Life Members
Life Membership is the highest award available to recognise individuals who have provided exemplary service and contribution to the Somerville Hockey Club. Life Membership is a great honour and therefore is only be awarded in exceptional circumstances.
Somerville celebrates the work of its Life Members and acknowledges their achievement each year with Life Members Day.
Current members
Brian Heard 1986
Wayne Dickson 1989
Maureen (Mauch) Archibald 1989
Jeffrey V. Archibald 1989
David Watts 1989
Arvind Jasmat 1997
Kevin Towns 1998
Barbara Smith 2001
Jocelyn Murphy 2006
Simon Joyce 2012
Irene Ryan 2014
Mark Pooley 2014
Kerry Heard 2015
Simon Norton 2018
Joanna Hazard 2018
Jenny Pooley 2020
Helen Clarke 2020
Glyn Clarke 2023
Past Members
Les Howard Norton 1920
Lesley K. Munro 1931
Gordon Peace 1931
Harold Watts 1931
C. Preston 1932
Sid Smith 1939
W. (Bill) Newsham 1953
Clive Stainton 1953
C. W. (Bill) Heard 1959
Eric R. Archibald 1960
Eric Watts 1965
Clive Watts 1965
C. Smith 1965
Jack Pooley 1965
Des Chapman 1965
Brian Smith 1965
Bruce Ginders 1965
John (Jack) Grant 1967
Ron Griffen 1973
Syd Torkington 1973
Graham Norton 1979
Ross Hammond 1986
Ian King 1998
Bill Percy 1998
David Watt 2003
Life Members Day
Every year Somerville acknowledges the wonderful people, past and present, who laid the foundations of the Club and who continue to ensure the success and longevity of Somerville Hockey Club. Life Members Day is usually held on a weekend in mid-June. It’s an important date in our Club’s history, and invites our Life members to watch their named team play in the Junior competition.
All our Junior teams are named after a Life member or long serving members in the Club and the teams are supported by either the named life member or a representative of that member. We usually ask the Life Member to pick the player of the day award.
Glyn Clarke
ELECTED 2023
Glyn has stood up on so many occasions for the Somerville, so we can be pleased that he left North Harbour and joined Somerville when he transferred to Mt Albert Grammar in 1988. Glyn has played for the Reserve and Premier teams, and more recently the D1's, a fully committed team player in every sense of the word.
In addition to probably being the oldest ever player for Somerville Premier team, Glyn played at Auckland and NZ level in U21's. In addition to the regular games he has been involved in the Somerville Centurions for at least 10 years!
He has coached at all levels of the club: Premier, Division, Youth, Junior, and mini teams and has coached countless young and emerging goal keepers. He is also a proud owner of the Somerville Cap. And on the administrative side, Glyn has been Men's Club Captain, and sat on the Somerville committee for various stints always there, be it coaching or cooking sausages wearing his Somerville jacket and cap. Glyn is often in the role of the “devil’s advocate”. Glyn thinks deeply about the club and its future and giving not just criticisms but also ideas (maybe the buying of our pub for a clubrooms mightn’t be one that will fly!)
Glyn has won the infamous toilet seat on multiple occasions, as well as the esteemed Miss Somerville competition. And as a testament to his love for the club, he never missed a telephone book delivery in all the years we did these.
Off the field Glyn has made himself an invaluable member of the Somerville family for over 30 years and has been involved in to all aspects of club life displaying integrity, honesty, humour and unfailing determination and commitment.
Jen Pooley (Shepherd)
ELECTED 2020
Jenny ‘Shep’ has been involved with the Somerville Hockey Club since 1991 – playing Premier hockey until 2004. Playing for Auckland in 2000, winning their player of the year. She won a bronze medal in KL 1998 Commonwealth Games whilst also doing some Club coaching in this period. Jenny returned in 2009 to help in the Somerville Junior ranks with Coaching and Administration until 2017, then continuing to Youth Club Captain in 2018 to 2021.
Jenny brings an incredible amount of time, energy and passion – coaching for over 12 years at Junior, Youth and Senior levels as well as grade co-ordination, supporting selections across all grades. She received the Ron Griffen Cup in 2015 and the Bill Newsham in 2019.
Jenny was a major contributor to the Somerville Centenary Celebrations in 2015 and confirmed in the Legends game that she is legend. Jenny has her children Jacob, Maddison and Connor playing and coaching at the Club.
Playing History
Somerville Premier Women’s team 1989–2004 and 2018–2020.
Won the Premiership many times.
Somerville Committee various times from the 1990’s until present.
Somerville coaching Junior teams various times in the 1990’s and 2014 - present.
Auckland Women 1988–2004. 100+ Caps.
Received Women’s Player of the Year a couple of times.
New Zealand Women 1991–2004. 166 Caps.
Olympics, Barcelona 1992, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.
World Cup Utrecht 1998, Perth 2002.
Commonwealth Games Kuala Lumpur 1998, Manchester 2002.
“Helen, to many people, has always been more than someone they have just played alongside. Through her loving, passionate and downright honest nature, she’s a friend and a fan of many. Someone that will protect you until whomever is on the receiving end has converted to also be a friend or fan of yours, she is without a doubt is the most loyal of them all.
An extremely intelligent woman, especially when it comes to people, Helen doesn’t miss much and is always there to listen, give advice, give you confidence when you need it most or just to give you some ‘perspective’. With a beautifully open soul, she will talk and embrace anyone who don’s the Navy and White strip.
If you’ve chosen to play for Somerville, you’re already a winner in her eyes. And from the countless (sorry Hel) people she has played with over the years, every single one of them has a special place for her in their hearts”.
-BELINDA SMITH
Helen Clarke (Shearer)
ELECTED 2020
Helen joined the club in 1989 into our Premier women’s team as Goal keeper. She was on the Club committee during the 90’s whilst still representing NZ. She attended 3 Olympics, 2 world cups and 2 Commonwealth games winning bronze medal at KL in 1998. Helen played from 1989-2004 as Premier Keeper.
She came out of retirement in 2017 to cover the premier keeper season ending injury playing until 2020, mentoring the successor Goalie. She has also received her Somerville Cap in 2017. Helen has played, coached, administered, selected, and developed numerous keepers over the years, and is a regular on the sideline at Somerville games. She is married to Glyn Clarke – Div 1 Men, her children Nick and Sophie are currently playing in Youth.
Jo Hazard
ELECTED 2018
Jo Hazard has played, coached and been an administrator for Somerville over much of her life time. She has been Junior and Senior Club Captain, a player, a coach for over ten years across the layers in the Club, a Committee member, as Vice President she was an invaluable support through the centennial year and was Club President from 2016 to 2019.
She has also contributed to the general Hockey community through her work with AHA and the school hockey community. The skills she has learned from parents Jack and Hazel and in wrangling Mouse for as long as she knows, have also contributed to her wide skill set.
Jo is an outstanding President showing resilience, tenacity and a strong guiding hand as she has steered us through an unsettled and changing time for our Club. In handling the changes brought by the loss of partnership with AGS Jo has gone on to actively pursue locating a new home for the club whilst maintaining the operational status of the Club.
She is a proactive president, committing many hours to building our relationships with various parties who can potentially support the Club into the future. Jo has stepped in and up to the role making some tough calls when needed and been bold in making big decisions to move the club forward.
Her dedication and efforts over many years, in a variety of roles are second to none and this nomination I believe is also historic for the club. The Pooley family Father Jack, son Mark and daughter Joanna become Life Members of the Somerville Hockey club.
Simon Norton
ELECTED 2018
Since Simon began playing in 1963 hockey has always been a major part of his and his family’s life. Simon’s grandfather founded Auckland’s Somerville Hockey club in 1915.
Simon has played at Somerville from Juniors all the way to Premier, where he was a valuable team member for 15 years. He has been the Somerville Vice President and various other roles, and has now been the Coaching Director since 2018.
When Simon finished his Blackstick career in 1986, he has enjoyed more time coaching and administering our sport. But his coaching career began 1978 and has a number of coaching roles at a few secondary schools. One of them being the Director of Hockey at St Cuthbert’s College for 22 years, seeing the First XI winning many titles including the Auckland Secondary Schools Champions x12 and the Intercity x8.
He has also coached the Auckland NHL, U21, U18 and development squads from the early 90’s til 2013 with many of the teams resulting in champions and runner-ups. He is also a Life Member for Auckland Hockey and has taken on a number of administration roles for the management board, including youth council and regional development. And in 2017 he received the NZ Hockey Silver Award for services to hockey.
“I come with a strong sense of Somerville club and provincial history, in that time I been privileged to play alongside and be associated with so many of our sports icons. Ultimately hockey for me has been about fun, friendship, family and being successful in passing on the knowledge garnered from wise hockey heads”.
Kerry Heard
ELECTED 2015
Kerry is the son of Brian and Linda, and has been part of the club since 1977. He was a member of the Premier side, which won three AHA championships in 1985, 1992 and 1993, and in subsequent years, has played in other division winning teams. He has also been an Auckland representative.
Kerry served on the Committee in the 90’s and 2000’s including the position of President in 2002-2003. Kerry has also been awarded the prestigious Somerville Cap in 2014. A regular face around the traps, he came out of retirement in 2018 to manage the Premier Mens team, and is currently managing the team again in 2022.
Mark Pooley
ELECTED 2014
Mark has played for the club since the age of 6. He is the son of Life Member Jack Pooley and brother to Jo Hazard. He has played for Auckland from Hatch Cup right through to Auckland Mens and recently in the New Zealand 40’s Masters side.
As a coach he has been involved initially with the Juniors before later being a player coach for the Premier Reserve Mens side, very successfully for over 10 years. He has a great energy and passion for the game which spills over to loud enthusiastic calling on the sideline. Mark has his children Jacob (Premier) and Maddison (Senior) and Connor (Juniors) playing at the Club.
“The nominee was first sighted as a young tearaway hooning around Hobson Park with unlimited energy and a cheeky smile. My first encounter was with him when he politely explained to me why he was using the pool table as a stage for practicing his jumping off skills. This same attention to detail applied as an U18 player when he approached Mark Smith asking him to show him how to score goals using the back of the stick. This enthusiasm for hockey continued to develop into his playing days – playing for seniors or premiers and Auckland. As a young player he also showed an ability to analyse a game and offer advice. As a player coach and as a youth and junior kids coach he has continued to share his skills, knowledge and advice. The recipient typifies the complete club man, a holder of a Somerville cap and part of the Pooley dynasty.”
-BARBARA & MARK SMITH
Irene Ryan
ELECTED 2014
Irene played in the inaugural lady’s team in 1981, captaining the side in their first playing season in the Senior Reserve grade. Over the decades she has undertaken a variety of roles as coach, manager, as a member of the Executive, Ladies club captain and President of the club.
She has always been an inspiration for the level of fitness she maintains. Irene epitomizes longevity as a player and is in 2021, the ‘oldest’ (in chronological age) playing member of the Somerville Club. She also plays in Auckland masters teams and has done so since 1998, being promoted up the age groups. Irene has been selected for NZ masters teams since 2000, playing at three master’s World Cups and in the biannual Trans-Tasman tournaments. In other hockey-related roles she has been a member of the Auckland Hockey Executive, Chair of the NZ Masters Council and is currently on the Development Committee of World Masters Hockey. Irene with her mother Beryl, did much of the research and writing for The Somerville Story – to celebrate the 100-year centenary of the club. Irene’s son’s – Ryan and Oran both play for Somerville seniors.
Simon Joyce
ELECTED 2012
Simon Joyce has filled many roles in the Club since becoming involved 22 years ago with his sons and daughter. Simon is the current Club Treasurer a role he has fulfilled very capably for 10+ years.
In the early years of the new millennium he also worked as the Youth Club Captain, coaching and organising this challenging side of the Club. He also has been a support person for the TK Academy and our Somerville Premier Men.
As Treasurer he not only handles the Clubs finances but has also been a vital cog in the dealing with AGS negotiations and being the liaison person between the bookings and facility managers from the Grammar school. None of these jobs are easy and require a cool head and a patient demeanour.
He has done an amazing job in applying and receiving the grants from Auckland City, his money being vital to meeting the costs for the Club staying at the AGS clubrooms.
His sons Stu, Ben and daughter Sophie have also played for the Club.
Jocelyn Murphy
ELECTED 2006
Jocelyn joined the Club in 1981 and played in the inaugural women’s team and senior grades and is still an active playing member today. She has been a Committee member for many years and has served as Club Captain (1997-2004) and President (2004-05).
Jocelyn was twice awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy, in 1998 and 2003. Joc has voluntarily run the summer hockey competition for over 15 years at AGS. She has joined the Golden Oldies on their trips since 2008 and played for Auckland Masters teams since 1998. She said the highlight of her career in hockey was being the first female to receive a Somerville Cap Jocelyn continues to play in the divisional grades for the club. Her children Colleen, Iain and Elanor have also played for Somerville teams across the grades.
Barbara Smith
ELECTED 2001
Barbara was part of the group who established the Ladies Division of the Somerville Club and was also in the very first Somerville Women’s team (joining from Teachers Club) and was part of the 1981 Women’s Reserve Championship team.
Barbara involved herself in Women’s Club coaching and Somerville administration. She was a very good grade player and was Ladies Club Captain from 1980 to 1983. Barbara has coached and managed teams at all levels in the Club and also for Auckland. She still coaches and selects teams for the club every year.
She has contributed significantly to the strong development of the Women’s section of the Club and has served on the Committee for many years, including as Club Captain from 1980-1983 and President from 2005-2009.
Barbara be awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy four times, in 1985, 1990, 2008 and 2010. It is the most prestigious trophy awarded annually to the best all round Club member. Barbara has been awarded “Coach of the Year” so many times we have lost count. Her husband Mark was also a Senior player for Somerville and her daughter Belinda is a current Premier Somerville player and has been a NZ and Auckland representative player – Belinda got her Somerville Cap in 2019.
Kevin Towns
ELECTED 1998
Kevin has served hockey at all levels as a very able player, manager, coach and administrator. He played representative hockey for Wellington (1968-1975) and Auckland (1976-1979) and for the New Zealand Colts in 1975, in tests against India and Canada. He has coached Club teams, both Men (1984 & 1987) and Women (1988-1991) and Auckland Senior teams from 1980 to 1987.
Kevin has also served on the Club Committee, including as President (1993-1994). He was the New Zealand Men’s Manager (1986-87) and reached the pinnacle of coaching as the New Zealand Mens’ coach for two terms (1988-1992 and 2000-2006), including at two Olympic Games, one World Cup and the Commonwealth Games (Silver Medal in 2002). He was appointed the Black Sticks Women’s coach in 2007. He was made a Life Member of Auckland Hockey Association in 2003 and also a Life Member of Hockey NZ in 2004. He was awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy in 1995. Kevin is probably the Club’s best known member in international hockey circles. Kevin’s children Simon, Robert and Natasha have all played for the Club with Simon being the BlackSticks captain for several years. Kevin’s grandchildren Harrison & Rocco and Finn are playing for the Club as Junior members.
Arvind Jasmat
ELECTED 1997
Arvind was a Senior graded player for many years, representing Auckland at a number of levels. He ran the Junior section for the Club for many years and has coached Club and Auckland teams at all levels. Arvind was instrumental in establishing the Somerville Academy for promising young players and ran this for several years.
He was a long standing and hard working Committee member, including as Club Captain (1981-1983), Junior Club Captain (1990-1994) and President (1997-1998). Arvind was the manager of the New Zealand Men’s Hockey team for several years, including at the Manchester Commonwealth Games where the team won the Silver Medal. He was made a Life Member of Auckland Hockey Association in 2003. Arvind was twice awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy, in 1984 and 1991. Arvind’s children Alisha and Anil, and his granddaughter Kaiya have also been playing members of the Club.
Jeffrey Archibald
ELECTED 1989
Jeff is the son of Eric and Mauch and joined the Club in 1958 as a 6 year old. He played in the Hatch Cup for 3 years and was selected for the Auckland Senior side at age 17. Jeff has been one of New Zealand’s most outstanding Hockey players.
He represented Auckland in 274 games over 21 years from 1970 and was captain for many years. He first played for New Zealand at age 18, played 102 games (38 as captain) and was a member of the Montreal 1976 Olympic Gold Medal team. Jeff coached all grades from Hatch Cup to Seniors and has been a dedicated Committee member for many years, including as Club Captain (1996). He is also a New Zealand graded umpire. Jeff was twice awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy, in 1971 and 1986, and the MBE in 1989 for services to Hockey at Club, provincial and international levels. His son Ryan was the Black Sticks captain.
Maureen (Mauch) Archibald
ELECTED 1989
Mauch is one of a few non-playing members of the Club to be honoured as a Life Member. She has been a conscientious and quiet contributor to both social and fundraising efforts of the Club over many years. Together, Mauch and late husband Eric must be Auckland’s and New Zealand’s best known and most committed hockey supporters and spectators.
They were jointly honoured with a Gold Medal for special service to Hockey by Hockey New Zealand in 2006. Mauch is the mother of Jeffrey and grandmother of Ryan and is a well-loved and respected member of the “Somerville Hockey Family”.
Wayne Dickson
ELECTED 1989
Wayne joined the Club as a Junior in 1953, one of five brothers to do so. He achieved Senior status in 1963 and represented Auckland from 1968 to 1974.
After his Senior career he captained the Reserve team to three consecutive Auckland championships, the team being unbeaten for 79 consecutive games. Wayne was a keen Committee member for many years and also managed the Club’s headquarters at Simson’s Reserve during his term as President (1991-92.) Wayne was awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy in 1983.
In June 1980, it was Wayne who suggested the idea of Somerville entering a ladies team in the ALHA competition. He was a big advocate for the devlopment of the womens side of the club, as sons of members were able to play for Somerville but daughters couldn’t, like Wayne’s two daughters Kim and Lisa.
Brian Heard
ELECTED 1986
Brian is our current 2022 Club Patron. He was made a Life Member of Somerville in 1986 and Life member of the AHA in 2003. These two awards are reflective of the contribution Brian has made and the changes symbolised in his Presidents note in the 1985, Annual Report.
Brian joined Somerville in 1949, achieved Senior status in 1959 and played in that grade for 20 years, representing Auckland in 1969 and for Waikato 1970 to 1973. Brian served on the Somerville Club Committee for many years as both Chairman and in his time as President (1983-1985). He also served on the AHA Executive for many years. Over this time, Brian was instrumental in many of the projects that had an impact on the hockey community; the new turf and facility at Lloyd Elsmore Park, the 1990 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, amalgamation of Men’s and Women’s hockey and the hiring of the AHA’s first, and the appointment of the AHA’s first Manager, David Douglas. As with many of our male stalwarts, the support of wife Lynda, an ex-hockey player, has played an instrumental part in the contribution Brian has made to the Club and the wider hockey community.
Brian returned to coach Juniors from 2003 to 2005. His son Kerry plays in the Somerville Centurions over summer and grandson William is a Division 1 player and other grandson Michael played in the past. His children Rachel and Steve were also past members of the Club.
Historical Life Members
David Watt
Elected 2003
David started playing at the age of 21 through his friend Ross Hammond. He was mainly a forward but gravitated to a defender later in his hockey career. He has played with the Golden Oldies since 1983. Treasurer (70s & 80s). Secretary (1990). President (1999-2001). David was twice awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy, in 2000 and 2001. He was a club stalwart and drove our long serving AGS relationship of the turf and clubrooms. David was regularly found watching premier games. His son Jeremy Watt also played for the club. David is represented by his daughter Courtney Allan.
Bill Percy
Elected 1998
Bill played for a number of years outside Auckland but was a committed Club and Committee member for many years, including as President (1995-96). Bill was instrumental in arranging the joint venture with Grammar Windsor in asset ownership at AGS Turf. He also served on Auckland Hockey Executive for a number of years. Bill was awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy in 1994. He was a founding member of Somerville Pirates (Golden Oldies) and we attended many tournaments around the world. His children Karen and Scott have also played for the club support by his wife Jenny.
Ian (I.A.) King
Elected 1998
Ian was a grade player who served as an extremely able administrator and Committee member over many years, including as Secretary for three terms (1971-78, 1988-89 and 1995-99). Ian was twice awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy, in 1976 and 1997. The Ian King Memorial Trophy for exceptional services to Hockey, including to Auckland and New Zealand Hockey, was established in memory of Ian in 2000.
David Watts
Elected 1989
From the formation of the Somerville Club the Watts family have always had members present. David is the son of Harold, he started in 1942 under the coaching of Les Norton.
He was Captain of the 1950 NZ Schoolboys U16 Team that toured New South Wales for 17 days, winning all eleven games. David scored 29 of the 67 goals in his ten games. He played and captained the Auckland Colts team for many years. He then became a Senior player in 1951.
Later he served as a keen Committee member for many years, including as Secretary (1979-81), Chairman and President (1989-90). He remains a stalwart supporter of the Club despite for many years residing out of Auckland. David’s partner of 36 years, Colleen, a keen Somerville supporter and advocate for women, donated the Foundation Cup in 1981 in recognition of the rejuvenation of a Somerville Ladies team. The Watts Cup in the Men’s section is an ongoing reminder of the prominent role the Watts family has played in Somerville Club history.
Ross Hammond
Elected 1986
Ross joined the club in 1960 at age 20 after moving from Australia with a number of friends who also played Hockey for either Somerville or other Auckland club’s. He played in Seniors for several years and then coached and organised grade teams for many more years. Ross was an enthusiastic Committee member and contributed significantly (donating materials and time) to the refurbishment of Hobson Park facilities which enabled the Club to build a sound financial base. He was awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy in 1968. His grandsons Richard, Sam and Tyrone have also played for Somerville and Rob and Linda Hewett have supported the club over many years administratively.
Graham Norton
Elected 1979
Graham is a son of the Club’s founder (Les Howard Norton) and recently was our Club patron until 2021. He played through the Junior grades achieving Senior status in the 1950’s. He was a dedicated and valuable Committee member, including as Secretary (1956 to 1957) and President (1973 to 1976). He is currently the “Club Historian”.
Graham served the club as a player reaching Auckland status during that time. He went on to coach one of the most successful periods in the clubs history. Graham’s ability to get the best out of the players resulted in a 75 match, 3 year, unbeaten run which resulted in senior championships in ‘79, ‘80 and ‘81 for the club.
Graham’s sons and daughters all played for the Club. His son Simon was the Coaching Director for the Club from 2017 to 2022 and his grandson Sam played Premier hockey having played through the Junior ranks also.
Ron Griffen
Elected 1973
Ron joined the club in 1942 at age 14. He played through the grades to achieve Senior status in the 1950’s. He was an enthusiastic Committee member for many years, including as Club Captain for nine years (1972-80) and President (1986-88). Ron was twice awarded the prestigious Bill Newsham Trophy for outstanding contributions to the Club, in 1965 and 1975. In 2002 Ron was presented with a framed certificate acknowledging 60 years dedicated service to the Club. Ron presented the Griffen Cup for Junior Administration and maintains a close interest in the Juniors, and used to annually give the juniors the history of the Somerville silver spoon at junior prizegiving. Ron is represented by his daughter Shiree and son-in-law David Walker.
Syd Torkington
Elected 1973
Syd is known throughout New Zealand for his dedication to the development of Hockey skills to whole generations of junior players. He selected and coached Hatch Cup teams for 21 years, with his teams winning this famous trophy a remarkable 11 times. Many of our Senior Club players and past and current Auckland and New Zealand players learnt their skills under Syd’s guidance. He produced the Club coaching video “Coaching Junior Hockey the Syd Torkington Way” in 1995. Syd served a term as Club President (1980-82). He was awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy in 1966 and the Queen’s Service Medal in 1990 for services to Hockey. A true “Somerville man” you would often see him around Hobson Park followed by his dog Sally.
John (Jack) Grant
Elected 1967
Jack joined the Club in 1945 and was a dedicated Club member over many years, as a grade player until 1978, and a Committee member for 10 years. John was a very efficient Club Secretary (1952-55) and briefly again in 1966. During this period, the club won four consecutive premier championships.
Des Chapman
Elected 1965
Des was a senior team goal-keeper. He was a very keen and conscientious Club Secretary for 10 years (1958-67). Des was awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy in 1961.
Bruce Ginders
Elected 1965
Bruce joined the Club in 1947 as a Senior payer. He served on the Committee as Club Captain (1961-65).
Jack Pooley
Elected 1965
Jack joined the Club in 1946 and was a dedicated grade player over many years and an enthusiastic Committee Member. Jacks’ forte was the recruitment and coaching of many Junior players. He was a selector, coach and manager of Hatch Cup teams for several years. Jack is remembered for his enthusiasm as a side-line supporter whenever Somerville teams played, particularly for calls such as “bend your backs”, “channel him” and “go for goal”. He also served on the Auckland Hockey Association Executive. Jack was awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy in 1959. He is survived in the Club by widow Hazel, son Mark Pooley, daughter Joanna Hazard and grandchildren Rebecca, Peter, Rosie, Jacob, Maddison and Connor.
Cliff Smith
Elected 1965
Cliff was a Club stalwart for many years and played Senior Hockey during the 1940’s and 1950’s, being Senior captain for several years in that period. He was Club Senior selector and coach for 5 years, Club Captain (1938) and Secretary (1932-33). He was renowned for his hospitality and held many functions at his Howick home.
Clive Watts
Elected 1965
Clive is the youngest of three brothers Harold, Eric and Clive. He was an outstanding player during a Club “golden era” in the 1920’s and 1930’s and with his brother Eric represented Auckland and New Zealand (from 1925 to 1929). In later years he was noted for hosting many Club picnics at his Orewa property.
Clive’s grandsons Chris and Dean played for the Club as do Dean’s daughters Piper and Willow in our Junior grades.
Eric Watts
Elected 1965
Eric was the middle brother of Harold and Clive. and probably the most outstanding player of the 1920-30 era, playing for Auckland and New Zealand (from 1922 to 1935), including as Captain. Eric scored the first international goal for New Zealand and the first hat-trick, both against Australia. He served on the Committee as Club Captain from 1925 to 1936 and continued his assistance and interest in the Club for many years.
Eric Archibald
Elected 1960
Eric joined the Club in 1935 and was a Senior player from 1940 to 1958 and an Auckland representative from 1944 to 1951. He was a selector and coach in all Club grades from Juniors to Seniors and served on the Committee for over 30 years, including as Chairman and President (1969-1972). Eric continued to support the Club and Auckland Hockey in behind the scenes work and was a regular supporter at Club and Auckland matches. Eric was the Club Patron and “Senior Statesman” and attended 71 consecutive Club prize-givings. He was also an Auckland Hockey Association President (1974-1977). Eric was awarded the Bill Newsham Trophy in 1960, was a Life member of Auckland Hockey Association and was awarded, jointly with his wife Maureen, a Gold Medal for special service to Hockey by Hockey New Zealand in 2006. Maureen and their son Jeffrey are both Life Members and grandson Ryan was also the Black Sticks captain.
Bill Heard
Elected 1958
C.W. Heard (Bill) joined the Somerville Hockey Club in 1923, playing in the Senior Grade from 1932 to 1936 and representing Auckland in Juniors and then Seniors in 1933. Bill was a great contributor to hockey and has stamped his family name onto the Somerville Hockey Club. He was renowned for his dedication and work in the improvement of club activities, serving as Club Captain (1949-1959), President (1966-1969) and Patron (1974-2004). Bill was elected a Life Member in 1958 and was a member of the Club for 81 years. His and wife Audrey’s children, Brian, Neil (Canada) and Diane (see the Watts Family), grandchildren and now great grandchildren, have followed in his footsteps.
Bill Newsham
Elected 1953
President (1945-57). Bill Newsham was on outstanding servant of the Club and the Bill Newsham Memorial Trophy was established in his honour in 1959 as the Club’s top award for the best Club member in each year.
Clive Stainton
Elected 1953
Club Secretary for nine years (1942-48). Auckland Hockey Association President (1963-64).
Sid Smith
Elected 1939
President (1935).
C Preston
Elected 1932
Secretary (1930-31).
Sir Lesley Munro
Elected 1931
Sir Lesley was Club Captain (1922-24). Sir Lesley was also a noted journalist, diplomat, jurist and politician. He was an editor at the New Zealand Herald in the 1940’s, served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to the USA and Permanent Representative at the United Nations in the 1950’s and as an MP for Waipa in the 1960’s. He was knighted as first K.C.M.G. in 1950 and again as K.C.V.O. in 1957.
Gordon Peace
Elected 1931
Club Secretary (1919-21) and President (1962-65). Auckland Hockey Association President (1968-69).
Harold Watts
Elected 1931
Harold was a foundation member of the Club in 1915. Secretary (1922-29) and President (1958-61). Harold was also an international umpire. Auckland Hockey Association President (1957-59).
His father, Thomas Watts, was elected Patron of SHC in 1922 and held that position until his death in 1950. Brothers Eric and Clive both became NZ Reps. Harold chose early in his career to blow the whistle and became an International Referee. Also became a Life Member of the Auckland Hockey Umpires Association where he served as a Committee Man for many years.
Leslie Howard Norton
Elected 1920
Les Howard Norton was the father of the Club, founding it in 1915. He played for several seasons in the Senior team and had played for Auckland in 1911 and later for Wellington in 1918. He served continuously as an administrator for Auckland Hockey Association for 55 years from 1911 to 1965, including as President (1935-53) and Patron (1954-65). He was largely responsible for the introduction of Hockey to primary schools, the introduction of Country Week tournaments in 1912 and the production of the first Auckland Hockey Association Handbook in 1922. He was President, a selector and manager for New Zealand Hockey. He was an international umpire and an umpire administrator at Auckland and New Zealand levels. Les Norton was also elected a Life Member of Auckland Hockey Association, Auckland Hockey Umpires Association, New Zealand Hockey Association and New Zealand Hockey Umpires Association. He was regarded by many at the father of both Auckland and New Zealand Hockey as well as our Club. He is survived in the Club by his son Graham, grandson Simon and great-grandson Sam.