Moturoa AFC

The Taranaki Premier League team are defending Taranaki Champions and have won three successive premierships, completing the 2019 season unbeaten in the league and retaining the league challenge trophy.[9] The team also hold the Sheffield United Plate[10] won in the pre-season by defeating the 2018 Central Federation Cup winners Eltham AFC.[11]

The Moturoa Women's Premiership team are also defending Taranaki Champions, winning the league challenge trophy along with the Central Federation Cup and Duchess Cup titles.[9]

Moturoa players Fernanda Toscani and Hayden Murray were awarded the Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year at the 2019 Taranaki Prize Giving.[12]

1904 – The Origins of Association Football in New Plymouth.

Since the inception of organised association football in New Plymouth in 1904 there has been a steady turn over of clubs. Omata Football Club, Carrington Road and the New Plymouth AFC, with rugby clubs Star and Tukapa among the original teams from Taranaki's largest town.[13]

The New Plymouth AFC was started with the promotion of the game by new arrival to New Plymouth, Mr. Sidney Clark. Recorded as the founder of Association Football in New Plymouth, Clark arrived from Auckland in March 1904 after playing for the Tabernacle and YMCA clubs and had been an Auckland representative for the past three years. The third son of the Rev. Joseph Clark of the Auckland Tabernacle, Sidney Clark was born in London, England, in 1877. He was educated in Nottingham and came to New Zealand in 1898, landing in Auckland. For two years he conducted a business in Symonds Street. In 1903 Sidney Clark took over the furnishing business established by Mr. George Brown in 1885 on Devon Street, New Plymouth as Clark & Co. He was a founding member of the New Plymouth AFC, the Taranaki Association Football Union and would form and captain the first Taranaki Representative Association team in 1904, touring to Auckland and Wellington in 1905. In 1908 Sidney Clark became a founding member of the Stratford AFC.[14]

Meanwhile, in mid-April 1904, a meeting governed by Mr. L. Frost took place in the Omata hall to consider forming an association football club at Omata. The meeting resulted in a committee being assembled including elected members Frost, Glynes, Coates, Ridland and Thomas. Mr. A. Bayly was elected president, other committee members were; Honeyfield, Barrett, George, Smith, McAllum, Knowles, Turton, Clamo and Mills. The club colours were chosen as a white shirt and blue pants, subscription set at 2s 6d, and arrangements made to purchase the necessary playing equipment. Mr. R. Clemow gave the new club usage of some land to call a home ground.[15] In the New Plymouth Daily News in early 1904 it was announced in "Notes by Centre-Half" that a movement was on foot to start an Association football club in New Plymouth. A group of "soccer" enthusiasts had met resulting with a meeting being called at the town hall for those interested in joining. Sid Clark presided the meeting and the New Plymouth Association Football Club was formed, agreeing to play under the New Zealand Association rules. The New Plymouth Mayor, Mr. Richard Cock was elected as club President and a committee including; vice-president, J. Paul with, O. Samuel, C. M. Smith, Alexander, Ahier and Collins. Mr. A. Pope was elected as secretary/treasurer. A team selection committee of club-captain Clark, Colebeck and Smith was chosen. The club colours were decided as blue pants with maroon shirts, and member subscriptions set at 5s. The secretary was instructed to arrange a match with Omata in New Plymouth at the Western Park Ground for opening day.[16] Arrangements were also to be made to play the crew of the HMS Psyche during her stay.[17] In early May the club reported membership of around 25 men, with several players seen practising hard at the Recreation Ground early every morning.[18]

The first match between New Plymouth and Omata was played at the Recreation Grounds on the 12th of May 1904. The town paper printed the team-lists the day before the match including for the New Plymouth team, an undisclosed goalkeeper, full-backs S. Clark, W. Bullock, halves, G. Hartley, T. Kay, R. Reid, forwards, Prosser, A. Reid, A. Ambury, W. Lintz, W. Thomas. emergencies, Colbeck, R. Ambury, Newton, Brown and for the Omata club in goal, H. Mace, backs, Coates, R. Ridland half-backs, P. Mace, Allwood, Hall, forwards. L. Frost, S. Glynes, R. Thomas, McAllum and Mills.[19] New Plymouth won the match 3–0. New Plymouth AFC's second match was against the Star club at the Racecourse Ground which had been gradually improved by the Star Club with the construction of a "commodious dressing house" along with fencing off the playing ground with a top rail and other minor improvements.[20] New Plymouth now had goalkeeper R. Ambury in the side. Clark scored a penalty early on in a reported "fast and even game from start to finish". With ten minutes until halftime 'the Stars' equalised. After half-time 'the Maroons' missed a penalty awarded after a corner, then scored the winning goal after a fine piece of forward work. 2–1 the final result.[21] Near the conclusion of the rugby season in New Plymouth there was a determined effort to fill the gap in football for the remainder of the winter. Mr. Henry John Julian from the Taranaki Hotel proposed to donate a cup to be competed for by the new association teams.[22] The Julian Cup survives in the divisions of Taranaki football to the current day. The Taranaki Association Football Union (TAFU) was formed on the 13th of June at Clark and Co's rooms in New Plymouth. W. W. Murton, A. Humphries, L. Frost, S. Glynes, A. Pope were present. Mr. S. Clark was elected secretary. It was decided that the challenge cup presented to the union by Mr. H. Julian be played for by clubs having paid 5s to the union as an affiliation fee. Tukapa, Star, Carrington Road, Omata and New Plymouth entered teams. The first matches were scheduled to take place on Thursday June 23, with Tukapa to play Star at the Racecourse Ground and Omata to face New Plymouth at Omata. Omata were "fortunate to win the toss and elected to play down-hill with a strong wind in their favour which gave the Maroons a great deal of trouble," the match reporter noted. In the second half the wind dropped and a light rain set in making the ball heavy, captain Clark scored from a free-kick midway through the half, the final result 1–0 to New Plymouth. Seamark, Weir, Glynes and Frost were said to be prominent for Omata with New Plymouth well supported by Clark, Ambury, Kay and Pope. A return match was played at the Tukapa Ground between the village team and the New Plymouth club a week later.

The New Plymouth clubs relied heavily on the port and its visiting ships for outside competition.

The Corinthians, current champions representing Auckland, visited New Plymouth in 1904.[23] The visit was organised in part through the football connections of Sid Clark. The Corinthian Club was composed mostly of "renegades" from the Y.M.C.A. football club. A story of its origins was published in The Daily News on the 1st of September explaining, "Their desertion of tire old colours happened in this wise. Six years ago a challenge cup was presented for competition amongst senior clubs, the donors being a wellknown firm of distillers in the Old Country. The Y.M.C.A. entered for the competition, and after being runners up for two years, annexed the cup in 1903. The Y.M.C.A. authorities, however, although they had allowed the team to compete, refused to have the cup placed in their rooms, as the inscription on it betrayed its origin. The players took this as an affront, resigned from the association as a body, and started the Corinthian Club, which this year annexed the trophy, and had no scruples about receiving it." The visiting Corinthians included Cowan well-known player both in Dunedin and Auckland, and Dugmore, the goal-keeper, said to be the finest player in New Zealand. The New Plymouth Mayor kicked off the first ever representative association football match at the Recreation Ground. The Daily News published, regarding the involvement of the Mayor, "A wag asks how he is to get out of the road of the players, but that should be an easy matter."

The Original Taranaki Association Football Representative Team 1904

The Taranaki side was assembled from the best of the Omata FC and New Plymouth AFC players. Frost in goal, captain Clark, Bullock, Reid, Coates, Ridland, Dyne, the McAllum boys', Ambury and Truman.[24] Taranaki won the match 3–2.[25] A return match was played on the following Saturday afternoon at the High School ground, the Aucklanders' winning 1–0. The Taranaki Herald reporting after the games proclaimed, "The awakened interest in the soccer game deserves cultivating, the matches have proved that there is ample material for a really good team here."[26]

The 1904 Julian Cup final was played at Omata on the 15th of September. A 1–0 win for the New Plymouth side gave the club the first Taranaki championship. New players, Curry, Heartly, N. Johnson and Lints played in the side. Dyne, who also played rugby for the Tukapa club scoring the winning goal in the final.[27]

1905–1910

At the first meeting of the AFC of New Plymouth in 1905, Sid Clark was elected captain, Mr Reid, secretary and treasurer, and Bullock, Kay, and Newton as the management committee. It was agreed that the cup presented last year by Mr Julian be inscribed with the name of the winning team, and placed on exhibition. It was also agreed to present a set of medals to the junior team who proved the 1905 champions. It was decided to call a general meeting for to be held at the Council Chambers. The first practice match was fixed for Thursday, 6 April on the Western Park ground, with all members and intending members being asked to roll up. Arrangements were made for a match on Easter Saturday with a visiting team from the Wellington Diamond Club, the 1904 Wellington champions. The Diamond Club telegraphed definitely that the team would come up to New Plymouth.[28] Diamonds arrived in New Plymouth by the mail train on the 21st before the match at the Racecourse Ground the next day. The side including Wellington reps; Fitzgerald, considered one of the best goalkeepers in the country, Roberts and Barnett, captain W. J. Taylor, considered the best centre-half in the country, with Reddy and Cunningham who had both played against New South Wales during its 1904 tour.[29] The New Plymouth team selected, other than new acquisition H. Stanborough, were unchanged from the prior season. A high wind marred the match and the Diamonds were on the whole too good for the New Plymouth team taking a 2–0 lead into half-time. Diamonds showed superior combination in the second half scoring again, the match finishing 3–0.[30] The evening after the match the Diamond club was entertained at the Trocadero on Egmont Street by the local players at a smoke social, catching the express back to Wellington on the Monday.

The first match in the competition for the Julian Cup was held at the Western Ground between New Plymouth East and New Plymouth West in the first week of May. East included players; Broome, Bullock, Clark, Colbeck, Hartley, Stanborough, Kay, Newton, Morey, Murton and Porter; and the West End side selecting A. Ambury, R. Ambury and J. Ambury, Lister, Corrighan, Brownie, Trueman, Saunders, George, Reid and Andrews. The Eastenders won the match 3–1. Sid Clark, shifting from his defensive role of 1904 to centre-forward, scored a hat-trick. A. Ambury scored for New Plymouth West with new goal-keeper M. Andrews standing out, and later said to be a "promising young player."[31]

The Auckland Association in 1905 contemplated severing ties with the New Zealand Football Association to join with Taranaki and start a new Association, in reaction to the alleged treatment and management of the first ever overseas team to tour New Zealand, Australia's New South Wales.[32]

On the 5th of May 1905, the Waitara Association FC was formed with sixteen members enrolled. President Mr. Vaughan, with vice-presidents Dent and Dooly were elected along with a committee including, Dugdale, Prosser, Hawkins and Hunter. Subscriptions were set at 2s 6d for active members and 5s for honorary members.[33][34] The new Waitara clubs' first match was against New Plymouth at Waitara's old Recreation Ground with Sid Clark the holding the whistle. The Waitara side including; in goal, Dent; fullbacks, Ewing and Callaghan; halves, Mabin, Prosser and Hunter; forwards, Wilson, Scholefield, Thomas, Dugdale and Sprosen, against Andrews, Bullock, Saunders, Lister, Hartley, Stanborough, Newton, Corrighan, Colbeck, Porter and R. Ambury for New Plymouth. Scholefield scored first for the home team who would eventually go down 3–1 to goals from New Plymouth's Newton and R. Ambury (2). Scholefield and Wilson, both Englishmen, now living in the Urenui area, were said to have played, "a splendid game".[35] New Plymouth East hosted Waitara at New Plymouth, the Eastenders with new players Binnington and Woodley in the team. The New Plymouth West side was sent to Inglewood in late June to raise awareness of the code by having a match with the players from the town. In early July the New Plymouth teams, East and West faced off again. The top Omata FC players from 1904 were now joining the New Plymouth West side, with Frost taking the young Andrews' place in goal, along with Coates recruited in the backs and later in July Glynes for the forwards. With a larger number of spectators than usual, due to having no other football matches in town, the match between Easts and Wests on July 20 at the Western Ground would see Glynes open the scoring for the Wests, in a 1–1 draw. Newton equalised for the Eastenders. The Daily News reported after the game, "The match was not played under the most favourable conditions, but still the exhibition was interesting, and evidenced that the season now drawing to a close has effected a good deal of improvement in the play. Some good talent has been unearthed, and those who may be classed as novices have shown wonderful aptitude for the game, which, among a section of the community at least, is bound to increase in popularity, in spite of the present drawback of lack of playing grounds." Bullock, in defence, was mentioned as having the best game on the Easts side, while Frost had a solid game in goal for his new team. The points table in July for the 1905 Julian Cup had Waitara in front by a point ahead of the West End, with the Eastenders behind by a point and Inglewood in last place.[36] At the end of July the TAFU met with a good attendance of delegates from Inglewood, New Plymouth and Waitara. Mr. Cock was again elected President of TAFU, following on from his recent appointment of President of the new Australian Rules club 'the Victorians' of New Plymouth. Resolutions carried at the TAFU meeting included; each club to have two delegates, to play under the N.Z.A. rules; to affiliate with the parent Union next season; that the headquarters be fixed at New Plymouth; and to action the selection committee of Scholefield, Clark and Bowen for the upcoming representative fixtures. The last resolution was to declare the Waitara club winners of the Julian Cup owing to, "the rep. matches coming on and lateness of the season." A match against Waitara was scheduled for the Thursday on the Recreation Ground with Mr. Riddles as the referee.[37] The match report praised the Waitara forwards as being 'far superior' excepting the Maroons' new acquisition, Aklom, said to be, "a welcome addition to the local soccer fraternity," playing, "a dashing game forward, scoring a couple of goals." Glynes scored a goal for New Plymouth and Frost in goal and Bullock and Clark put in "excellent work". Scholefield, Wilson and Dugdale the scorer for Waitara, were reported to have played, "a rattling good forward game" with Dring prominent in the backs. The score after the half was 2–1 with one of the goals attributed to the inexperience of new Waitara goalkeeper Sangster. The final result was 4–1 to the Maroons.[38] Waitara formed a combined XI with the new association club at Urenui in early September, playing a match against the visiting Auckland Corinthians at Waitara losing narrowly 6–4. A match scheduled between the Auckland Corinthians and Inglewood was abandoned. The Auckland Star received the opinion of an Auckland enthusiast who was at the Waitara-Corinthian contest who had a "few interesting notes on the game" written in a letter to which the reporter referred, "He says the game was very fast, and inclined to be heavy. The Waitara men are heavy, and use their weight to advantage, Jack Clark being laid out through colliding with one of the forwards. The belief is expressed the Auckland side will have a hard nut to crack against Taranaki today. Waitara possess two English forwards who, the writer declares, are miles ahead of anything in the present touring team."[39] Taranaki played the Auckland side at the Recreation Ground losing 2–0. The Taranaki Herald reporting on the match elucidating, "The result was contrary to local anticipations, it being recognised that the touring team was weak in the back division, and would not be able to hold up against the opponents' tactics. However, the Taranaki combination made a bad showing, and on the whole the game was of a very medium standard, hardly up to that played at Waitara on the Saturday previous." A feature of the match was the combined play of the visitors, the Herald correspondent reported of forwards Foreshaw, Harvey, L. and J. Clarke and Olliver, "They played in concert and showed creditable work." The paper would say of the Taranaki sides' effort, "the home players Scholefield and Aklom were the best in the forwards, while in the backs Clark was by far the best, Bullock and Lister also playing well." Mr Broome was the referee.[40]

Taranaki accompanied the Auckland side on its trip north for a return fixture. The Evening Posts' 'Vanguard' commented on the 9th, "The Corinthian team, which carried off the championship at Auckland this season, has this week been touring in the Taranaki district. The Taranaki representatives intended journeying to Auckland with the Corinthians and playing against the Auckland representatives on the Kingsland ground today". Prior to the Taranaki sides first away game, the Auckland papers remarked regarding the two sides, "The (Auckland) team is strongest in the half line which could hardly be improved upon, but the full backs will, in all probability, be unable to withstand the attacks of the burly Taranaki men who play a heavy game." The New Zealand Herald in its football column on the eve of the match explained, "It is several years since an interprovincial "soccer" match was played in Auckland and judging by the interest with which today's game is looked forward to, there should be a large attendance at the Kingsland Ground, home of the Eden Cricket Club. The game is stated to have made great progress in the Taranaki district, and if this be the case a good and evenly contested match may confidently be anticipated." The columnist followed with, "the returned players are of the opinion that they were somewhat lucky in winning the latter game (at New Plymouth) and state that the Auckland representatives will find Taranaki a stiff nut to crack in the match at Kingsland this afternoon." Concluding with acknowledgement of ex-Tabernacle player, Sid Clark, captain of the Taranaki team and the sides centre forward Harry Scholefield, said to be "held by the visitors to be the best forward in New Zealand at the present time."[41] In the Auckland Star on the 11th the match reported, "Auckland V. Taranaki. A Drawn Game. Over a thousand spectators watched this match at Kingsland on Saturday. The weather was fine, and the ground In fair condition! Taranaki played against the sun. The opening movements were of a scrambling nature, both sides taking turns at attacking. Scholefield and Aklom put in one good bit of passing, but it came to nothing. Ambury, one of-the visiting forwards, wrenched an ankle soon after the game commenced, and in consequence Taranaki played a man short for a few minutes until Dugdale took his place. It was half an hour before the scoring opened, Foreshaw being given a good opportunity, through Dimery and Clarke's excellent dribbling. He shot from close quarters straight in securing the first goal against Taranaki. Auckland though occasionally having to repulse an attack, had the better of the succeeding play, and twice within a few minutes Frost had to save. Dimery succeeded in getting the ball past the Taranaki goal-keeper, but "off-side" nullified the score. Audinwood tried with a long pot, but the ball went wide. Then the 'dairyites' made themselves felt. A good deal of long, kicking kept the visitors from gaining close quarters for a time, but at last Taranaki obtained a corner. An attempt at heading a goal off the kick failed, and Audinwood relieved momentarily. A prompt return was made by the Taranaki forwards, and Scholefield, seeming a pass from Aklom, sent in a hot shot, which equalised the scores. The second spell opened with a hot attack on the part of the horne team. T. Clark almost scored with a clever backheader, and Foreshaw followed this up with a hot shot, which was slightly wide. Frost, the Taranaki goal-keeper, was deservedly applauded for his cool effective defence, which prevented more than one score. The most exciting part of the game followed. One of the Taranaki backs relieved with a long kick and the visiting forwards were ready to carry on the movement. Meldrum however got possession, and one of his powerful kicks put his side again on the attack. Some effective kicking by the Taranaki players soon took the game to the Auckland quarter, whence a shot went in, but was too high. Relief came for Auckland in the shape of a grand run by Dimery, who when he had passed nearly all the opposition centred to Foreshaw. The kick, however, was too hard, and a fine opportunity was lost. The Taranaki custodian again earned the hearty plandits of the spectators by splendid defensive work, in which he was well backed up by Clark and Bullock. Auckland secured a splendid opportunity to score, the visitors being penalised for handball. Meldrum, who took the kick right in front of the Taranaki goal, was ironically cheered when it was seen that his shot went over instead of just under the bar, as he had intended. For the last few minutes of the game Auckland consistently attacked, but the shooting was not very efficient, and the excellent defence of the Taranaki backs was demonstrated time after time." The final score 1 - 1 goal. The teams were; Taranaki: Goal, L. Frost; full backs, S. Clark (right), W. Bullock (left); halves, G. Hartley (right), K. Reid (centre). Lister (left); forwards, Ambury, Aklom. Scholefield, Wilson, Prosser. Auckland; Goal, Bayly; full-backs. Ritchie and Webster; halves, Yates, Audinwood, Meldrum; forwards, Dimery, J. Clark, Foreshaw, Fleming and Harvey. Referee: Mr Cash.[42] A week later in the New Zealand Herald further commentary was reported in regards to the recent match reading, "The interprovincial match played at Kingsland last Saturday was fast and interesting from start to finish, but the combination on both sides was poor, and more particularly on the part of the visitors. The game ended in a draw but the local men certainly outplayed their opponents and should have won. The Taranaki goalkeeper Frost played a great game for his side, as did also the two fullbacks Bullock and Sid Clark. Scholefield, whom the visitors claim to be the best forward in New Zealand, played the best forward game on the ground, but I certainly do not regard him as a better player than Sale of Auckland. For Auckland, Audinwood was the pick of the backs, and proved a stumbling block to Scholefield."[43]

At the Taranaki Association AGM in 1906 it was announced a strong Urenui team had been formed apart from Waitara, and Inglewood would enter a team joining the New Plymouth East and West sides.[44] An advertisement was put in the newspaper for Julian Cup entries by Mr. Frost with an eye toward a possible match against a rumoured English side that may tour. In April 1906 the Hawera Association Football Club formed with the election of President, Rev. J. A. Jacob; Vice-Presidents, Dr. Deck and Dr. Westenra, and a committee of, C.E. Major M.H.R., H. C. Clark (Patea), A. B. Stewart (Normanby), E. H. Walters (Kakaramea) and F. Basham; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr J. Campbell and honorary auditor, Mr J. Turton. A letter was received from the New Plymouth AFC for an Easter Weekend match which after discussion was to be delayed until later in the season.[45] A meeting of delegates of the Taranaki Association Football Union was held at Inglewood on Thursday 10th of May, delegates being present from Hawera, Eltham, Inglewood and New Plymouth. The Rev. J. A. Jacob, Hawera, was elected Chairman. Hawera, Eltham, and Kaponga clubs were affiliated to the Association. It was agreed that North and South sub-divisions should he formed. Each division will appoint its own selector for a North and South match, the two selectors to be present and select the representative team. A suggestion was made that each division appoint its own referees and submit names to the Union. When the draw for the North Division came out New Plymouth was drawn against Urenui at the Tukapa ground, new club Egmont were to host Inglewood at Egmont Village and Waitara the bye. Waitara would play Egmont the next week at Waitara and Inglewood would travel to Urenui. New Plymouth, at home, faced Inglewood while Waitara hosted Urenui in the third weekend of matches. New Plymouth then played Waitara at New Plymouth and Egmont traveled again, this time to Urenui in early June.[46]

At the meeting of the New Zealand Football Council in late July the secretary of the Taranaki Football Association advised that its district extended from New Plymouth to Hawera. The clubs affiliated to the association were New Plymouth, Urenui, Inglewood, Waitara, Kaponga, Eltham, and Hawera. The question of the Brown Shield Competition was discussed at some length and it was decided this year to hold the tournament in New Plymouth, 1907 in Auckland, and 1908 in Dunedin.

Taranaki, selected by Sid Clark, played Ruahine (Palmerston North) at Hawera in the Brown Shield semi-final winning 4–1. Taranaki, now dominated with players from the South Taranaki clubs, included only Bullock and Reid from New Plymouth and Sutherland from Inglewood in the side causing a stir in the north with a letter to the newspaper regarding the exclusion of prior Taranaki and Omata FC goal-keeper Frost.[47] Wellington defeated Auckland at the Recreation Ground, New Plymouth in the second semi-final. Wellington then played the final of the Brown Shield against Taranaki at Eltham a few days later, retaining the shield. Three days later Auckland would play a friendly at Kaponga, organised by the new club, against an invitation side winning 3–1.[48]

Eltham AFC won the 1906 Taranaki Championship beating New Plymouth AFC in the Julian Cup final.

The Taranaki Rugby Football Union from this year introduced a rule which prevented any rugby player that had played "soccer" from representing the Taranaki rugby side. The ruling put an end to the participation of the Tukapa and Star clubs in local association football and limited many players that moved between the codes.

Harry Scholefield, THE FREE LANCE, 17 JULY 1909

Harry Scholefield became the first significant transfer for the fledgling Taranaki Association, moving to the Wellington Swifts club in 1906 from the Waitara AFC. In The New Zealand Herald it was stated he was "fast, unselfish and an acquisition to local football",[49] scoring five goals in one of his first matches for the Swifts against Rovers. Swifts were building a formidable side with another addition, Fletcher from Woolwich Arsenal F.C. a centre-half with "eye opening centering and long shots", also joining Scholefield at the club in early 1906. In the Freelance on the 7th of July, high praise was written in regard to Scholefield with, "A player who gave me a great impression of his play was Scholefield, who played as centre-forward. He is a fast, dashing forward and passed and dribbled well. He is also a deadly shot and scored no less than five of the goals. I am inclined to think that on his play in this match he is the best forward that I have seen for a long time and if a New Zealand team was wanted he would be a certainty for it on his present form." [50] [51] While in Wellington, Scholefield was selected for the Britain team, made up from players born in "the old country", to play a New Zealand XI in mid-August.[52] In the 1906 Brown Shield final at Eltham in early September, Scholefield, now representing Wellington, would score both first-half goals in a 4–2 victory over Taranaki.[53] The game would be played under protest by the Taranaki and Auckland teams with both objecting to Scholefield being in the Wellington side.[54] In 1907 prior to the Brown Shield match between Wellington and Taranaki, Scholefield, now back with Taranaki, was proclaimed by The Evening Post to be "the best centre-forward in the colony".[55] Scholefield would also play rugby union on his return to Taranaki for the Clifton club, continuing to play cricket for Urenui, gaining selection to the Taranaki Representative XI.[56] In 1909 Scholefield left the Clifton rugby club and moved to the Eltham AFC before again shifting clubs, playing for the Stratford AFC in 1911.[57][58]

The New Plymouth Association Football club opened its 1907 season with a match against Rarawa at the Tukapa Ground. The crew of the ferry took the match 2 - 0. "A strong wind hampered the players considerably. There was not much to choose between the respective elevens, and neither side showed good combination. The game opened in a rather sensational manner, Rarawa getting away from the kick-off and scoring an easy goal. This was the only obtained in the first half. Play afterwards was chiefly in the Rarawa goalmouth but the New Plymouth forwards could not penetrate owing to eratic shooting. They missed many grand opportunities in this way. In the second half play was on much the same lines, and Rarawa again scored, shortly afterwards failing to convert a penalty. New Plymouth have a good team if the players will only combine better together and exercise more judgment front of goal. They gave a good display in midfield," reported the Taranaki Herald on May 25. The Rarawa and her crew were regular visitors to the port at Moturoa from around 1904 to 1916, taking passengers and cargo between Onehunga and New Plymouth.[59]

In 1908 Diamond travelled from Wellington for an Easter match at Kaponga. The Evening Post's Vanguard in 'Association Notes' said in reference to the visit of the soon to be Wellington champions, "The Diamond Club went to Kaponga, in the Taranaki district. The match against Kaponga, according to one of the Diamond men was played in a deluge of rain, but notwithstanding this, there was a good attendance. Only half-hour spells were played, and the game resulted in a win for the Diamonds by 3 goals to 1. Hathaway, Lowe, and Reddy being the scorers for the winners, and Scholefield (as a guest player) for the losers. Taking the game all-round, it was very even and fairly fast, considering the slippery state of the ground. Kaponga has some excellent material in its teams, Stapleton, Kelly and Scholefield being particularly good. It is surprising the keen interest taken in soccer in this district. A team has recently been formed at Auroa, a few miles out of Kaponga. A trip was arranged to Mount Egmont, but owing to the bad weather it had to be abandoned. However, all enjoyed a drive to Opunake. On Saturday night the team was entertained at a smoke concert. The most pleasing item of this was the presence of the president of the Rugby Club (Rev. Mr. Scott) who also takes a keen interest in soccer. In his speech, he referred to the jealousy of the Rugby Unions against the soccer game, but he considered there was plenty of room for the two games, and said he would like to see this ill feeling put an end to. On the whole, the team had a good trip, and the game should benefit with a few visits of this sort, as the enthusiasm shown by the inhabitants of Kaponga proves that the game is going ahead in the district."[60]

1911–1920

The Taranaki Daily News correspondent "Queen's Park" reported on July 22, 1911, on how New Plymouth had likely secured the services of William Shepherd, from Portsea Island in Hampshire, late goal-keeper of Portsmouth F.C. in England.[61] Shepherd joined the New Plymouth AFC and played for the clubs Saturday team, the Wanderers, out-field and in goal. After the war in 1922, Shepherd at 37 years old and in the twilight of his playing days, was selected for the Taranaki side as the reserve goal-keeper to play the Australia national soccer team at the Recreation Ground, New Plymouth. Shepherd became a founding member of the Fitzroy Rangers, representing the club on the TFA into the 1930s. Mr. William Shepherd would reside in New Plymouth through to passing in 1966.

'Queens Park' followed in the newspaper report with a plea, "What has become of Taranaki? They have the material to give the Brown Shield holders a good shaking, and it only needs looking after." All attempts at winning the shield would end in defeat, with 'Queens Park' none the wiser to the fact it would be 49 years until the 1960 Moturoa AFC team under the auspices of the Taranaki Football Association, achieved a clean sweep winning four matches against the 'minor provinces' to lift the shield. 'Queens Park', forecasting the years championship result claimed, "South Taranaki will likely find a resting place for the Championship Cup this year. They seem to be very strong at "soccer" down that way."[61] The statement proved prophetic. At the conclusion of the 1911 Julian Cup the New Plymouth AFC faced Manaia in the final. Manaia won the match 2–1, and with it the Taranaki Championship for the first time. The Rev. Stent a key driver in establishing a team in Manaia using the town's enthusiasts, with players from the Omata FC, New Plymouth AFC, the Auroa club and Hawera AFC. The Manaia club would not win the Taranaki Championship again until its final time in 1925, when it also won the Chinese Cup.

The New Plymouth AFC played eight matches in 1911, winning six and losing two. 16 goals were scored and 5 conceded. At the end of the season the New Plymouth AFC club took a team to Auckland, losing its match with the Auckland Association side by a goal to nothing.[62]

At the beginning of the 1912 season, the New Plymouth AFC advised the Hawera FC of its inability to travel to the scheduled Easter Weekend match at Hawera. Hawera then made the journey north instead to save the match with the NPAFC agreeing to a return fixture at Hawera in June. New Plymouth won the match in the north, with play said to be "very even" with Hawera's luck "deserting them at critical moments". New Plymouth brother's J & G Wylie scored a goal each, with Mr. Clark the match official.[63] In late April, Mr. E. Elliot presided over an attendance of about twenty at meeting of the NPAFC called to consider the proposal to inaugurate a Saturday competition. After some discussion it was agreed to. It was stated at the end of the meeting that, "the prospects of 'soccer' in New Plymouth were very bright, and with a view to encouraging it among the primary school boys the New Plymouth Club decided to present medals, balls and rule books to the teams first formed, and several seniors expressed a willingness to coach the lads".[64] The Taranaki Herald on the 27th of April discussed how there was a "movement on-foot" to get a Saturday competition going suggesting that, the United Services, Mangorei and a combined Waitara-Urenui team may form the nucleus of the proposed competition.[65] The opening Julian Cup game in the northern-division was played on the Tukapa Ground in May between two newly formed clubs, the Mangorei Swifts and the Albion FC. Later in the month owing to the majority of the members of the Mangorei team being unable to get to town a scratch match was played between Rovers and Wanderers in place of the Wanderers v Albion game which was to have taken place. Rovers won the scratch match five goals to three.[66] A selection team from the North to play the South at the Recreation Ground in a trial match for the Taranaki representative team was announced including, goal-keeper Shepherd, Plumb and Wylie from the Wanderers, Holmes, Charteris and Goddard from the Albion, Eliot and Gwillim from Mangorei, and the second Wylie from NPAFC.[67] The Rev. W. F. Stent of Manaia, the Chairman of the Taranaki Association, selected the Taranaki team for the scheduled match with Wanganui during June. The team selected included W. Shepperd in goal; backs, Bullock, one of the original members of the NPAFC and TAFU, now at the recent champion Manaia club, along with Stapleton; halves, James (Kaponga), Mitchell (Hawera), and Eliot (New Plymouth); forwards, Hazeltine and Spice from Hawera FC, The Wylie brothers and Gwillim from New Plymouth, Bowen from Kaponga, along with emergencies, Williams from the fledgling club at Okaiawa, Nicholls from Kaponga, Lamb and Chadwick from Hawera, and Holmes from the Albion. The team Manager was Mr. A. Melville, the Secretary of the TAFU.[68] The final for the Julian Cup was set to be played between New Plymouth and Kaponga at Eltham on the 22nd of August.[69] The match never took place with the Chairman of the TAFU deciding that New Plymouth had no right to a final match and declared Kaponga the 1912 Taranaki Champions. South of the mountain the newspaper began to publish a series of scathing letters from the supporters of the Hawera and Manaia clubs in regards to Kaponga's title. Throughout the season a contributor to the paper, under the pen name 'Sideline' had stirred up rivalry between the clubs. 'Sideline' in his last opinion piece of the season saying bluntly, "Anyone not living within a couple of miles of Kaponga would be aghast, as your correspondent was, to see Kagonga flaunting themselves in print as Taranaki's champions. In their last match they were beaten by Hawera by about eight or thereabouts to nil. Manaia forfeited, and I suppose North Taranaki does not think it worth contesting. That is how Kaponga holds the position if it is correct of being winners of Taranaki for 1912. But it would be more modest, and more in harmony with facts, if Kaponga left the praising to be done by others. This is not the modesty of the mountain town, however. Self-praise seems to be the chief recommendation of this season's champions. They are being publicly complimented and presentations showered upon them at the famous ball to be held on August 29th, and the ticket of admission bears the inscription "Taranaki's champions." Hawera had undoubtedly the best team by far in South Taranaki; Manaia an easy second. How then did Kaponga win? The solution is simple. They have, their half-holiday on Thursday, and every time they travelled to Manaia and Hawera they forced the men of these latter town to take two holidays in the week. Hawera managed to do it at their last match—no doubt by personal favor of employers, a thing which can be done very seldom. If my advice is worth anything, South Taranaki will confine themselves to the one day, and teams that cannot play Wednesday matches should have a league of Thursday teams, i.e., Kaponga, Eltham, Stratford, etc. and in the finals the teams would draw for the day to play it on." Sparing no-one 'Sideline' then raised the so-called 'Mitchell Incident'. "Mitchell, I hear, has gone to Wanganui, where, if rumor can be relied upon, his mind has been set for some time past. How he came to play for St. John's on June 29, and for Hawera later on against Kaponga perhaps the Union officials can explain. It certainly needs explanation. One wonders what would have happened had Manaia done as they ought to have done and made an effort in the interest of true sport and played Kaponga and beaten them. Would Kaponga have played Hawera again or protested on the score of Mitchell playing for Hawera whilst being a member of another club and union? In any case, Mitchell knew what he was doing, if no one else did."[70] The Chairman of the TAFU, Rev. Stent saying of 'Sideline', "The little spice has certainly given zest to the reading, and if not always fair he has been always suggestive". Manaia had defaulted their last match of the season against Kaponga with the TAFU awarding 3 points to Kaponga as compensation, putting them at the top of the Southern Division. The Hawera club pointed out it had a match yet to play, and with its seasons form and victory over Kaponga at Kaponga earlier in the season giving it reason to challenge the decision of the chairman of the TAFU. The Hawera AFC Secretary, Mr. Fred Stevens going so far as to say, "If they really do think they are champions and that theirs is the best team in the province they are quite welcome to do so! It pleases them and their supporters to think so and amuses the rest of Taranaki, should the 'champion' team, however care to give the public an exhibition of what they can do, our club is quite prepared to meet them on a day to be mutually arranged, and on a neutral ground, say Okaiawa. The public seldom see a first class team in operation, and this should prove a treat".[71] The conclusion of the 1912 season saw Rev. W. F. Stent resign from both the chairmanship and membership of the TAFU after his disputed decision of awarding the championship to Kaponga had rendered his position untenable.[72] The Kaponga club retained the Julian Cup and were recorded as 1912 Taranaki Champions with a photo of the team taken and presented at the celebration party. The Kaponga club still has the 1912 team photo today showing a proud team with the Julian Cup. 'Sideline' forever remained incognito.

In 1913 the New Plymouth clubs comprised the Wanderers who were the Saturday team of the New Plymouth AFC, The Watersiders who often drafted players from the crew of visiting ships to the port, the Albion FC, who would endure on and off from 1912 until dissolving the mid-1950s, Carrington Road, who as a club also played tennis and cricket, the Omata FC, who had been sporadic in existence for the prior nine years, and the Swifts from Mangorei. School football in New Plymouth had begun to gain traction. Teams from Central, Fitzroy and Waitara entering for the years competition.[73] At the annual meeting of the New Plymouth AFC it was resolved to abolish Sunday practices and to instruct the club delegates to the Taranaki Football Association, Mr. E.A. Eliot and club-captain Mr. G.E. Roper, to apply on behalf of the club for affiliation to the TFA. The delegates were also instructed to urge at the AGM in Eltham, that the Junior Cup be made available for competition by the norths teams for a nominal fee of affiliation, and to ask for permission to play a match proposed during June, between the club and the crew of the visiting HMS New Zealand, with Captain Halsey from the ship being sent a letter of invitation.[74]

At South Taranaki near the end of the 1913 season, the TFA Secretary Mr. J. East wrote to the editor of the Hawera and Normanby Star stating that there had been a "direct refusal" by the Kaponga club to return the Julian Cup until a general meeting had been called. A letter written to the paper by Kaponga's Mr. Carr complained of the TFA's ignorance of the Kaponga club's questioning of under whose authority had the decision been made to split the Taranaki league into north and south divisions, among many other points of argument including the handling of the publication of match results. In another letter to the press from Mr. W. Stent in response it was stated that the executive were quite conscious of the season's failures, but "could not honestly take the blame for them". There had been many difficulties chiefly on account of trying to run the competition as one league. "A number of journeys had been made to Eltham and many hours spent trying to arrange things for the good of the game, as hopeless as the task is, meriting the consideration of the clubs" said Mr. Stent, following with, "whether Kaponga's contentions are right or wrong does not in any way make their action in regard to the cup of any better complexion, whether they win or lose, the cup by agreement has to be handed in by July 1st, and will be handed over to the winning team by the officials in due course, they will only weaken their case by continuing to disregard this rule". The executive had to confess that the one-division system didn't work with it being "hard enough, witness the number of forfeits, to get the nearer clubs to keep their engagements, and to get Waitara or New Plymouth to Okaiawa and Kaponga and vice versa is impossible". Mr Stent then concluded, "We have done our best and spared not ourselves nor our pockets, and we shall all be glad to give someone else the job next year".[75] The issues were to be resolved at a special meeting of the FA organised for the end of September in Eltham.[76]

At the annual general meeting of the New Plymouth AFC in early 1914 it was reported that the past season had been fairly successful. Eight matches were played in 1913, and seven won. Waitara and Inglewood were beaten twice and Stratford once. Owing to the late start of the season, the final with the southern division champion Hawera for the Julian Cup was not decided. Central School 'A' had proved school champions and won the New Plymouth club's medals after a series of matches.[77]

Originally the Moturoa Football Club was a short-lived rugby club, started by the Breakwater Sports Committee in the kiosk at Ngāmotu Beach in early 1914, before amalgamating with the Star club. Moturoa FC's home ground was the prison reserve field at Otaka Street, Moturoa. The club retained one junior team for a short period after the amalgamation that played in the Moturoa club's colour white, with the addition of a star emblem on the shirt chest.

From 1915 to 1921 there was no official Taranaki Championship due to the war.

In 1917 the liner SS Waiwera docked in the harbour at Moturoa. The Waiwera crew would face a New Plymouth side in a friendly match. The Waiwera side included Mr. George Rendall as a member. Before leaving England he played four games for the West Ham Reserves in London. Residing in Moturoa he played for Albion FC and on occasion other New Plymouth sides. He was also selected for the Taranaki representative side, retiring from playing in 1933. Rendall represented Moturoa on the TFA from 1931. He coached the game from around 1938 at the High School. One player identified as talented early by Rendall at the High School was future New Zealand Universities and Moturoa player Ted Meuli with Rendall stating in 1975 from his Bayly Road address to the Taranaki Herald that Meuli was the "most promising player he ever saw" and "would go a long way in the right team".[78] Mr. Rendall's three step-sons Norm, Des (mascot for Albion FC around 1930) and Bob Quinlan would also play football in New Plymouth. Mr. Norm Quinlan was the captain of the Moturoa AFC after the second world war ended until the end of the decade.

Taranaki was slow in comparison to the other regions of New Zealand to recommence the game. Games were organised against visiting ships, most were unofficial one-off matches. A meeting of the New Plymouth Association Football Club was held at the club rooms on in late June 1919 to discuss prospects for the present season. There was a large attendance of playing and honorary members. It was decided to form a team and to get into communication with other centres with a view to arranging matches. A letter was received from the Eltham Football Club asking for a suitable date for a trial match. Most of the old players had now returned from the front any many enthusiasts were looking forward to a good competition being arranged in Taranaki. Any "young fellows desirous of joining up" were to call at the clubroom or communicate with Mr. E. A. Elliot on Currie Street. The secretary was instructed to write about a ground. A match between a town team and a team from the liner SS Whakatane was mooted for the Thursday but the proposal had to be abandoned owing to the men from the steamer not being able to get away from duty. It was said by the reporter, "had the match been played it would have made an interesting introductory chapter to the new volume of soccer, which, so it is hoped, is about to be compiled in New Plymouth."[79]

After the first world war many of the original New Plymouth clubs based in smaller rural communities, including the Swifts, Carrington, and Omata FC, were never brought out of recess.

1921–1930

The Taranaki Football Association in 1921 began to hold committee meetings again, based in Hawera. Hawera had affiliated with the Wanganui FA for the past season.

In 1922 the New Plymouth AFC played a well drilled Hawera at the Waiwhakaiho Showground. Hawera had played matches with teams from Wanganui along with the other resurgent South Taranaki clubs prior to the fixture and took the game at New Plymouth easily. There was confusion by some of the New Plymouth players the morning of the fixture, who had assembled at the Recreation Ground in central New Plymouth, before being advised that the match had been scheduled to take place across the river at the Waiwhakaiho Showground.

Wednesday June 28, 1922, The Australian national football team played Taranaki at the Recreation Ground in New Plymouth, coined the "Greatest match ever seen in Taranaki". The Australians arrived in Hāwera on the Tuesday then making the journey to New Plymouth on the evening's express. A trial match had been played at Hawera the prior Saturday between Taranaki v The Rest, resulting in a 3–0 win for the Taranaki side, Davis scoring a hat-trick. The Taranaki team selected for the provinces first official international fixture included, in goal, Johnston, backs; Jones, Barker, half-backs, Worthington, Howeth, Pooch, forwards; P. Thompson, Woodhead (right-wing), Fitzgerald (centre), Freakley, Davis (left-wing). Emergency players were, Shepherd, Butler, Belchin and Piper. Australia would play in light blue and maroon colours with Taranaki in black and white. An enthusiastic crowd of 4000 spectators watched the game, paying 2/- for general admission and 1/- for ladies. Jones' display at right back was commended in the Taranaki Herald newspaper. Taranaki won the toss, playing with the sun behind them and also with the slight breeze that was blowing. Australia kicked off and within five minutes led 1–0, the goal scored by J. Cumberford after a defensive misunderstanding. Brown would net Australia's second after receiving a cross from Dane, Dane then scored their third goal from a pot-shot, Brown would score his second right before half-time. In the second half the Australians continued to control the match, Brown would score his third and Australia's fifth. Eventually after a good piece of combined work by Woodhead, Fitzgerald and Freakley saw the latter score the best goal of the day. Australia's Brown would score his fourth making the final score 6–1. Mr. L. C. H. Dawson was the referee.

The New Plymouth team paid a visit to Hawera on August 12. The match was said by the Stratford Evening Post to have been, "a fast, keenly contested game."[80] Hawera won 2–0.

Hawera won the 1922 Julian Cup, retaining the title of Taranaki Champions again in 1923. Mr G.E. Jones from Hawera became the first player from Taranaki to be selected for a New Zealand representative side when included in the 1923 New Zealand XI tour of Australia. Keeping notes of the tour,[81] Jones would play a single match against the North Coast at Nambour, Queensland in a 2–0 win.[82]

The withdrawal of New Plymouth AFC from the 1923 Julian Cup and the inclusion of Kaponga necessitated a revision of the fixtures. Kaponga were not able to take the place of New Plymouth, as they traveled on Thursday, their weekly half-holiday, while New Plymouth were set to travel on Saturday. At season's end a column regarding the 1923 Julian Cup by "Kick Off" in the Hawera and Normanby Star began with, "Overheard on a Taranaki Soccer ground. Referee spinning coin, "Heads or tails.'' Visiting captain, ''Heads.'' Referee, "Heads it is, which way are you playing?" Visiting captain, "Oh we may as well play with the tide"." The Julian Cup was won by the Hawera Club. Their record in the competition was, Played 10, won 8, lost 2, goals for 38, against 11. In addition to competition games, they beat New Plymouth 4 to 2, Manaia 10 to 2, Stratford 5 to 3, Wanganui 1 to 0, making the respectable total of 14 wins to 2 losses, goals for 58, against 16. One of the most improved players in the season was Skjellerup, said, "if he continues next season as he has started this season rep. honours should come his way," by Kick Off. "If present form is indicative of next season's players, then Kaponga should be the hardest team to beat in 1924. They have a well-balanced team, and with old stagers like Boodle, Nicholls and Melville to help them along they must improve on this season's performance", the paper forecast. Until Manaia were defeated by Auroa they had a great chance of making things interesting as regards the final, as they were ahead on points, but Hawera and Auroa each had two matches in hand, whereas Manaia had played 10 games.

The Moturoa School opened in 1923 after years of deliberation. In one of the schools first sporting achievements, the Moturoa School rugby side made it to the semi-final of the 1924 McLeod Shield at Inglewood, where they played Wharehuia losing 15 to nil. Rugby would be the dominate sport at the school until near the end of the decade, when a soccer team was started after some thoughtful discussion.

The Chinese Universities toured New Zealand in 1924. The team was chosen from the Fudan, Jiaotong, Soochow, Lingnan, Southeast and Hong Kong Universities and played under the flag of the Chinese Republic. There was no shortage of publicity for the tour with every region of the country visited by the Chinese side. The Universities team played 22 games in New Zealand including 4 matches against the New Zealand XI. The Chinese Universities played Taranaki at the Showgrounds in Hawera with 3000 spectators witnessing a 1–1 draw. The Taranaki team selected was; goal, Hart (Hawera); backs, Betteridge (Manaia), Beare (Hawera); halfbacks, Pooch (Hawera), Nicholls (Kaponga); captain, W. Brown (Auroa); forwards, Ramsay, Galloway (Hawera); Freakley (Kaponga), Campbell (Hawera), H. Pollard (Kaponga); with reserves; W. Smart (Auroa), S. Pollard, A. Pollard and J. Campbell (Kaponga). The Hawera and Normanby Star reported regarding the local team with, "The local players showed up well at times, but there was a lack of combination. Freakley was weak at centre, and this hampered play. Pooch, had more than he could manage in Chang, and the centre forwards weakness made things extra hard. Nicholl and Ramsay stood out as the best of the local team, and were the chief sources of trouble to the visitors. Pollard dribbled fairly well, but his centres left a deal to be desired. Campbell and Galloway were very fair, and the former's goal was a good effort. The two full-backs had plenty to do, but their kicking was ill-directed. Beare was the better and was more precise. Hart gave a most promising display in goal, and made a couple of clever clearances. A great defect of the full-backs and goalie was their kicking towards the centre, instead of out to the wings."[83] The correspondent at the match earlier reported regarding the Chinese play, "On the visiting side, Pao, the-goal-keeper, had very little to do, but seemed deceived when Taranaki's goal was scored. The two full-backs were an experiment, and generally played well, but in the second spell Loh was hampered by the greasy ground. The halfbacks are the best part of the team, and all three are fine purveyors of the ball. Lok makes a great pivot, and distributed the play with rare nicety. The forwards did not seem together at times in the first half of the game, but improved greatly during the second. Wang, at outside right, showed plenty of skill, and gave his opposing hacks a good deal of trouble." Wang originally a centre forward, had led the Chinese team which toured Australia in 1923. A curtain raiser was played between a North Taranaki Xl picked from the New Plymouth, Eltham and Kaponga clubs and South Taranaki Xl from the Manaia, Auroa and Hawera clubs, the North XI won 1–0. The Chinese side then travelled north by train, playing Auckland next in a 5–1 loss in front of 28,000 paying spectators. A "handsome" silver cup was later donated to the Taranaki Football Association in August by the Chinese residents of Taranaki in commemoration of the University teams' visit.[84][85][86][87][88]

Kaponga won the 1924 Taranaki Championship and Julian Cup. The Hibernian Society Cup was introduced and an annual tournament held at the Manaia Domain was conducted throughout the 1920s.

Ideal weather conditions prevailed on September 22, when on the Saturday afternoon the public of New Plymouth were able to witness the first and only major match of the season to be played in the town. The game took place at Pukekura Park with an attendance of about 400 people. The contesting teams were the Taranaki representatives who drew with China at Hawera on August 6, and the New Plymouth team. The teams took the field as follow; Taranaki in chocolate and gold. In goal Renwick (Hawera), backs Bettridge (Manaia), Beare (Hawera), half-backs Barker (Eltham), Pooch (Hawera), Brown (Auroa), forwards Plant (Auroa), Galloway (Hawera), Pollard (Kaponga) and the Campbell's (Hawera). New Plymouth in black and white, in goal Royston, backs Holmes, Matthews, half-backs I. Thompson, Hughes, Herdson, forwards Bell, Shepherd, P. Thompson, Harlow and Harwell. At half-time Taranaki led 1–0, scoring two more goals in the second half to win 3–0.[89]

The 1925 annual general meeting of members of the Taranaki Football Association was held at Stratford. Mr Adams of Hawera presided. A letter was read from the New Plymouth centre stating its difficulties in connection with the '‘mixed” half-holiday system in Taranaki, and that this was affecting their progress at the northern end. However, with the regular visits of overseas ships in that port they would arrange a good number of friendly games, and would endeavor to meet Stratford and Eltham clubs. The recently donated cup is named, The Chinese Residents Challenge Cup, to be competed for by the senior teams in the province on the ‘‘knock-out” principle with the champion team to have the privilege of challenging for the much-coveted Chatham Cup, "the pride of all clubs in New Zealand."[85] Feeling reference to the death of Mr Wee On, a prominent citizen of Hawera, who was the prime mover in the presentation of the Chinese Cup from the Chinese residents of Taranaki, was made by the Chairman.[90] At the meeting of the executive of the Taranaki Football Association at Manaia in early July it was decided to open the Chinese Citizens' Cup competition to all "soccer" teams in Taranaki, whether affiliated or not. The competition will be conducted on the "knock-out" principle, each team retiring from the competition on its first defeat. It was decided that nominations must close with the secretary, Mr H. Kendall on July 18. In the first games for the Chinese Cup, New Plymouth beat the Hawera juniors 10–0, Auroa beat Hawera 4–0, and Manaia won by default against Auroa B.[91] The Manaia Soccer Club won the 1925 Taranaki Championship and with it the Julian Cup. Also winning the new Chinese Residents Challenge Cup in August beating Auroa 1–0 in the semi-final and a week later New Plymouth in the final 3–1.

The Caledonian Football Club emerged in New Plymouth in 1925. The 'Callies' as they came to be known, would play in blue, embracing the Scottish heritage of many of the clubs members.

New Plymouth - 1926 Chinese Cup winners

1926 – At the annual general meeting of delegates of Taranaki Football was held in Stratford on the 7th of April. Mr W. A. D. Adams (Hawera) presided over an attendance of representatives from several clubs. During the season three trophies were competed for, Manaia winning the Chinese Citizens' Cup and also the Julian Cup. Kaponga, after winning the Hibernian Society's Cup for seven-a-side, unfortunately had to disband, principally onn account of the half-holiday question. The representative team only played two matches in 1925, home and home with Wanganui, being defeated on both occasions. Thanks were said to be "due to the Rugby Union, for use of the A and P ground on June 3 and to the City Football Club for their sporting offer to share proceeds for the day and also desire to thank members for travelling so many miles at their own expense to play." The election of officers resulted; Patron, Mr J. E. Campbell (Hawera), President, Mr W. A. D. Adams (Hawera), Vice-Presidents, Messrs T. Smith (Stratford), G Edwards (Manaia), J. Goodwin (Hawera), and Dr. Brown (New Plymouth). The appointment of a Secretary and a Treasurer was left in the hands of the Executive. The Auditor was Mr K. Mahoney (Hawera) and the Executive, Messrs R. G. Muggeridge, D. Bettridge (Manaia), G. Frickley and A. Brown (Auroa) "with power to add". The Manaia Club was granted permission to arrange with the Manaia Hibernian Sports Club to hold a seven-a-side tournament on Saturday, April 21. After discussion it was decided that in the Julian Cup competition the travelling team shall have the choice on the day upon which a match shall take place. Auroa won the 1926 Julian Cup and Taranaki Championship. New Plymouth AFC won the 1926 Chinese Cup beating Caledonians, Auroa and then Hawera in the final, 2–1 at Victoria Park, Stratford. It would be the New Plymouth AFC's last trophy. In the south, new club 'Celtic' was formed, known colloquially as Hawera's All Blacks in the towns newspaper. The Pirates and the Fitzroy Rangers emerged in New Plymouth. Starting as junior/intermediate teams and soon after joining senior football, both clubs often played at the Bellringer Estate, home of today's Peringa United Football Club.

The 1927 annual meeting of the Taranaki Football Association was held at Smith's tea rooms. Mr. Adams, the President occupied the chair. The 1926 Julian Cup competition had a late entry from North Taranaki necessitating a revised fixture list, which caused considerable misunderstanding among the clubs. The trophy was eventually won by Auroa. The Chinese Cup was lifted by New Plymouth and the handsome cup and gold medals presented by the Manaia citizens for the Hibernian seven-a-side tournament was won by Hawera. Rep. games were played with Wanganui, home and away, Wanganui being victorious on both occasions. It was decided to form northern and southern divisions, the northern division to consist of the New Plymouth clubs and the southern of the rest of the clubs. The Julian Cup competition scheduled to commence on April 2 and trial matches to be played on May 7 and 21 in preparation for the Canadian match on May 25. It was said to be, "essential that all players should get into early training as by reports from Wellington the Canadian team is the strongest combination to ever represent Canada."[92] The chairman reported that he was arranging a meeting of referees to form a Referees’ Association. A recommendation was made for the executive to have rules of the game printed.

In 1927 the Canadian All Stars arrived in New Zealand for a 10-week tour. There had been a small attendance at Victoria Park in Stratford watching the trial match between the North and South to select the Taranaki side in the week leading up to the "international". The South won the match 2–1, with goals from Roberts before half-time and Humphries just after the restart. The North side, in blue, scored with a late goal from Hill assisted off a cross from J. Spedding. The match referee was Mr. J. Mitchell. The North was represented by; Royce, Wiles, Davis, Spedding (2), Fairburn, Brown, Gardiner, Hill, Ibbotson and Bremner. The South side included; Plant, Betteridge, Beere, Freakley, Gilbert, Stewart, Postway, Ramsay, Galloway, Roberts and Humphries. The team selected to represent Taranaki against Canada included; in goal, Royston (New Plymouth); full-backs, Davis (NP), Beere (Hawera); half-backs, captain Freakley (Auroa), Brown (NP), Stewart (Stratford); forwards, Ramsey and Humphries (Hawera), Bremner, J. Spedding and Hill (NP). Reserves were, Gardiner and Fairburn (NP), Betteridge (Manaia), Plant, Gilbert and Galloway (Hawera).[93] The match played against Taranaki at Pukekura Park was the first of the All Stars tour. Reported as being the "Strongest Side Ever In Dominion", The Canadian team comprising 17 players reported as being, "well built and trained in a good school of football, with the advantage that they have had experience in playing against English and Scottish professional teams, from which games they have emerged with credit, if not with success." Several of the team were born in Scotland the said, "nursery of Association football" and had learned to play with teams of considerable reputation. Mr. Adam, the All Stars manager had previously led a Canadian side on a tour of Australia in 1925, with that team playing a match in transit at Auckland on the return journey to Canada. The 1927 Canadian team was touted as being," a far stronger one than that which visited Australia two seasons ago, and no side as good has hitherto visited New Zealand."[94] The Press Association called the match a "Brilliant Exhibition" in its report on May 25, following with, "The Canadian Soccer team opened their Dominion tour by defeating Taranaki in a brilliant exhibition of the code by ten goals to one. The game was played in fine weather before a crowd of about four thousand. From the blowing of the whistle the Canadians set a rattling pace that kept Taranaki defending strenuously, and within a quarter of an hour Canada had built up a formidable pile of points. From the start the public were treated to an exposition of brainwork and skill that was an education in itself. By half-time the score was nine goals to nil in favour of Canada, and in the second spell the tourists obviously eased up, being content to give Taranaki a chance and at the same time afford their own team good practice. The most impressive feature of the game was the accuracy of the Canadians’ head work and their dribbling made doubly effective by the remarkable manner in which each player was always in position to receive the pass from his teammate. The visitors specialised in short dribbling kicks, by means of which with a deft turn of foot they were able to beat an opponent time and again. To see them manoeuvre into position and then follow up a quick cross-kick from the side line with a sharp driving shot to the net that often found its mark was as much a lesson to the public as it was to the opposing side. The ten goals scored by Canada were rather the monopoly of a few players, Archibald gaining the honours with four, while Turner scored three, Frances two and Davidson one. Probably the best exhibition by any individual player was that of Turner, the versatile inside left, whose clever footwork and excellent foot control were a treat to see. Of the others the most impressive were the reliable goalie, S. Tait, who captained the team and Edmunds, left full-back, who specialised in accurate placing to the other members of the team through the medium of long kicking. Unfortunately he was injured and had to leave the field. Generally speaking, the Canadians complete understanding was best seen in the working of the "double triangle" strategy, by which an accurate system of connection between two separate systems of players, one on each side of the field, was maintained. It was in this respect that Taranaki suffered most in comparison, the home team's players being frequently caught out of position, especially when two or three of them raced for the ball together and met to no purpose. In spite of the big score against them Taranaki battled gamely, and at times inspired the spectators to great enthusiasm by their attacking work. The honour of shooting the only goal against the Canadians was gained by Bremner. He and Hill were the best of the home forwards, while Davis was outstanding amongst the backs." Before leaving New Plymouth to continue on, an autographed team portrait of the Canada Allstars side was presented to the TFA. The team then headed south to play the Wanganui representatives, and then "the Flock House" side in Bulls before a match with Manawatu at the Palmerston North Showgrounds, their fourth match in eight days.[95]

On Saturday 28th following the Canada match at New Plymouth, the Watersiders defeated the Fitzroy Rangers, 5–1 in the Julian Cup. The same weekend Auroa defeated Hawera 3 goals to 2 at Hawera. The Stratford club during the week, owing to numerous difficulties had decided to withdraw their team from the cup competition.

Caledonians won the 1927 Julian Cup on their first attempt with victory over champions Auroa 2–1 after extra time. The final played at Stratford saw no score in the first spell, and at the end of the second half the match was tied at a goal each. A further ten minutes each way was played. Three minutes before time of the next Harwell scored for the Caledonians. The Julian Cup was presented by the TFA president Mr Adams to Mr. Rae, the captain of the Caledonians. Mr Adams congratulated the members of the Caledonian team on their winning the cup at their first attempt, closing by saying he, "hoped that in the interest of the game it would be won by a southern team next year."[96] The Watersiders beat Hawera 1–0 in the semi-final of the 1927 Chinese Cup with Auroa and Caledonian playing out a 0–0 stalemate in the other semi-final. In the replay a week later the Calies beat the travelling Auroa team 4–3 at Western Park. In the final of the Chinese Cup, the Watersiders were beaten by the Caledonians 4–2.

The Duff Rose Bowl (Duff Cup) was donated to the TFA by the Watersiders in 1927. It would originally be played for in a knock-out format. The Watersiders won the first Duff Rose Bowl in defeating Fitzroy Rangers 2–0 in the final at Western Park.[97] Both the Watersiders and Wanderers dissolved after the 1927 season. The 'Watersiders' team name in New Plymouth became associated with the rugby league code from the 1930s until a rekindled Watersiders association football team competed briefly again in the local divisions in the early 1960s.

Mr W. Adams presided at the 1928 annual meeting of the TFA held at Stratford. The annual report submitted by the president stated the game had made good progress in North Taranaki, while in the south two clubs had been unable to fulfill all their engagements chiefly owing to the "eternal" half-holiday question. The trophies of the association were the Manaia citizens (seven-a-side) held by Hawera; the Julian Cup, won by the Caledonians for the second time; the Chinese Cup, also won by the Caledonians; and the Duff Rose Bowl, won by the Watersiders. The Thompson Cup (junior) was won by the Pirates and Fitzroy Rangers. It was resolved to leave the Chinese Cup as a provincial competition. A notice of motion was received and carried that the Duff Cup competition be altered from the knock-out system to the league system.[98] Moturoa FC first affiliated with the TFA for the 1928 season with Mr. J. McKay as club delegate. The 1928 Julian Cup competition was split into north and south divisions with the winners of each qualifying for the final. Caledonian defeated Moturoa 4–0 in one of the first matches of the season.[99] Caledonian won the northern league, facing the southern winner Stratford in the final for the Taranaki Championship. The final was played in ideal weather at Western Park before a fair attendance. A hard game resulted in a win for Caledonians 4–1, but while being beaten Stratford were by no means disgraced having the hardest of luck on several occasions.[100] Stratford won the Chinese Cup beating Caledonian 1–0 in the final.[101] Caledonian beat Moturoa in the Duff Cup, a huge score-line of 10–0 recorded.[102] Playing for the Duff Cup in September, Caledonian defeated Albion 3–0, and Moturoa beat the Fitzroy Rangers 3–0.[103]

At an early season meeting of the TFA in May 1929, it was resolved to contact the clubs to remind them to have their grounds marked properly for all matches, Egmont United were affiliated to the association, reigning champions Caledonians were granted permission to play out of the province, with a game against a Wanganui side to be scheduled. Mr E. A. Walker was thanked for his donation of one guinea to the association. The Chinese Cup it was decided, was to be donated to the junior competition for one season. Referee, Mr. Cuff forwarded a statement reporting a player for allegedly using obscene language during the Stratford V Caledonian match, the player of Caledonian, was suspended for two matches. [104]

The Stratford Evening Post in early 1929 said, "it had been stated that next season there will be eight Association football teams in New Plymouth." And proclaiming, "the Stratford team will be just as strong, if not stronger as last year, and they will have a good chance of winning the premiership."

The Stratford side would follow through, crowned Taranaki Champions for the first time, winning the Julian Cup. Moturoa won the 1929 Chinese Cup. Moturoa's intermediate team, competing for the 1929 Plunket Cup, lost the final to Caledonian.[105] Moturoa also won the Plumb Cup for the Taranaki junior championship.[106] The junior championship competition was keenly contested this year with many very promising players being found in the junior ranks, the game was said to have a very bright future in Taranaki at the 1930 TFA AGM.

In the 1930 pre-season, the Caledonians met a Wellington selection at Pukekura Park with an attendance of several hundred people. The Wellington side won the match 6–2. "The visitors’ combination and condition were too good for the New Plymouth side, who found it difficult to counter the nippy, concerted attacks by the forwards. Nevertheless, the match was a good one, and it was only well-organised defence by the Wellington backs that turned aside many scoring shots by the Caledonians," reported the Stratford Evening Post on the 21st April.[107]

The TFA had a special meeting after receiving a letter from the New Plymouth clubs in the Northern Sub-Committee, with the Julian Cup lacking in entries. Only Stratford, Celtic (Hawera) and Albion had entered clubs. Moturoa, Caledonian, Rangers (Fitzroy) along with the club Pirates (New Plymouth) citing travel around Taranaki as detrimental to the progress of their junior competitions. A resolution was made by Mr. G.Littlejohn, that was met with approval by all the club representatives, except Rangers who had to consult their players. Moturoa's first game was scheduled for the 10th of May against Pirates,[108] the result being a 5–1 win.[109] By the 19th of May, Rangers had dropped out for the season. Moturoa played Hawera team Celtic, losing 3–1.[110] Early June, Moturoa defaulted to Albion. Celtic, Pirates, Caledonian and Stratford managing to field teams. The next weekend Moturoa beat Hawera 2–1 at New Plymouth.[111] In early July Moturoa was drawn to play Stratford away in the first round of the Chinese Cup.[112] A match day later, Stratford became the winners of the Chinese Cup for the season beating Hawera. Stratford AFC did not accept another challenge for the Chinese Cup until 1935, holding the trophy uncontested until a match with Hawera was played. From this point in time the Chinese Cup appears to vanish with no record of the trophy beyond the Second World War. Moturoa faced Caledonian in a 4–4 draw for the Duff Cup (Duff Rose Bowl) the same weekend as the Chinese Cup final.[113] Moturoa's attempt to win the years Priest Shield 7-a-side tournament was not successful. With two teams entered (A and B), Moturoa were losing semi-finalists to Caledonian after the match ended drawn and was decided by a corner.[114]

Moturoa's Mr. F. Roper would be selected for the 1930 Taranaki Representative team, captained by W. H. Stewart and vice-captain A. Beare, making him the first Moturoa player to be selected for a senior Taranaki provincial side.

1931–1940

1931: In attendance at the TFA AGM were Moturoa club delegates, F. Roper and G. Rendell. The draw was made for the Julian Cup with Moturoa playing Albion in the first round.[115]

Moturoa 1931 Priest Shield 6-a-side winners

Moturoa won the annual six-a-side competition for the Priest Shield at New Plymouth in 1931. There were six teams in the competition which was conducted at Western Park. The players in the final for Moturoa were: R. Johns, R. and F. Roper, Anderson, White, Smith. And for Stratford: Grierson, Thompson, Henderson, O’Shannessey, McGrory, Elgar. The final score was Moturoa 3 Stratford 1. White getting a hat-trick for Moturoa.[116]

Moturoa's Thompson and Anderson were members of the North Taranaki side selected by Mr. D. J. Wallace to play South Taranaki in the trial match for the Taranaki team at Eltham. Both players were selected as reserves for the Dr. R. J. R McCredy managed Taranaki side to play Wanganui at Wanganui on the 29th of August. The rest of the 1931 Taranaki team included; in goal, Neighbour (Albion); the backs, Henderson (Stratford) and Beare (Hawera); halves, Rendall, Parkinson and Berry (Albion); forwards, Miller, McGrory, Payne (Stratford), Young and James (Hawera), the other reserves were, Crawford and Gardner (Caledonian) and Ashton (Albion).

1932: The season concluded with the annual Priest Shield contest at Western Park. Moturoa exiting in the semi-finals to Albion 2–1.[117] Albion FC won the Julian Cup, the Duff Rose Bowl, and the Priest Shield.

1933: At the TFA's annual meeting in late April, held at Smith's Tea Rooms in Stratford, Waitara, coming out of hibernation after 20 years, were accepted as an affiliated member of the association, giving further competition for Moturoa and the teams in the Northern sub-association. Albion were congratulated for winning all of the trophies in the prior season. A loan was made of £5 to the northern sub-committee. Moturoa's delegates at the meeting were G.E. Roper and R.J. Page. Times had changed in South Taranaki, with the Stratford and two Hawera clubs listed as inactive. The season start date was set for May the 6th.[118] Stratford turned this around and managed to field a team by May.[118] The Julian Cup became a one-round competition. In all competitions except the Duff Cup, it was decided that the home team retained all the collections taken up at the match. A life sentence handed down to a player from an undisclosed club by the executive for the "unfortunate breach of the rules of good conduct", was reduced by the New Zealand Football Association (NZFA) to a five-year suspension.[118] Moturoa played the newly affiliated Waitara for the first time in the middle of May. The match result being a draw.[119] The week after this significant fixture the club faced Caledonian losing 2–1.[120] Following that match another loss, this time to Albion 6–0.[121] Moturoa played Stratford, at Stratford, in June in their final Julian Cup game for the season. The game ended in a one all draw, both goals from the first half. The Moturoa team list read as follows; Thompson, Roper, Simpson, Anderson, Bensley, Johns, White, Kenny, Christensen, a second Thompson and Grey. The Julian Cup was won again by Albion.[122] The first round of the Duff Rose Bowl saw Moturoa defeat the recent Julian Cup winners Albion, 2–1.[123] In the second week of July the TFA suspended club football as the Taranaki representative team were travelling to Manawatu. An exhibition game of Probables v Possibles at Victoria Park used the remaining local players, with the hope of stimulating interest in the code again in South Taranaki. Moturoa's representatives scheduled to play in the fixture were, R. Kenny, R and F Roper, J. Thompson and A. Smith.[124] The executive of the TFA met on the 11th of July at New Plymouth, Mr. G. E Roper from Moturoa agreed to broadcast talks on the game from local radio station 2XP. His first subject said to be "The Organisation of Association Football in Schools". At this time there was a considerable effort to establish the game in the schools. Stratford reporting that Tokaora and Waingongoro schools had requested balls. The executive considered the report of the referee, Mr. R. Swan, in regards to J. Thompson from Moturoa, and his sending from the field in the match against Waitara at Fitzroy on July 1. Moturoa submitted a resolution and made representations in support, Thomson explained his view of the matter. It was decided to censure Thomson, but to take no further action as it was considered he had been sufficiently punished in being stood down from the Taranaki team that travelled to Manawatu the match day prior. It was also noted in the minutes that Moturoa was to be asked to explain in "counting out" the referee after a recent match.[125] In bad weather in late July, Moturoa played the Pirates in the Duff Rose Bowl. The score, unconfirmed, a probable 0–0 draw.[126]

In 1934 Moturoa defeated this years Taranaki Champion, Stratford, 2–0 in a friendly match at the end of the season at Stratford. This match would be the only loss suffered by Stratford who had won the championship undefeated. The Moturoa side were said to be more even in their play, combining well. W. Thompson scored early from a penalty, with the score remaining 1–0 at half-time. J. Thompson closed the game out late in the second half from a free-kick that "dropped neatly under the bar". Mr. Johns, a Moturoa supporter, stepped in after the absence of appointed referee Mr. E. H. Linnell of Stratford.[127] Moturoa were runners up this year in the Julian Cup. The team included; goalkeeper Atkinson, J. Thompson, Jackson, Anderson, W. Thompson, F. Roper, Christensen, R. Roper, H. Johns and T. White.

Moturoa Football Club (Moturoa School) 1934 Malayan Shield Winners

The Moturoa School team won the Malayan Shield in 1934 with Mr. P. Gardner and Mr. E. Kenny as coaches, and D. Kendall as captain.

Mr P. Gardner and Mr. E. Kenny were the Moturoa club delegates at the Taranaki FA in 1935.[128] Caledonian and the Pirates dissolved with its players mostly joining new club New Plymouth Thistle, including some players from the Stratford AFC. Stratford AFC and New Plymouth Thistle would hold first and second place on the table in 1935, with Hawera, Albion, and Moturoa next, ahead of a resurgent Manaia association football club.

On the 29th of August 1935, the Auckland Association team played a New Plymouth selection at Western Park. The score at half-time was one goal each, in the second spell the Auckland side scored three more goals for a 4–1 victory. The Aucklanders headed south after the match to play at Wanganui the next day, and at Wellington on the Saturday.[129]

At the conclusion of the 1935 season Stratford again proved successful in retaining the Julian Cup and were runners-up in the Duff Rose Bowl competition, There were six senior and three junior teams playing during the season, including the newly formed Hawera and Manaia teams. Thistle won the Duff Rose Bowl and were runners-up in the Julian Cup. Hawera won the Chinese Residents Cup. The junior grade competition was won by Waitara. Manawatu withdrew from the Lawrence Trophy triangular contest, leaving it to be decided between Taranaki and Wanganui. Wanganui won the contest on goal average over two matches played.[130]

The Taranaki championship was once again split into north and south divisions in 1936 with Moturoa, Albion, Thistle and Stratford in the north and Auroa, Manaia and two teams from the Hawera club south of the mountain. The remaining rounds of the Julian Cup had Moturoa drawn on the 9th to play Albion at the New Plymouth Racecourse ground but the game was forfeited with Moturoa unable to field a team on the Saturday. The same match-day Stratford suffered defeat in the Julian Cup for the first time in two years losing 5–2 to Thistle at Stratford. Late May in the Northern Division, bottom placed Moturoa and second placed Stratford fought out a one-all draw in a Julian Cup game at Stratford. The Stratford press reported, "Fast, keen football was provided, Moturoa had the territorial advantage in the first spell and obtained the first goal. Their backs proved reliable and their halves fed the forwards effectively. Stratford’s forward movements lacked finish and the ball was kicked behind or out when it should have been sent to the centre and inside forwards. In the second half Stratford, through better play by the backs and halves, were pressing all the time and undoubtedly should have won the match. Dan Clarke’s long grass kicks were a feature of the match, and Les Jones, Jackson and Clements played well. Although Henderson, centre forward, had numerous opportunities, he was well marked and never found the goal. Stratford’s only score came from a dribbling rush by Jones. In the Moturoa ranks, P. Gardner was outstanding on attack and defence and both Anderson and Roper, the full-backs, played a solid game. Their kicking and placing was particularly good." Moturoa and Midhirst primary schools played the curtain-raiser. After a keen- closely fought game, Moturoa were victorious by 2 goals to 1. Mr. J. Thomas was referee for both matches.[131] A return match was played when Midhurst travelled to New Plymouth to play Moturoa on the 30th of May. The same weekend Moturoa would play out a 3–3 draw with Albion at the Racecourse no.2 pitch in a strong southerly wind. The Racecourse no.1 pitch hosted Thistle and Stratford with Thistle winning 4–1. The win put Thistle five points clear at the top of the Northern Division. In the final for the Julian Cup Thistle defeated Southern Division winner Hawera B by three goals to nil. The match was played at the Regan Street ground in Stratford. Thistle for the first time all season were well matched and up to half time there was no indication as to which team was likely to win. Hawera had the advantage of a following wind and allowed superiority in the half back line. Hawera faded after half time however the scores 1–1. Thistle quickly added another goal. From then on Plant, the Hawera goalie, was kept constantly busy. Thistle's scorers were Henderson, Hill and Murphy, Stewart scored for Hawera. The teams were: Thistle: J. Rae, Crawford, McKay, Black, Henderson, Scott; Hill, R. Rae, Murdoch, Ryan, Collingwood. Hawera B: Plant, Putts, Cockerill, Kilson, Barker, Olliver; Hart, Langlands, Stewart, Fink, Matheson. Mr J. Thompson was referee. During the season New Plymouth Thistle also used reserve goal-keeper, Pranklie.[132]

Australia toured New Zealand in the winter of 1936,[133][134][135] playing a match against Taranaki on July 15. Australia had amassed 50 goals and conceded only 7 in the two tests and five regional matches played already on the tour before arriving in Taranaki. The second test against New Zealand was won 10–0 by the Australians less than a week before the fixture at the Hawera Showgrounds. The Taranaki squad chosen by Messrs. N. Bremner, J. Thompson & F. Starling would include a front line dominated with players from the New Plymouth Thistle club with Hill, Beckitt, L. Henderson and Collingwood and Hawera's Bowen selected. The halves would include Stratford's Jackson, with Hawera's Starling as captain and Parkinson from the Albion FC. In the backs Crawford from Thistle and C. Henderson from Stratford AFC in front of Hawera's goalkeeper Plant. Moturoa's Peter Gardner was selected as reserve with Cockerill from Hawera.[136] Taranaki's Starling would score from a penalty with Collingwood and Beckitt adding two more goals in a 9–3 defeat to the "Brilliant Australians".[137] The Australian team then left Taranaki and headed to Auckland for the third test on the 18th.

Miss Margaret Way became "the only women secretary of a football association in New Zealand" reported the Thames Star on the 19th of August, recently resuming the responsibility of looking after the affairs of the Taranaki Football Association. Appreciation of Miss Way's keenness was expressed by members of the Council of the New Zealand Football Association when at its meeting a letter was received from her advising the council of her new position.

The 1936 Duff Rose Bowl was won by Hawera in late August after New Plymouth Thistle defaulted the final.[138]

Taranaki played the recently crowned 1936 Wellington champions, Hospital FC of Porirua at Pukekura Park in September. Messrs. T. Murdoch, James and Barker joined the squad from the match against Australia. In fine weather and dry conditions Taranaki took an early two goal lead before Hospital scored twice. In the second spell Hospital score twice more to win the game 4–2. Hill's dangerous curving shots, Moturoa's Peter Gardner and Beckitt combining as a central distributing role to the outside, and the defensive effort of Crawford, Wood and keeper Plant receiving praise in the Taranaki Herald. The referee was Mr. J. Thompson. Midhurst School and a New Plymouth Combined side played out a draw in the curtain-raiser. The Sturmey Shield was presented to West End School jointly with Midhurst School for the years schools competition.

At the annual general of the NZFA on March 19, 1937, a new rule was made in favour of replacements to be adopted throughout New Zealand after a remit from the Otago FA. The rule was made by 17 votes to 3. "We are affiliated to the English FA and we play, under their rules," said Mr. W. G. Bryce, "I don't think we should be loyal to them if we allowed replacements." Other members considered that replacements "would speed up and improve the game" being "better for the public, which paid to see fast football" The Taranaki, Wairarapa, and Wanganui associations delegates opposed the change. One member thought it should apply to the first spell only and be left to the associations or captains to agree upon in interprovincial games suggesting that a special dispensation for the change be sought from the E.F.A. Mr. F. Campbell did not think England would worry anything about a change if New Zealand made it. Earlier in the meeting it was suggested that the association should get permission from the English Football Association to make replacements in the matches to be played with the English amateur team on its tour of New Zealand later in the season. It was stated in regard by Mr. Campbell that there would be "no need except for the test matches as the NZFA was the controller of the game in New Zealand." Stressing the need for replacements Mr. Campbell recalled the farcical situations that arose during the Australian tour of 1936, when ten and sometimes nine men tried to play eleven, no replacements being allowed.[139] FIFA first permitted substitutes in 1958 with the English Football League not allowing a substitute player until 1965/66.

In the pre-season of 1937 Taranaki played Wellington Waterside at New Plymouth. Taranaki won the match 5–2.[140] Waterside would continue on and win the 1937 Wellington championship, and the 1938 Chatham Cup.

Playing at Pukekura Park on 23 May, in a return match for the 1937 Lawrence Trophy, the Taranaki representative team drew with the Wanganui representatives each team scoring 3 goals. Having won the previous match by 3 goals to 1 Taranaki secured the trophy by the margin of 6 goals to 4 on aggregate.[141]

The English Amateur XI toured New Zealand in 1937 accompanied by the seventy year old Charles Wreford-Brown arriving in Auckland on the SS Tamaroa.[142][143] The English were proclaimed, "the Greatest Exponents of Football." and player Ted Collins, "the Fastest Man on a Football Field. He owns Greyhounds and trains with them. Terry Huddle, goalkeeper, 6ft 3in of muscle, can throw the ball as far as the average kick. Every player a star attraction," in an advertisement before the game against Wellington. Arthur Stollery, the future Notts County F.C. manager would be the trainer for the English Amateurs.[144] The Taranaki region would not see a visit from the international English team though a few players were invited to join a Wanganui/Taranaki team that played the English XI on the 17th of June at Cooks Gardens in Wanganui. 2000+ spectators watch a 12 - 0 lesson handed out by the English on a sodden ground in steady rain. The match report from Wanganui in the New Zealand Herald started under the headline "Goalkeeper's Holiday" with the report further explicating, "The Englishmen led 5-nil at halftime, their positional play, and short, snappy passing repeatedly undoing everything that their opponents accomplished. It was a treat to watch the cross-field tactics of the visitors and to note how carefully each kick placed the ball to a waiting team mate. But for the Wanganui goalkeeper, Alex Healey, the score would have been well in the twenties. His performance was remarkable considering that 90 per cent, of the play hovered around his goal. In contrast the English goalkeeper had time to sign autograph books while play was in progress." Apart from Healey, Whiting, left-half, and Proudfoot, left-back, were outstanding in the Wanganui-Taranaki team, which was never anything but a side of individuals. The paper then followed, "The outstanding player on the English side was Bernard Joy, centre-half, who was never extended throughout the match but gave glimpses of what he would be capable of if pressed. The English team never passed the ball to disadvantage, whereas the home players would attempt combination only to find an Englishman ready to accept a pass not intended for him. Roy Matthews scored six goals, Bernard Joy two, William Parr two, and Fred Davies and Tommy Leek one each.[145] Roy Matthews the English forward from Walthamstow Avenue F.C. reached an incredible 26 goals in the nine games of the New Zealand leg of the tour before the side left for Sydney. 1937 tour members, Lester Finch, Frederick Riley, John Sutcliffe, Louis Terry Huddle, Bernard Joy and Corporal Stan Eastham had all been members of the Great Britain Olympic team at the 1936 games in Berlin, Germany.

In 1938 the Moturoa Football Club is constituted.

Waitara AFC won its first title since 1905 by winning the 1938 Taranaki Championship and Julian Cup.

There was no official competition for Taranaki clubs in 1939.

By 1939 the New Plymouth Boys High School had formed a strong following for the code at the school. The Hutton brothers, Simpson and Meuli to note amongst a vast group of above-average sportsmen who played for the High School during the 1940's. Simpson joined Moturoa winning the Duff Rose Bowl in 1946 and 1947 before joining the new City club in 1948. Meuli, already an age-group Taranaki representative, then played for the Victoria University side with Bal Reddy of the Student Association stating in the Salient in 1949, "...add to these (players) Ted Meuli, sharp shooting bombshell from Taranaki, who seems rather out of place in a motley of hacks."[146] Meuli joined Old Boys' after returning to New Plymouth, then switched to Moturoa in the mid 1950's, remaining at the club until 1975. Herb Hutton played for the 1945 Old Boys' side joining Moturoa in 1946.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force team from the airbase in the New Plymouth Airport at Bell Block won the Taranaki Championship in 1940.

There was no official competition until 1943 due to the war.

1941–1950

The RNZAF won the Taranaki Championship once again in 1943.

In 1944 the A.T.C. No.8 Squadron won the Taranaki Junior Competition. The Air Force team was captained by Mr. K. Whittle who would join Moturoa FC in 1945. Mr. H. Hall was the teams' coach, Watson the deputy-captain, Frost, Ryan, Kingstone, Eustace, Mace, Spence, Kirkland, Crow and future Old Boys' life-member Mr. Ces Riches.

Old Boys' won the Taranaki championship in 1944 and 1945.

Moturoa A.F.C - 1946 Duff Rose Bowl and Priest Shield winners

In 1946 Albion FC won the Taranaki Championship, its first since 1933. Moturoa won the Duff Rose Bowl and Priest Shield. The team had W. Connett, W. Ramsdale and captain Norm Quinlan from the 1934 Moturoa School Malayan Shield winning team in its ranks, joined by K. Whittle, A. Fowles, K. Lovell, W. Smith, R. Wilmhurst, R. Simpson (v-capt.), H. Hutton, P. Lawlor and G. Dutton.

The Albion FC won the 1947 Taranaki Championship. It would be the clubs fifth and final time to be crowned Taranaki champions.

The 1947 Duff Rose Bowl was won by Moturoa.

At a meeting of the TFA in June 1947, "bitter complaints" on the subject of national selection were heard. The executive of the Taranaki Football Association decided to protest to the New Zealand Football Association because the minor associations had not been given an opportunity to be represented in the New Zealand team to play the visiting Springboks. The New Zealand association was to be asked if the Taranaki and Wanganui senior elevens could play their first match for the Lawrence Trophy as a curtain-raiser to the first of the two matchs against the Springboks to be played at Wellington. The request arose from criticism by Mr J. Hill of the method of the New Zealand selection. He said the method was unfair with the exception of Kidd from Wanganui who was in "because he played for Wanganui against Wellington the previous season". All players in the New Zealand trial were from the four main centres.[147] The Spingboks side won the four tests against New Zealand. The second match in Wellington, the third test of the tour, was won 8–3 by South Africa.[148] In the curtain-raiser Wanganui beat Taranaki by 4 goals to nil, the scorers being Scott (3) and J. Kidd.[149]

The City club was constituted in 1948 giving New Plymouth a fourth football club joining Albion, Old Boys' and Moturoa. These clubs were then joined by the Overseas FC and the New Plymouth Boys' High School XI at the start of the new decade.

The first documented women's football match in New Zealand was played in 1921 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, as a curtain-raiser to a Brown Shield match. The uniforms worn were dresses, bloomers, black long stockings and hats. Women's soccer was limited for years after because some girls went on and played rugby, causing such an uproar that it became hard to recruit new soccer players due to the bad publicity.[150]

The original Moturoa women's team emerged in the late 1960s. At the time only friendly matches were played. In 1969, the hard playing Moturoa team, who played in white included players; Pat Kelly, Irene Johnston, Jan Mayhead, Carol Fugett, Jean Craven, Irene McMurray, Marg Webber, Kay McManus, Robyn Webber, Carol Read, N. McLaughlin and Barbera Cring brought in from Palmerston North.[151] In the early 1970s the Moturoa Ladies had changed to wear red shirts and white shorts and socks, and began to play matches further afield.

The Taranaki Women's Football Association (TWFA) was formed in 1975. At the inaugural meeting on the 12th of March at Lynmouth Park it was decided to have a trial run to see how women's soccer would go in Taranaki. One decision made at the meeting was that only goalies were allowed to wear soccer boots, the rest of the team having to wear sandshoes. Within a month a special meeting was called to discuss soccer boots for all team members. This was unanimously passed by the 8 team delegates. Teams entered for the first competition were Stratford Old Girls, Stratford Ladies and Inglewood as Combined, Fitzroy, Opunake, Central City, Old Boys and Moturoa. In October the TWFA became affiliated to the New Zealand Women's Football Association (NZWFA).[150]

By 1982 the TWFA had 17 women's teams competing from 14 clubs. Okato College and Sacred Heart College entered their first teams joining, Eltham, the Pumas and Panthers from Central City Football Club, Inglewood who had taken over the early Combined team, United 77, Waitara High School, the Fitzroy Ladybirds, New Plymouth United, Opunake, Hawera, New Plymouth Girls High School, Old Boys Wanderers and Moturoa/Spotswood.[152]

Moturoa's first XI joined the Central Football Women's Federation League in 2020.

Moturoa AFC - Varga, Polyanszky, Varga - November 1960

Attila Varga,[153] László (Laci) Varga and Lotsy Polyanszky were prominent players for Moturoa,[154] arriving in New Plymouth soon after the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. When the Hungarians arrived in New Plymouth they would strut their skills down at the beach at weekends with a laid-back style, lazy juggling and magnetic ball control.[155] A few of the players worked on the boats, the Geneva May, and the Annabella, fishing the Taranaki coastline out of the port at Moturoa. Such was the ability of the Magyars, if they had landed in a soccer playing country most would have been professional players. Said by witnesses to have enough talent to make a ball talk, all three men would represent Taranaki and also play for invitational side, Continental of New Plymouth.

While together at Moturoa FC the Hungarians won the NZFA Brown Shield one of the oldest sporting awards in the world, the Chatham Cup – Taranaki Final, Julian Cup – TFA Championship, the TFA Duff Rose Bowl, the City of New Plymouth Trophy and the Kawerau Town pre-season title, also making it to the 1960 Chatham Cup – North Island Final.[4] One by one each player transferred to Wellington-based Hungaria. Considered by many to have been one of New Zealand best ever sides and one of the countries first glamour clubs.[153][156]

Polyanszky transferred to North Shore United after being scouted playing for Moturoa at Blandford Park, Auckland. In 1961 Polyanszky played in the Chatham Cup final for the Shore. Also in 1961, he played in the Ken Armstrong captained, Auckland representative side against an England FA XI playing their last tour match in New Zealand. The FA XI had future 1966 World Cup Final winner and England captain Bobby Moore in the side. England FA XI captain Tom Finney scored four and Bobby Brown scored two in an 8–0 thumping in front of 8000 spectators.[157] Polyanszky then played for Hungaria, before playing in New Caledonia, then to St George-Budapest of Sydney, Australia. He returned to New Zealand in 1966 after Wellington club Petone FC paid an £80 transfer fee to St. George.[158] Lotsy Polyanszky is often described as one of the most skilful ball players ever to play in New Zealand.[159] Polyanszky returned to Hungaria becoming player/coach in the late 1960s.

Hungaria joined the inaugural 1970 National League after upsetting North Shore United to qualify.[160][161] It was the Hungaria's only season in the National League, the club then formed a composite team with rivals Miramar Rangers as Wellington City in 1971.[162] In 1972 Hungaria went solo. At the end of the 1972 season Hungaria played Moturoa in the Central League qualifiers in Wanganui. Meeting again in 1973, this time in Division Two of the Central League, finishing second, to Moturoa United. Moturoa drew with Hungaria at Western Park 1–1, and lost away in Wellington 2–1 in the years fixtures, the close competition between the two teams shown in the almost equal statistics.[163] Moturoa were promoted to Division One for the 1974 season as champions. Hungaria, as runners up had to wait another year in Division Two. The two clubs crossed over in 1975 with Moturoa being relegated back to Division Two and a promoted Hungaria taking their place in Division One.[164]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player 1 GK Zane Coleman Template:Country data 3 Ethan Webber 4 Corbin Richardson 5 Liam Scott 6 Nathan Morath 7 Jaden Taylor 8 Troy Jury 9 Hayden Murray (Captain) 10 11 Tyler Paterson 12 Ash Reader-Nokes 13 Scott Manson 14 Jacob Crawford 15 Zayed Rabbaney 16 Sam Sutton 17 Sam Westlake 18 Nicholas Parthemore 19 Dean Wilson 20 Kayi Erol-Watt 21 Kobi Hislop

• Moturoa AFC players