Manukau defeated Ponsonby in that final in front of a record 20,000 plus crowd, and a written report in 2008 from the referee of the day, the late Russell Courtney…

“As the referee of the 1968 final between Manukau Rovers and Ponsonby, the memories of the game are still quite vivid. It had everything, huge crowd estimated to be 20,000 fine weather and a good ground. To complete the day, two teams that played superb Rugby.

This match along with my game with the 1971 Lions remains top of my memories and of my Refereeing Career.

Best wishes,”

Regards

Russell. E. Courtney.

Twelve of those existing squad members and their wives were at the anniversary, four were unavailable and sadly six members who have now passed, which included All Blacks and Maori All Blacks, Barry ‘Bear’ Thomas, Mackie Herewini, Te Roi Tataurangi and coach Albie Pryor.

The anniversary was hosted by the Manukau Rovers Rugby club and supported by the MRRFC Old Boys at the clubrooms last Saturday 7th July, where those former champions watched the Manukau Premiers defeat neighbours East Tamaki to retain the Bryan Edwards Trophy.

(Article courtesy of: Dick Garratt - MRRFC Life Member)