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BUSINESS ADDRESSES. :Ei*^ 't TO GIVE TUDOR WILLIAMS' BALSAM OF HONEY TO MY CHILDREN BEFORE THEY RETIRED TO BED, JAM certain they will Cough all Night i JL Without it. There is nothing on the face ef the earth equal to it; thoroughly up to date. "\T O Mother should neglect to keep tht* JL3I Infallible Remedy in the house ready for any emergency. Remember that it is wiser for any emergency. Remember that it ia wiser ♦o check a slight Cough at the commencement 'than To allow it to develop into a lingering corn- a. plaint. Ask distinctly for Tudor Williams' Balsam of Honey, and see that you get the right » article. Persons suffering from Difficulty of ~f Breathing should give it a Trial. I LARGEST SALE OF ANY Ctr GH AND JU LUNG MEDICINE IN THE WORLD. 20,000 OF TESTIMONIALS TO HAND. ¥ A BAG of LETTERS in Every Day, and what they say about TFDOR WILLIAMS' JgALSAM OF mrONEY IS SOMETHING MARVELLOUS. *• "A Magistrate" states:—I find your Balsam of Honey most effec- tual for Bronchitis. "A Lady," Mria West, Felix-place, Stroud, J writes —Your Balsam of Honey cured my ¡, little son of Whooping > Cough. Send me on i another Supply. I have a daughter subject t to Croup that I Wit very beneficial. t "The r.riMsh Army" renort* highly of it. Sold by all Chemists and Stores in Is. lid., I* 2s. 9d-, and 4s. 6d. bottles. Sample bottles sent (post paid) for Is. 3d., 3* and 5e., from the Inventor— jQ rjlUDOR ^TILLIAMS MEDICAL HALXI, ABERDARE. ES692
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DATI. t) TEMPERATUM. I RAINFALL. |M.ax. Miii. |Meau.;9 a.m. 9 p.m.lTotal. Sunday .I 31 42 3S 38*5 "CO -00 "00 Monday 4 38 34 136'0 "04 -:0 "14 w- 5| 41 44 42*5 *00 "00 '00 esday 6. 45 35 40*0 "02 '00 "02 4a* 7! 40 34 37*0 -37 -CO 7 r 8j 39 I 33 I 36*0 "03 -00 j "03 lay 9l j i -04
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Telephone, Xjiiina!. 502; P(wt-rMce, 95. y TeleffiftiiM, "Express/' Cardiff, j
.Bill Banter's Budget
Bill Banter's Budget Oh, shall I e'er forget the day ('Tis many years ago) When first I took my wife to see A Rugby football ahow Them internationals at play Stole both our lieartv^wav Ah! woe is me, that I should see j That fatal, fatal day. Choreouae: For ever since that fatal day my wife's gone mad; Awfully queer in her hemisphere, she's going to the bad! In the middle of the night she kicks me out —she does, upon my soul And shouts out William, Wiilkm, awake I've been and dropped a. goal!" This many a. day, 'tis 8Ml to say, I A martyr weak am I, In the morning I wake on the floor, And Emma claims a try; v At noon there is no dinner And we scrimmage hoe and strong, But in v wife comes out the winner As sue dribbles me along. Choreouse: — ■ For ever since that fatal day me wife's gone moony Awfully queer in the hemisphere, oh, shades of Annie Rconey In the middle of the night she wakes me up and bangs me on the nose, And shouts out, "William, William, a.wake before the whiatie blows!" BILL HIGGINS. Poor Hiding! He is camping out at New- port overnight with his crazy Emma. This f. Homing, at the request of his wife, he has f Deen using riotous vocabulary over the tele- \c phone about the weather. Higgins has a i number of pals in Llwynypia, and Emma has dressed in Llwynypia Club coetume to receive the visitors as the excursions come in. There is only one topic in the country to-day t, —international football. I am afraid of t Biggins at Newport. He ia engaged upon an p.' recount of the match from th6 poet's point of view, and I tremble lest he burst hi* vocabu- ?' larv. The police have an irritatinz habit of bottling Higgins in the refrigerator upon the 4 occasion of his Friends from the t- Rhondda who miss him a«t the station will | know what has happened. Fortunately, Emma 'has his fine and costs tied up in the corner of her handkerchief, and all will yet go well. I am anxious more than anything to see how our Rhondda. boys come off to-day. After the match we shall perform all right, but the ■ Newport ground, though in better condition f than the weather warrants, is not in the trim to Jo the Rhondda boys full justice, judging by the language over the telephone. Ah-this is an hours or ro before the match, whilst an end- less stream of trippers is pouring in, and I fc am rushing for the Newport train. Let us hope, and wait. We shan't be long. "Cymru un byth, a LIoegr yn y gwtter," as Higgins iptfly observes.
| ENGINEERING TRADE.
| ENGINEERING TRADE. V ADVANCE I2T THE HOETH OP I* EITGLASD. The master engineers in the Ashton-under- Lvne, Dukinfield, and Hyde districts have, at the request of the men, granted an advance of 2s. per week in wages.
--AN OLD OFFENDER.
AN OLD OFFENDER. Mary Casev, 54. was found drunk and dis- orderly on the Canal-bank at Cardiff on Fridav. She had made 78 appearances before at Cardiff Police-court, and Vl-M now remanded for a week to go into the workhouse.
REFUSED TO QUIT.
REFUSED TO QUIT. John O'Brien, a. sturdy fellow, of 27, refused to quit tfte Temple Bar otel. Bute-street, on £ Friday, and broke a pane of plate-glass, of the fe value of £ 1 5s., ihe property of the landlord. f Mr. S. B. Williams. For this offence he was placed in the dock art Cardiff police-court on Saturday morning.—Police-constable William ancock said the prisoner was quite sober when he arrested him after the occurrence.—He was fined 10s. and costs, or, in default, fourteen jl* «fcys' imprisonment.
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I' Tlie Liitle English Llw Tonic. KernicV* t*bl<» Tills; do*e, <an; small pili; 7jd Is. l^d sad ?-t. M r-tr COX -Of IL11 etar.
WALES W I N S.
WALES W I N S. SPLENDID VICTORY AT NEWPORT. ENGLAND BITES THE DUST. -:0000:- MAGNIFICENT PLAY OF THE WELSH FORWARDS. ENGLISH SCRUMMAGERS CARTED ABOUT. WHY WALES WON- -0:- INTERVIEW WITH THE ENGLISH CAPTAIN, GLAD NOTES BY 44 WELSH ATHLETE." CHATS WITH PfAYERS AND ENTHUSIASTS. PORTRAITS OF THE THIRTY HEROES. Our ohanceg with England at Newport to-day have been so thoroughly thrashed out for as by the English critics that there remains very little more to say upon the matter. Unfor- tunately, however, all tbe words of wisdom let I. fall by our Sassenach friends have only had the result of mixing matters up for us. In the North the '"Yorkshire Post" writer has pointed out that, despite the adverse criticism of he North the '"Yorkshire Post" writer has pointed out that, despite the adverse criticism of he Southerners, there is a hope for England in the back division. On the other hand, Mr. Budd. who we all admit must know a. bit about English football, doles forth in a very dreary— from an English point of view—scram. Welsh- men generally are pretty confident as to the result, and the considerable amount of specula- tion that haa been already indulged in. Las for the most part been the result of the -locals laying the odds on the representatives of the "leek" inatead of asking for them. For my own part. I consider we have as irood a chance cf winning as ever we bad. In a sentence, I sm a. trilie sanguine. At the same time. I would make myself perfectly clear upon the fact that wo shall have nothing to give away. Of course. as is always the xee, a. gieat deal will depend upon the forwards. A a I write, the rain is falling heavily. The stra.w hag been taken off to" Newport ground, and, admirably drained as is that enclosure, one cannot help seeing thit the turf id in a very bad condition. No doubt that fact will make a considerable difference to the play, but more. I fancy, to the English forwards than to the Weish forwards. In this wise. At the North and South match the particular smartness of the Englishmen was in their wonderful drib- bling and following up. As I mentioned on that occasion, they were as faat at hares, and rartly gave tho opposing backs a chance to i return the ball, being on them too soon. A wet. heavy ground will not favour these tactics I I io much as a dry, fast turf would do, henca I < make it out that the Englishmen will have I to do a bit of hard scrimmaging. And, mark: you, they can Mrimm: ge. let there be no mis- take about tha.t. They average, roughly speak- ] ing. about thirteen stone, and when they p-j-i it will tak-) a lot to stand up against them, a.s 1 by the same rule will their ewinging and drib- j blmg require a lot of stopping. 1 The Welsh forwards, probably. average quite i as much avoirdupoi* a<! do the Englishmen. ( In height, too, the wearers of the scarlet are not likely to fall short, whilst their tackling abilities will be almost as decisive as those of the j Englishmen. I am doubtful, however, as to their, fcpeed. D. Evans, Parker, and Boucher arc probably ilia fastost of the lot, but, then. the 1 whole of the Englishmen are fast, and in the ] recent match at Richmond showed themselves < to be quite untiring and possessed of a happy knAck of supporting tieir three quarters, and alwayj being bang on the spot to scrimmage up over a man immediately he was down. With the recent suggestions from the inter- national board as to restraining the referee s whietle, that means a good deal, for in'me- diately a man is collared and held up the govern- ing body are eviden-^y wishful that he should play the ball at once and not wait for his for- wards to come up and a seriinma.?e to be formed. If we get the worst of the fight to-day ia the forward department it is in that respect I am most do'ibtful aB to our abilities. In honest scrimmaging and heeling out I feel a large amount of confidence in the ability of our forwards. At half-back Wales ought to hold an advan- tage. I am speaking now on trial match form. Compare D. Jenca with Taylor, for example. If Jones plays as well aa he did oa the Car- diff Arms park he ought to have the host of martters with the Rcckcliffe man, for Taylor showed no particular brilliancy at Richmond; and, furthermore, I am assured that his club ] form this season is not of a particularly wnars character. Biggs is undoubtedly the finest I' individual half in Wales to-day, a.nd I feel every confidence in comparing him with C. M. W&lls. The latter was, no doubt, the best half on the field at Richmond, but lio showed no particular brilliancy, and the only reason he did so well was by strong individual running. He is a stocky, sturdy man, exceedingly strong, and very hard to hold, potssessing, like most f English players, a. knack of passing cut the ball from the floor after being tackled. i A good deal has fceeu said and written about th*J three-quarters. The Yorkshire critic above I. mentioned considers that the four are, both individually and collectively—with the excep- tion of Gould—as gocd as tho Welsh four. In their way, and oonsiùcring the style of girne that is likely to be played by the three quarters tc-day, my Northern friend is probably not a long way out in his suggestion. At any rate, the individuality of the English three-quarterj is likely to make itself feIt. Take them rig-h; r/ross the lire, for example. Fookes is a damirerous man-slrong-, fast, and fearless. He it the gor. of man who would have a shot tt I getting through a. brick wall if it WAS in his way. Still, he is opposed to Pearson, and the ex C'ardifiwn, besides having the advantage ill weight and pace, is playing a wonderfully sound game just now, and will sure to give a goocl II account cf himself against the Yorkshire county man. Fletcher, as was the case at Richmond, will I probably play centre to Fookes The Cumber- land man in the North and South game did AOt have many opportunities, owing, :1íJ I stated the time, to the Northern halves not being able to feed iheir backs. He did one or two clever things occasionally, a.nd shewed a markedly sound defence. In that respect, at any rate, he ought to have his hands full with A. J. Gould, who, if in anything like f'rin, wili he sure to lorn! Ybteher a pretty dance. What Fletcher's abilities in attack are I am quite unabie to say. for he had no opportunity of sliowin^' tlinrn at Richmond. If Baker opposes G-wyan Nkholls, as I expect he will, I think we shall have a. bit tho best of matters in that instanL-e. I am willing to admit a large amount of ability on the part of the Oxonian, but what may be urged against him is a suspicion of rocki'.rss, remaining from his recent iliness. Further than that, however, he has got to meot one of, if not the absolute, best all-round centre three-quarter playing :1 feet bo 11 at the present day. In attack N'.cholls has a wonderful aptitude for making an open- ing. Ha runs in a most clumsy fashion at the same time, the fact that he gets over the ?rmin-.t *unuerfullv faai caumot be denied. In defence there is no man in the Welsh team who can I give bim points. If F. A. Byrne plays as good a. game as he did in the North and South match, then he should be the best three-quarter on his side, and Cliff Ho-A-en should have the warmest time of it that lins ever fallen to his lot. Aga-inst Cardiff, strange to say, Byrne has never shown himself p.Assessed of any particular abilities. On the other hand, at Richmond, in the North v. rionth game, he was far and away the best three-quarter on the field, and did everything that fell to his lot in a positively brilliant fashion. I have heard it urged since then that the Moseley man was playing above his form. I May be. At the same time, I must speak on wha,t I actually saw. If he plays above him- self on one occasion he might do so again, and it is well to be prepared for the worst at auy rate. Between J. F. Byrne and Bancroft, providing both men play up to form, there can be but little to chooee. If there be a shade in Byrnv's iavour it is on the scare of his sound defence. What Bancroft r-lay lose in that respect, how- ever, lie will probably more than make up for in his general aU-round trickiness. I don't suggest that he would be as good as Byrne if playing behind a beaten pack. I do say, how- ever, that if the Welsh forwards are playing a winning game, then there is no back ever J donned a jersey I would sooner see behind them than Bancroft. To sum the matter up. I shall put down the forwards as being fairly evenly matched. At half I consider we ought to hold an advantage, whilst at three-quarter I consider the beam should also tip in favour of Wales. Between the I full-backs, as I point out above, there can be nothing to choose, unless we are playing a win- ning game then there is no knowing what Ban- croft will do towards aiding his side. I believe, with the teams so evenly balanced, luck will be an important factor in the game. Admit- ting all things equal in this respect, I naturally have a slight leaning towards WALES, who I hope and believe will win, although he margin of points in favour of either one side or the other wil!, I am sure, be a very small one.
A GLANCE AT THE GAMES] OF…
j A GLANCE AT THE GAMES] OF THE PAST. HOW WALES HAS FARED IN ITS STRUGGLES WITH ENGLAND. [BY "WELSH ATHLETE."] On many occasions we have entered upon our engagement with England imbued with the > most sanguine spirits as to the result. Generally: speaking, however, I cannot re-call any season R. tiELLlnGS W. '■' n, 13 J. £ VAii5 H. PACKER D.EVANS J. PtiAPPS ( F. CORNISH A.W.BOUCHER I m which the Welsh public more fancied the ] chances of their team than Í3 the ease to-day. I won't pretend to say that the selection of the team has given general satisfaction; that. 1 however, is not to be expected, for however strong a. fifteen, and no matter whether they 1 ivon or whether they lost, there has ilways been some captious c ritic, who, j laving especial fancies of his own, :ontended that their inclusion would materially strengthen the side. Broadly ( speaking, however, the team has given a. fair s amount of satisfaction, and, possessing a better tnowledge of the English style of play than !laB been the case duriv.g the last couple of ( rears, I shall be surprised if our men do not f n a large degree justify their selection. It is ] jsiial on these occasions to give a resume of J aast matches. There is a good deal of the oft- lold tale about it. Still, of the younger genera- ] ticn that swell the ranks of local players and ( jnthueiasts every year, there will probably be j nanv to whom the reminiscences of past matches ivill be interesting reading. It was away back j in 1880 that, after constant application on our ( part, England descended from their high i pedestal, and condescended to meet our repre- tentative fifteen. We were not doing so bad 1 jither in club matches at thaz. day, but, as even j s the caee now, the area from which we had to choose was very limited, whilst England, < with the numbtr of clubs she had at her ( command, could pick almost as good a fifteen j is she can now. Of course, it was a dilferent style of game altogether. In those ■ F. J/1C0B ■ F. Si OUT f 6 11) }. MANGLES » flF.OAKES w, /tGliFORD N, BARRON. J.F.ELMH k W. B. STODDART I days we played nine forwards; Eng- land played ten. We had a couple of full hacks, two three-quarter backs, and two halve*. England had a full back, two three-quarters, and two halves. The backs in thoee days, however, did not play the same style of game, and the same amount of impor- tance was not attached to them as is now the case. The halves and three-quarters were a sort of flying men, more after the style of cur present day wing forward than anything I can imagine. It wr,6 a fight between the for- wards pure and simple, and their ten picked men played the "deuce and all" with our nine. They fairly ran over us, rushed the scrums, and knocked the Welshmen about all shapes. Nearly all their scoring was donfuy the forwards,, and this will be better realised when I state thap Burton scored four tries, Vas- sajl three, and Fernandez and Rowley one each. Leonard S okes. still held by the old school of English footbailers to be the granaeet kick England has ever had, placed six out of the eight goals. Hunt kicked one and dropped another, and there were five tries that were not converted. Twelve times England went across our line; the kind of game it was can be better imagined than described. 1 don t suppose the Welshmen that represented their country on that occasion will feel over proud of having their names publiahed; still, as it was memorable, inasmuch as it wu the first international game we ever played, I think I am justified in blazoning them forth to the world. There is only one of them, I believe, that take,, any prominent part in present-day foot,t)all-tlizi -Ilr. W. D. Phillips, of the Cardiff committee, and a vice-president of the Wel"h Rugby Union. The same remark prac- tically applies to the English players, for Mr. Gurdon, a prominent member of the English Rugbv Union, is the only one left to take a really active psrt in English Jootoall. ihe tea ins were aa follow: — Wales: Backs, C. H. Newman (Newport) and R. H. B. Summers (Haverfordwest) three- quarter backs. E. Peake (Chep-tow) and J. A. Beavau, captain (Grosmont); half backs, E. J. Lewis Llandovery) and J. Watkins (Llandaff) forwards. E. J. Purdon (Newport), G. F. Hard- in< and A Rees (Llandovery), B. E. Girling (Cardiff), B. B. Mann (Cardiff), W. D. Phillips (Cardiff). F. Treharne (Pontypridd), G. Darby- shire (Bangor), and R. D. G. Williams (Brecon and Newport). England: Back, T. Fry (Queen's House); three-quarter back's. L. Stokes, eaptain (Rl;«ekheath), and R. Hunt (Man- chester) half back- H. H. Taylor (Black- heatn.) and H. T. Twynam (Richmond); for- wards, A. P. James (Blackheath), G. W. Bur- ton (Blackhcath). C. W. L. Fernandez (Leeds), II. Fowler (Waitham*tow), E. T. Gurdon (Richmond), C. Gurdcn (Richmond), W. Hewitt (Queen's House), H. Vaseall (Oxford Univer- sity), H. T. Rowley (Manchester), and C. P. Wilson (Cambridge University). The thrashing we sustained on that occasion was not the worst part of the matter, as the Englishmen, evidently thinking that ouch a poor display hardly warranted them again favouring us with a. fixture, refused to play us in the following season. In 1882. however, we obtained a. fixture with the North of Eng- land, and did so well that in 1883 England favoured us with another fixture, the ma.tch being then played at Swansea. England sent down a powerful team, the three-quarters being Bolton, Wade, and Evanson. These were giants truly in thooe days^ I doubt if such a trio r n of three-quarters has ever been brought b together since. As might have been t expected, we were beaten, but there was p such a great improvement visible that a England only won by two goals and four e tries—a score big enough, in all conscience, f but still distinctly encouraging in those who b had taken the fearful collapse of 1880 to heart. m Besides this, it was not by any means the runaway match the score would seiem to indi- cate. Our forwards did remarkably well on that occasion. We were pressing repeatedly, especially towards the close, when the Eng- lish forwards appeared to have shot their bolt. Their defence was, however, admirable, and, although we had several narrow escapes, we never bad luck enough to score. In 1884 we went to Leeds to try our luck, and. perhaps, it would be interesting to go over the names d the plav-'rs who took part in practically the first match in which 'Yales fairly put her for- midable opponents on their mettle. On the English side there was Tristram, the Oxoniq, probably the best back that ever played for England. Then there were the gigajitic Bolton and Wade, and the Cantab, Chapman, at three- quarter. Rotherham and Twynam were the halves, whilst the forwards were a hot lot. On the \\T e1<h -ido, C. P. Lewis, of Handovery. was back. Allen, of Cambridge; Norton, of Cardiff, one of the strongest runners who ever played for Wales and C. G. Taylor, of Rua- bon. the sheet anchor of the Welsh Com- mittee for many a season, formed the trio of three-quarters. W. Gwynn, the late gecrelar: T.W.PEARSON i G.F11CH0LL5 • A..J. GOULD I yet C. 60WE.N j' of the Welsh Union, and Charlie Xewmau. who is a parson somewhere up ;0 Durham, played half. The forwa.rds were Clapp, Phillips, Bob Gould, Lyne, Simpson, G. P. Morris, Fred Margrave, and Andrews, as good a pack as ever played for W a.es— every man a scrimmagcr and equal to any amount of work in the loose. It was a hard Eight, and with a bit of luck we should have ivon. The Welsh halves excelled themselves. Newman never let a man pass him. and brought Bolton and Wade down every time they came [1ear him. and Wade wanted some stopping, too --in fact, in the ordinary run of things, half x dozen men w-ere required to hold him. Bill Gwynn fairly pulverised Rotherham, who was tii en at his prime, and got the ball out to his three-quarters time after unie. Allen got some beautiful passes, but he let them slip, until he at last made up for the mistake by scoring a beautiful try, which Lewis converted. England scored a goal and two tries, the Welsh ine being crossed by Rotherham, Wade, and I rwynam, Bolton kicking the one goal, so itie victory was only a narrow one. Bolton played i magnificent game that day, and had it not been for Newman's tackling he must have got 3ver. In 1885 we retrograded; the team was .veaker behind and in front, and England won )y a goal and four tries to a. goal and one try. lordan scored bo'.h the tries for Wales. Arthur jrould, to-day's Welsh captain, played full- sack in the game, and very well he played, :co; and. if I am not mistaken, that N'IIS also Stoddart's international debut. Two -hampion three-quarters thus came out at ;omewhere about the same time. Of the 30 players seen out on that occasion only one is it harness now, viz., Arthur Gould. He and -Meddart rose to prominence together, but jrould has lasted the longer. To the Welsh saptain, at least, the following list will re-call icme friends cf the old days.—Wales: Back, A. J. Geuld (Newport) three-quarter jacks, H. M. Jordan (Newport), C. G. Taylor Cardiff), and F. E. Haycock (Cardiff) half- JHcks, W. H. Gwynn (Swansea) and C. H. Srewman (Cambridge University): forwards, R. jk-uld (Newport), T. J. S. Clapp (Newport), EI. S. Lyne (Newport), T. B. Jones (Newport), L. C. Thomas (Cardiff), S. Goldsworthy (Swan- iea). R. D. Richards (Swansea), J. S. i^mith (CaTdiff), and M. Rowland Lampeter). In 1386 we really ought to have won at Blackheath. Wales had a grand team ill-round. Harry Bowen, of Llanelly, was back. Gould centre three-quarter, with Taylor md Douglas on the wings. Stadden and New- nan were at half, and the forwards were a clever lot, with plenty of weight, which they iid not forget to use in the scrimmage. Wade jot a try for England, %vliiLh was not con- verted, and Wilkinson also scored, but no goal was kicked. Wales, on the other hand, thanks to Stadden, were leading. Stadden had taken the ball from the line-out and had scored a try, after running over hu-lf the length of the fiela. Taylor was successful with the place kick. and everything was looking rosy for the Principality, when Elliott made a. mark in the centre of the field, and Stoddart kicked a, mar- vellous goal, and won the game for England. Our next fixture was at Llanelly in 1887, there being an enormous crowd present. Owing to the football ground being frozen, the game was played on thi cricket ground, temporary goal-posts being rigged up. A lot of amuse- ment was created by the c-ollapse of the cross- ha.r--at ilia sea-end. I think it was-Gould being deputed to climb the posts and execute neces- sary repairs. Wales had all the best of the game that day, and should have won easily. Dicky Lockwood, who, by the way, opposed Wales for the first time on this occasion, and Roberts saved England that day, undoubtedly. The Welsh forwards. I F.A.BYRNE. i.M.BAKER I T.FLETCHER .badh E.F. FOOKES I carted thr Englishmen all over the field, but it did not avail, and we were left to console ourselves with whatever comfort we could extraot from the score of five minors to one. In 1887-8 England played no international matches, through some unfortunate dispute re- garding the constitution of an international tribunal, which, it was suggested, should be based on a numerical equality from each country, although they selected a. team and presented caps to its members. In 1889 they played their only inter-country fixture with the Maoris. The Australians also visited South Wales, but got decidedly the worst of the argument. 1890, in which the inter- national difficulty was amicably arranged, saw our next ga.me with England. England had beaten both Scotland and Ireland, and although we sent a pretty hot lot up to Dews- bury, we were not by any means sanguine of securing a victory. Indeed, we had consider- securing a victory. Indeed, we had consider- I able doubts about holding our own. The I game is memorable, not only from the fact that we for the first time beat England, but adeo that this was our initial effort at the four three- quarter system. It was also Bancroft's first appearance for his oountry. Wales played magnificently, and won by a try to nothing. Stadden was again the scorer, getting a try right under the nose of Jimmy Wright, of Bradford-in preference to whom he had, in the previous week, been selected by tho York- shire committee as half-back for Yorkshire with F. Bonsor. Eugland had her revenge ext year, whon at Newport she defeated us y two goals and one try to one goal, whilst 1 he next year at Blackheath we agso had to iufc up with defeat to the tune of three goa-13 nd one try to nil. There were, however, xoneraiing incidents in this match. "The S brothers James were unable to play for us at aU-back, whilst the passing of our back line 'as frightfully erratic. In addition, all round ] THE WELSH PLAYF.RS. < jriven in the positions in which they will take the field.) I I W,i. BANCROFT A D. liOi.Cu I' 5. BiQGS. I our tackling was of the most nam by pajn by description. Forward, we -were playing eight men to England's nine, and wete having decidedly the best of the argument, yet we could never take advantage of the many oppor- tunities they were giving m. The following year at Cardiff was a sensational one in many respects. In our international games with England there is always a dread as to the appearance of that dire enemy of footballers, a I hard frost. This year it was harder than ever, and it ^eemed any odds against the ga..de taking I place on the Cardiff Arms Pa.Tk. Swansea wrote down to say that their ground was pro- tected, and offered the use of it. The Eastern officials, however, determined to make a big effort, and, under the guidance of poor old "Bill" Shepherd, some hundreds of "devils" sufficiently roasted the Westgate-street enclosure to allow the match to take place. How many of those who saw the hundreds of "devils blazing away on the Cardiff Arms Park will | £ .W. TAYLOR « C.M.WELLS I T J.F. BYRNE. THE ENGLISH PLAYERS. (Indicating the positions thf!Y will take on the fielJ.) ever forget the sight? Dlcley Lockwood and Brackhaw could hardly be get away from them. "Ah, man," said Lockwood, who was captain that year, "but it's a gra.nd sight." Bradtdiaw did not say much. Probably he was reserving all his energies for the next day. Goodness knows, they were not lacking dur'/jg the matoh. We shall all remember what the English eighi did with the Welsh forwards in the first half. They beat us in scrimmaging, %nd ran over us in the loose, but in the second half they liad 5hot their bolt, and then we began to have a look in. The veteran Jim Hannan started operations by getting up to the half-way line. Here he hajided to A. J. Gould, and the latter ran in behind the posts with a try, which Bancroft converted. Biggs got the next ooiiit, ixould following with a third, but neither of these was converted, and as England had also scored a :ouple of tries, added to the goal and try they 1 obtained in the first half, we were still left ( with two points to the bad. There were only i few minutes to play. when England were penalised just at their 25 on the touch line on the grand stand side. Arthur Gould wanted ] to place the ball: Bancroft persuadEd him to I let him drop, with the result that is now a natter of hietory, for he landed a magnificent _gni ;oal, which won Wales the match, and evoked 1 the wildest scene of enthusiasm. Still, there was some doubt even now in the minds of many if the crowd, who did not understand exact .v tiow the pointe were counted, and many were the inquiries at the press-box amongst the •rowd as to what were the points frcm the i various scorea. When it was known that Wales had won the enthusiasm was terrific. the year after we went brimful of hope to Birkenhead Park with a team that gave almost universal satisfaction, and got very badly jeaten by five goals to one try. It was one if the biggest sma-shings we have ever had, piiat is, considering our performance of the rear Delore. mere was a ox a n -.i iuiwuio, I but behind the pack we were completely run aver. Parfitt was the only one of the halves that did any defence, whilst of the three- { quarter line M'Cutcheon was the only one who rose above mediocrity. The Englishmen ran through us in the most frightful manner, and practically every time they got the ball either scored or were very, very near it. We admitted beillg beaten fairly and squarely at the same time, we did not think for a moment that it was stir true form. Such, indeed, was seen to be the case when we met Scotland at Newport a I month later, and inflicted upon them a decisive defeat, they in turn meeting England shortly afterwards, and defeating them. The follow- ing year we met at Swansea. We fancied our wianc-es immensely, and on our own particular midden, with a good all-round team, we antici- pated revenge for th? big defeat they had inflicted upon us at Jiii-kenhead Park. Those I who saw the match on that occasion will. I think, agree with me that we held our own fairly well in the first half, although iiaviug none tha best of the luck. The score at the interval was a. try each, and the Welshmen cer- tainly fancied their obanoe-s. In the second division of the game, however, we went all to pieces. Our forwards could never hold their own, and I stiail ever remember those terrific rushes down the nfid by Woods and Bromet. Hopelessly beaten forward, our baoks also went to pieces, theiir defence being of the weakest pofi.iiblo description. The only try by the Englishmen in the first half never ought to have been scored. rlhoni3on got past Pearson, the latter tackling in a very half-hearted manner. He started round to chase him, but could not Oiitch the Blackheath man. Still, it seemed unmentionable odds en Bancroft putting him into touch. Thomson was sailing down right on the touch line. Bancroft came right across tlle field to meet him a.t the angle, and. although the slightest charge would have sent Thomson into touch, the Swansea custodian somehow or other missed him, and the softest of soft tries was scored. I have, no need to dilate on the second half. As I say above, we were beaten at every point in the game, more especially for- ward, and the game ended ill a viotory for England by a goal and three tries to two tries. It was voted on all hands that we never saw such forward play in our lives as that of the English eight on this occasion; yet, to show the fallacy of football form, those very eight for- wards were routed at Richmond later in the season by the Scotsmen, whilst at Ediilburgh practically the same Welsh eight defeated the Scotch forwards. It us a peculiar thing, but tnw, that when we get a bad beating from England it is always by the aid of thnir forwards. It has been so from the very outset of our matches witfythem. and, indeed, I am not sure that such will not be the case to-day. I have a most vivid recol- lection of the way the English forwards behaved in the North and South match; stfll, I will leave that matter for comment in another column. Last year, at Blackheath, we had what, con- sidering our present prominent position in Rugby football, I consider one of, if not the biggest hidings we have ever sustained. Our big failure was at half-back, where Morgan was practically doing the whole of the defence behind a. beaten lot of forwards. Two -oals and five tries was the score, and it realllv and truly represented the Ft.. to of the play. If Wales made half-a-do/ci ;c;irsions into the English half it was as much as ever they did. Of course, at the outset we were beaten for- ward. and beaten badly, too still, this, in some measure, might have been redeemed had Ben Davie* taken a hand in the defence behind ihe scrimmage. The match is not one that pro- I vide an encouraging theme upon which to dilate. We were belen as honestly aa wd were badly. For one tiling, we did not quite under- stand those "keep moving" tactics as we do | now, and that, undoubtedly, made a lot of diffe- rence to us. I append a complete record of matches between the two countries up to matches between the two countries up to date: .n" .I. 1- r.1 "n.1.1 1. ,nn 1Q .it1ùV.[; ruacttlieilll. 'V'I. PJ ")1)1£'- r"" ami five tries to nil. 1883 —At Swansea. Etiglaiid won by two goals and four tries to nil. 1884.-At lpels. England won by one goal and two tries to one goal. IBS5.At Swansea. England won by one goal and four tries to one goal and one try. 1886.— At Blaokheatli. England won by one goal and two tries to one goal. 1887.-At. Llanelly. Drawn, neither side scoring. 1888.—No match, )Avillg-to dispute. 1S89.—No match, owing to dispute. 1090.—At Dewsbury. Wales won by one try to lid. 181)1 -At Newport. England wen by two goals ami one try to one goal. At Blaokheatli. England won by three goals, one try. and three minors to three minors. 1693 —At Cardi-T. Wales won by two goals and two tries (twelve points) to one goal and three tries (eleven points). 1894.—At Birkenhead. England won by five goals (one from a mark, 24 points) to one try (three points). 1895.—At Swansea. England won by one go&, and three tries to two tries. 1896.—At Blackheath. England won by; two goals and flve tries (25 points) to nil. Of i n Vm rrl o.r« haø. won ten and Wales two, viz., at Dewsbury, in 1839-90, by a try to nil, and at Cardiff in 1892-3, by twelve points to eleven. the game at Llanelly in 1886-7 being left drawn, without a score cm either sida
ARRIVAL OF THEENGLISH PLAYERS.
ARRIVAL OF THEENGLISH PLAYERS. A CHANGE IN THE TEAM. WHAT THE VISITORS THINK OF THE GAME. NEWPORT, Friday Night. Throughout the whole of the day—for the greater part of the week, in fact—and until the hour I left the town on the Usk on Friday night, a steady fall of rain prevailed.. Its etfeot an the ground can be well imagined. The turf looked bright and green, but one only had to ,tep on it to prove the bad state it was in. Ten minutes' play to-day will be sufficient to I 2ut it up tremendously. As to which side this ?ta.te of affairs will affect most is a moot point, i point, too, on which amongst: the English- [Ilen these prevails a wide divergence of opinion. The Rev. Frank Marshall gave it me as his opinion that it would hinder the ¡ Englishmen much more than the Welshmen on the other hand, "Old Ebor," of the "Yorkshire Pest," and "Philistine," of the "Athletic t\ews," two of the best-known critics in the North, are strongly of the opinion that the present state of the ground will be much more in England's favour than in that of Wales. Their opinion, however, does not find much favour with the English forwards, the most of whom are if the same opinion as the Rev. Frank Marshall. rhe Northern section of the English team was bhe first 13 arrive, reaching Newport just after seven o'clock. The whole of the Northern players arrivad with the single exception of Ward, who on Friday morning wired to Mr. Miller stating that he (Ward) found it impos- sible to travel to Newport. Barron was, there- fore, communicated with and brought to New- port to take Ward's place in the team. Accom- panying the party were Mr. M'Laren (Lanca- shire), Mr. Cail (X• i humberland}, Messrs. Miller and Hartley (Yorkshire), and the Rev. F. Marshall. The Southern and Midland con- tingent arrived just before ten o'clock, the players being accompanied by Messrs. Whalley, Gurdon, Elliott, Burney, and Rowland Hill (secretary of the English Rug-by Union). In the Southern lot there was no change, both Baker and Ashford, tha doubtful men, turning up fit and well. THE WELSH TEAM. Full Back. W. J. BANCROFT (Swansea) is 25 years of age, weighs lOst., and is 5ft. 6in. high. He first played for the Excelsior Football Club, a local team, in 1889. In 1890 he was given a trial with Swansea, and has played for them ever sinoe. He has repreeented Wales in all her international matches during the last five seasons. His strong points are kicking and fielding the ball. He can kick with either foot, and drop from a long distance. In fact, it was his wonderful drop-kicking that won Waleti her match against England three years ago. Gould is, of course, the doyen of the team, but next to him would come Bancroft, who looks like being a serious rival to the Usksider in the matter of number of in-ter- national games played. For the last couple of yeais Bancroft has been described iIi varying terms—one match the critics would say he was rocky; in the next he would play a game that truly would be described as stupen- dous. He is a marvel; a "'big littleun" that always arises to the occasion. Three-quarter Backs. A. J. GOULD (Newport) has played in more international matches under the Rugby Code than any man living at t.he present day. Biographical particulars of him have been written so oiten, that there is not a football erthusias't in Wales—very lew, in fact, in England—that is not thoroughly acquainted with all the particulars of probably the greatest centre three-quarter the world has ever known. Gould first saw light in the town on the Lsk 32 years ago; 5ft. lOin. in height, he turns the scale at list. 61b. The Newport Juniors are the team responsible for his first appearance, but hi's transition to the black and amber was very rapid. Since 1881 he has done service for this team, and his success as a centre three- quarter has been truly marvellous. Against England, in 1884, was the first occasion on which he did battle for Wrales, and, with the exception of the period during which he was resident in the Indies, he has been selected in every international matc-h from that date. During the earlier pa.rt of this season, Gould announced his intention of retiring from active service on the football field. Up to the time that .his club was beaten by Penarth, he saw no reason to alter hia decision. in this respect. The probabilities are that his interest in the club was so threat that their defeat caused him to turn out again. In his early days. Gould's great forte waa drop-kioking. Of late years his abilities in this respect have not been, per- haps. so pronounced. This season, strange to Say, his success in this department seems to have "returned; he has dropped a number of goals for Newport, whijst his resource as a centre three-quarter seeins to have increased rather than diminished. GWYNN NICHOLLS (Cardiff) was 22 last July. He stands 6ft. in his boots, and weighs Use. Tib. He is a brother of Sydney Nicholls, an old Cardiff player of undoubted merit, who gained his international cap on some half-a-dozen occasions. He played for the 'Quins once, acting in the position of full back. Then he was proposed for the Cardiff Second's three years ago, and has since been regularly attached to the Cardiff Club. He played for the Seconds for a couple of seasons. The season before last he took his position of centre three-quarter for the blue and blacks, and at once proved himself a player much above the aver-ago. with the result that he has never since been left out of the team. Nicholls was born at Westbury-OTi-Sevem, Gloucester- shire, and gained hi* county cap for Gloucestershire last season. He has been picked for each of ihe Gloucester County Club matches, but )'?*! always assisted his club in preference. 5 As a three-quarter, it is a quos- tiou if he has an equal in South Wales. He has nice pace, kicks well with either foot, collars like an octopus, and has a most happy kpack of making an opening before he starta his confreres fairly on the job. He may be put down as one of the very few Welsh centre three-quarters, that when they get the ball go straight for the line. T. W. PEARSON (Newport) has played for Wales on a number of citations, and may be put down as one of the grandest right wing three-quarters the Principality has ever haa the luck to represent her. Unlike many wing three-quarters, he is a. football player equally as much ea a sprinter. Hi" punting abilities are marvellous, nis pace come in the same category—in fact, one of the tlt trainers in Wales gave it nic as his honest t pinion that if Pearson had taken to the cinder path under proper training be would pro- bably have turned out a. bit better than a half- second man. Born in Bcnbay, Pearson came to England in 18T7, and created quite a sensa- tion at Miilhill School, when he kicked seven- teen goals out of eighteen tries against Bedford County School. It was twelve years ..fter Pearson came to this oountry—1889—that he became associated with the Cardiff team. Elliott and he admittedly formed the strongest right wing that the country has seen for many years past. A couple of seasons ago Pear- son's professional duties took him to Newport, with which club he has since been associated. Last season he was Hot quite up to form, and hardly seemed to put his heart into his play. This season his play has been entirely different; ho has shown all bis old epeeo". and resource, and il3.8 in addition developed gome ouito un- expected defensive abilities. He is 5ft Jhn. in height, and scales 12st. 101b. I I CLIFF BOWEN (Devonport Albion), ¡ ] who secured his cap last; year, is a j inemiber of an athletic family. His g father, Mr. S. B. Bowen, chemical manufac- turer, Llanelly, is an expert cricketer, and his "left-handers" are terrors to all wielders of the willow. Then, again, an urclo of his, Mr. George Bower), was a splendid three-quarter, and got h i.s place in the Welsh team. Always ¡ fond erf outdoor sports, lie hais played football j almost since he could walk, and when he 'was in 80hcol at Bath he cantained the Association ( teaan. In his school days he played "sooker" in preference to Rugby football, but when he came home to Llanelly he threw in his lot with the local "A" team, and sthov/ed great clever- ness on the wing. After a couple of matches, he was chosen for a place in the first, and that place he retained with brilliant success. Mr. Bowen is on the light side, but he is wonderfully fast and clever, and a pro- lific scorer. He is an athlete all over, and can show most people a wrinkle or two on the cross- bar and the trapeze. He excels in crickand was one of Hie most stylish and graceful ba-ts J in Llanelly. Of late, too. he has gene in for t running, and has carried off several prizes, on J the track. He is a deadly tackier, and seldom < allows an opponent to elude him. This year t he has mvivfefred his affections to the Devon- t port Albion team, owing to his residence for i professional nurpewes in that town. It is un- j necessary t'o sav he has been a tower of strength i to his new love. t to his new love. t Half-backs. | SELWYN BIGGS (Cardiff) is the youngest < playing member of the celebrated Biggs family. i Twenty-five years of age, he scales about list., ] and is justly considered one of the ol eve rest in- dividual halves in Wales. His great forte is the wonderful manner in which he slips through his opponents and creates openings for his three- j quarters. It is, indeed, not11ing new to see him tret down the field by himself before being (:r,1eoked or the necessity arises for parting with the ball. As a defensive player, he is almost perfect, wattles his opposing half like a cat, and never makes a mistake in tackling. This 1 is his fourth selection in an international team, J his first appearance being against England two I seasons ago. L. JONES (Aberavon) is only nineteen years of age, scales 10¡.,t. 91b., and stands in height 5rt. 7111. He commenced hir3 footbrdl career with the Taibnch Football Club. When the Aberavon team forged itself to the front, Jones ] Soon found his way into the 'Afou ranks, and has played three seasons as half-back. He 1 has represented his county on several occasions. He always plays a consistent game, his defence ] being irreproachable, fields the ball splendidly, ] is a judicious kick, :i1.1d lias a wonderful knack i of making good openings. He is a strong runner, .and v."h?n on the move he is very difficult to tackle. He is very vigilant at work- ing the swum, but shines also at standing out. Jones gives his passes cleanly and with that < precision which is always effective. The Aber- avonifes feel o?jiifident that hte will justify his selection. ( Forwards. H. PACKER (2\ewport) is not a Welshman by 'biruii, iiavnig been born at Chip- f ping JNorton, in Oxfordshire. After learning the ruannents of the gume ac jjcvoii County School, when still ( quite young, he came to Newport, and, joining 1 •me famous Oskside club, was in the season oi 11 1888.9 made captaut of the Reserve fifteen. Tiie ( following winter he got his Œ.p as one of the f Newport first fifteen, with whom he has played j regularly up to date, excepting in 1891-2, when ( he was iiors de combat owing to an injured leg. His internaitioiial cap came to him for the Eng- 1 iisli match of 1890-1, since which time no has represented Wales against Scotland &nd Ire- ] land in 1694-5, and England, Ireland, and Scot- J land in 1896. A sound, hard-working forward, J with plenty of dash, he is particularly dangerous in tht; open, and he both follows up and uses t Ins feet well. A guarantee of his pace is forth- < coming in the records of his success on the 1 running track and [o,C¡0.,8 country. Twenty- s seven years of age, he weighs 13st., and is 5ft. i llin. in Height. ( W. MORJUi_S (LIaneHy) is, with the exception of Steve Thomas, the oldest forward now playing ( ill the Lianeily team. He made his firs" appearance seven seasons ago, prior to which. he had been a prominent scrimmager in the f Wanderers, a local team which at the time j enjoyed a great reputation. Ever since he was ] first picked for a place in the Llanelly team he • haa retained it, thanks to his consistent hard i work. As a hard worker Morris is uu- rivalled. He is always on the ball, never j seems to tire, and at thi dose of the hardest s of games he appears to ba as fresh as a daisy. ] And yet ha is an undoubtedly honest worker. i He has been blessed with unusual powers of t ondui ance, and this quality ought to stand him < in good stead, to-day, when he will be opposed 1 to big, heavy men. Always the first in the] scrum, Morris is exceedingly brilliant in the line-out. He is not very tail, but is spien- diciiv built, and will take any quantity of hard treatment. He hardly knows what it is to be injured in thl: course of a game, but assuredly ] this impunity from the ills which footballers are heir to docs not arise from his not domg a fair share of work. He is about 27 years of age, and is II. plasterer by trude. ( D. EVANS, the Penygraig forward, is a ] native of Maencilcchog, Pembrokeshire. He < came with his brothers to Clydach Vale when s rather vourig, and commenced working as a i collier's hoy. Clydach Vale has always been i connected with Penygraig football, and young Vai, following the example of his brother, ] J. Evans, joined the Penygraig Second Fifteen when he Was about sixteen years of age. He was quickly promoted to the first fifteen, < having thus early showed exceptional promise. ] The Penygraig forwards were then a very fine lot, among the,:1I being Ramsey, Ernest George, a and D. H. Lewis. In the season 1891-2 he 1 was played in the trial match at Cardiff, but did not happen to catch the eye of the seleo- ] tion committee. After four seasons with Penygraig he went to Penarth. Naturally, 1 the seasiders got him to join them, and he 1 played for them two seasons. This year he is once more devoting- his services to his old club. He is steadily improving; he scrim- mages "trongly, and is a fast follower-up and a determined tackier. He is 24 years of age, 1 5ft. in height, and weighs 13st. 101b. J. EVANS (Llwynypia) was born near Llanelly, in the year 1871, and is, therefore, nearly 26 years of age. He has had a long and varied experience in the football world, first starting the game with the Ammanford Club some ten or twelve yeara ago. His first con- nection with the Llanelly Club dates from 1894, when he was selected for the A team. After playing for the second string for a couple of matches his worth was recognised, and he was afterwarda included in the premier i'uLeeii. He a ttained to international honours in the seasoa 1395-6, playing in the Irish and Scotch matches, being very prominent in both. Evans is a fine, dashing forward, but, besides this, he does his share of work in the scrum, and since he joined the Llwynypia tsam at the commence- ment of this season, he has been of great assds- tanee to the front division. He stands 6ft., and weighs 13.it. 81b. A. W. BOUCHER (Newport) is a footballer not only born in the district, but also one whose whole career' has been spent in the service of the Rupby Union game in South Wales. His active connection with the Newport fifteen dates back to 1889, and has continued since without a brkak of any kind. The Welsh Tjnion first utilised his services for the English match at Blackheath in January, 1892. How well he acquitted himself may be judged from tha fact of his ecReahion to represent Wales in every international from th.at time, with the one exception of the 1895 match aga;nst Scotland, when hg stood down owing t<^§.n injury. On two occasions when picked he Has been unable to play, but h:s record shows eleven international caps. A thorough worker, he not only takes htis own part in the scrimmage, but is aJso seen to great advantage in the open, and, in addi- tion to bemg one of the best forwards in the Principality, he has few superiors as a centre three-quarter, for which position he was se- lected ag first reserve in last year's inter- national matches. He is 26 years of age, 5ft. lOin. in height, and 12st. 9Cb. in weight. R. IIEL-LINGS (Llwynypia) first saw > the flight in the county of "Dump- lings," at a place called Tops- ham, but removed to Llwynypia in his infancy, or, perhaps, more correctly a))eaking, he was carried there. He, therefore, commenced football with the Rhondda Valley team, and has played for no other club during his football career. This is his first international appearance, although he was selected as reserve forward iaes year against England at Blackheath, but was noe require and so did not take part in that game. He lia^ however, played for Glamorganshire on threfe occasions, and each time ha.s been most favourably noticed by the critics. Probably ne is tho lieavi&at and tallest of the Welsh pack, taking up 6ft. lin. of the atmosphere, and ni.9 amount of avoirdupois totals to 14st. 21b. He is only 21vears of age, and should, therefore, have a promising football future in front if him. F. If. CORNISH (Cardiff) is twenty years of age, stands exactly 6ft., and scales 13se. 5ib. He \111; born at Owmbwich, near Bridgwater, and id ilways in doubt as to the parish to whicii b", owe* allegianco, for, accordling to his own statement, the bedroom in which he was born is on a division line between two parishes, Cor- nish's first appearance in local footballl was with the Avondales, after which that exceedingly young teaan, the Grangetown Stars, had thQ Lonefit of hill services. His next step was to tho Cardiff Seconds two years ago, after which ti;g vrierit was justly recognised by nis inclusion 111 the ranks of the Cardiff Firsts, lor whom he hp" played all this season. He is a ra.ro llOllest ccT-iniinager, with any amount ,£ resource, a fair turn of speed in following up, :1.nd a that admits of no question about I going down when he once gets his hands on WI opponent. He is sure to .tontribute his share both at work and cleverness in the game to-day. J. HlfAPPS (Penyg-raig) is nineteen years of age, weiyhg 13iit. 101b, and stands eraefcty Pin, short <4 6ft. He is a oollior by trade, and haG always Mayod for the Penygraig Club, by whom ¡ he is ^^jcount^d one of the best scrimmagers and ciovaxest all round men th»i Wio team poiKfSfi'Os. He gained his cowity cap against Vork~jhive in November last, and on that occa- sion tha Northern critics singled him em as Sue I i of tho heot forwards on the Glamorganshire side. Tis club mates have every confi/Ience in his tbiiity to uphold the reputation of the ieny- fraig organisation against Engl a: id tc-day. THE! ENGLISH TEAM. Full Back- J. F. BYRNE (Moseiev). When thieo year a 19O J. Jb'. Byruo was chosen as iuii-hack for •jiigiaiid, the Northern critics raiseu a storm if objections, considering that the Midland nan's performances had Bot qualified bum tor tic position. Byrne s performance at Birk¡;,n- ieaa proved beyond the shadow Öf a doubt jiat his selection was justified, tor he played me of the most brilliant aii-xound games Oile ould possibly wish to see. In the S'orth v. South match Byrne was put in at ;efitio three-quarter, more, however, 1 take it, vit'h tl10 object of giving a chow to Field, the tiichmoad rull-bacK, than with any idea of discarding bile M'o^eley 'three-quarter. On hat occasion he played a wonderfully good ;ume, and, even supposing he had a rival Íor ,ile position of custodian, honestly deserved h.is place as centre three-quarter, especially xi.'Side ring jthe fact that there was ,uch a dearth of good men ia his position in both the North ird South fifteens. Born in Warwickshire, 11yrne ilas confined his propensities entirely ,0 that county. His education was attended /O at St. George's College, Rugby. Inune- Eate1y on leariug school he joined the Moseloy Jluib for whom he has played regularly since :ho season 1886-7. Uudoubtedly the best back, u the Midlands, he fairly earned his cap. With plenty of pace, be is also a oure tackier, besides jeing a good place-kick. He is a fine drop, uid, as an offensive player, is particularly dan- 5erOU:d. lie is 25 years of age, 5ft. llin. ia aeiglit, and well up to 13st. in weight. Three-quarter Sacks* E. F. FOOKES (Yorkshire) is one of the youngest players that Yorkshire has ever con- tributed to an international team. He is just twenty year;; of age, and thi6 is his second season in first-class and international football, his rise having been extraordinarily rapid. Previously to the formation of the Northern V nion Fookes played for Halifax, iv here, in eonipaiiy with Jac!i8:on, Keepings, md Firth, ho unquestionably had a. useful ex- perience. When the Northern Union was teTmed Fookes drclined professionalism, and transferred his services to Scwerbv Bridge, near Ha.lifax. He is well-built, a strong runner, a good kick wiith either foot, and possessed of undoubted pluck. In the North tr. South match at RiÔhmond this season he had not many chances, but that was- due mere to the inability of his centre than to any fault of He has got 1)., fine turn of 8Pe-ed, a.nd, whilst not being much of a. dodger, goes straight for the line, and wants a lot of stopping. He is a fair example of the" dara fieri] Yorkihireman, who would try to get through a brick wall if it happened to stand in his way. He will be on Cliff Bowen'a ring, so two players of very much fhe same stamp, si'/ie, and quality will be opposed tc 2f!.eh other. E. M. BAKER (Oxford University) is an ild head at the game and a dangerous one at :11:11. I ea n liken him to no QDe in Wales more than Conway HOOt-a. bull-dog, bashing sort of jentre, not without cleverness, who once he jets under weigh want a lot of stopping. He "irst gained prominence in the football world as ane of the Oiford University quartette three seasons ago. In this particular formation he played a "ery important part, and, with his Varsity co-centre, Leslie-Jones, was chosesi to represent England in all her inter atvmal natches the following year. In addition, le has done good service for the Midland Counties, and materially assisted ;hem in securing the championship of ;he South-eastern Group. Possessed of no small Dluck, strength, and pace he takes a. lot of stopping, and a*3 an all-round three-quarter has lot many superiors. He was educated act Dens- lone College. T. FLETCHER (Cumberland) is known ia Cumberland circles as the "Seaton terror." It ivas a great surprise in the North to find him selected for the North team, but those who .aw his play at Richmond quite agreed that he 'airly earned his place in the English team. irle is an exceedingly strong and fast runner, md a ready scorer in club matches. He is the irst back that has earned distinction from unong Cumberland players in representative :ootball, and his selection has given immense satisfaction amcxig the Rugby adherents in the lorth-west district. He will be about 5ft. 7in. n height and about 12st. in weight. As a ;acklei- he is especially deadly, and no more taring three-quarter in front of op^rnshig for- wards has been turned out in the North in -ecent times, or ever pleased the eye of Mr. 'Bob" Westnay, owing to whose enthusiastic idvocacy he was brought into the prominence is so well deserves. F. A. BYRNE (Moseley) has not altogether been at consistent player, (1,t any rate so far as South Wales team.; are concerned. With the Midland CoUtlties previous to this year he has j,iv>-ays signally failed to catch the eye of the cities in representative matches. There is ao doubt, however, that this season he haa developed his latent powers with extraordinary success. Against the North at Richmond he was generally regarded as the most successful three-quarter ou either side. It is possible that on that occaSlOU he was m-ore than ordi. narily fortunate, especially in his flying kicks, which, though dangerous, always came off "trumps." There iu a fear amongst a certain section of England's supporters that in the match referred to he may have played a little ibove his genuine form, but no ono could sossifbly quarrel with his selection to the English team. A very quick runner, he is also a. smart drop at goal with either foot, and is rarely deficient at tackling. He as about :ft. 9sin. in height, and weighs about 12st., being thus slightly inferior in physique to hit oetier-known brother, the English full ba.ck. Half-backs. C. M. WELLS (Eton Schools). If one may judge by the North v. South match, C. M. Wells is the only class half-back on the side )f England to-day. Even the southern critics, who, apart from the Yorkshire men, are the I most bigoted that I, unfortunately, ha.ve had .my experience of, admit tha.t fact. He is a sturdy, stocky ha..1f, the sort of ma.n that one kvould quite admit his capability of talcing his jwu part under the old L.P.R. rules. At tikhmond he was the only c-ne of the four tialf-backs that deserved consideration on the pa.rt of the English committee. Taylor is a man who, to a great extent, earns his plaoe i-rtirely upon his reputation. Wells, on the 3ther hand, did a number of smart things, and whenever he got possession it wanted more than one man to stop him. Dulwich College is in a largo degree responsible for his intro- duction to English football. From there he went to Cambridge, and his university form suggested that international honours were merely a matter of time. The Scotch match of 1893 gave him his first cap for England, and, although Wells got all the credit on that occa. 31011 so far as the critics are concerned, Tvckett was in a large degree responsible for his success. Later on Wells slewed better ferm, both for the Harlequins and for Surrey. His weight makes him a. sure tackier, hip' loefenoo generally being strong and eaCc En passant, he is an all-round cricketer, whc m amateur circles has not many .superiors. E. W. TAYLOR (Rockoliff) was captain of tho Rockliffe team last year. He played for the Rest of England in 1890-1, for the North r. South, for EngBand, and for the Rest of England in 1891-2, and for England in 1892-3 and the following year. He is said to be one of the most scientific players on the attack in England. Hia selection has been adversely jriticiseci in some quarters, but there is no getting away from the fact that behind a win- ning pack he is a very dangerous man. Forwards. W. BARRON, the first reserve, who will play to-day won his cap last year, when he played for England against Scotland. He is a well- built young fellow 21 years of age; stands 5ft. lOin. in height, and turns the scale at 13st. He plays for Bingley, and has repre- sented his county on several occasions. He is spoken of as a. fine dashing forward, and his inclusion in the team is not considered to be detrimental hi any respect. FRANK M. STOUT (Gloucester).—Brief, but brilliant, has been the career of this young player, who gains intfrnaitional honours for the first time to-day. It seems but a year ot two ago since Stout, as a schoolboy, was figur- ing in the Sooker team of the Crypt Grammar School; as a matter of fact, it is only three or four, for he is now only in his nineteenth year. After leaving school yeung Frank played the Association ganio for the Gloucester/Club until tlio commencement of last season, when h, threw in his lot with the local Rugby club. Pre- vious to this time he had never handled a Rugby ball. but, nevertheless, from the very start he was so conspicuous a success that ere he had played in half a dozen games he was selected to assist the county in its first match. He has since then played for Gloucestershire in ill its engagements, last season securing his city and county caps, while this year he played such a marvellous game in the Gloucestershire-Somer- set match that ho was promptly chosen as one of the South team; while in the North and South match he was generally considered to be one of the t.hreo or four best forwards on the ground. Stout's forte is. without doubt, his open play, but, unlike many forwards who shine in this department, he also does his fair share of work in the serum. There will be no better trained forward on the ground that Frank, who, it should be stated, stands 5ft. lliu. in heigh*, turning the scale at 12st. 7ib. P. J. ELDON (Somerset) is an excellent example of the roodmi English forward, stand- ing 5ft. 9iin. in height, and weighing about 13't.. He i" a fast, dashing player, a tireless worker, and brilliant in the open, his footwork being of an especially high order. Eldon, who was born at Milverston, and ia only 72 years eld. learnt his football in that splendid nursery of the game, Wellington, which has produced internationals of the tyno of F. H. Fox, P. Y. H?noock, and S. M. J. Woods. Eldon has played for his club for 1ho past six seasons, and