920) a
implement shed without water and group of far-sighted people met to So, the club entered a team in the
washed the sheep droppings off at start soccer in the district. Inspired by 4th grade, (under 18) of the Auckland
home. Now there is a clubroom and Frank Yates and Norman Ireland, it championship in that year and this
the field of anyone’s dreams. This was for the benefit of the young men has been identified as the first soccer
story is about those who dreamed of the Onehunga Methodist Church team from Onehunga. The first
and how their dreams come true. and was registered with the AFA fixture of the new club was against St
that year, along with Freemans Bay Heliers, the beach resort team, on 21
IN THE BEGINNING. Young Citizens and Philomel. George May 1921. The result is lost in the mists
Parker was the dynamo of the junior of time.
It is hard to believe that the 1921 and senior soccer teams and of some
group of keen people who started of the cricket teams set up to keep The new club experienced some
the club were the first to play soccer members throughout the year. difficulty in keeping a team together
in one of the oldest areas in the city. and asked the Management
George and Mabel Parker were very Committee of the AFA for permission
Right from the start of European active workers for church youth to field a players three months over
settlement, Onehunga was a thriving from about 1906 when they came the official age. The club conceded
port and business center, eight miles to the area to live in Carlton Street all chances of winning under this
from Auckland City, and there were in Hillsborough. Their home was the arrangement and the request was
so many activities in the area in base for many of the first footballers. granted. And there is no record of
the early days. Perhaps they were any Onehunga win that season. They
playing under one of the obscure There was no doubt that they did lost to North Shore in the first round
names given to clubs in those days, not want just any soccer players, and of the knockout and no players were
such as Corinthians, Nomads, they did want the players to attend selected for the fourth- grade reps
Moos or Everton. the chapel, so there were rules that season.
imposed. If a player wished to turn
But that is the stuff of history. It is out for the team that player had to The next season was one of the
not likely that any more information attend worship three times in five most exciting ever with the first
will come forward about the very weeks. international side, Australia, coming
early opportunities and now is the to New Zealand to play 14 games,
time to put down the facts. Why? To Onehunga Methodists were not alone winning nine, drawing one and losing
capture the past, to let the current in this sort of restriction as churches four, scoring 40 goals and conceding
people know what made the club started to promote sport to keep 23 and drawing huge crowds. The
great, and successful, and to inspire membership high. Australians beat Auckland 4-1 and
the younger ones coming through to had a harder time against South
equal or better those exploits. It must have worked well at the start Auckland, winning 2-1. There were
as the first four rows in the church three test matches with New
There is plenty to celebrate. were reserved for the soccer and Zealand winning two and drawing
cricket teams and they were filled by one. As yet, there was no referees’
them every Sunday night. Among association but there was action
them were some fine singers and it in promoting the sport at school level
was not long before these services and in the juniors.
were the most popular in the town

There was excitement in the OUT OF THE CHURCH. the new seventh grade (under
Onehunga Methodist club as they
won at least two of their third-grade In 1924 there was a meeting, 13 on April 1) was set at 4 feet nine
games that season. But the team reputedly in the cellar although inches. This rule was in operation
records, very sketchy, state that the there was no hint of plotting, at for ten years. In the new under 15
fourth grade lost four of the 14 games Randall’s boot repairers. attended competition for senior primary
they played in 1922. by Wilt Bentley. Jack Randall. Tom schools. started in
Woolfenden, Ted Cox, Bill Alcock. Fred
The new interest in the game saw Sager (treasurer) and Jackson. Several 1926. there was a weight restriction.
the club double in size to two of the (The eighth grade of under 12 started
teams, third and fourth grades. Any in 1937 and the juniors grew and
player transferring to the club would players were not keen on attending grew over the years).
have had to stand down for three Bible Class so they became the
successive games. Onehunga Athletic Soccer Club. One of the earliest Onehunga
presidents was James Kennedy­
Regular players in the thirds were: At the 35th annual meeting of Ross. It was said that the new club
Prince. Cobb. Martin Benfell. Bendell. the AFA on Tuesday 25March1924. attracted help from the local business
Butler. Whitehead. Moor. Hayes, Onehunga Athletic was approved people and that there was a great
Aitchison. Archer. White. Colinge and as a new club with colors of blue spirit in the players who gathered
Hall. Campion. Clegg. Porteous and and gold. the colors of Auckland together to mark out the fields at
Booth were others named to play at Grammar School where many of Waikaraka Park, the Farm, before they
times. them went to school. The top side could play their games.
was in the 2nd B grade while the
It appeared that the thirds struggled other team played in 3rd A. A GOOD PLACE TO BE.
to win games in a six-team
competition against Northcote, The other new clubs that year were One of the novelties started by
North Shore. College United. Mt Albert Grammar School (which Onehunga was the provision of tea
Metropolitan and YMCA. The fourth had been prevented from starting and eats, for sale to the spectators
grade did manage some wins. the previous season because of a and free to the players, making
notably over rival church team. typhoid outbreak at the school). a Onehunga a favorite spot for visiting
Devenport Methodist. We do not re-formed Otahuhu. Tramways United teams. As it was written earlier, “To
know if the fourths managed to beat and Tamaki United. later to link up to visit Onehunga was not always a
Devenport Presbyterian s. form Eastern Suburbs. hardship!”

It is thought that there could have The Onehunga Borough Council then DOUBLE CELEBRATION
been a reaction by some of the offered the new club the No 3 area
players against the stipulation to on the recreation reserve. Previously Reputed to be the first husband
attend church and 1923 was the last the Methodist Club travelled and wife set of life members in all of
season under the church mantle. every week to places such as the Auckland soccer, Roy and Mavis Capel
Many other clubs came and went in Auckland and Devenport Domains. joined the club in the late 1920’s and
the same way in the early years. Victoria Park and Mt Albert for its served in various positions for thirty
games. years. Roy played for many years
In1923 the Chatham Cup was and then was the club treasurer and
donated to the NZFA by the crew Only Wilf Bentley. one of the club chairman while Mavis was always
of the HMS Chatham. No one stalwarts and one of the stars of the there, supporting and initiating.
would have imagined that the game in those years, appeared to
Onehunga Methodist Club. just about carry on playing for the new club and NEW NAME.
to be lost in the merge and with a is the link between the two clubs.
new name. would have their name making Onehunga 100 years old. The Athletic section of the club’s
on that cup just over thirty years later. The team members of the number name was dropped in1926 when
The 1923 team came third in the third one team of that year: Fletcher. J it became the Onehunga Soccer
division with 8 wins. one draw and Cotton captain. J Hart. S Sharp, S Club. In that year, the top team was
three losses. Cotton. W Raffles. Bentley. Hartles. second to Ponsonby’s second
Dale, Richards. Cox and H Jackson. eleven but were promoted in 1927
The Otahuhu Trotting Club offered for their first year in the seniors.
some Mangere land for soccer The next year was a season of high
play for the season but there is no interest in soccer. 4000 people In 1927, Onehunga’s second
indication if the offer was ever taken packed Victoria Park to see the team won the second grade
up. Blandford Park, centrally placed opening matches of the season in AFA championship, going through
in Grafton Gully where the motorway 1925. A few weeks later. on 9 May undefeated under captain Jock
exits at Stanley Street these days 1925. Blandford Park was opened. The Waterson. Canterbury had played
and the bright spot of those years. event really captured the sporting in Auckland for the first time and
was in the planning stages. As the public and 6000 attended a rep a team from Whangarei travelled
contractors moved in to start the match between Auckland and down by boat for a game against
earthworks there was also something Waikato. The local Chatham Cup Auckland. There were over 1000
moving in Onehunga. final at the new Blandford Park junior players. The game was
attracted 7000 fans. They were great
days for soccer.

But, for the bigger boys there was
bad news. The height restriction for

Season 1927. Winners Second Grade Championship. Winners Jordan Cup.

ONEHUNGA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

Season 1927. Winners Second Grade Championship. Winners Jordan Cup.

Back Row: George Rutherford, Billy Mays, Allan Jackson President, Bob Morris, EJ Butler, H Jackson
Front Row: Fred Porteous Secretary, jimmy Huston, Frank Griffiths, Jock Waterson Captain, George Thorpe, Billy Gill,

Back RSaomwm: yGDeaolerTgraeinReruMthaestrefroDrdP,ortBeiolluys MMaasycost,. AAblslaennt:JAacCkasmopnbePll.rReescidoredn: tP,layBeodb12,MWoornri1s2,,GEoJalBs u42t,lAegr,ainHst 1J1a. ckson
Front Row: Fred Porteous Secretary, jimmy Huston, Frank Griffiths, Jock Waterson Captain, George Thorpe, Billy Gill, Sammy Dale Trainer

Master D Porteous Mascot. Absent: A Campbell. Record: Played 12, Won 12, Goals 42, Against 11.

ONEHUNGA FC 1931

Back Row: REF, T. WEBSTER, F. GRIFFITHS, A. WILSON, J. SAGER, B. PARK, J. SHOWLER, W. COTTON, M. SAGER
Front Row: M. WOLFENDEN, H. SHEPHERD, J. HUSTON, B. LINDSAY, M. DONALDSON

ONEHUNGA ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

WINNERS A.F.A. FALCON CUP 1939

Back Row: Bob Wallace, Mel Lindsay, Alec Blockley, Alf Brass
Second Row: Ivan Harlick, Jimmy Owens, Cyril Burrows, Bob Rutherford, Liston Phillips, Joe Owens
Front Row: Bob Morris (Manager), Peter Wiseman (Captain), Digger Douglas (Secretary), Bob Lindsay (Vice Captain), Vic Pine (Committee)

Inset: Arthur Insley (President). Absent: Bill Forrester. Inset: Bob McGhie

booming. “G Cox was first brought Onehunga against Thistle. To shower caused some of the lights
into the light of senior soccer in defeat last year’s champions was a to explode. stopping the game for a
Auckland during the last season great achievement for a club which while until the rain stopped. (The first
of the now defunct Harbor Board is only now entering its second English football league game under
team when he was introduced as season in senior grade soccer. The lights did not occur until 1956).
leader of the forwards. He has not victory was well earned, and the
played since because of injury but display was one of the best that Another world first came that year
now has returned to his present has been seen at Blandford Park. when the Auckland Referees.
club, Onehunga, where he was It is a long time since Thistle was
a junior player. Cox is the son of so decisively beaten by a team Not long an official body. had their
the indefatigable and enthusiastic adopting its own style of play. The suggestion adopted by FIFA in one
secretary of the Onehunga Athletic footwork on both sides was clever of the very few alterations to the laws
Club and there is no more business-li and the teamwork attained a high in those days. They suggested the
ke official in the city. standard. “Onehunga was well penalty area circle and the idea was
served on defense. Cummings, in adopted.
The center forward’s main goal, gave a faultless display and
recommendation is his danger handled confidently, often under THE MAN OF ALL THE YEARS.
in front of goal and his deadly pressure. Whowell was the stronger
shooting. He does not yet show much of two sound backs. Bentley, Digger Douglas. Who is featured in
inclination for dribbling or for solo Rutherford and Terry kept a strong this book, is the patriarch of the club
work of any kind, but he has a handy hold on the Thistle attack and found and one of the people who have held
right or left boot as occasion requires time to support their own forwards the operation together through the
as his four goals on the opening day effectively. Whinister was clever years. Digger is one of those people
testify. Young Cox is a player who and a continual. Source of worry to who have supported the AFA as well
promises to have a bright future.” the Thistle defense. Scandal, Gill and as club and he is now a life member
Thomas did well, but Mellor was of that body. He has kept most of the
Two weeks later Onehunga could below form. Onehunga history and was a member
only field nine players as five were of the AFA committee which
injured or ill. There were only three “Many of the players in the Onehunga produced the 100th anniversary book.
forwards against the strong Ponsonby team are promoted from the junior
side. A month later the team started grades, and some of the clubs less He was born at the same time as
with eight men but ended with a full fortunate in the championship to the club and played when he was
team. date would do well to follow this 12, representing Auckland at the
example. • prestigious Flyger Rose Bowl level.
In this season goalkeeper Bill Zuill under 19, and found his career
had his debut with Thistle but At the end of the 1928 season there stymied by four years’ service
was later to become famous with were three Onehunga teams in overseas in the Second World War.
Onehunga. McPhee, the “doughty” competitions after the second-grade In 1937-1941 he spent time as the
Onehunga goalkeeper was in his team was withdrawn and many club delegate on the AFA. attending
customary brilliant form. of the side were promoted to the the JMC and the SMC each week.
seniors where Wilf (Bill) Bentley was After the war he spent twenty
Even in those days there were once again the top player at center years, starting in 1947. on the AFA.
many new players each season half. followed by four years on the judicial
as immigration from the United committee, a position which made
Kingdom saw young men pour into Whowell was selected for the few friends for anyone over the years.
the country. Auckland team. In April of the same
year the first radio broadcast of a He was the coach of his son
Headquarters for the club was soccer match in New Zealand. Malcolm’s team and is the inspiration
Waikaraka Park, known locally as The for the annual Digger Douglas
Farm because the grass was used This situation continued in the 1929 midget tournament. catering for
for sheep grazing during the week season when the team finished fifth the sons and the grandsons. and
and was cleared by members for the in the seniors, winning four and occasionally the female versions. of
games on Saturdays. (One report drawing three of the 14 games. On the boys he helped through the years.
states that is was licensed for the 17 April1929 Onehunga became part
grazing of cows). It meant an early of world soccer history when the top There are few positions in the club
turn out for the home games. It was side beat Tramways in the final of the which Digger has not shouldered,
said that “some of the members had first floodlit soccer tournament in the and he is happy to support the club
unenviable experiences during world. in other ways now notably on the
some of the early matches.” Jubilee Committee in 1991 and 1996.
They won. one corner to nil. in a game
The fields at the park improved over which obviously could not have been A DIGGERS TALE.
the years and became noted as being any closer in a time when corners in
great in wet weather, even if they extra time decided matches. rather ”I have been called Digger ever since
were not too good if the westerly or than penalty shoot-outs. The ball was I can remember,” said the man who
southerly was blowing hard. But they enameled white for the occasion. can remember most of the club’s
were tough men at Onehunga in the years. “My father had been to the First
early days. The lighting system stemmed from World War, and he called me that.
the use of the admittedly small park
NZ Herald 2 May 1928. “The real for night motorcycle/speedway racing
surprise of Saturday’s games and there were 40 floodlights. each
was the fine showing made by of 1000 candlepower. A passing

“He was not a soccer man and my “In the first year every game seemed soccer’s tum.
first memory of football of any sort to be at the Auckland Domain, and
was going to Car/aw Park on his I went by tram. or by bike if the “The Americans came there during
shoulders to see rugby league and weather was good. In that year we the war and used the field for their
I watched the game in his arms. He were taken by Bill Clark. the reserve big football finals. It was a sad day
was not a big football fan and the team goalkeeper. and he coached when the top field was taken over by
way that they had to work every us to a point. which was much more stock cars.
available minute in the depression than the average team in any club
days meant that they did not have got in those days. “The Park was used by the JMC for
time to think of things like games. the annual field day where all the
As it fumed out. I was the only one “What it consisted of really was a teams played on the same day. It was
in the family to go to soccer and my few coaching sessions under the a great way to get enough income
other brothers did not follow me. streetlights at Jellicoe Park for a few to keep junior soccer going all year
weeks until we worked out the basics and a great social event for the
“It started off with a group of us of the game. game. It was one of Jack Sibbin’s
kicking a ball around after school. in big days and his organization was
the area where the Manukau Rugby “We were in blue and gold colors, and excellent. Everyone was charged. by
Club had their clubrooms. In Rowe we were proud of ourselves. After the special permission of the Onehunga
Street. It was just a kick around, game we would rush off to The Farm Borough Council. “In one comer of
nothing special. to see the senior team play. Many of the ground there was a shed, divided
the boys went too, sometimes with into two halves so that each team
“At school it was rugby as it was at Jack Sibbin in his Model T Ford with had a place to change. The dirt floor.
all schools at the time. But soccer eight or nine boys bundled in with the couple of wooden benches and
appealed, with its skills. At the time I his wife in front. the pieces of dowel stuck into the
was attending St Joseph’s Convent in walls to hang up clothes did not
Church Street and went on to Sacred ‘There the hero was Wilt Bentley. a seem primitive to us in those days.
Heart College in Ponsonby. To get big center half. who was a fatherly There was certainly no electricity and
there it was a train trip to Auckland, fellow who was a good man. He definitely no hot water. but always
switching trains at Penrose on the looked after the young players. Geoff plenty of sheep dung.
way, then to the city and a tram trip Ashforth was Wilt’s nephew.
to Richmond Road. “But there was a little canteen in
“Bill Zuill was the goalkeeping idol a corrugated iron shed where you
“There was a soccer team at Sacred and he was a legendary character could get a cup of tea and a biscuit.
Heart, but we had to play inter-house who later played for New Zealand on I don’t know how they heated the
rugby at school. After one year in the a tour of Australia. We never saw him water.
college soccer team, it all came to play for New Zealand in Auckland.
an end and we had to give up soccer “The problem at all parks was getting
and play rugby for the school on “There were only eight senior teams yourself clean and we had many
Saturdays. The boys at Seddon Tech in the city in those days and our team complaints about us when we played
were threatened with detention by was usually somewhere near the at the Domain and washed our
the headmaster when they said they bottom. They tell me that. in those legs in the ornamental pond near
wanted to play soccer. days. things were a little rough at the Wintergarden. At one stage a
Onehunga and one day the ref was policeman guarded the pond, for
“Once the chance of a job came up, I threatened with a dip in the local a few weeks anyway. “There were
left college as there were horse trough. other people who were pushing
soccer. such as Gerry Lee and Les
five of us. two brothers and two “There were sheep in The Farm all Check, as well as the legendary
sisters. and my father died when I week and they had to be hunted to Jack Sibbin. He worked for the Gas
was 12. So, I was apprenticed to a one comer so that games could be Company, and we were at The Farm
barber and hairdresser in Onehunga. played. There were lumps of sheep one holidays when we heard a huge
near the Post Office Hotel and the manure all over the ground. one of boom. Norm Whiting said that he
police station. the local handicaps. But the fields supposed it would be Jack who was
were always level, and the grass was responsible, and it fumed out that
“It was. like many things in those short, probably because the sheep he was involved. From then on he
days. a lifetime job, until 1970 when walked on them all day. was called ‘Boom Boom· “Jack spent
haircuts were rare as hair was so long. every waking moment working for
At least you got paid at other jobs, so “In the old days it was just a big open soccer. There was a group of people
I went to the Post Office workshops space with the cemetery divided off in Auckland who seemed to do the
in Newmarket and found it was by a big line of macrocarpa. Towards same.
easier there than at the shop. the end of the depression the relief
work gangs came in, constructed the “He lived in Onehunga, in Victoria
“Although I had wanted to play rock walls and put in drainage. It was Street, and he was one of the
soccer for years I had to wait until starting to be a very good ground. memorable people of the game.
I was 12 before there was a grade He was always smoking, usually
available. So, I joined Onehunga as ‘Then they built the grandstand one of his great collections of pipes,
soon as possible. in 1931. without and what a grand opening there but sometimes, in emergencies, he
any parental influence. or help. My was. Johnny Smith, the All Black. would smoke a cigarette. His wife,
mother was busy and not sports parachuted down and there were Win, was a real supporter. As well
minded in any way. my dad was dead hundreds of local people there. as washing the shirts she helped
and I just got on with being a soccer Although rugby had use of it most him in everything he did. “But he
player. of the time, we were often on the lost patience one day when he
number one field when it was

come home to find that she, having hod some choices. players, but most of the people
become sick of the smell of his many I was with were from the South
pipes, hod washed them with soap “It was never any problem for me to Island so there were few previous
and water and put them out to dry. get off from the barbershop to get soccer contacts. But the gear was oil
Jock was not consoled easily after to a game. My boss, who was a rugby supplied and it was all good stuff. The
that. league man, never found it a bother rugby boys had plenty of games and
so I played each week. gear too, but they looked after us.
“He was always recruiting players as
he did his rounds as the local Herold “So, it was soccer in the afternoon, “On the Saturday after I was
man (after he and the Gas Company movies on Saturday night, if you demobilized, I played for the reserve
parted company, perhaps after had remembered to book the team against Eden, a club which did
local cinema, an Eight O’clock not exist when I went away to the
his constant use of matches to light sports’ paper at half time and cheap war.
his pipe). His transport home. We always had to
read the sports’ news. “I stopped playing about 1950 after
whole life was soccer, and he was filling in with various teams and
a great guy once you found out his “Mid-week training was fitted in if pottering about in the last few years.
bark was much worse than his bite. there was enough light. For a time, My heart was in the administration
we had one session a week at the really, and then I got married. I was
“One of his habits was to get me to newly formed Otahuhu Rugby still keen on soccer after the war but
follow up his approach to a player. It League club where they had installed there was not the same enthusiasm
was strictly against the rules in those floodlights at their Galway Street for playing the game.
days to approach players from other ground, at the bock of Queen Street.
clubs and it was even harder for me We were able to use it once a week, “People will wonder about this, but
as sometimes I was on the SMC or but the other teams played under I enjoyed going to meetings and
the Control Boord, and then it was streetlights or not at oil once the planning the actions of the future
strictly forbidden. nights were dork. Loter, we had our and trying to do things better each
own lights, on some waste ground by season. At the age of 16 I was the
“Compared with these days, there the Exchange Hotel. secretory, so I just kept on doing
were few soccer grounds in the city. things, such as being treasurer or
Blandford Pork was the top place ‘The club always supplied the shirts chairman. It was great to be involved
and we all wanted to ploy there. and the players the rest of the gear, in the club, although I could see that
Victoria Pork, the Domain, Walker plus the subscription, for all the it bored some people even to think
Pork and St Heliers were places we players. The big job of the week fell about it. I was secretary in the big
played, as well as Devonport. We had to the wife of the manager of a team year of 1954 when we won the Cup
a game or two at Henderson, which as the jerseys, great heavy rugby style and that was very exciting.
was a long way out in those days. We things, had to be washed and dried
went by bus or, if someone had a car, for the next weekend. It was not on “Before the war I served on the
we all piled in. There seemed to be easy task in mid-winter, using a fire- Control Boord and, perhaps, I enjoyed
no overloading rules in those days. heated copper to boil the water and being a young fellow out with the
then to get them out to dry, with all big men of the game. I thought I
“My biggest soccer thrill come in 1938 the other washing, when the rain was quite smart. Jock Cowie, the late
when I was chosen to ploy against sometimes lasted all week. great New Zealand fast bowler, and a
Wellington and Waikato in the Flyger very good goalkeeper in his time, was
Rose Bowl matches. We did not get “Then the players had to be notified the treasurer of Auckland and he was
an away game, and there were very of the game in a time when few had very helpful to me, especially years
few of those, even for the top players. telephones. The managers had to later when he was on the notional
Going to Wellington meant travelling get the players there and to make body, and I wanted some help in
down the night before on the all- sure that they were dressed well and Wellington to get our team ready for
night express, playing the next day behaving properly. It was a hard job, the Cup Anal.
and then going home so we could and it was easier to be a coach as
get to work on the Monday. they usually had given their messages “So, I was always on the club
quite early in the season and then committee, always attached to the
‘There were no grade tournaments, everyone just played. club, trying to get on with people
such as under 14. There was the and to make the way smooth. Some
Junior Notional Cup and the Rose “I know that one of the things I were different temperamental and
Bowl and that was it unless you always mode sure of as a manager prone to losing their tempers. I never
played for Auckland. Even then there was to get all the ‘valuables’ and got up and stated that I hod enough
were few rep games, perhaps against personally toke core of them. Some and was going to walk away from the
Wellington, Waikato and the Novy. grounds were notorious for pilfering, club. That was not my style, but some
Trainloads of people went to the Cup especially Western Springs. “So come became upset on a regular basis, and
final in Wellington if a local team the war. I was the. Right age and off I some of them walked away forever.”
qualified for the final. It was a tough went in 1941 and
trip, there and bock. THE THREADBARE THIRTIES.
was away until 1946, going to Egypt,
“In the later years of the depression, Italy and the Pacific, ending up in At the end of the 1930 season, it was
just before the war, the hours of work the Army of Occupation in Japan. I decided that eight teams: Onehunga.
for the week changed from six days suppose I was a bit lucky to survive. YMCA, Ponsonby, NorthShore, Thistle,
to 44 hours. That gave more people Celtic, Corinthians. New Lynn
the afternoon off on Saturdays and “In the war years we played at
more played soccer. After the war it battalion level. I did ploy against Bob
was a five-day week and people really Riggans, one of the top Comrades’

Bon Accord and Northcote would After playing to the end of the game after. Many of the players who had
play in the senior competitions in great pain without reporting the
the following year. Tramways internal injury, he was ordered three experience in those games went on
combined with Manurewa to be months complete rest. He did not to play for Onehunga.
called Tramurewa and was added play for New Zealand again. (There
but before the start of the season. were only four internationals played According to one soccer historian,
the financial plight of the Auckland between his arrival and 1936, a time it was not Jack Sibbin·s father w h
clubs, trying to pay off the big of depression in the world). o was killed in a match at Potters
bill’s tor Blandford Park, and the Park to become the reputed first
floodlights, saw the end of Northcote. “A clever custodian from Lancashire fatality recorded in world soccer.
now playing for the Onehunga club
Onehunga, plus five other top in Auckland who is very safe in his The man was such a legend in his
clubs. and many minor ones. methods, which are made ultra- time that the story seemed logical.
Were unfinancial but could not be attractive by his mannerisms, • was He did everything in the game,
suspended. The whole system would one of the reports. Bill, a credit to his in junior and senior football, after
have crashed. Falling attendances at club and his being a top player for Onehunga,
the park and the growing depression following spells with
in the world contributed to soccer’s country always, died on 10 April
slide. Times were hard. 1960. North Shore and Harbor Board.
He was secretary of the Onehunga
In1932 times were even worse, and Bill Zui/1 learned about Onehunga club, as well as being on the Control
the Onehunga players were hit early in his career in Auckland (May Board, Junior Management
even harder when their clothes and 1928) when the newly promoted Committee, Referees Association
belongings went missing during a side caused a huge sensation by plus Grounds and Fixtures
match against Tramurewa at Western Committee, probably all at the
Springs Park. All players were robbed. beating Zuill’s Thistle team, the same time some years. He was
No one explained why two teams champions of the city at the time. certainly one of the characters of
obviously based so far away were the game and was also a soccer
playing at that venue. a place where There was more international historian.
gear often went missing in those football in 1936 with the Australians
times (and from cars these days). humbling New Zealand, winning all His small car was legendary at
12 games on tour, including three Onehunga and so was his long
By1933, although the Depression still test matches. spell as “dictator” of the JMC, a
raged all over the world. there were springboard to the formation of
encouraging signs of growth in junior By 1937 things were bad for clubs the NZ Junior National Council.
soccer in the city and there were and there was no Chatham Cup, Jack deserved his life membership
more New Zealand born players, but the English team toured of the AFA and the NZJNC. He was
with the slower rate of immigration New Zealand, beating Auckland/ a mighty contributor to the junior
from “the Old Country” which had South Auckland combined 8-4 but game in this country, all starting
supplied much of the best of thumping New Zealand 12-0. 6-0 with his Onehunga days as club
the top teams in the country. This and 12-1. secretary.
immigration was to change to suit
Onehunga twenty years later. On the local scene Onehunga Junior soccer had grown so much,
popped up in third place. behind and players were being sought out
ONE OF THE TOPS... North Shore and Comrades. in by clubs, so the JMC set a transfer fee
the 1938 Auckland championship. of one shilling for juniors. It was five
Bill Zuill was one of the stars of the The other clubs were Mt Albert shillings for the fourth grade.
New Zealand team which toured Grammar Old Boys, Eastern Suburbs,
Australia, winning three of the 13 Abels, Thistle. Ponsonby, YMCA and Then. in 1939, with the world hoping
matches played. Metro College. Government relief for no war, Onehunga had the
funds helped in the digging up of club’s first success with a Falcon
He was one of the early goalkeeping Blandford Park, including new drains. Cup win, all four matches going
stars of New Zealand soccer, on and soccer people were proud to extra time. They won the Cup
immigrant who arrived in this again. which was the Senior Knockout
country in 1927 and joined the competition and played in the
Auckland Thistle club. This led many BOOM BOOM SIBBIN. champion-of-champions final. (The
to believe that he was a Scot, but he Falcon Cup was first presented
was Bom in Birmingham on 29 April Jack Sibbin was one of the men in 1898 and, for many years, was
who made an enormous impact on coveted in late-season play).
1900. He was about 5’ 10” and 10 soccer in the early days. He was a
stone 11 pounds, according to one man of huge energy for the game The team created a New Zealand
of the programs, which mode him a and worked at al/ levels to promote record for teams playing extra time
lean man. it. when they played over time in every
game, including the final. The results
He mode eleven appearances for At one stage he boosted the were: Onehunga 4 Ponsonby 3,
New Zealand on the 1933 tour fortunes of the club by organizing Onehunga 2 Abels 0,
of Australia while playing for the the competition between the local
club. It was his swan song as he schools. These contests were held all Onehunga 1 YMCA 0, Onehunga 2
was severely injured in the last of over the city and there was a city- Ponsonby 3. In the play-off for the
his three internationals on the tour. wide event which was well sought champion of champions. Ponsonby
scored in the dying seconds to win
3-2, from a penalty.

Manukau Rovers, the local rugby of the day, at a touch over 5’ 6” Neville was awarded the Auckland S
club, sent a letter to congratulate the and less than ten stone in weight. soccer Sportsman of the Year Trophy
soccer side on the Falcon Cup win. His special talent came at left half for his constant efforts to promote
where he gathered up the loose the game.
There were nine clubs running junior balls by guile and sprayed them to
teams, Onehunga, YMCA. North his teammates. It was classic stuff in
Shore, Comrades, Metro College, a time when halfbacks were often
Thistle, Mt Albert, Grey Lynn and chunky, hard men who rattled their THE MAKING OF AN
Eastern Suburbs. opponent’s teeth in tackles. ORGANISER

Auckland soccer was starting to His first claim to fame came as The nattily attired gent who arrived
look good again, the mud problem the captain of the junior secondary at Te Papapa School in 1936, looking
had ceased at Blandford Park and schools’ reps in 1940. then rep sides for players for a junior soccer team.
plans were made for a big season to Wellington (a long way for a junior found one young man keen to play.
the next year. For the first time all team in those days) and the Flyger He was also prepared to sell the ten
winning championship sides were Rose Bowl trip to Wellington in 1944. sixpenny raffle tickets required to pay
to get medals in the coming season. In 1948 he was in the Auckland B for a jersey.
Around this time, Onehunga, always side and progressed to the A team
progressive, managed to get two and played against Wellington, the That young lad was Neville Haydon,
lighting towers for training at the Navy and Canterbury in 1949 and one of the key men in the history of
Princes Street ground. They were was selected in the North Island the game in Auckland and a moving
very popular until the club could not team. His rep career lasted until figure for Onehunga.
afford the AFA affiliation fees. The 1950.
committee traded the lights for the He became an administrator earlier
fees and both sides were content. but Missing the last half of 1950 with than most boys even think about
not the players who had to go back an injury which would have been playing.
to the distant streetlight illumination. cured easily these days, he was
Archie Cochrane, a local milkman. hit even harder in 1951 when a “Years later, said Neville, “I figured
was the president at the time. misdiagnosed appendix operation out that this very adult looking
took two operations to fix and he Digger Douglas had been 17 at the
THE WAR SHOOTS DOWN missed the entire season. time.
THE CLUB.
This frustration boiled over midway “As a ten-year- old, playing under 14
But for the next four seasons there through the season when, in his was not a factor, but I learned rapidly
was little soccer, except between own words, “I suddenly walked out mainly by watching my older brother
service sides. as clubs went into of the club after an unfortunate Leo playing for North Shore seniors.
survival conditions. catering for as after-match incident involving a This had happened because
many boys· sides as they could few people. It really owed more to our grandmother’s house was right
and conceding that senior soccer other disappointments earlier in alongside the Devonport grounds.
was finished. for the time being. the season. It was still an odd and
Onehunga was one of these clubs, impulsive action, but once taken, “The depression, followed by World
yet it was reported that soccer sides. youthful pride did not allow any War 2, tended to push me into
exclusive of schoolboy teams. had reversal.” organizing as well as playing right
grown from 39 in 1939 to 84 in 1942. from the start. In 1936 and 1937 the
So many of the older players went to Soon he was involved again. Te Papapa and Onehunga Convent
the war or into essential services that Choosing the Mt Wellington area boys had joined the club but there
there were not enough to keep the ahead of Otahuhu, he formed a club was no one available midweek to
teams going. Some of the members which went on to be the greatest of organize school matches.
managed to keep the boys teams its time.
going but they were just put on the “So, at lunchtime, one or two of
field each week and there was little “All four of the people who took us would bike to the Convent to
guidance. War bases for American the original decision to form the arrange regular games at Waikaraka
troops closed Victoria Park but the club had an Onehunga connection. Park. With great solemnity, the next
boys found places to play. Still conscious of my recent illness, match would be agreed to, whether
I wanted at least one other person midgets, juniors or seniors, but with
The war years closed the adult with great soccer knowledge, nobody knowing just where the
section of Onehunga down. but and that man was Ray Sims, who divisions Jay, out would trot much
one man kept the club afloat. had played with me, all the way the same teams irrespective. It never
Arthur Insley, mentioned in the through the grades. Jack and Molly occurred to us to ask permission to
life members· section, worked Richardson, George ‘ Rutherford, pl ay at Waikaraka. Given the way
unceasingly in these years with Malcolm ‘Nick’ Nicholson, John they were organized, and with only
the help of the young administrator. Pooley and Brian Oliver were others schoolboy referees, these games
Neville Haydon. from Onehunga who helped. were played in remarkably good
spirit.
NUGGETY NEV. • There were happy days ahead for
both clubs. “The years from 1938 to 1940 were
Neville Haydon was termed a brainy football bliss for me. There was
player. sound, light and tireless. He (April 1953. Haydon was one game for Auckland Grammar,
was small, even by the standards congratulated on obtaining a new usually two for Onehunga and then
ground at Mt Wellington. It was off to watch Leo’s game. Nana
the start of McKinley Park. In 1959, arrived the day I managed to play
four competition games, the usual

three and finally filling in at 3 pm became secretary for that and the ‘Whether through disappointment
for Digger’s under 21 side in front of following five years. The second grade or whatever, we made a terrible
the main grandstand. Just recently, went well to finish joint winners, start to the 1946 second grade
55 years on, I sat on the same field, but I had elected to play under 21 championship and were lying fifth
listening to Dame Malvina sing. grade and run the team with Maurice of the si x teams. Fortunately, there
Zui/1. Both teams were being run by were three rounds and five of the
“Auckland Grammar, at the time, the players, but normal times were other teams could take points
was limited by headmaster’s decree about to return.” off each other. By sailing through
to three teams only, and only one the last two rounds, we won the
master, Gerry Lee, was available to FIGHTING THE WAY BACK. championship and promptly
run them. Gerry told me to select renewed our clamor to be allowed
and run the team as I was the only Life was back to normal , almost, in back into first division. Finally, the
fifth former still eligible for juniors. 1944 with some of the ex­serviceman AFA was shamed into allowing us
The next year it was the intermediate players drifting bac k into the top back, with some Board members
team, all good training for what was team, which finished as runners-up and clubs still muttering about the
to become a fulltime, spare-time, in the Second Division as one of the effect on the standard.
occupation. two senior sides in the club.
“Bob Lindsay had returned and, by
(Lee, in his ti me, had contributed to The Lindsay name, which had sheer determination and enthusiasm,
th e game, like Jack Sibbin, Haydon featured in 1944, was even more drove his stocky figure around the
or Garth Ballantyne, in junior soccer evident the next year when the side, field until about 1948. I remember
and refereeing. He was also the bolstered by Neville Haydon. very few individual goals, but one
man who conducted thousands of (Also, secretary- treasurer) finished vital one Bob scored l ate in 1946
schoolchildren at th e music festivals first equal in the champion ship, remains clear as crystal. With perfect
at the Town Hall). winning eight an d losing one of timing he dived horizontally at
the games. Three teams were in the a low cross and headed it into
“My allegiances were tested senior grades. rising to five the next the net, making a spectacular one
whenever Shore seniors met season. point landing on his welI- padded
Onehunga. The only game I can midsection.
recall was a thriller at Devonport in In 1946 there were plans to practice.
1939 when Liston Phillips, aged abo and pl ay, at Manukau Intermediate “Immigration was about to boom
ut 16, had been brought into the School as Waikaraka Park was and benefit
Onehunga team. He had been at still closed although the American
the Convent three years earlier and camp had been mostly removed. Auckland soccer, with most of them
now I watched in amazement as he But the school fields. after weeks of being British, of football age. We were
outplayed Shore’s six or seven rep negotiations. were found to be well placed to greet some of them
players and Onehunga eventually under si ze, leaving the club with no as part of the American camp at
won by a go al. I cannot recall match field at the wartime home of Waikaraka Park was converted to an
whether this was championship or many hundreds of American troops immigration hostel. We also annoyed
Falcon Cup, which Onehunga won and the site of the big gridiron final s the North Shore club no end by
after a disappointing championship during the war. Wai karaka Park did inviting new arrival s to the North
season. After the war Listy elected not reopen until 1947. seven years Head hostel to play for Onehunga.
to just concentrate on rehabilitation, after it was taken away.
which was a Joss to Onehunga and “The best player we acquired in 1946
Auckland football. So, there was bitter disappointment was Jock Grey, a tall slim Scot with
when the AFA rejected the pleas to exceptional ball skills, but no great
‘7he war was hard on Onehunga. place the team in the top grade. enthusiasm for keeping in top shape.
The senior teams were gone, the He was a great asset through to
remaining players transferred out Neville Haydon recall s: ‘7he war had 1949. playing one game for Auckland
and recruiting of juniors just had hit Onehunga hard and early so the against Australia in 1948. It seems
to stop. 1943 was the lowest point, senior team was withdrawn, and his football newspaper notices were
with only a couple of teams and a the remaining players transferred to the way that someone twigged that
frail and elderly Arthur Insley doing other clubs. As winners of the last Joseph Gray were the names of a
all the administrative duties. Early in major competition before the war, man the British Navy had unfinished
1944 Arthur let us know he could no the club was promised its pl ace business with. As he was being taken
longer carry on but we were growing back in first division at war’s end. to Devonport base, on the way back
up and were able to form a real to Britain, he was allowed to call in
committee again with Jac k Bol “In 1946, with Alfie Brass again to Radleys to say goodbye to fellow
an d, invalided out of the Army, as speeding his way down the right Scot Bob Lindsay.”
chairman an d Melville Simpson as wing, we had a respectable team,
secretary. on paper, and had the promise The 1946 committee then tried
of more top players if we were to enter the Chatham Cup,
“We tackled the second grade and accepted back into the top grade. unsuccessfully, but, under captain
were pleased to be runners­up. This was refused an d i t was galling Bill Barnett. one of a family of club
Melville an d I went to Te Papapa to have clubs who had survived partly stalwarts, the team won the title and
School and found enough boys to on the transfer of our players now the Dacre Cup.
restart the junior section with one voting against increasing the number
team. of teams in the grade because it Duncan Mel Wallace. Alfie Brass. J
would, they said, lower the standard. Grey, Neville Haydon, J and R Lindsay,
“In 1945 Melville left Auckland to R McGhie and A Hanley were in
begin his teaching career and I the 1946 side which created history

when Onehunga was th e first club PAPAPA. was the arrival of the Irishman. P
to wear numbered shirts in the Sturgeon, from the Portadown club.
Auckland competition. They had There were Barnett’s in the club According to the critic of the day.
been given two weeks to have gold for many years. The family had a “He was the best player on view,
vs or numbers put on their jerseys. market garden near Waikaraka Park and it is obvious he possesses a very
Overseas clubs had used the system where Mal, the father. developed a sound knowledge of the game.” His
and its introduction was a boon white strain of celery which became combination with Haydon. who was
to the fan s at Blandford Park. The very popular after years of stringy
committee successfully protested the green varieties. He was a strict a North Island rep, and Munro was
Presbyterian Club’s use of identical churchman. excellent. Nobby Clarke’s tricky
jerseys. foot work was also commented
Bill Barnett was an outstanding on.
Things were coming back to normal. center half, very fit and determined,
people had time to think about sport who was captain of the first team Neville Haydon played in every
again. soccer was on the way up after for a few years. In 1949 Leo Barnett Auckland match and for the North
the drought of the war years and the went to the under 14 North Island Island. He was a player in top form.
fans wanted action. tournament with the Auckland but it was hard on the team as
team and had a successful playing they left for Christchurch on the
The Huntly connection wanted to career at Auckland Grammar. Wednesday train for the Queen’s
go halves in a ton of coal raffle in Birthday tournament and arrived
Auckland, but Onehunga But there were other strengths in home the following Wednesday
the cheerful young man. He was morning on the overnight express.
declined. The Huntly connection one of. Auckland’s leading singers,
remained constant through the years in opera and light music, and his A sign of how times have changed
but there were many trips south to renditions on the bugle were often came with the announcement of the
other places. One of the main fund- startling. especially at midnight on raffle prizes. 1st 1 dressed pig and 2
raising methods was to have club the overnight train to Wellington. bottles of wine. 2nd Grocery order for
dances. with four in a season as the two pounds. 3rd 2 dressed fowl s. 4th
1946 ration. The 1948 season was an important and 5th 12 quarts of beer. 6th 1 case
one for Onehunga. There were three Granny Smith apples. 7th 1 sugar bag
The club also approached all the senior sides and nine juniors, a record of potatoes.
senior players in the area. recruiting for the club. The third intermediate
to get top football in Onehunga. side became joint winners, It was decided to deal severely with
The committee wrote to the AFA and the ninth grade won the A those players who did not attend
complaining about speedway championship, the first junior title training nights.
being conducted at Blandford Park. for the club. But there were many
disappointments in the senior grade The end of season trips to Rotorua
So, in 1947, the side charged into with only three wins, one draw and 14 were off because of the polio
the senior grade again (along with losses as the side hit the bottom. epidemic. Mr. R Lindsay was elected
university), eager under a strong as a life member.
administration. Maurice Zuill was in The game against Metro was notable
goal. Leo Haydon made his debut for the fact that Metro fielded only The 1948 annual report stated
with Duncan Wallace and the seven players and then lost their star that the club had won a junior
former Thistle player Bobby Wallace. player Ossie Cleal when he collided championship for the first time since
There were nine team s entered in with Bill Barnett. Jock Grey played the teams were formed five years
competitions. Haydon continues: for Auckland against Australia while before. The immaculate Norman
“In 1947 we returned to the first Neville Haydon and William “Nobby” Laing’s Ninth A were the winners,
division in high hopes. Bill Barnett Clarke played for Auckland B. ta king the Church Cup. the smallest
had captained our team through cup in the AFA locker.
to promotion and was also Leo The club gained a new field at
Haydon’s brother-in-law so. Waikaraka Park but could not use the They were upset until they learned
between us. we persuaded my No. 2 ground because of the risk of it was solid silver and the most
brother Leo to transfer from Shore. damaging the athletic track. But the expensive, named after the stooped
“In one of those twists. Bill was not Council promised an extra ground Jack Church who. in long overcoat,
selected to play in the first match. He for 1949. The use of the Drill Hall for trudged the junior fields for over forty
immediately transferred to university, training for all teams did wonders. years. From the 1945 total of three
but we still won the first game. drew teams the club had gone to 12.
the second but faltered to finish President Bob Lindsay was made
seventh”. Barnett was very upset as a life member in January 1949. In1949, Leo Barnett emerged from
he was not named in the top squad Bill Barnett transferred to Training injury to become a member of
and would not play for the reserves. College and the team lost Dave the Auckland secondary school
“On a negative vote result on the Weedall. intermediate grade rep s. The bugle­
motion. ‘Can a player be classed playing singer scored two goals direct
as an asset if he will not play The new jerseys. with gold sleeves from corners at the tournament
for the reserve team?’ Mr. Barnett instead of the V’s. came in at the and his bugle was often heard in
left the meeting.” He left the club start of the year. But they did little Wellington during the week. It was
but returned in 1948. to spark the side which lost the first reported that Clem Bell and Bob
seven games and then settled down Lindsay were the management team
THE BARNETT S OF TE a little. Maurice Zuill played well in of the rep side, and that Clem was
goal. hit at least twice in the snowball fight
when the train stopped at National
One of the features of the season Park. The hard times were over.

almost, as the world recovered from Jim McColl. Wally Hofacher, Bob of the season, the Annual Picnic to
the war. the game started to boom Graham and A Black were the other Redwood Park for approximately
again, and young boys wanted newcomers and McColl scored a hat
to play soccer. Onehunga had trick in his first game in the country. 300 people. Picnics were very
become the fourth largest club in One Saturday the team lined up popular in those days.
the city. Midget soccer started under at Blandford Park with this squad:
the guidance of Garth Ballantyne. a W Clark, J Lindsay, D Greenlees, L In the next year membership cards
legendary soccer figure in the city. Haydon, A Brass, K Sang, Bill Barnett, were produced, believed to be the
and Neville Haydon. R Graham, C Acland, W Bell, C first of their type in the country.
Culshaw (goalkeeper).
Onehunga’s hard-working THE SEASON OF DESPAIR.
administrator and on the JMC, was But it was an ordinary season with
his assistant. the top team finishing bottom There is no doubt that 1952 was a
equal with North Shore on points, year to forget. The team had been
‘We set the age limit at eleven with Shore going down on goal relegated after a long and often
to cater for those not able to get average. The Fourth B grade won public wrangle with the Auckland
into the ninth grade,” said Haydon. the title, but the Fifth B and Ninth Football Association which, in
“Each team got two games on a A ended bottom and the Eighth modern times, could have ended up
short field with small goal s. Soon the B were fifth of seven team s. The in the courts, over rules or libel.
age went to ten and then nine as the 4th and 5th grades went to Huntly,
tenth grade started. All games were and both lost their friendly games. The year was notable only for the
supposed to be non-competitive But at least Onehunga entered the departure of Neville Haydon, the
but now they play for medals as Chatham Cup in 1950, 21 years after stalwart player and administrator,
five- year- olds.” their previous game in 1929. The who went off to Ponsonby, “in a fit of
Cup became popular again in 1949 pique,” to use his own words, and for
Haydon was working with the men when a Petone second division side, the drop to the bottom of the senior
who made Auckland junior soccer, comprised of similar immigrants to table. G Armstrong, the former Junior
Charles Ward, Jack Sibbin , Harry the 1954 Onehunga team, shocked National Cup goalkeeper, joined the
King and his lifelong friend, Eric everyone, and again in 1950 when team and other new players were,
Dimmock. He was determined to Eden won in Wellington. Soccer had K Sang, R Graham from Dargaville,
work for soccer. grown since 1938. In 1950 there were A Smith (Aberdeen), J Brokken and
40 clubs (formerly 16), with 219 teams H de Lange (both from Holland),
However, the nine Onehunga (93) and 3420 players (1405). Leo Barnett, H Groenewegen. When
junior teams were not in exciting Armstrong was hurt in early June he
form. Not one was in the top three From Soccer: “Norm Bennett, one of returned as an outfield player with
while five were bottom of their the Onehunga selectors, has had a former keeper Culshaw returning
league. The decade ended with long career in the soccer world, 32 between the posts. 9 August 1952
Onehunga bottom of the senior years. Born in Bradford, he played for Today’s senior and second division
division, third bottom in the reserves the Yorkshire schoolboys three years matches will be vital in both
and with no grade titles. Things had in succession as fullback. He then divisions and may quite easily decide
to get better. 1940’s photos after text played for his local club for three which team will be promoted and
here seasons after leaving school at 13 relegated next season. Five points
years before coming to New Zealand separate Grey Lynn-Comrades from
THE FAMOUS FIFTIES. where he played at the Takanini club Onehunga, the bottom senior teams.
which was founded by his father AW
The 1950 season started with a 10-0 Bennett. If this margin is maintained after
hiding from Eastern Suburbs, a team today’s matches, then Onehunga will
starting to play soccer unlike that Norm then had a checkered career be relegated next season providing
seen in Auckland in the first 45 years as he was considered too short for the two present leading second
of the game. There were only nine rep teams. He then spent spells division teams, Pt Chevalier and
teams in the club, down from the 12 in the country as well as with British United, are not level at the
of the previous year. Tramurewa and Metro in short spells. end of their championship. If both
Overseas in the war, he founded his continue to win then both will finish
Dave Greenlees, one of the stars of unit team and captained them for at the top of the table with 28-points.
future teams, joined the club and the three seasons they were away. Under the present rules there would
the Fijian Alehar was back. McColl, Now he is a very energetic member be no promotion and no relegation.
Greenlees and Alehar each scored of the Onehunga Club and has two
two goals in an encouraging 6-1 win sons playing for the junior grades The side went down to the second
over Ponsonby. with another due to start in the division again, in controversial style.
midgets soon. His father was a welI- The fuss hurt soccer’s image but
Bill Muir from Thistle and Bill Bell. known referee in Auckland between was the start of the great fight­back.
from Ponsonby, with many Auckland 1924 and 1928. In the six seasons of Senior A football,
appearances to his credit, came to Onehunga’s record was, 87 games
the club along with the 14- year-old One of the features off the field played, 16 wins, 5 draws and 66
schoolboy halfback Robin Randall in 1950 was the formation of the losses. 20 September 1952. The table
from Plymouth in England who had Social Club, designed to expand at the top of the second division
to mark the top four inside forwards the club’s activities and create series read Pt Chevalier 28 (87-20)
in the country in the first four games, sociability There were many parties and British United 28 (72-25).
and did it well. during the season, ending in the
Annual Dance in the Royal Oak Hall. At the end of the 1952 season the
There were trips and the final event

bombshell hit Onehunga soccer with nine men but won 6-1 to clinch a bad tendency to handle the ball.
the Control Board vote, seven to six, promotion. The only hitch of the This fault brought a penalty and the
that Point Chevalier be promoted in unbeaten championship season, the turning point of the game.
their place. Point and British United club’s best-ever run, was the loss to
had tied at the top of the second Grey Lynn Comrades in the Chatham “Holt’ s display in goal was coolness
division but United failed to field the Cup but Onehunga had never had personified. He fielded the ball
required number of junior teams and a long run in the Cup anyway so no unerringly and cleared well.
was therefore ineligible. one noticed. They were to notice in
1954. ONEHUNGA’S COMEBACK:
“Disgusted club brands relegation (Soccer Program August 1953)
unjust “ said the Auckland Star. From the Soccer Program 23 May
“The Onehunga Soccer Club is 1953 “When more teams enter the Commencing last season after a
disgusted with the decision of the Chatham Cup the spirit of the less rather unexpected and controversial
AFA to relegate its senior team to experienced clubs will make the Cup descent into the second division,
the second grade on a technicality. entries soar and the interest boom all Onehunga, with commendable
A statement issued today by club over New Zealand. determination and with the real
officials said that ‘the drastic and cooperation on the part of players,
unjust action’ against the club nearly “For Onehunga, they fought a great club officials and supporters alike, set
caused Onehunga to finish with match against Grey Lynn­Comrades, to work with a will to win their way
Soccer altogether. “Many members and it will always be a very debatable back into the Senior Division.
wanted to close the club, point whether that penalty should
have been persevered with after How well they have achieved this is
• The statement said. “It was decided McCamish had saved three attempts clearly sown as an object lesson to
-but did his feet lose contact with the other senior teams which may be
to carry on only because Onehunga ground? relegated.
has ten team in the intermediate,
junior and midget grades, and it “Had Onehunga got that goal there Onehunga entered teams in many
would be unfair to them if they were may have been quite a different grades, a total of eleven and the
deprived of a chance to play.’ ending to the result when they drew club has lived up to its reputation
2-2 at full time but lost by 5-3 in the for fostering soccer in all areas in its
“Our fight to retain senior status half-hour extra time. At the finish district.
began at the end of last season they were done but the large crowd
when the Control Board decided to warmly applauded their outstanding Only one member of last
relegate Onehunga and promote efforts. season’s team has transferred, a
Point Chevalier, even though grand indication of the prevailing
Point Chevalier did not qualify for “A host of exciting incidents were club spirit. Mr. Lindsay as selector
promotion because it was only joint- crowded into the Comrades - and Mr. A Block as team manager
winner of the second division with Onehunga game. The way the have molded together one of the
British United. Green’s started the game seemed best teams Onehunga has ever had.
to spell Incidentally, Bob Lindsay is the first
“A deputation from the Control life member of the club and has
Board later explained to a special disaster for Onehunga. But after been a member and player for a
meeting of Onehunga members that obtaining a two-goal lead, Onehunga total of 27 years.
it made its decision so that a ruling took almost complete control of
could be received from the New Zea the game and drew level, although This is the team which won the
land Council on the promotion issue. missing a penalty. championship with a lead of seven-
• points. Tony Holt, Derek Swarbrick,
“Many times, it was Comrades’ goalie Charlie Acland, Dick Flinton, Davie
WIN AFTER WIN, AFTER WIN. Phil McCamish who saved the day Weedall (captain), Alf English, Ernie
for his side. In a hectic 25 minutes Shepherd, Dave Greenlees, Andy
1953 was spent with soccer’s he prevented shots reaching the net Cocker, Gerry Armstrong, Gerald
second division minnows but the in an inspired manner. Right wing Textor, Jon Brokken. They have
team was starting to attract a players, Greenlees and Shepherd, scored 65 goals and entered into
stream of overseas stars. New players however, penetrated his defense, the Chatham Cup and only lost after
were goalkeeper Tony Holt, Ernie the first named with a clever head extra time to Grey Lynn-Comrades,
Shepherd, Derek Swarbrick, Dick deflection. “Shepherd did it with a 5-3, in one of the most exciting and
Flinton, Andy Cocker and Gerald beautifully judged angle shot. spectacular matches this season
Textor, joining Charlie Acland, Dave at Blandford Park, their only loss of
Weedall, Alf English, Greenlees. Gerry “Extra time brought three more the season to date. Leading goal
Armstrong and Jon Brokken. goals to Comrades but only one to scorers are Shepherd with 22 which
Onehunga. Onehunga was a well- we consider.
One of these was the Dutchman balanced side and some cleverly
Textor who showed flair and dash, executed passing movements were Must be somewhere near a record
and a temper, especially on the seen. Their main fault lay in having for an outside right. Andy Cocker 12,
day when he thumped the generally no forward who could round off David Greenlees 10, Gerry Armstrong
inoffensive Training College right numerous skillful openings made 9. Gerald Textor at outside left, played
fullback and was consigned to the by Shepherd and Brokken. “Flinton, only four matches but scored 6 goals.
dressing room. As Armstrong had Swarbrick, Greenlees, Brokken and
been badly injured in a hard tackle, Shepherd, a grand winger, were What a race he and Shepherd might
Onehunga had to play on with constantly in the picture. Dave Weeda//
was a capital Centre half and yet a lot
of his good work was discounted by

have had if both had played from wanted to change the annual match season and that the present set of
the beginning of the season! To date, between the bottom senior side governing clauses have outlived their
only three players in the side have and the team winning the second usefulness. In such cases, approval
not scored. Goalkeeper Tony Holt division title. will undoubtedly be given to a play-
has kept his goal exceptionally well, off between the tying senior teams to
saving five penalty kicks out of seven The AFA took umbrage at the third decide who will go down and to have
attempts. He is also a committee paragraph of the letter from secretary goal averages for next season in both
member and coach of a junior team. JF Graham, dated 17 August 1953. divisions, so that the annual vexed
“We would like to suggest, however, question will the bottom and caused
Newcomers to the club include that the proposed remit is entirely a further embarrassing stalemate.
Dick Flinton from Liverpool, Ernie unnecessary. As you gentlemen have
Shepherd from Manchester, Tex had no scruples against breaking Grey Lynn, like Onehunga, stayed
Textor from Holland, and Derek the Promotion and Relegation Rule down for only one season, as did
Swarbrick. They have all shown in the past, it seems, that if you North Shore two years later.
themselves to be grand players should wish to do so again, no great
and, what is perhaps much more difficulty would present itself .” The According to a leading club official
important, good sports and keen NZ Herald: ‘Strong exception was of the time, there was no incentive
club members. taken to the tone of a letter received to win the second division, a league
from the Onehunga Club at last entirely devoted to clubs without
Onehunga wishes to publicly night’s meeting of the Control senior status. He stated that there
congratulate the hard working Board of the Auckland Football was no incentive for a team to train
and dependable “Skipper’’ Dave Association. The letter stated that as there was no promotion.
Weedall and his team on the success the discussion on the relegation and
in winning the Second Division and, promotion rule at the last meeting No wonder the demotion of
if Onehunga regains senior status of the board had implied that the Onehunga to the second division
next season, as everyone hopes after club wished an alteration.” caused such a stir at the time. Things
such a magnificent effort, to quote were changing in the game.
our friend George Wallace of radio The Chairman, Mr. A Blomeley, said
fame, “Look out you First Grader, there had never been any suggestion While Onehunga was in the Seconds,
you’re being got at.” that the club was implicated in the Jesse Bingham was playing for Eden,
board’s desire to have the issue H De Lange had switched to Thistle,
So, the team spent the 1953 season of promotion and relegation clear Haydon, Ruthven and Randall were
in the Second Division, along with a cut. with Ponsonby, along with Harry
group of hopeful but not particularly Precious.
talented sides. It could have been the “Clubs ought to think before the
end of the club but the players did write such stupid letters,” said the 1954 THE SEASON TO
not leave. Instead, they were joined chairman. He pointed out that REMEMBER
by some of the most talented men if two or three teams tied on the
ever to play in Auckland’s senior bottom of the table and applied Something which puts the season
rank s. under the rules for senior status into perspective is the fact that
again next year, the promotion and Onehunga did not regard the
Was there a Kiwi player insight? Not relegation rule could not operate. Chatham Cup as a major factor in
by the end of the 1954 season, but we the game until 1950. Although the
go too far too fast. Mr. Andy Kyle produced his remits to club entered its team in the early
go before a special meeting. years of the Cup, there were only
Soccer Program, 11 April 1953: three Onehunga games in the first
“For two seasons, due to dead­ to be called as soon as possible. One 25 years of the competition, with
heats at the bottom of the Senior was that goal average should count, one game won. In 1926 Onehunga
Division table and at the top of the and the other that teams should beat Navy Depot 5-3 before losing
Second Division there has not been play off if there was a tie, either at 3- 4 to Ponsonby in the next
any promotion or relegation, thus the top of the second grade or the round. In 1929 Onehunga lost 0-1 to
causing dissatisfaction. Attempts by bottom of the senior grade.’ Bon Accord. The next Cup fixture was
Pt Chevalier to change the points in 1950, but there were also times
system to goal average and at the (What sounds simple enough now when the be automatically settled
recent annual meeting by Eastern caused despair and abuse at that once and for all. (The previous season
Suburbs to allow ten clubs to enter time. If today’s rules stated that there had been a meeting to solve
the first round were all defeated by the winner of the second division did the same thing, but it was cancelled
delegates. not get promotion if the two teams because of an irregularity).
at the bottom of the first division
“Whoever wins this section will be were tied there would be even more The 1953 meeting obviously did
eligible to attain senior status next uproar.) not include many of the “thinking
season, providing, once again, that delegates” as both ideas were turned
there are no dead-heats. Pt Chevalier August 1953: A special meeting takes down.
will provide fresh impetus in the top place next Wednesday, September
grade.” 2, to decide two remits. One calls for Grey Lynn-Comrades, the famous old
goal averages, and one for a play-off club, finished bottom of the senior
The promotion and relegation at the end of this season to decide grade, won for the second year by
battle raged on until August 1953 relegation in the senior division, if Eastern Suburbs, but Pt Chevalier,
with the club still arguing, this time necessary. Thinking delegates will Ponsonby or Grey Lynn could have
about the system for the following unanimously approve the principle
year, or accusations that Onehunga that there shall be a move every

been tied at lower grade clubs were Eastern Union, 8-4. Eastern were THE INVENTIVE STAR.
ignored at Chatham Cup time or did having only their second tilt at the
not enter. Cup but they had former English Many Yorkshire men made their
amateurs, Dutch first division mark in New Zealand soccer
C George Graham arrived in players, a former member of the and some of them, such as Ken
Auckland on the RMS Tangaroa. winning North Shore team, Scottish Armstrong and Kevin Fallon,
The former Queens Park player players, Welsh clubmen and up and remained to develop the game to a
from Scotland had a great soccer coming players from Wellington and huge extent.
pedigree. His father was secretary of the south, as well as the top local
the Scottish Football Association, and men. L Lewis, the former Chelsea But Tom McNicholl was the
he was a player, top referee, and a amateur, had sprinted in the 1952 entertainer rather than the coach or
qualified coach. He went to Teachers Olympics in Helsinki. The side was the influence in tactical play. He just
College to train and became an no push over. The Herald: from played the game the best that he
Onehunga man. It was said that Gisborne: Onehunga romped home could and did not mind inventing
the team of individual stars was an easy winner in the provincial some of the tactics or doing the
uncoachable anyway, but they had final when it defeated Eastern unorthodox.
someone with them who knew what Union 8-4. The match was played
he was talking about. on a waterlogged field, on which Born in Harrogate in 1933, he came
sawdust was spread in the morning to Auckland in 1953 and immediately
June 1954 Soccer Program: to dry some of the worst patches. made an impact with Onehunga, the
“Onehunga’s strong halfback line home of so many stars from overseas.
Onehunga, winner of last season’s was the dominating feature of He played for NZ the next year
Second Division gave Pt Chevalier the match which, despite the bad against Hong Kong and FK Austria
and many ardent followers of the conditions, gave the crowd plenty after being named for the cancelled
game a soccer lesson at the park last of thrills. The star of the game was tour of South-East Asia but did not
week. Not only did Onehunga win Shepherd, the Onehunga right fit the game plan and had to be
6 -1 but it demonstrated teamwork, winger, whose speed played havoc content to play for Auckland for six
positional play and ball control with Union’s defense Among the years in a team full of stars.
of a high order and Pt Chevalier halves, Rasmussen and Precious were
could do nothing to stem the tide. always prominent on defense. For Onehunga he was one of the
Congratulations to Onehunga which outstanding players of the Chatham
has made such a great come- “Onehunga opened up aggressively Cup win, which he repeated for
back after relegation in 1953.’After and within four minutes was one North Shore in 1963. His combination
scoring their opening goal there goal up. Rasmussen and Textor with Dickie Whittaker was
was no questioning which side started a strong movement memorable for its inventiveness and
would win the local final Chatham which was stopped just inside the the cheeky style, called ‘animated” by
Cup tie. Rather it resolved itself into penalty box. From the resultant one writer of the time.
how many goals Onehunga would kick, Rasmussen found the net.
chalk up, as comparison between Onehunga’s grand teamwork, Tom retired in 1965 after a further
the respective halves and forwards particularly the covering of Acland spell with Mt Albert.
was largely in favor of the Red and and Bingham, soon repulsed an
Whites. “It was in the half back line... attack and McNicholl, chasing hard THE BEST OF THE NORTH
where the more one sees of Precious, after the ball, bustled Barker into ISLAND.
Bingham and Rasmussen the more passing back to the goalkeeper who
one is convinced that for all­round had no chance when Shepherd sped The team records before the
ability it is probably the strongest in to put the ball into the empty goal. North Island Chatham Cup final:
combination in Auckland. And a pat Onehunga had beaten Mt Roskill
on the back must go to the selectors “Keeping up the pressure, Onehunga 7-2, Ponsonby 5-2, Pt Chevalier 6-1,
as all three were previously forwards... was on top for the greater part of and Eastern Union 8-4. Stop Out
“In the forwards, Shepherd stood out the spell, Precious and Rasmussen had beaten Zealandia 10-2, Institute
and his solo goal was a grand affair. calling the tune with well­directed 8-1, University 2-0, Hospital 6-1 and
WeedalI was always there to render passes to both wings. The danger Taranaki’s Moturoa 3-0.
assistance......and there you have the us shooting of McCullough and Mc
reason why Pt Chevalier is no longer Nicholl severely tested the defense. The Onehunga team in the program
in the Cup. Onehunga paved the McNicholl scored the third goal and was: Tony Holt goalkeeper: English;
way for success with long passes. McCullough made it four following 5 ‘ 8”; 11 st 4 pounds: C. Acland right
Unselfishness and no hesitation to a speedy transfer from Shepherd. back; English; 29; 5’ 6”; 1Ost; British
shoot at goal when the opportunities Army in Burma: Ernie Alexander left
presented. Shepherd 2, McCullough “Union, though four down, had plenty back; Scotch . 5ft 6ins, 11 5 ; junior
2, Ruthven and a defender scored for of fight left and persistence was Scottish clubs and Royal Navy: Harry
Onehunga. rewarded when Stevenson headed Precious right half; English; 5’8”; 10 5;
on past Holt. British Army in India; Auckland rep:
DOWN GO EASTERN UNION. Jesse Bingham center half; Yorkshire,
“In the second half, Union revealed England; 35; 5’6 “; 11 4; British Army,
The provincial Chatham Cup final better combination on attack, with Far East, Malaya 1949; Div I Yorkshire
was a goal fiesta, with Onehunga Lewi s showing up with his shooting League; Farsley Celtic 1950; Red
beating an all-star Gisborne club, and crossing. Further scorers Triangle League Rep 1951, 1952:
for Onehunga were Shepherd, Arhe Rasmussen left half; Danish;
McCullough, McNicholl and 25; 6ft; 12 st; B93 Copenhagen; ex
Arago­Kemp.” Eden; Auckland rep: Ernie Shepherd
right wing; Altrincham, England:

32; 5’7 “; 10 3; British Army and State “WE WON THE CUP” “Onehunga’s halves worked well, with
League, Australia: Auckland rep: Bingham doing the lion’s share of the
Dave Weedall inside right: English; Press association report on the final work.
35; 5’10”; 12 8; North Island rep: Tom
Mc Nicholl Centre forward; English; “Magnificent defense enabled the “There is no doubt that Western was
21; 5 ‘10”;played for Manchester colts “underdog” Onehunga soccer team the classiest team to take the field
and had a trial for Manchester Utd. : to win the Chatham Cup in a thrilling here this season and the feature of its
R.McCulloch inside left Irish 26 5’10” New Zealand final here yesterday. play was the combination between
12st 7 pounds. Amateur league in It beat Western of Christchurch 1-0 the forward, half and back lines. •
London and British Army. : Gerald despite the fact Western spent most
Textor , left wing Dutch 29 6” 12 7. of the game on attack. The winning (The 8 O’clock report said that it
Tubantia Holland, Northland and goal was scored by inside left looked as if Onehunga was finished
Auckland rep: Alan Ruthven reserve, McCullough only 15 minutes before when the goal was scored, and that
Australian 23 5’9” 11 4 represented time. Western met the only team in the
South Australia. country which could have beaten
(Another report said that there the Canterbury masters who missed
The Stop Out side had 9 New were impromptu Highland Flings taking the Cup to join the Ranfurly
Zealanders, one Englishman and performed after the final whistle). Shield. “Lucky Cup win? Not a bit of
two Dutchman. While the visitors it!” said the headline).
were top of the Wellington table, “It was the first time that Onehunga
Onehunga held fifth place in had ever reached the national final (There were many long stories of the
Auckland. Neither side had been in a but Western had reached it seven win, which was widely reported,
North Island final before. times and won or shared the cup and which was watched by a full
on three occasions. Onehunga was house at the Basin Reserve. Soccer
The North Island final from the decidedly lucky. For most of the administrators thought that the sport
Auckland Star 8 o’clock edition. match it was overshadowed by its had arrived for good.
classy, scientific opponents, but
“Although Onehunga beat its rock-like defense never gave
Wellingtons Stop Out 3–2 at the Western forwards a chance.
Blandford Park today, the difference “Onehunga’s goal came after
between the teams was greater some first class, exciting teamwork
than one goal. For most of the game between left wing Gerald Textor,
Onehunga outclassed its opponents center forward Tom McNicholl and
and, even in the last 15 minutes when McCullough. Gaining possession
Stop Out strongly pressed Onehunga close to their own goal, the
never looked in danger.” Onehunga backs kicked well up
field to Textor, who cut through the
“Auckland’s immigrants soccer team Western halves and sent the ball in
played extremely well and showed to McNicholl. Before the Western
teamwork throughout. the Auckland backs had a chance to tackle him,
defense was not very hard pressed, McNicholl whipped the ball across
and the wing halves, Rasmussen to McCullough who caught Guillen,
and Precious could thus concentrate Western’s goalie a fraction off
on building up attacks most of the balance and shot the ball into the
game. McNicholl started the first net. •
goal after 5 minutes, passing out to
Textor who centered for McCulloch (Sam Guillen was the former
to score with a low drive. The second
came after thirteen minutes when West Indies test wicketkeeper who
McNichol scored with a 20-yard
angled drive. Holt was the star for was also an immigrant).
a spell stopping two long range
drives then saving a penalty before ‘’Although Western cracked on the
Stop Out scored after 35 minutes. pressure and dominated play from
McNicholl had a goal disallowed then on, Onehunga’s luck held.
for offside but 2 minutes later he
scored by cleverly flicking the ball “Onehunga’s victory can be
over the keeper while surrounded by attributed in no small measure to
defenders. Stop Out scored the last the outstanding performance of
goal of the game with 5 minutes to Tony Holt in goal. Time and again he
go with a spectacular scissor kick. withstood full scale onslaughts by the
Western forwards and brought off
There is no doubt the better team seeming impossible saves.
won, in no game has it looked like
being defeated. Onehunga has “Among the forwards, Textor and
scored 29 goals and conceded 11 on McCullough impressed most. When
the way to the Final. given the opportunity, Textor showed
he had plenty of pace and football
brains. It was a pity that he was not
fed with the ball more often. “Right
winger Shepherd was subdued by
the brilliant Western left fullback
Fred Haydon.

ONEHUNGA ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

RUNNERS-UP SECOND DIV. CHAMPIONSHIP. 1944

Back Row: George Birnie, Jimmy Lindsay, Neville Potter, Bill Thompson, Peter Lindsay (Manager), Ray Sims, Norm Laing
Front Row: Neville Haydon, Keith Coubray, Jack Boland (Captain), Mel Simpson, Ron Irvine

ONEHUNGA ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB

JOINT CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS, 1945
WINNERS PRELIMINARY ROUND

Back Row: A. WATSON, R. SIMS, A. ELLSENDER, N. POTTER, W. WATSON, B. LINDSAY, N. LAING
Front Row: H. CLARK, R. PHILLIPS, N. HAYDON (Secretary), J. LINDSAY (Capt.), J. BOLAND (Manager), P. LINDSAY, W. WALSH

ONEHUNGA SOCCER CLUB
Seniors 1954: Winners ofOCNhaEtHhaUmNCGuAp,SFOalCcoCnECRuCp,LMUcBKinlay Trophy, Thistle Cup

Seniors 1954: Winners of Chatham Cup, Falcon Cup, McKinlay Trophy, Thistle Cup

Back Row: Roddy McCullough, Gerald Textor, Arne Rasmussen, Tom McNicholl, David Weedall, Alan Ruthven
Second Row: Digger Douglas (Mgr./Sec), Eddie Alexander, Evan Jones (Trainer), Tony Holt, Alf English, Charlie Acland, Stan Marginson

BaFcrkonRtoRwow: : RBobddLiyndMsacyC(uPlrleosuidgehnt,/SGeelercatlodr), TJeesxsetoBri,ngAhranme, RHarsrmy Pursesceionu,s (TCaopmtaiMn),cDNaivcihdoGlrle, eDnaleveids, EWrneieedSahlelp, hAerladn, BiRlluBtehllven
Second Row: Digger Douglas (Mgr./Sec), Eddie Alexander, Evan Jones (Trainer), Tony Holt, Alf English, Charlie Acland, Stan

Marginson

Happy members of the Onehunga eleven with the Chatham Cup after their win
by one goal to nil against Western of Christchurch

Chatham Cup final action 1954 Onehunga 1 Western 0

THE DEADLY DUO. recruits searching for places. Dave A stray boot of his connected with
Weedall, who played so well last year, mine - and I don’t mean my leg!! Even
In August, the NZ Sportsman will be a reserve. today, he still claims it was ne who
reported: “If it were possible to kicked him! The club held regular
penetrate through the happy, be- April1955 Onehunga started the new socials at venues in two tiny halls, one
dazed look of Auckland soccer season in style with a 3-0 win over in Church Street, Onehunga and the
enthusiasts after New Zealand had Thistle. The team was Holt, Alexander, other in Symonds Street, Royal Oak.
defeated Hong Kong 2-1 and ask Acland, Rasmussen, Selwood. Both venues are now long gone. Our
them the outstanding players of the Precious, Textor, McCullough, Ruthven. music was provided by the Gwen
match, one would have obtained Tom McNicholl, Shepherd. Keegan trio, and we all enjoyed
an answer sounding something dancing ballroom style. Usually, the
like, ‘McNicholl-an­Whittaker.’ The (The team was leading the team we played on that day would
befuddled combination of these championship after three games with be invited to the social. Generally
two names by the soccer enthusiast two wins and a draw, scoring 12-4). speaking, Auckland’s clubs were on
would have some meaning for it was very friendly terms socially during that
the thrust which these two players JIM RUANE LOOKS BACK era.
gave at inside left and left wing that FORTY YEARS.
contributed a great deal of New **Jim’s greatest day was his
Zealand’s win. “McNicholl arrived in Onehunga had won the Chatham performance against Eastern Suburbs,
Auckland, went to Blandford Park Cup at the end of the 1954 season, late in the 1957 season, when he
and met Digger Douglas in the office. the season prior to my joining them. set up a goal for Tommy McNicholl
Digger quickly signed him up and the I did so mainly because of the mix of to equalize a goal from Johnny
Onehunga coach put him into the top cultures, largely individuals of English, Wrathall, to earn a draw. It was said
side after a couple of games in the Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian to be Ruane’s best showing of the
reserves. The two Englishmen ended descent, with which I felt at home. season, along with Moore, Ruthven,
up as partners in a carpentering Selwood and McNicholl.
business, the man from Lancashire The club was then situated at the
and the man from Yorkshire. • It was junction of Princes Street and the May 1955 Chatham Cup.
one of a series of long articles about area of Onehunga now swallowed Onehunga 3 Grey Lynn
soccer and the The team won the up by the motorway which connects
Falcon Cup but could not take the Onehunga and Mangere. 2, after extra time, then beat Eden
championship, having too many 2-1 in the Chatham Cup. All the
games to catch up before the end We had a comfortable wooden Onehunga forwards are clever, but
of the season and finally bowed to clubhouse and a large field with two their combined efforts lack the
Eastern Suburbs. floodlights, both of which provided snap and penetration required to
adequate lighting for our training bring goals. Precious was the most
NOW FOR THE sessions. These invariably consisted of conspicuous member and one of
CHAMPIONSHIP. road work and soccer practice. his runs, in which he beat three
opponents with consummate ease
Onehunga and Eastern Suburbs, The management team of the time prior to driving home an extra fast
the two form teams for the 1955 consisted of Bob Lindsay, Dinger Bell, daisy cutter, was delightful in its
season, were almost tipped out of the Digger Douglas and Ron Everson n. execution. Shepherd is inclined
series under the old rules which saw The squad of the era consisted of two to overdo things individually. If he
Onehunga get relegated in 1952. New Zealand internationals, Dick centered instead of endeavoring
Whittaker and Tom McNicholl, several to beat opponents, he would be of
When the date for senior grade Auckland reps - Harry Precious (father better use to his side. Whether in a
entries had passed, both clubs had of referee Brian), Harry Selwood, creative of defensive role, the halves
failed to contact the AFA. It was as Eddie Alexander, Bob Williamson, could be relied upon to carry out
well that Ponsonby, another of the Rod McCullough, Ernie Shepherd, their work impressively, with the
famous clubs to be relegated in those Jesse Bingham, Brian Wallace, Arne wing men, Bingham and Rasmussen,
few years, had seemed to accept their Rasmussen, Tony Holt, Allan Ruthven in grand fettle.
relegation fate. and Robert Moore, as well as team
players in Eddie Preston, Bill Lindsay, Alexander, Acland and Holt
Newly promoted side, Grey Lynn- Derek “Sugar” McFarland, Brian completed a defense with which any
Comrades, did apply and. if Onehunga “Butch” Harris, Kenny Waters, Charlie club should be completely satisfied.
and Ponsonby had completed the Ackland George Patterson, Bob Parks,
forms, then Suburbs, the mighty side Ron Kettles, Harold Elliott, Con Gornell Mt Albert, with a slightly re-arranged
of the competition, would have been and myself. Con Gomell’s son was out team, scored a brilliant success last
out for the year. here a couple of years ago and played week in the Auckland semi-final of
for Green Bay-Titirangi. His grandson, the Chatham Cup by eliminating
The Cup holders were serious Karl jnr (11) is progressing very well in the 1954 Cup-holder, Onehunga, 6-2.
contenders at the start of the 1955 his football career and recently played After the score was 2-2, Mt Albert
season, playing friendly matches at Anfield in a schoolboys’ match. really clicked and let no opportunities
against Ellerslie, Huntly Thistle and slide by. As result of the determined
Matamata and went away for another I have one unforgettable memory pressure, Onehunga crumpled, and
game. The normal short pre­season of playing against one Charles J a more pathetic Onehunga side has
training was extended to seven weeks, Dempsey, who was a canny ball not been seen for some considerable
and they added Harry Selwood, from player, except for this match against time.
Bournemouth as well as three other Eastern Suburbs at Rosebank Park.

The re-introduction of Ruthven to and Onehunga were tied at 13 points May 1956 “The introduction of Graham
the front rank seems necessary if each, both losing three and drawing to the outside right berth in the
the attack is to succeed on a scoring one. Suburbs had beaten Onehunga Onehunga team was a sound move.
sense. Talent is there in good measure 4-1 the previous week. The team faded Here is a player of experience who
but a man to round it off is needed. It in the run-in and could not keep up throughout the entire game was
was hoped that the reappearance of with Suburbs. constantly doing clever things and,
Textor might bring about the desired what is more, making them look so
effect. However, he was short of October 1955 Onehunga played easy. In passing, dribbling, swerving
practice and lacking in directing shots Mt Albert in the Falcon Cup semi­ and running into the inside position
goalward. final. The team was Dick Whittaker, to take a return pa ss, he was equally
McCullough, McNicholl, R Parker, J at home and, in association with
On the other wing, Harry Precious did York, Bingham, Selwood, Precious, Webber, who notched a capital goal,
well and registered an unbelievable Alexander, B Harris, Holt. It had formed a delightful wing.
goal from a most acute angle. But taken the team three games to beat
Alexander and Acland made some Pt Chevalier, the side which had “On the other extreme of the team,
costly mistakes. taken their place in the senior grade Whittaker was another success, well
the previous year. At the time they versed in all the needs of a competent
June 1955 Onehunga went level top thought it was a record for a cup wingman. He and his partner
with Eastern Suburbs after beating game in this country. McNicholl performed very creditable
Mt Albert 3-2 in a game with colorful and, together with McCullough, gave
football and tense moments. Two But it was only the equal of a us a forward line of individual and
men were prominent, Bingham and 360-minute effort between two third collective ability. More’s the pity that
Ruthven, the first named gave of grade teams in 1950. none has mastered the art of goal­
his best in clever spoiling work and scoring.
well-conceived passes. In addition, But the third game was a
he directed a beautiful shot which disappointment after the luster of “Any team would be pleased to
entered the net between the apex the previous games with Onehunga represent with a line of halves of the
of the upright and the crossbar and furnishing the better football and caliber of Bingham, Se/wood and
gave his side the first goal. Entrusted running out winner by the odd goal Rasmussen, and right well did they
with the taking of a penalty, he beat in three. Whittaker was the star of acquit themselves.
Gordon without difficulty. Full of this contest and when in possession
resource and energy, Ruthven generally used the ball cleverly “Precious and Alexander were backs
was always prominent. In dashes and much to his side’s advantage. during the first half but a mishap to
down the wing and shooting he McCullough and York accomplished Bingham necessitated his absence
was good value, and he had the a lot of patterns weaving which from the playing area after half-
satisfaction of supplying the center was unproductive and McNicholl also time, with Precious taking his place
which gave the Reds their winning erred in being slow in his movement. and Harris completing the team.
goal. Goalkeeper McChrystal did his work
Selwood was the pick of the halves, quite well”. (But the team lost to Pt
The halves associated with Bingham with Harris the better of two good Chevalier, 3-2).
were always on the spot to interfere backs. As usual, Holt was a competent
with any aggressive movements, goalie. After five games, Onehunga had
retrieve the ball and open up play for climbed to third place behind
their forwards. BOB BRANCHES OUT. Ellerslie and Eastern Suburbs. “A
good attendance was treated to
n the front line we have yet to see Bob Lindsay, so long associated with displays of intelligent and appealing
Textor at his best, although he drove the interests of Onehunga, is now football. The weather was perfect and
home some good shots and the doing good work in developing the the ground excellent.
remainder of the front line can do talents of the local Chinese football
better that they did on this occasion.” team. What is Onehunga’s loss “Onehunga has given us consistently
is certainly his present club’s gain high-class games and once again
18 June1955 After five games, Eastern and they are fortunate indeed in lived right up to their reputation with
Suburbs sneaked one point ahead of having a man of Bob’s experience a 2-0 win over Mt Albert Grammar Old
Onehunga, by eight points to seven. and keenness at the helm. Boys. A prime favorite with patrons,
Whittaker once again demonstrated
2 July 1955 Something went entirely Jesse Bingham, playing for Auckland
wrong with the men from Onehunga in front of 1500 at Hamilton, missed with consummate ease how an
as well can be imagined in their a penalty after scoring ten in a row in outside left should operate, and his
receiving such a heavy defeat. North the championship. Waikato managed work contributed in a major sense
Shore had beaten them 5--0. to get back into the game but lost 4-3. to his team’s success. He created
many opportunities with well-placed
For the second week in succession, THIS TIME THE TITLE. centers.
Ruthven was very conspicuous, and
it was through no fault of his those When the 1956 team started the “A good co-worker was McNicholl who
goals were not recorded. Textor also year off with a 7-5 win over Eastern served up some adroitly­made passes.
tried very hard, but the remainder of Suburbs featuring a hat trick from Energetic and ever read y, Ruthven
the forwards lacked the final finish. R McCullough, things were looking tried hard enough in the center to
The defense missed Bingham and sensational. Pre-season training had round off openings without just
Selwood and was not as sound as paid off. But Suburbs had revenge accomplishing what he had in mind.
usual. with a 3-2 win in the Cup.
“An injury compelled Graham to
30 July1955 After ten games, Suburbs leave the field prior to half-time with
Webber going to the outside berth.

ONEHUNGA SOCCER CLUB SENIOR DIVISION 1956

Winners of the Thompson Shield for winners of the Senior A Championship
Winners of the Peter Edgar Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding performance in the Club

Back Row: Brian Harris, Arne Rasmussen, Tom McNicholl, Harold Elliott
Second Row: Alec Blockley (Selector/Secretary), Eddie Alexander, Jim Clarke, Eddie Preston, Stan Margison (Sel)
Front Row: Digger Douglas (Pres/Sel), Dick Whittaker, Jesse Bingham (Captain), Harry Precious (V/ Captain), Alan Ruthven, Bob Lindsay (Sel)

Inset: Harry Selwood. Absent: George Graham, Roddy McCullough

“This move was not attended with take an active role in club affairs, it with real teamwork.
the best results. The whole team is was only then that I realized what
given an individual write-up with was involved in running a club. Fund Onehunga were stars in every
Sellwood shining. Ernie Shepherd raising for the clubrooms was a major department with the top player
transferred to task for all involved and, although undoubtedly the diminutive left
very difficult, a lot of fun was had by winger Dick Whittaker. Out of form
Ellerslie and proved a success as the all. There were a lot of very late “social early in the season, Whittaker chose
“new boys” kept up the pace at the events• which we classified as fund the last game to show his brilliance.
top of the table. Roy Webber, with raising.
Onehunga a short time, switched to In one run he beat the Irish star Billy
Grey Lynn. The result was the club’s pride Walsh and another defender before
and joy when we finally built our running 70 yards before crossing
The 1956 side won the Auckland clubrooms at Mangere Mountain. perfectly to Ken Woods to score in a
title and again in1958, the club’s first promising debut.
victories at that level. Over the years there were some very
novel fund- raising events. I hasten to Jimmy Carters, Brian Wallace, Tony
add ‘most’ of them were legal. Curteis, Barry Mullane and Derek
Yule also did well. The side lost only
NO RUGBY FOR ME DAD. The next 15 years I was on several one championship game in beating
(Murray Clarke) various committees in different roles, off North Shore and Suburbs and
and I gained a lot of self-satisfaction won three other Auckland grade
It is still very clear in my memory, and experience, but my number one titles, becoming the fourth most
the year 1956 when I said to my joy was still playing football. successful club in the city out of 14
dad, •1 am going to play soccer for clubs which won trophies.
Onehunga with a school friend of In the early 1980’s, when the
mine, Jim Norgrove, • and received a infamous Hustlers’ team was formed Winning a Cup match on the toss
typical answer for those days, “What, for us older guys, it gave me and a of a coin was not satisfactory, said
soccer? Why not rugby? lot of others the opportunity to be a statement by the Onehunga club
involved in “serious• social football. I which attacked the AFA position.
“While my dad may have been played until 1991 when, for business Replays would bring money, the
disappointed, he encouraged me to reasons, I was transferred to Sydney. club said. (Games were often won
have a go and that was the start of by the team which took most
my association with a club that was In summing up, aside from the corners in extra time. The final was
to play a huge part in my life. enjoyment of playing, it was the true replayed if equal after extra time and,
friendships I have formed over a if that repeated itself, the trophy
From an early age I was fortunate long period of time with people who was shared). The 1958 side was
enough to form friendships that enjoyed working for the pleasure of branded as “individualists” and the
would continue until this day. My first others. selector, E Alexander, one of the Cup
club photo in 1958 included Andy winners, had to provide covering
Wallace, who I would be playing with There are far too many to mention players in every position during a
in 1982. but they know who they are, and I season which should have been
think of them often. wrecked by injuries. Rasmussen,
Through my junior years I was very Sandor Lauson (a Dane), and Fred
lucky to have been coached by a Another very close friend of mine, Castelli (an Albanian) were out for the
group of men who not only tried to Murray Brown, (another OMU) who season, McNicholl and Frank Varney
in instill good football skills but also also lives in Sydney, will sit down with for five weeks, Eddie Preston four,
encouraged teamwork both on and me and over a few cold ones, we Reay six, and Precious three weeks.
off the field. To name just a few, Bill will reminisce over our years gone At the same time there was so much
Bell, Mr. George Crowhurst, Dave by at “The Club”. We sometimes get competition for top team places that
Wallace and Eddie Preston. the urge to maybe get the boots out some players transferred to other
again but, thankfully, it passes. We clubs and others had to spend time
A 1960 team photo has a certain Mr. have the memories. in the reserves.
EW Douglas, who at that time was
President. Little did I know that. years To all involved in organizing this Criticism became so hurtful that
later, I would be working with Digger wonderful reunion, I congratulate you coach George Graham wrote to the
in an administration n role. and I know it will be a tremendous papers to explain that his team was
success. At the time of compiling this full of skillful players who were able
Through my years I just lived for summary I doubt that I will be able to beat a man before passing the
football (we did not have the same to attend, but who knows. ball.
distractions then) and, although I
never made any rep teams, a lot of WINNERS AGAIN... Beating Eastern Suburbs and North
teammates did, which made our Shore in those years was always
junior section very strong, winning Onehunga made certain of the 1958 a triumph, especially when Ken
many championships. title with a 3-0 win over Suburbs in Armstrong, the former English
the final game of the championship. international, was player-coach.
I guess I was typical of a lot in those It was a performance as good as
days, just playing football and any of any club in the season and SOME MIGHTY WINS.
thinking that there would always be George Graham must have been
somebody else to do the boring jobs, satisfied with the team’s showing Billy Walsh. in his column in 1959,
like club administration. after his season-long plan to play remarked that the Onehunga v

In my mid-20’s, when I started to

Suburbs game •was like an Irish Crowhurst scored the equalizer shed was burned down but a new
wedding, a few words, a little music, after a shot by Harrison and, with brick pavilion was expected before
a little jigging, a few jars, one or two 27 minutes of the second half gone. the following season.
hot words, a little bout of fisticuffs the game now had the fans “at fever
and then everyone goes home, arm pitch, in an absolute frenzy.” HARD TIMES.
in arm, the best of friends. The final
2-2 draw was a fair result. Then Eccles hit the bar after a 1962 Onehunga was relegated to
long run and Shore had two good new style first division. The team lost
• A 3-0 win over Ken Armstrong’s chances before Harrison put the the stars Tom McNichol, Garry Eccles.
North Shore was the result of keen ball to winger Ritchie who beat the Tony Curteis and Maurice Zuill after
team play and a great performance keeper from close range. that.
by goalie Williamson. The reporter
went on. “Patro ns at the Park have Onehunga, with ten minutes to go, 1963 First Division (below a six team
been quick to notice that Onehunga, played like a team inspired. Then Premier grade) Made a strong bid
once regarded as a tip tap team, Crowhurst scored another from good for promotion with Brian Wallace
have gradually developed a more work by Harrison who then scored dominant at center half. Tony Curteis
robust approach to the game and the fourth goal for the wonderful was a strong wing half. He was also
indeed it is refreshing to see some win. a marathon runner and a member
good solid shoulder charges once of the club since his family arrived
again. No one, least of all the players So. at the end of the golden era. from England when he was a boy. It
themselves, objects to fair robust Onehunga won the Auckland Cup was a big year for the team. winning
play if the rules of the game are final. from Armstrong’s great North the grade, on goal average from Mt
adhered to. Shore team. playing them off the Albert, and the Cambridge Shield.
park. There was a huge. for those Record: 14- 11-1-2- 57-13- 23pts.
• At the end of the 1959 season days. sum of 500 pounds on the Captain Alan Ruthven and assistant
Onehunga finished in third place, game. Brian Wallace inspired the side to
behind North Shore and Roskill, five a high level of play. The club was
points off the pace. Shore had beaten Onehunga 3-2 catering for over 200 players. There
previously to take the double of was a stay of execution of an order
The decade ended with the AFA championship and Chatham Cup. issued the previous year regarding
setting up another committee to Before that Ellerslie had been beaten the club’s hall, and it was hoped
rule on the debated move from B-0 and Mt Albert 8-1 but the ever-fit that the club would be able to raise
Blandford Park to either Western Roskill downed Onehunga 3-0 on a some money. There was also work to
Springs or Newmarket Park (the muddy field at Blandford Park. Other do at the hut on Waikaraka Park.
Olympic Stadium as it was then results that season were v Eden 1-1.
known). Digger Douglas was one of Suburbs 1-1. v Ellerslie 3-1, Roskill 1-1 The death was reported of George
the six non- Board members in that Shand. a man who had done years
important group. and 2- 1, 5-1 over Eden in the Falcon of work for Onehunga juniors. He
Cup and 4-3 over Suburbs in the had been an Auckland rep and a NZ
KING KEN’S MEN BOW semi­final, 1-0 v Roskill to win the Badge Holder as a referee.
DOWN. Falcon Cup. making it a successful
season with two trophies. Partway through the year, Digger
By the end of the 1960 season Douglas had to resign from the
Onehunga had won the Auckland TWINKLETOES. committee as he was appointed
Trophy, presented by James Stenberg chairman of the Judicial
of the then-famed shoe company. Gary Eccles was one of the brightest Committee of the AFA.
The 4-1 margin was over a North and quickest soccer stars of his time
Shore side packed with stars such and was an Onehunga man when he in July 1963, Mr. Ring, the senior
as Ken Armstrong, Warwick Ward. played in the most important fixture coach, offered to buy three white
Peter Oden, Derek Easto, John Ryan, of the 1960’s, against the touring leather balls for training, from
Tommy Patterson, Alec Middleton, FA side containing Tom Finney and overseas. if the club would do the
Tony Lowndes and John Collings, Bobby Moore. same. ‘’This generous offer was
probably the most celebrated team accepted with alacrity.” Three
of the times. The lessons learned by New Zealand months later he was still asking for
soccer that day were carried on by practice balls.
Both teams had narrow escapes in Gary, a product of Pt Chevalier soccer.
the opening stages with Garry Eccles The midgets needed six new jerseys,
having a kick saved off the line. Brian He was a fast winger, good with the having registered their 45th player.
Wallace was outstanding in defense, ball at his feet and had a tour.
McCaffery missed an open goal and The decision to end the publication
Harrison had his header cleared off to New Caledonia with the national of “Soccer’’ magazine was deplored
the line. team while with Onehunga. by the committee. The magazine
won a reprieve for a few more years.
Shore scored a penalty which was After being with the team in 1961 and
not well received by the crowd. 1962 he went to Mt Roskill where he The policy of “no practice, no game”
Eccles seemed to have scored when won a Chatham Cup winner’s medal. was endorsed by the committee
the keeper stepped back over the and the senior players who coached
line but the linesman, 15 yards up 1961 First Division. Sixth place with junior teams were told that their
field, ruled against it. Harrison then 18-8-2-8-55- 45-19pts record. The first obligation was to their senior
hit the bar with a shot and two record was erratic with two eight team.
headers. goal hauls over Ellerslie and a 4-9
loss to Eastern Suburbs. The club’s

ONEHUNGA ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

First Division Champions 1958

Back Row: Harry Precious, Derek Yule, Bob Williamson, Arne Rasmussen, Tony Curteis
Second Row: Dave Greenlees (Trainer), Brian Wallace, Gary Eccles, Barry Mullane, Harold Elliot, Eddie Alexander (Selector)

Front Row: Ron Everson (Manager), Jimmy Carters, Ken Woods, Dick Whittaker, Digger Douglas (President)
Absent: George Graham, Eddie Preston

DIFFERENCE OF OPINION: Members of the Onehunga Soccer team arguing with the referee, Mr. C. Dickey, and a lines-
man, Mr. N. Van Derwee, over a disallowed goal during the match between Onehunga and Pt Chevalier at Blandford

Park on Saturday. The Onehunga players are, from left, R. Moore, T. McNichol (10), E. Preston and A. Rasmussen (6).

North Shore goalkeeper, Cliff Maynard, clears the ball from the goalmouth after a shot by Onehunga’s center forward,
Tom McNichol (behind ball). But before Maynard could get back into position, Garry Eccles (running, center), moved up

to crash the ball into the net. The teams drew at Blandford Park 2-all last Saturday.

Onehunga left-half Arne Rasmussen beats a teammate and a
North Shore player to the ball at Blandford Park today.
The game was drawn 2-all.

Onehunga center-half John McDonald gets his boot to the ball
ahead of Jack Gommers, Ellerslie.

Eden goalkeeper Bob Playle goes down on the ball in front of his goal as Onehunga center forward Allen Ruthven comes up. In support,

at left, is Eden’s left fullback K. Bentley. This Soccer match was the curtain- raiser at Blandford Park where the season began today.
Eden goalkeeper Bob Playle goes down on the ball in front of his goal as Onehunga center forward Allen Ruthven comes up. In support, at

left, is Eden’s left fullback K. Bentley. This Soccer match was the curtain-raiser at Blandford Park where the season began today.

ONEHUNGA ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

Winners of Auckland Trophy 1960

Back Row: Len Ring (Physio), Alan Ruthven (Captain), Peter Harrison, Ron Kettles, Tony Curteis, Barry Mullane, Digger Douglas (President)
Second Row: Evan Jones (Selector), Bill Patterson, Dennis McCaffery, Brian Wallace, Bob Wilson, Gary Crowhurst, Ron Everson (Manager)

Front Row: Norm Hyslop, Ian Ritchie. Absent: Gary Eccles

At the end of the year, it was Alan Ruthven and Mr. Jones also supported his son Lindsay when
recommended that the club revert volunteered to build a stretcher to fill he started in the game and took
to the sole selector system and that the need expressed by the St Johns many junior sides to championship
selection should be made on the people. honors as a very strong coach.
player’s ability, not on length of
service to the club. In a cryptic comment in the He was also on the club committee
minutes. V Milward was unanimously for many years.
There was to be a meeting regarding censured for not producing a
soccer moving to Newmarket Park. footballer for the club. Apparently, it Although he was an Onehunga
There had also been letters regarding was a girl. player in his early years. it was not
a proposed National League. “Pie in until Ron Everson returned from
the sky,” said some. Rumors that Onehunga was living in Christchurch that he began
being closed down or was to manager and baggage man (on tour)
DEATH OF A GOALIE. amalgamate with Eden were for the premier side in the fifties and
refuted. early sixties.
In 1964 Onehunga stayed in First
Division with the team struggling By February 1964, Mr. Ring reported In the true family style of the club,
to accept the mid-season death of that he was down to one white Jack and Flo Lang worked together
goalkeeper Sven Nisson. football but that four were on in the mid 50’s to mid-60’s to look
their way from England, under the after the junior teams and Flo
There was joy with the awarding of previous arrangement. acted as manager. Jack had been
the double life memberships for a goalkeeper in the club and later
Mavis and Roy Capel. At the end of April, the senior players he certainly contributed his share of
complained about the selection of time for others.
But the season had been sad. From the left half who was not involving
a press report: “Mr. Nissen, a the left wing in the game. The team Around about 1947, the former North
Dane, was the goalkeeper of First had been successful the previous Shore star Leo Haydon decided that
Division champions and promotion year and the player, whose name he had had enough of the rugby
winners Onehunga. He died after an was erased from the minutes. should style jerseys of the time which were
acetylene gas explosion at a Penrose not, they said, have replaced not always suitable for soccer players.
factory in which two other men were last year’s man. The matter was Through Cyril Western, at Hole proof,
killed. He leaves a widow, Ulla, and unresolved. the club bought a bolt of cloth and
daughter Karin. paid for shirts to be made up. Some
THE START OF THE NORTHERN keen mothers also made the cloth
“He had played soccer in Denmark LEAGUE. into junior shirts, something rare in
and had arrived in New Zealand in soccer in those times.
June 1960, joining the club in January 1965 saw the start of the Northern
1961 and making his mark as a fine League with Onehunga­Mangere, the ***
and fearless goalkeeper who was first year of the new name, perched
selected for the First Division rep in the first division, one grade below Some of the earlier stalwarts were
team. Nissen had coached the the new premiers. The season record Dr Thomas, the first honorary
junior goalkeepers during the season. was 16-4-10- 31-68 earning 8 points. medical officer, Robert Buchanan,
Life member Robert Lindsay. died Four teams went down in the re- a prominent citizen, butcher and
after a serious illness on 9 March grade, Grey Lynn, Metro, Onehunga benefactor of those times, Messrs.
1964. At the AGM in February there and Ellerslie, with the club Fred Knaggs, Randall and Bill Allcock,
was a suggestion that the club second bottom of 12 team s. It was Messrs. B German, Vic Pine, A
look seriously at incorporating the a year of grumbling about the first Fletcher, Allan Jackson, Arnold Firth
Mangere name as Onehunga team coach. The club lost a worker (a prominent referee), Sammy Dale
Mangere United AFC. The Council when the Annabelle family left for (the PT man) and George Rutherford.
extended the threatened lease Christchurch.
of the club rooms. But the club ***
accepted the Council’s offer of land THERE WERE OTHER
in Te Papapa provided that the water WORKERS TOO. Onehunga’s A McPhee was claimed
works reservation was lifted. by North Shore fans to be the
Paddy Cheeseman had two boys greatest goalkeeper of them all after
There was then a suggestion from with the Club starting in the fifties one game against them. Johnny
the chairman that the new coach and was very strong in assisting with Davis who was the first Onehunga
be dismissed. He was the second the juniors. He took many teams junior rep, W Rutherford, Tom and
of the season but that was held in and spent a great deal of time in Andy Wallace, both outstanding
abeyance. At a later meeting a PE committee work. players for other clubs after starting
instructor was brought in to get with the club, Liston Phillips, George
the players fit. Later the committee Bill Bell not only brought Shand had been an organizer, referee
instructed the selectors to choose considerable playing expertise and club coach, Gerry Armstrong, in
a team which would do the job the with him when he transferred from 1951, the youngest coach with the
following season, probably under Ponsonby just after the war. He was youngest competitive team in the
23. Mr. Haswell, the coach, was an Auckland rep and played well for club, Brian Corr had to stop playing
threatened with phone calls accusing Onehunga for two seasons, but he because of cartilage problems and
him of being responsible for the has now been secretary, referee and
senior team’s poor showing this year. coach of the seventh grade.

***

Through the gap goes a hot shot at goal from Onehunga right wing Harry Precious against Pt. Chev in a senior Soccer match at Blandford Park..

ONEHUNGA ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB INC

First Division 1963: Winners of Championship: Winners of Cambridge Shield

Back Row: Les Wilson, Lindsay Bell, Dave Evans, Neville Siebert, Gary Crowhurst, Bill McMahon, Ian Ritchie
Front Row: Ron Everson (Manager), Dennis McCaffery, Alan Ruthven (Captain), Brian Wallace (Vice Captain), Bob Wilson, Keith Westbrooke

Inset: Sven Nissen. Absent: Evan Jones, Jock McKenzie (Selector). Record: Played 14, Won 11, Drew 1, Lost 2, For 57, Against 13

Dave Greenlees started running soccer club. Peter started playing His government sponsored job did
marathons at the age of 55 and and really enjoyed himself, our sons not last long when he made a fuss
ran his 50th aged 69, in the 1990 joined the midgets at the age of about being a process worker instead
London Marathon, choosing that as a five and six and every Saturday we, of completing his apprenticeship as
symbolic milestone. together with other parents, could be a fitter, turner, and engineer. He then
found at Seymour Park, around 8am went to AHI, on to Ajax and then to
Bruce and Alice Bartlett worked onwards. his own companies. He started
together in the junior section of the with the club when his oldest boy,
club, holding that group together for I was secretary for over four years and Robert, the third Robert Lindsay in
several years. Bruce was the organizer got quite good at it, by the end. the club records, wanted to play in
after the club’s move to Mangere the midgets and, living in Mangere
Mountain and was chairman for a Since those early days, the club Bridge, the logical place to play was
time, never complaining about his has flourished. At one time our on the Mountain. When Bob enrolled
hip injury which he battled for years. clubrooms were the canteen space his son in 1968 there were two
Alice would do everything, and (hard to believe now, isn’t it?). We midget teams, coached by Bevan
anything needed to boost the club. even had rooms under the Black Phillimore and Bob., there were no
Bridge Tavern. senior, reserve or junior teams. Bruce
While some people watch their and Alice Bartlett, life members, had
children rise through the ranks, and What Irene neglected to mention is worked hard to keep the club going.
others merely hear about it second that she was noted as a referee as That was when Robert was only
hand, John Lynch Senior put his well as a supporter of the club. five, Bob said. I had not been in the
effort into the club, being one of game in New Zealand although I had
the best ever raffle ticket seller of all. Peter was one of those responsible played a little at school in Belfast.
John made people welcome and for the formation of the Golden There the game is not taken until you
was always prepared to serve on the Oldies or, as they are known, the reach about 15 years. of age.
committees to boost the funds as he Moldy Oldies. He wanted the team
watched his son, John Junior, make so that those who were struggling to “OM needed coaches so I joined up.
his way from the midgets to the top cope with the pace against younger Next thing I was on the committee
team. Robert and David also played opponents could play with similar and, suddenly, someone thrust a
their way up through the club. minded people and keep up their box of club records and photos in
club connections. my hands, and a pile of shirts, and
1966 Onehunga, under player- I was virtually on my own with a
It was very successful and has club which had, it seemed, faded to
coach Ian Mitchell, out of the top developed into the annual series, nothing.
18 teams of the premier and first played at the end of every season as
division, battled to second place in a great and friendly occasion. There is It was said that they had lost many
the Second A grading round, won by even a waiting list. players because of a previous
Rotorua club Kahukura. The season embezzlement and there was a total
record was: 9-6-1-2-31-14-13pts. The There was general shock when it of $750 in the bank.
new committee asked to investigate was announced that Peter had
building a clubroom. died playing the game that he So, Bob and Bevan had little to start
loved so much, and the event has with, but the box of club history they
1967 First Division. Rotorua and become known at the Peter Harrison had been given, some club papers,
Memorial Tournament. A tree, the money, which was a small grant
Birkenhead beat Onehunga into planted in his memory, stands above left over from the Golden Kiwi a/
third place. The record: 18-9-5-4- 62- the pitches where he loved to play location, and their determination.
27-23pt s. An attempt to change the soccer for his only club.
name of the club to Manukau, to get They agreed to run the juniors while
the benefits of living in the big new 1968 Northern League First Irene and Peter Harrison looked
city, was thrown out by members at Division (one step down from top after the seniors. There was no senior
the AGM. team, so Peter started that while
ten): OM in fourth place with the top Bob concentrated on the juniors and
IRENE HARRISON three locked in a battle for the two played in the reserves to keep up the
REMEMBERS .. promotion places, finally taken by numbers.
Courier Rangers and Hamilton with
I remember...ln 1967 Peter and I Mt Roskill third. So, we took the midget side to
came to New Zealand from Leicester Seymour Park to play in the Eden
with a young family, (Shane and ANOTHER BOB UNDSAY, THE midget series and gradually the
Phillip) little knowing then what a SECOND. juniors started to rise in numbers.
major role soccer would play in our
lives. When Bob Lindsay, “the Irish one: In 1975, after working for the few
came to New Zealand it was as an previous years as a helper, Bob was
After we watched some of the “top• 18-year-old, straight from Belfast with president and the idea of having the
teams play, Peter thought, “I can do his two brothers and his parents. club’s own rooms started to become
better than them. He was so excited to be going to a possibility.
work for Speedway Products after
• Maybe he did not play better but his starting his apprenticeship with a When the club asked if it was
heart was certainly in it. racing car company. He thought they possible to take over the fields on
made racing cars too, not hot water Mangere Mountain the answer was
We came to Mangere Bridge and heaters. that they should commit to it. So,
found Mangere Mountain and the the small amount of money still

held in the club was placed with an and I would fall off anyway, but Trish MY YEARS WITH ‘HUNGA BY
architect ‘to come up with plans to Lucas drove off to get a razor blade BEVAN PHILLIMORE
put clubrooms on top of the existing and they cut me down.
changing sheds. That was the start of My first involvement with the Club
the real rejuvenation of the club. “Another was the took on the face was in 1969 when David, at six years
of the fellow at the car hire at the old, joined the club and played in a
At the time, the local rugby league airport when I brought back the car midget team. After only two games,
club was keen to get control of the after a weekend hire with only ten played at Seymour Park, under
same space and the Council had to kilometers extra on the speedo. We Eden’s jurisdiction, the coach of the
answer the questions from that club. had used the car as an incentive to team asked me to look after the boys
The club committee worked hard sell raffle tickets. I told him that the for the Saturday morning game as
to show the council and Mangere Japanese friend I had hired it for did he could not attend. So began my
Domain Board that they could get not tum up. introduction to a coaching job that
the funds. . We formed a fund- I retained for another twelve years...
raising committee, and the Council “Another time McDonald Halligans me, who had never understood or
accepted our growing junior grades loaned us a car but someone stole played soccer in my life.
as a sign that they should not award the keys so we could not take it
the ground to the league club. back. I had to take the guy a bottle With lots of help from my wife,
“Rugby was so strong in the schools of whisky to calm him down, but he Muriel, the boys’ parents and
at that time, especially at Manukau was so angry, even after we cut some especially Rod Mclaughlan, we had
Intermediate. But we battled on, more keys. some enjoyable and sometimes
relying on people such as Harold successful seasons, playing with the
Elliott and the Bartletts, to run things. • Bob was fully involved in those round ball.
frantic fund-raising years. So was his
“In the end I spent eleven years on wife Helen, giving Bob the leeway by The nucleus of the team stayed the
the committee, even though I was easing his load, helping him with key same over most of the years with
really only interested in coaching. The jobs, in another OM family effort. players like Malcolm Mclaughlan,
first target was to get $40,000 for a John Lynch, Brian Clark, Craig
Keith Hay home to put on top of the Bob Lindsay, the Irish one, is large Jamieson, Tony Sims, Shane Harrison,
changing rooms. But the Council did in the memories of the people who Brett Jeffares (BJ), David Phillimore,
not approve that. took Onehunga Mangere from the Gordon Flynn,
edge of failure back to being an
“The target went to $80,000 and we influential club in the game. And to Bruce Cairns, Brett Fiddes, Glen
got the 25% profit we needed, the think he was there only to coach a Babich, Jack Mead and Geoff
Council gave us 25% and loaned us midget side. Blackwell.
the rest. They were so pleased as we
were the only club in the area which A lot of people both past and In 1982 Denis Tindall coached the
paid back regularly, on time. present, have worked hard to put the first team squad and introduced
club the map, and who knows what some new ideas. Some of these
“The Paynes and Des Maggs were the future may hold. We may even young players, including David, who
wonderful in those days. Bevan win the Chatham Cup again. were now 18- 19 years old, joined the
Phillimore was another great squad for some of the games.
supporter. 1968 Northern League First Division
(one step down from top ten): In the next year, under Peter Lepper,
so, my sons, Robert, Stephen and OM in fourth place with the top David had his first full year, along
Andrew, all played from the midgets three locked in a battle for the two with John Lynch, Brett Fiddes, Brett
to the 18-year-olds, then stopped. I promotion places, finally taken by Jeffares, Gordon Flynn and Albie
sincerely believe that I burned them Courier Rangers and Hamilton with Alexander. Dave Townsend was the
out too young. They spent too much Mt Roskill third. manager, and it was great to see the
time at soccer. team do so well after all the years of
1969 First Division: Bad news for waiting. Our boys had been part of it,
“But we knew everyone in the the team on the hill with relegation and it was exciting.
area and people were so easy to coming in the season before the start
encourage to do jobs for the club. I of the national league as teams all Peter asked me to be the manager
did not have to ask twice, and they over the country jockeyed for places. in 1984 and we did well again. I
were all there working. With 25 goals for and 69 against it remember the last game, at Walker
was a tough battle, with Huntly, the Park, when we were down 2-0 at half
“There was a time when we were old friends, also going down, with time. Peter just talked quietly to the
$3000 short and only a week before OM bottom again. boys and told them that they could
the payment. I welded the staircase win, and they did.
for the clubrooms at work for half THE PHILLIMORES.
the price of a contractor and Barry The boys helped the club over the
Williamson loaned us $1000 out of When it comes to finding the quiet next four years as the team rose
his own money to get us through. hard workers of the club, Bevan through the divisions, from Fourth to
and Muriel Phillimore stand out for First. I was involved as the first team
“There were some funny times. The consistency and dedication. Both manager in 1984-85-86. I even did
night we were putting the imitation supported their son throughout and the weekly write-ups for the Courier.
bricks on the clubrooms wall with it was Bevan, along with Bob Lindsay,
about five of us working together who set up the junior section in the When we started to go up so rapidly,
and there I was on a ladder, super years when things became hard in I was asking myself just how far we
glued to the wall.Someone said that the club. could go. We were lucky also to have
they should just take away the ladder

an infusion of De La Salle players, making it even harder to get them became the manager. They were
coached by Joe O’Malley. Paul sorted out. happy days too, especially with Peter
Smit, Gavin Frost, Anthony Smit and Lepper coaching. Peter had the gift
Allan Parsons did well for the club. • we asked them to sort the socks out of being able to encourage social
before they put them in the gear bag events as well as to keep the focus
There were no bad years in the 12 I but there was no change. We turned on football. That was good for those
had with the boys, and we won two them the right way out and we with girl friends as they all had some
or three titles. They all had parents hosed them as clean as possible in extra pleasure out of being involved
who backed them up and went to some concrete tubs in the backyard. with football.
the same schools. The parents were
so supportive. Now I can see another “ The white pants were horrible too. “Bevan took great pleasure out of
generation of youngsters coming You had to watch the red stripe seeing so many of his players come
through, the children of former down the side. Other people did through to the top team, Muriel
players. them sometimes and once they said. “Now there are some who have
came back pink as they had used young boys playing in the midget
It is only when you stop that you hot water on them. We had to do grades. Our other daughter Christine
realize just how much time it takes to them with cold water, often with still watches and Linda’s boy is two
coach and manage well. Sunlight Soap, and sometimes we years old ... only three years to go.
washed them twice to get them as
Today, as a supporter, I am pleased to clean as we wanted them. Bevan “It is a long way from the day when
see players like Jamie Fitzsimmons, often did them with me, especially Bevan went out to buy a book on the
Tony Sims, David Phillimore, Brett when we had to get rid of the grass game after being left with a midget
Jeffares, Chris Lockett etc., still stains. Then they were folded neatly team after a long interest in rugby.
playing and enjoying their football at and laid in the gear case, all nice and
Onehunga-Mangere, where they all ready for Bevan to set out for the (At the start of the75th jubilee
started approximately 25 years ago. boys at the weekend. season, David has played 191 full
I am sure the club will continue to games, 31 extra as substitute and
grow in future years. “And that happened for three or has scored 12 league goals and is
four years. It was a happy day for me the person who has played most
THE MUD.THE MUD. when the team went back to the northern league games for the club).
laundry, even if I was proud of them
When the boys come out to play... as they ran out each week, especially 1970 Second A Division: (three
there is usually a woman in the when the team was doing really, we grades below the National League)
background making it possible. ll.• OM were back in the Pascoe Cup
series, scoring one goal a game.
For Muriel Phillimore there has been In the early years Muriel was one of
half a lifetime watching Onehunga the stalwarts, making cakes, selling (14) and conceding 40, bottom again
Mangere soccer teams, encouraging them at the stall, sewing clothes and and destined for the Second B grade.
her husband Bevan in his coaching dolls’ clothes and oven mitts. But reorganization put the side into
and son David playing. the new third division. Graeme Bull
Now, 26 years on, there is the pride was captain and Mick Sweeney
• 1 cannot wait for winter to come, that the original midget team, taken was the player of the year. The club
said Muriel, looking back on the for so many years by Bevan, went started using the new name,
years since David, then six years old, right through to the top team and Onehunga Mangere United.
started in the midgets. We have that some of the players are still
always gone to all the games since playing for the club. 1971 Northern League Third Division:
then. Even if Bevan must work at Papakura and OM won promotion to
the Onehunga Testing Station on “There was a real spirit in the team, the second division with an excellent
Saturdays we try to get there. Life right through the years, • Muriel season, reversing the trend and
revolved around David’s soccer and remembers. taking the place of Claudelands and
the girls at ballet. Rotorua. The Soccer Annual reported:
“we never had problems getting “Onehunga has had more ups and
“There were so many years of re- transport to games, but some other downs than any other club in the
heating meals. Microwave ovens teams did, every week. We still mix league but would be the envy of
have certainly made that easier for socially and some of those parents many other clubs now as they have
everyone. are still our best friends. We had full use of the immaculate training
picnics or outings or went out to facilities and gymnasium of their
• Then, with the team charging dinner. sponsor Les Mills Hea lth Centre Ltd.
through the grades and David The team trains there each week
playing well, there was Bevan as the “One of the boys, BJ or Brett Jeffares, and afterwards takes advantage of
manager... and the playing kit. “The married our daughter Linda. His the sauna and mineral pool facilities.
men’s gear was always bad, but the father was once one of Bevan’s Former Taranaki and Blockhouse
socks were the worst. managers. Doug and Dell Sims were player Dave Evans is in charge at
the center of much of our social life Onehunga”.
They always left them inside out, and their son Tony still plays. In the
with the mud inside, and the stench days around 1983, everyone went to Season record – played 18,
was disgusting, especially when we the games, including my 81- year- won 12 drew 3 lost 3 goal
had been away for the weekend. old father, wrapped up warmly and for 64 against 22. Colin
And the sticky tape they used to sitting down in comfort. McKenzie was captain and
hold them up was always inside too, Billy Campbell was player of
“Bevan kept the interest going, even
after he stopped coaching and

the year. – Murray Brown, Murray Clarke, Mike Dave Hanney was captain and Terry
Hunter, Terry Grant, Neil Watson and Grant player of the year. Tragically,
1972 Second Division: The stay they all confirmed they would come one of the team -Ian Harris who was
back so that gave OM 7 players. 18 years old lost his life when he had
up was short. Onehunga and Huntly Three players aged 17/18 years old an accident on his motor bike just
went down to the Thirds at the end were recruited straight from high before the season ended.
of the season. Onehunga’s record school being Steve Schade, Willie
was 16-3-4-10-17-38-1.0Tauranga Hamilton and Colin Grubb- all very 1977 NORTHERN LEAGUE-DIV
and Glenfield made the move up. good players who had played for 4.
The reserves did a little better in Onehunga Mangere as juniors. OM
also gained Dave Townsend, Dave Another disappointing season
the AFA Second division. Played Hanney, Kevin Saunders and Mike finishing bottom of the table in the
18, gathered 18 points, won Champness as new club signings. 10-team competition. Dave Wallis
7, drew 4 and lost 7. 30 goals The end result was a very good side coached for half the season before
for and 36 against, the side was ready for the challenge and the Dave Hanney took over. Team record
finishing in sixth place. preseason training was hard with was Played 18 won 3 drew 1 lost 14
many runs to the top of Mangere goals for 17 against 63
1973 Third Division: The slide Mountain. At the start of the season
OM had a very fit competitive side. 1978 NORTHERN LEAGUE-
continued. The ups and downs Dave Hanney was the captain, Mike DIV 4 NORTH. A pretty good
of soccer were never more clearly Hunter vice-captain with player of
indicated than by OM, relegated the year Steve Schade. Team record year when OM finished 5th in the
again and second bottom of the was played 22 won 20 lost 2 goals 10-team competition with the title
league, three points ahead of for 112 against 19. The final game of being taken by Otara with Teachers
Huntly. the season between OM and Green and Oratia finishing runners up.
Bay Titirangi would decide who won During the season OM beat each of
Two wins, one draw and 15 losses the title with teams equal on points the top 3 sides which showed the
made it another miserable winter. going into the game. team was in the competition. Record
OM had 54 goals against, but Huntly was –Played 18 won 8 drew 4 lost 6
cracked the ton, conceding OM had 2 losses and Green Bay- goals for 33 against 36. The team was
Titirangi 4 draws meaning OM had coached by George Whittaker and
117 in a very high scoring league to win to take the title and gain top goal scorers were Dave Lockett
where seven teams scored over the right to apply for reentry to the and Laurie Schade with 12 goals
40. Huntly’s only win was against Northern league. each. Six players played every game
OM. Only Laurie Schade, Murray being Dave Lockett, Dave Hanney,
Clarke, Mike Hunter and Scot OM played well with a tight defense, Dave Townsend, Robert Rietveld,
O’Brien remained of the previous midfield controlling the game and Ross Taylor and Mike Hunter and five
squad and the team defaulted strikers taking their chances. Murray other players missed only 1 game, so
twice in the season. Brown scores the critical first goal a pretty consistent team was there
after 15 minutes and Steve Schade for the season. Dave Hanney was
1974 NO TEAM. The clubs the vital second goal with 15 minutes captain and Laurie Schade player of
to go a great 2-0 victory gave OM the the year.
new committee failed to send championship and entry back to the
an application in to the Auckland Northern league. OM were the only 1979 NORTHERN LEAGUE -
football association for the club team side that season from all Auckland. 4TH DIV NORTH.
to continue in the Northern league Senior sides to score over 100 goals.
which resulted in the club having no Top goal scorers were Steve Schade George Whittaker coached the
senior teams playing that year. The 35. Murray Brown 26. side again and OM finished in 4th
players who came ready to play at position with Clendon and Green Bay
the start of the season either did not 1976 NORTHERN LEAGUE finishing 1-2. OM had draws with both
play or went to other clubs around – - DIV 4. Onehunga- Mangere these sides and one more win would
Otahuhu, Cornwall, Papatoetoe and have seen them finish as runners up.
Eden. The club president Bob Lindsay applied for re-election to the 4th Team record was – Played 18 won 7
and longstanding club stalwart Division and it was granted, and the drew 4 lost 7 goals for 27 against 25
Digger Douglas approached Laurie coaching job was passed to Dave
Schade and Peter Harrison to see Wallis who took over the majority Dave Hanney was captain and
they could pull a team together for of the team that had won the AFA Robert Rietveld won player of the
the next season. The club had been 3rd division the previous season. year
advised that their first team would It was a frustrating season for the
play in the AFA 3rd division and team beating some of the top teams
needed to win this league before the whilst losing to teams in the lower
AFA would consider an application half of the league. Whilst finishing
from the club to get back in the the season in last position of the 10
northern league. teams, one more win was required
to move up to 6th position on the
1975 AFA 3RD DIVISION; ladder which would have been a
Laurie Schade as player/coach more accurate position reflective
of the team’s ability. Cornwall and
and Peter Harrison as Manager Pt Chev finished first and second.
for the team needed to build and Record was- Played 18 won 4 drew
pull together a new team. They 3 lost 11 goals for 22 against 50.
contacted 5 players who had played
for Onehunga Mangere in previous
seasons and had gone to other clubs.

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

Senior Team 1971

Back Row: Paul Jackson, Laurie Schade, Mike Hunter, B Nixon, Dennis Ford, Bruce McLennan
Second Row: J. Niblock, G. Winch, G. Bull, K. Ryland, M. Clarke, S. O’Brien, J. Sims

Front Row: D. Evans (Coach), H. Maskell, W. Campbell, C. MacKenzie (Capt.), M. Sweeney (V/Capt.), B. Gatt, A. Johnston (Pres)
Record: Played 18, Won 12, Lost 3, Drawn 3, For 64, Against 22, Points 27

ONEHUNGA-MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

A.F.A. 3rd DIVISION CHAMPIONS 1975

Back Row: Willie Hamilton, Murray Brown, Dave Townsend, Neil Watson
Second Row: Bob Lindsay (President), Stephen Schade, Colin Grubb, Kevin Saunders, Murray Clarke, Laurie Shade (Coach)

Front Row: Peter Harrison (Manager), Mike Champness, Dave Hanney (Captain), Mike Hunter (Vice Captain), Terry Grant
Record: Played 22, Won 20, Lost 2, For 112, Against 19

THE STARS COME OUT. Australia. Said to be one of the top rebuilding of the old sleeping
ten soccer players ever in this country, quarters and a clubhouse into the
Which Onehunga player was the best Brian returned to the club in 2018 clubrooms opposite the Exchange
in the country? alongside his former Mt. Wellington Hotel in Princes Street. He served
and NZ teammate Dave Taylor to on the management and general
There are a few contenders who coach the OMU first team. It was committees and was always a loyal
would cause an argument anywhere. a critical year for the club as they supporter of all the fund rising to
secured their Northern League Status build and furnish the clubrooms on
Bill Zuill, the late great goalkeeper with a preseason play off against the Mountain.
of the mid 1930’s, had the tongues Beachlands Mareatai. Brian Turner
wagging with his ability for Auckland learned his skills with Onehunga. Originally from England, Dick now
and New Zealand, although he did He was named in the Soccer Hall of lives in Nelson.
not play for his adopted country Fame in 1995.
on home soil due to an injury in an Who is the top Onehunga man? It
overseas international. But there are only five Onehunga seems that Bill Zuill was the player,
men who have played for New even though his internationals all
Tommy McNicholl was a very gifted Zealand while still at the club. came on that one tour to Australia.
player.
Jim Bell (three with Onehunga in Who do you think?
Goalkeeper Neville Siebert was a 1960 and one with Wellington’s
star of the 1960’s and was much Northern), Gary Eccles (one with Pt The Mt. Wellington
appreciated by the players he Chevalier and three with Onehunga Connection
faced as a great shot stopper and 1961-62), Tom McNicholl (four in 1957),
a courageous man in the tough Dick Whittaker (two in 1957) and Bill Mt. Wellington football club was one
situation. He played nine games for Zuill (11 with Onehunga). of the most famous and successful
New Zealand in 1967 and 1968. His clubs in NZ. The club was formed
son Scott is an Onehunga man. And Charlie Dempsey raves about Dick in 1952 by Ex-Onehunga player
played many games in goal for the Whittaker, a man who not only and committee member Neville
first team. starred on the left side of the team in Haydon. Ray Sims, Jack Richardson,
the best years of the club, and played Malcolm Nicholson, John Pooley, and
The cat was an apt description of in style for his new country, but was Brian Oliver were also ex-Onehunga
the talents of Onehunga’s third also a hard worker for the club. members who were involved in the
great goalkeeper Kevin Curtin, the initial decision to form Mt. Wellington
man who has been named by many Elected a life member, people football club.
writers as the best goalkeeper of the remember him just as much for
past 25 years. He played 25 games for the work he did on the clubrooms In 1953 Neville Haydon was
New Zealand against many top sides in Onehunga when they arrived congratulated by the A.F.A on
from 1970 to 1977, a time when there fresh from being used during obtaining a new ground in Mt.
were more top goalies in the country the construction of the Hunua Wellington, it was the start of Bill
than at any other time. Kevin was waterworks dam. He was a builder McKinley Park.
Auckland goalkeeper for an amazing and inspired the demolition and
eight years between 1969 and 1983. Over the years the connections
have continued. NZ Brian Turner,
His grace and skill was legendary goalkeepers Kevin Curtin and Neville
but he did not play for Auckland Siebert both played for the Mount
or New Zealand while he was with after starting at Onehunga. Peter
Onehunga. Leper,

The former Onehunga man who Iain Hastie, Clive Campbell, and Tony
played more than 100 games for his Davis are players who came the other
country and every title and award way.
in his career, as well as going to the
World Cup final in 1982, was Brian Some of the best coaches for OMU
Turner, who started his Jong career over the years have come from Mt.
at the club. His 101 internationals are Wellington too. They include Denis
second only to Steve Sumner’s 105, Tindall, Peter Leper, Clive Campbell,
and he did it in style. Tony Sibley, Dave Taylor, and Brian
Turner.
When Brian left Onehunga, in 1965,
he had already been a schoolboy
international on a tour of Australia.
He went to Ponsonby and then Eden
before embarking on a professional
career at Chelsea, Southampton, and
Brentford before returning to play for
Mt Wellington in 1972, sparking that
side to a wonderful era.

He played for Auckland between
1967 and 1983, although missing
the years when he was playing
professionally in England and in

THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY. who got away. Gary Phillips, the “Margaret Foster asked me to help
Kiwi league fullback, played for the Sid with the Juniors. I thought
Kevin Curtin played in three club until the fourth grade and was I would be helping to send off
Chatham Cup finals, lost one of lured away. Warren Callicoat played envelopes, but the Juniors lifted
them and yet still did not manage until he was in the top team, in the to 16 teams. My aim was to boost
a winner’s medal. All three were second division at the time. He went comradeship by letting everyone
in 1972 when Mt Wellington played off to play for Mt Albert league and know what was going on.
three finals against Christchurch in then the Kiwis.
four weeks, drawing two and losing “For a while the Juniors were
the third. FLOWER LADY BLOSSOMS .. supporting the senior teams.• When
she found that only the senior
Many soccer followers, with long Few people can match the sides had their photos taken, she
memories, consider that Curtin was determination and drive of Mangere organized things so that every team
the greatest goalkeeper of them all Bridge florist Val Payne who started had their photos taken each year.
He was the star of the World Cup in the club when her sons started as
campaigns of the 1970’s and earned midgets. She is a dynamic person For many years she was on the soccer
nicknames involving cats. with an amazing focus. committee and then spent six years
on the Board of Management, the
Kevin was in the Auckland team from While she managed the team group formed to oversee the whole
1969 to 1983 and was honored as containing one son, her husband club, representing both soccer and
Auckland Player of the Year in 1973 Chris did the same for the other son. softball at times. She was also in
as well as Sportsman of the Year in charge of the canteen for a while and
1975 and 1976. He was the first to “There was only rugby in my family in was instrumental in organizing the
be honored twice. (Five goalkeepers my time, • Val comments. “My boys 70th anniversary of the club.
have achieved the award). He played were fairly big, and I was keen to get
25 games for New Zealand between them coordinated in a suitable sport “Val is a hard driving organizer, said
1970 and 1977 and was a true star before they went to rugby, which Muriel Phillimore, one of those who
and a gentleman who started his was having a hard time in those days has seen her in action over the years.
game with Onehunga. because of back and neck injuries. “She rings people to remind them of
meetings and she is always prepared
Another Mount Wellington “It turned out that my father, Harry to do things herself. Yet she is a very
goalkeeping star was Neville Siebert Strong, had played soccer for busy lady in her own life, as a florist.
who played nine games for New Onehunga years before and won But she knows so many people in
Zealand in 1967-68? He had his start a championship medal in 1932. the area and she is a great person to
with Onehunga and went on to play However, his heart was always in have in a club.
in one Chatham Cup final when rugby. In later years some of his old
Mount beat North Shore 3-0 in the mates would tum up to watch the THEY FOSTERED THE CLUB.
only the second final to be played Golden Oldies play.
away from Wellington. He played for Sid and Margaret Foster are long
Auckland from 1966 to 1973. In 1967 Ca t was eight years old when he time Mangere Bridge residents who
he was the Auckland Player of the started around 1976 and Lloyd have had a commitment to sports
Year. could hardly wait. When he was five for many years. Sid was once a top
he was allowed to start after years softballer for the United club and
Onehunga Junior officials were of watching Cart play. He was so they met on a blind date.
alerted to an up-and-coming star enthusiastic about the game. So, we
player and advised to sign him up. both ended up looking after teams. Their enthusiastic support of the club
On their return the verdict was that saw them act in many capacities,
he was too small to ever make it. “It was a very happy time as on committees, as President and
The young man was Clive Campbell, Mangere Bridge had such a village secretary, as well as trying to get to
the highest profile player in the Atmosphere. It is one of the best see three games each Saturday and
first national league campaign for kept secrets of Auckland. It is still the one on Sunday as their three sons
Blockhouse Bay. Clive went on to same as it was with yachts on the and two daughters played soccer and
win Chatham Cup medals with Bay Manukau and cows on the mountain. coached some of the teams.
(1970), Mount Wellington (1977, 1980)
and a second- place medal in 1979, “Most of the people were Onehunga Sid was one of those who worked
as well as championships with Bay born and had moved over the bridge hard to develop the constitution
and Mount. Clive was coach of the when the suburb opened up in the of the combined clubs and worked
Onehunga Mangere premier team pre airport days. I was in the same for a long time on the Board of
in 1990,91 and92, playing 27 times. class as Sid Foster at Onehunga Management. He has been barman,
with.17 appearances as sub. But he School. treasurer, gear steward and general
was not the only star who escaped worker, always distinctive with his
before he started. Digger Douglas We would take the boys to watch crew cut hairstyle.
remembers referring Evan Jones to a the seniors and they would end up
promising Big lad, but Evan had no coming back for years. Margaret has always been a great
place for him. Colin Latimour went organizer and has devoted much of
on to play top soccer with Ponsonby Then Val stretched out into her energy to fund raising to develop
and national league for Eastern other important areas of the club, the clubroom concept and to
Suburbs, playing 25 times for New managing the midget and Junior promote the softball club through
Zealand. section of 16 teams being one of the its early days. Family support has
most significant. been the theme of their life.
They were not always soccer stars

“My first commitment was always to “Later Karen coached and is now in college, that was the end of his
the family, Margaret remembers. “It coaching th e game in Otorahanga. association with the club.
was important to get to see each one Denise’s boy started at OM last
play each Saturday. season and his father, Keith Jackson, “My involvement started in 1978 and
was also an OM player when he was ended in 1983 when I started Full -
And the parent Fosters did play young. time work and it all got too much
sport, but there was no soccer in the for me. Socc er was bigger t an ever
family until Michael, always full of “Michael made it to the national once the clubrooms were opened as
energy, was at kindergarten and was league with Manurewa and has there were cleaners and barmen and
obviously in need of something played at Ede n, O M, University and all sorts of extra work that had not
extra to do. Central. Greg played softball for the existed before. But it was great while
club and for Auckland but played it lasted.
“Sid was a rugby man and had lived rugby after he started at St Peters.
in Onehunga in his youth, • Margaret Greg played goalkeeper from the Imelda Clifton was nominated to ask
said. “After we married, we lived in midgets until he was in the under the Council to have the sole use of
Kaitaia and then Ellerslie and rugby 19 grade and then concentrated on the grounds on Sundays as it would
was the main thing. Colin Pickard softball. Three of our children still live be essential if the club was to field a
suggested that we take five-year-old in Mangere Bridge.” girls’ team and two girls’ teams were
Michael to soccer at OM and that entered in competition s. It was a
was the start of it. We would never Margaret stayed with the soccer sign of the times of petrol shortages
have thought of soccer ourselves. Two committee until three years after that Gordon Gray was considering
or three years later Chris and Greg softball started in the club and then resigning from his position as senior
were allowed to play, and we were helped the softball committee, delegate as Tuesday was his car-less
really involved in watching the taking the team numbers from four day. He was awarded the taxi money.
three of them. to 15 in the 1984 season. She gave
the girls’ soccer away but was had DO AS I DO ..
“Around that time there was a gained satisfaction from both sides of
special meeting, where Bob Lindsay the club. Drinking on the sideline was a
spoke about the need for clubrooms serious subject for debate with one
and the club made the right decision The highlight was the promotion member criticized for his remarks
to use their funds before inflation of the softball team to the premier and suggestions to the referee and
ate it all away. The next season, league, at three weeks’ notice before players on both sides. The upshot of
there was a scheme where every the start of the season when two the meeting was that drinking on the
player had to buy a brick, at $10 each, other clubs amalgamated. It is a sideline be banned.
if they were to play that season. status they still hold today.
During the meeting, it was stated
“That was a lot of money in those SITUATION VACANT. that the member concerned agreed
days, so I paid for Michael, as a family that drinking be banned by the club
contribution. The club would not “I answered an ad in the Courier for but that it would be a difficult matter
accept that, so I took the other two a job with a small honorarium and to police unless one of the senior
homes, crying. That was the start of ended with a task which took all my administrators stopped doing it also.
my battle against the decision. time.”
The person concerned believed that.
“It is no secret that I wrote to the Imelda Clifton wan ted something even though he did drink there, he
NZFA and the AFA to fight the club’ to do after the birth of her second could control his behavior.
s fund raising as a compulsory entry so n. She thought that the secretary’
fee into a team. Finally, I threaten s job at the Onehunga Mangere At the same 1980 meeting it was
ed to go to the newspapers with my Soccer Club would be something stated that the Childswear Softball
plea, and the petition I had gathered she could do from home, “with the Club be approached to bring
up. The club backed down. fortnightly meeting of t e committee, summer sport to the mountain,
as I was told”, she said. There was an being necessary for the maintenance
“But I did work to help get the honorarium of $100 but it ended of the liquor license. In September
clubrooms going and did my share up being almost a full-time job and it was agreed that softball could be
for about eight years. The whole fuss meeting all the t me. The phone part of the club, “if it did not interfere
made people in the club very aware never stopped. “But it was enjoyable with other clubs in the area.”
so, in an odd way, it did do some as I really needed to do something
good. after 12 years at home. I met so many FOUR FOR TWO.
wonderful people and I still know so
“My daughters, Denise and Karen, man y of them. Peter, who stayed on The Innes’ family set a club record by
were keen to play but there was no the committee after I retired, is still becoming the first to be total club
league of a suitable age group at friends with Chris Payne and they members, with all four becoming
the time, so we started up with an play snooker each week “The funny soccer players in the winter and
unofficial group of teams under the thing is that my older boy Ryan was softballers in the summer.
control of Margaret Hodge. Each playing at the club but I had been so
girl was in a different age team, busy with the little one that I had n Yet Sheryl was a late starter is both
with some of the girls gathered up ever been. game, s not co min g into soccer until
from the local athletic club. The AFA she was 31 years old, to the delight
threatened OM with action if the Suddenly I was there all the time. of sons Barry and Wayne, as well as
team was not officially registered so When he left to attend Marcel/ husband John.
we became part of the club, making
five players from the family.

1 wish that I had started years before, PRESS GANGED. whole thing moving but the people
• said the woman who has been in were wonderful. I will not forget my
so many positions of responsibility in Des Maggs came from a soccer time up Mangere Mountain.
the club. •1 played for six years, and I family, pl ayin g for Comrades when
had one spell away, with Cornwall, to he was one of the many 1980: Fourth Division North: With
see what it was like in a higher grade the side hovering on the edge of
than Onehunga could ever manage. people who lived in Hobson Street non-league soccer there were few
and other central city streets. thrills for the OMU fans in 1980. Three
“John coached the team and I was teams were below them in the ten-
involved right through. The girls’ team It was natural that, when he went team division as Onehunga managed
started in 1980 when Sid Foster had to Papatoetoe where there was no eight results in the 18- match league
a team which was not an officially club, that he was one of the founder but could not provide coaching and
recognized team from the club. They members and players. scoring details for the Soccer Annual.
wore our shirts for their photo and Rietveld played all 18 games, as
that was it. His playing career came to an end did James Fuller and Dave Hanney,
with a torn medial ligament so Des who then retired and coached the
“The next year, when they had left took up refereeing and won his New reserves. The clubrooms opened on 11
school, we started the first official Zealand badge. October 1980.
team and I decided to play. At the
end of the 1982 season, we had a His date with Onehunga Mangere’s 1981 Fourth Division North: While
wonderful tri p to Fiji where we failed destiny came when he moved the soccer followers of New
to win a trophy. Mangere Bridge and went regularly Zealand basked in the glory of
into Mojo’s Dairy. the magnificent 1981 World Cup
“But were judged the best presented qualifying run, Onehunga Mangere
team. We looked great. “John and I “One day I met the owner, Dean Neal, fans, up on their own mountain, had
were referees and he at Manurewa and, when he found few joys.
that I was a soccer man, he talked
passed a coaching course. That was me into going down to the OM The side struggled to keep up with
the way we always did it, learning the clubrooms to select the new coach. the pace in the league, finishing
real way to coach . Then I was invited to the AGM and, second bottom. Dave Mathews
just like that, I was on the committee coached and played 11 games. Ever-
We always sat the tests. “John and then chairman. It must have present former Mt. Wellington player
coached for four years and took the been a set-up. “It was not as if I George Plimer was yet another star
Auckland under 16 girls while I spent had not been involved with club goalkeeper to play for OMU but even
five years on the women’s executive. committees before at Manukau, he could not help. Rietveld played all
“With the boys playing we lived and Papatoetoe and the referees for but one game and top scored with
breathed soccer. Then we started an about 25 years altogether. “The first seven
involvement with the softball team, thing was to get the clubrooms on
and all ended up playing. “None of a practical basis, not just dreams of TWO WAY ADMINISTRATORS.
us had any experience in softball grand things. The committee raised
at all but we did the same thing, about $10,000 between January and When Trish Lucas’ son Chris was born,
learned how to coach. Later Dot and June and the project was assured. around the time of the New Zealand
Des Speechley and their three girls Once it was all set up there were World Cup campaign in Spain, she
played both some internal hassles and I walked received 70 cards from members
away, coming back later for one year of the club and Chris had his
sports. “We have all finished soccer as treasurer to help but I had lost th e christening party in the clubrooms.
now. Wayne, who was a great little soccer spark after all the years.
player, was never selected for top “It was an exciting time, • Trish
teams because he was too small. “My boys, Michael and Phillip, played remembers. “The clubrooms
for a time at the club. Michael had were going up; the first team was
Now he is playing for the Auckland been with other clubs climbing through the grades and
under 21 rugby team, as fullback and the All Whites were making soccer
kicker, using his soccer skills. He is not earlier on. Our daughter Judith something special. It was a revival
little anymore.” played women’s soccer and my wife period for the game. The club went
Margaret spent a lot of time helping from a small suburban set-up to a
The Innes’ are one of the groups of the club, especially with the canteen. force in soccer. Peter Lepper was a
husband-and- wife teams which great coach, and his family style was
has made Onehunga tick over the “I was impressed by the work that perfect for the club.
years. As well as spending a time many of the people put in to getting
as president-chairman, John has things done, such as the Fosters and “At one stage, the team was doing
worked on the the Payne’s, the Clifton’s and John well so I invited David Lange to come
Lynch. John was wonderful the way along. He arrived in the Government
committee while Sheryl, as well as he could persuade people to buy limousine, and it added to the day. It
being treasurer at times, was an raffle tickets. The Innes ‘ later did so was good of him to come.
ideal person who worked long and much and we used their home for
hard to raise those last few, difficult, meetings before going to the pub “How good people were to each
thousands of dollars to get the and th e school. other there. It was a wonderful place
clubrooms completely built and to bring up children. Digger, Val
furnished. “Probably my real trial was to speak Payne and Imelda Clifton had the
at the opening, in front of David knack of making you feel good about
John finished his playing career with Lange, one of the great speech
the Hustlers for several years before makers. It was a slog, getting the
ill health forced him to retire from
sport.

things that you were doing. I’d like to NOTHING TO DO?
do it all again.
Many families with eight children,
Trish Lucas was involved before six sons and two daughters, would
husband David, working on publicity, have little time for anything else
gal a days an d the many things apart from survival, but Gwen and
that needed to be done in those Bob Lockett have been true club
busy days. For David Lucas, getting supporters for many years. All the
involved with Onehunga Mangere boys played for th e club at some
was a matter of listening too long to time and three are still in teams
someone like Margaret Foster, who although Chris was injured last
talked him into coming along to season and had to drop out of the
help. He went to watch his children premiers.
(Jason, Glen and Katherine all played)
and ended up on the committee as Gwen put her skills to use early on
treasurer, then president-chairman when there were no shirts of the
for four years. junior teams. She beavered away
with some green material, and they
“The hard work of raising the funds lasted well, finally being handed on
for the clubrooms had been done to Waterlea school as their playing
by the time I started, he remembers. set.
“People long before my time had
done wonders to get that going Bob has managed and coached,
and it was in the last days of th e as well as being a great committee
meetings at th e Black Bridge Hotel member before becoming the club’s
and Mountain View School. handyman, saving considerable
sums by repairing windows, doors,
“Dennis Tindall started the good grilles, locks and shutters. He has
things going on the football side. He al so been a reliable grounds man,
lived locally. I remember interviewing preparing the goal s with nets and
Peter Lepper for the first team coach doing th e corner poles before and
job, and he did wonders with the offer. Now Bob is often there with his
team through the years I was with eight grandchildren who are playing
the club. It was great to up there the same game as their fathers did.
on the mountain as the team kept There is always the encouraging
climbing up through the grades. comments and the occasional
demonstration of how to do it.
“He was strict, but a good motivator
and he jelled the team together. I When a club is analyzed, the success
left the club nine years ago, but I still is always measured by the people
remember those happy days. like Bob Lockett, the backbone
people of club sport.
“One of the lighter moments was the
night that one of the young players
was swearing in the clubrooms. There
was a strict rule against it, so

Des Maggs told him off. ‘You are
not allowed to bloody swear in
these rooms’, he said, to howls of
laughter.

1982 Fourth Division North: It was
steady as she goes for the season
with the team very comfortable in
the middle of the points’ table
with only six losses in 18 games. Peter
Lepper, joining the team to aid coach
Dennis Tindall, played every game,
as did Brett Fiddes. Tindall played in
eleven. Tindall was a speedy winger
in his time and had played 27 times
for New Zealand, starting in Dunedin,
moving on to Mt Wellington, where
he shared in many titles, and
Hamilton. He was often controversial,
especially when the NZFA dumped
his university side from the National
League.

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

COUNTRY FOODS 4TH DIVISION (NORTH) 1982

Back Row: D. King, D. Lucas (President), J. O’Malley
Second Row: D. Tindall (Coach), A. McVey, V. Kingstone, B. Fiddes, W. Hamilton, S. Shepherd, G. Plimmer

Front Row: T. Holmes, A. Alexander, S. Khan, P. Lepper (Captain), L. McVey, S. Fitzgerald, G. Flynn
In Front: Ben Lepper. Absent: D. Dudley. Record: Played 18, Won 10, Lost 6, Drawn 2, For 43, Against 24.