Table of Contents
Sporting Events
This page highlights some of the memorable sporting moments in the history of the sportsground at the Park.
1890 - First Athletics Meeting
The first organised event in the sportsground was an athletics meeting on April 7, 1890. This was organised by the Sports Ground Committee which had been formed in August 1889 to complete filling in the swamp and creating a sports ground. An audience of about 2,000 people attended. Events included: running, running high jump, obstacle race and canoeing. A bicycle race was on the programme but had to be abandoned because the ground was too soft. A vaulting event was also started but was abandoned because the only available pole was an inferior one. Athletics became an annual event. The judges were Board member J. T. Davis and R. G. Bauchope.
A report of the event published in the Taranaki Herald on April 8, 1890, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1892 - First Cricket Game
The Sports Ground was used for cricket for the first time December 15, 1892 when teams of the New Plymouth Club representing East and West ends played a game. No match report was printed for the game.
1893 - First Rugby Game
When the Sports Ground committee agreed to let Rugby matches be played on the ground they restricted it to interprovincial games only. The first game was on September 2, 1893, Taranaki v Auckland. Taranaki played in amber and black. The team was: Full, Robinson; three-quarters, A. Bayly (captain); A. Good, H. Good; half, A Humphries; wing forwards, W. and C. Bayly; five-eights, Robson; forwards, Hughes, Lambie, Coffey, Hawken, Livingston, Ryan and Sangster. The ground was soft due to rain in the days leading up to the game. About two thousand spectators attended. Taranaki led 2-0 at half time, having scored an unconverted try. Unfortunately, the home team ran out of steam and Auckland ran in two tries in the second half to win 4-2.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on September 4, 1893, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1894 - First Intercolonial Rugby Game
The first intercolonial match at the recreation ground was between Taranaki and N.S. Wales. September 1, 1894. The Taranaki team was: Full back: L Allen, 11st 10lb; three-quarters, H. Good, 13st 10lb; A. Bayly, 12st 4lb;. A. Good, 12st. Halves: R. B. Lusk, 12st 10lb; A Humphries, 9st. Forwards: Lambie, 13st 2lb; Pearson, 12st 8lb; Watson, 13st; Hughes, 13st; Livingston, 12st 7lb; Sangster 12st 12lb; Wells, 12st 8lb. Wings: W. Bayly, 11st 10lb; A. George, 11st 8lb. (Note: 11st ≈70kg, 12st ≈76kg, 13st ≈83kg). The final score was a win to Taranaki 21-6. In the middle of the game the players had to contend with a heavy hailstorm.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on September 1, 1894, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1896 - First Interprovincial Rugby Game Against Nelson
The first interprovincial rugby match, against Nelson, was played on 4th August 1896. The visitors arriving at 6am by the steamer, Mahinapua. Taranaki won 17-0. In January, the Sports Ground also hosted the first interprovincial cricket match between the two provinces, which Taranaki won by 59 runs.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on August 4, 1896, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1903 - North Taranaki Cricket XVIII v Lord Hawke's XI
An interesting game of cricket was played in January 1903. Lord Hawke a famous English cricketer organised a team of talented amateur English cricketers to tour New Zealand. The team was sponsored by the New Zealand Cricket Council to the sum of £2,200. They knew that they were better than the provincial teams in New Zealand and allowed them to field more than eleven players. When they played a team from north Taranaki at the Recreation Ground the local side was allowed to field eighteen players. Just as a note, the pitch back then was about twenty metres shorter and twenty metres narrower than it is today. Unfortunately, even with this huge advantage the local side lost by over an innings. Taranaki scored 86 and 131 and the Lord Hawke’s team scored 320. The Taranaki team was: W. Perham, E. Gudgeon, L. Spencer, F. H. Robertson, A. R. Gardner, C. Clegg, A. S. Hassell, F. C. Robertson, W. Weston, A. Steeds, E. Whittle, Moore, L. Carter, E. O. Lightband, V. Elliott, G. H. Clarke, W. Skelton, G. Braund.
Below is the scorecard for the game taken from the Taranaki Herald 2nd and 3rd of January.
Report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on January 2nd and 3rd, 1896, can be read online in Papers Past. Day 1 click here. Day 2 Click here.
1904 - Taranaki Rugby v Britain
In August 1904 the big sporting event of the year was the rugby match between Taranaki and Britain which drew an estimated crowd of 9000 people. People came from all over Taranaki to watch the game. Unfortunately, it rained for most of the game. The Taranaki team was: Full back: E. F. Fookes, 12st 7lb. three-quarters, H. D. Thompson, 10st 12lb; Stalker, 13st 4lb;. H. L. Abbott, 13st 4lb. five eights H. Mynott(captain), 11st 4lb. Half J. Hunter, 11st 2lb. Wings: W. A. Guy, 12st 9lb; J. Thomas, 12st 7lb. Forwards: A. McMinn, 11st 12lb; F. Glasgow, 13st; H. A. Wilson, 13st 11lb; J. O’Sullivan, 13st 11lb; W. Glenn, 13st; R. Douglas 13st 7lb; W. McKay, 13st 3lb. (Note: 11st ≈70kg, 12st ≈76kg, 13st ≈83kg). The ground was very soft and the ball slippery. There was a lot of kicking in the game which ended in a nil all draw. The game highlighted the need for better drainage for the pitch. The ground was considered the best in the district for spectators, but the worst for playing on.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on August 18, 1904, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1904 - First Interprovincial Soccer Match
In September 1904 Taranaki played its first interprovincial soccer match. The game was played in the Recreation Ground against a team from Auckland. The local team was expected to lose badly as it was a fledgling team up against a well-established one. The Auckland team had agreed to come to town to help promote the game. The pitch in the Recreation Ground was in a sorry state, very heavy, carrying a lot of water and stifled the passing game of the visitors. A game of hit and chase by the Taranaki team resulted in an unlikely win to the home side. A second game was organised to be played a few days later but the venue was changed due to the poor condition of the pitch.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on September 2, 1904, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1908 - New Zealand Championship Athletics Meeting
The Sports Ground was transformed in 1907. The playing field was raised several feet, new drainage was laid, the playing area was increased, and the terraces were remade increasing the capacity of the ground considerably. This transformation attracted the New Zealand Championship Athletics Meeting on February 26th 1908. The weather was fine for the meet and a crowd of around 4000 attended.
A report of the event published in the Taranaki Herald on February 27, 1908. can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1908 - Taranaki Rugby v Britain
On July 15, 1908, Taranaki played a British team and came out victorious with a 5-0 hard earned win. The team was: Full back: A. Hardgrave. three-quarters: D. Cameron, E. Dive, C. Sheahan. Five-eights: H. J. Mynott, J. Hunter. Half: J. Coleman. Wing-forward: T. Sheahan. Forwards: J O’Sullivan, H. Rothery, J.D. Crowley, A. Smith, Tamu, H.G. Whittington, M. Chain. An unusual event happened during the game when E. Dive ran in to score the only try of the game. The following appeared in the match report. “As Dive streaked for the line one male spectator furiously brandished his hat in one hand and a yelping fox terrier, held by his two hind legs, in the other. When the Eltham player crossed Britain’s line the spectator gave the dog a heave. Out in the air it flew. Four terraces below a lady wearing a large hat was jumping excitedly in her seat. Suddenly a heap of squirming doggy landed on that new hat and smashed it to pieces, fortunately without injuring either the lady or the dog.”
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on July 16, 1908, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1910 - Taranaki XV Cricket v Australia XI
March 1910 the Taranaki XV cricket Team played an Australia XI and earned a deserved draw. Taranaki scored 166 and 157 while the visitors scored 168 and 138 for 8 when the game was stopped for bad light. Taranaki players were: Smith, Weston, Lash, Inman, Cole, Greatbatch, Robertson, Perham, Dunlop, Eggleston, Pratt, Clegg, Hill, Clarke and Southall.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Daily News on March 24, 1910, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1913 - Taranaki Rugby v Australia
In September 1913 Taranaki rugby league team played Australia. It was a tight game, but the visitors prevailed 11-9. The Taranaki team was: Full-back: L. Hill. Three-quarters: G. Loveridge, J McLeod (captain), G. Meuli. Five-eights: S. Cameron, R. Roberts. Half-back: C. Brown. Wing-forward: R. Taylor. Forwards: Back row, H. Whittington, G. Hawkins; Second row, Ward, Prouse, Pini; front row, M. Cain, H. Dewar.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on September 1, 1913, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1914 - Taranaki Ladies Hockey v England
August 1914 the Taranaki Ladies Hockey Association put up a team to play a touring team from England. The local girls were totally outclassed going down 9-0. After the game the English girls were asked to comment on their opponents. One of the comments was that the New Zealand girls run about ten miles too far in the course of the match.
Taranaki team: Goal: M. Arthur. Right back: A. Stott. Left: E. Lynskey. Right half: K. Penn. Centre: L. Stott. Left: S. McCracken. Forwards: E. and T. King, M. McEwen, E. Reid, M. Stohr. Emergencies: Back, E. Andrews; half, A. Fryday; forward, L. Hughes.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on August 24, 1914, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1921 - Taranaki Rugby v Springboks
Probably the most famous sporting fixture at Pukekura Park was the Rugby game against South Africa in July 1921. This was the first time the Springboks had toured New Zealand. A crowd of about 15,000 attended. Special trains came in from Hāwera, Stratford, Toko and Patea carrying a total of 2500 passengers. Thousands more came in by car. To read more about the day click here
The game was a hard-fought draw. The Taranaki team: Full-back: Kingston (Clifton). Three-quarters: Hickey (Clifton), Dick Roberts (Okiawa, captain), Sykes (Old Boys). Five-eights: Roberts (Okiawa), Coutts (Inglewood). Half-back: Atkins (Okiawa). Wing-forward: C. McAllum (Tuakap). Forwards: Fogarty (Hāwera), Spratt (Patea), West (Hāwera), Masters (Stratford), Kivell (Stratford), Cain (Clifton), Campbell (Clifton). The Springboks were well looked after during their stay.
One of the activities on offer was a hunting party at Mr. Halcombe’s property at Urenui.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Herald on July 18, 1921, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
Pictures from the Auckland Weekly News. July 28, 1921
1925 - Boxing - Heavyweight Title Fight
On February 12, 1925, Eddie Parker of Hastings disposed of George Modrich of Auckland annexing the New Zealand professional heavyweight boxing championship. The open-air fight was conducted by the Taranaki Boxing Association at the Sports Ground in Pukekura Park. Modrich’s seconds threw in the towel in the seventh round. Modrich had been knocked to the canvas twice in that round.
A report on the fight published in the Taranaki Herald on February 13, 1925, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1927 - Taranaki Soccer v Canada
In May 1927 the Taranaki soccer team played the Canadian national team. It was the first match of their tour. The Canadians won 10 – 1. The Taranaki team who played in chocolate and amber was: Goal: Royston. Full backs: Davis and Beare. Half backs: Freakley (captain), Brown and Stewart. Forwards: Bremner, Spedding, Ramsay, Hill and Humphreys.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Daily News on May 26, 1927, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1928 - Taranaki Cricket XI v Australia XI
The Taranaki cricket team played Australia in March 1928. It didn’t go well. Taranaki were all out for 138 in their first innings. Australia replied with 427 and Taranaki could only score 112 in the second innings, beaten by an innings and 177 runs. The Taranaki team was: C.N. Kingstone, O.M. Nasmith, H.J. Grayson, B.B. Wilson, J. Cheevers, M. Falconer, Stan Giddy, S.A. Lay, L. Petty, A.M. Wilson, L. H. Giblin and T. Young (12th man).
Reports on the game published in the Taranaki Daily News on March 15 & 16, 1928, can be read online in Papers Past. Day 1 click here. Day 2 click here
1930 - Taranaki Rugby v Britain
The British rugby team toured again in May 1930. This time they dominated the Taranaki team scoring five tries to Taranaki’s one. The final score was 23-7 to the visitors. A crowd of about 15,000 watched the game. Taranaki Team -Full-back: C. Hunt, 12st. Three-quarters: N. Hunter, 12st 4lb; H. W. Brown, 12st 4lb; K. Fookes, 12st 3lb. Five-eights: D Johnston 11st; E. Owen, 12st 4lb. Half-back: C. Brown, 11st 6lb. Wing-forward: A. Guy, 12st. Forwards: C. Wills, 13st 1lb; R. Clarke, 13st 11lb; P. Ward (captain) 14st 8lb; Ike, 16st 1lb; A. Kivell, 14st 2lb; W. Robinson, 12st; J. Young, 12st.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Daily News on May 26, 1930, can be read online in Papers Past click here
1931 - Taranaki Rugby v Australia
In September 1931 Taranaki rugby side beat Australia 11 – 10. The game was watched by 8,000 spectators. Apparently, the Australian team were disappointing. Taranaki Team – Full-back: Collins. Three-quarters: Hunter, Watson, Sullivan. Five-eights: Peterson, Crawford. Half-back: Gudgeon. Wing-forward: Guy. Forwards: Wills, Murphy Walter, (Captain), Clarke, Baldwin, Lusk and Gargan.
A report on the game published in the Taranaki Daily News on September 21, 1931, can be read online in Papers Past. Click here
1936 - Taranaki Cricket XI v M.C.C. XI
January 1936, Taranaki cricket played a touring M.C.C. side in a game that ended in a draw. The visitors batted first and made 221. Taranaki were then bowled out for 66 but were not asked to follow-on. The M.C.C batted again making 214 for 5 declared leaving Taranaki to make 369 runs in just under 3 hours. Taranaki were 138 for 9 wickets when stumps were drawn. Taranaki Team: H. Barker, W. Barker, S. Betts, T. Larkin, O.M. Nasmith, M.P. Donnelly, A.W. Priest, W. Dormer, E. Christensen, T. Pritchard, W. Groombridge.
Reports on the game published in the Taranaki Daily News on January 28 & 30, 1936, can be read online in Papers Past. Day 1 click here. Day 2 click here
A. D. Bater is bowling to M. P. Donnelly who made 49. S. Betts is at the other end. TH, February 3, 1936.
1942 - First Ladies Cricket Match
The ladies played cricket at Pukekura Park for the first time in January 1942. It was a nine-a-side game between ladies from the New Plymouth Women’s Cricket Club. A brief account of the game was in the Taranaki Daily News on January 12, 1942, see below
1953 - Central Districts v South Africa
In March 1953 Central District played South Africa in a two-day cricket match. CD batted first and made 238 with A.A. Hunter making 105. South Africa bowled 114 overs. CD batted throughout the first day and an hour into the second. South Africa went into bat at 11.30 on the second day and made 228 in 84 overs falling ten runs short of CD’s total. The game ended in a draw. CD played the game as though it was a five-day match. 6,000 people attended day two of the game.
1963 - New Zealand v Australia - Hockey
In July Pukekura Park hosted the first hockey test match between Australia and New Zealand. Australia won 3-2.
1967 - New Zealand XI v Australia XI
In March 1967 New Zealand played Australia in the first Test Match of the series. The match was transferred to New Plymouth because of earthworks at the Basin Reserve, Wellington. New Zealand won by 159 runs. This was the first time New Zealand had beaten Australia in a test match.
To read a full account of the match in the Taranaki Daily News visit the National Library of New Zealand online collection. March 4, March 6, March 7, March 8.
