Evening Express

The Welsh Leagues, C. AND D.R.U. School and Old Boy Rugger, [By STORES."] Otd Boys. Steadily the Old Boys -movement initi- aled by the Union of Welsh Junior Leagues is spreading. In the Rhoiidda a league of twelve clubs is providing an interesting com- petition and training on over 300 lads for the senidr amateur clubs. In the Rnyrnney Valley thirteen ciafcw will meet this evening to arrange dates of league matches. In the Bridgend district nine' wen-managed clubs have already played a good number of league games. The Western Valley will com- mence operations next week. Of course, Cardiff has been hard at it since the scart of the reason, but, unfortunately, on-e of the seven otubs has fallen through. Welsh Schools' Union The unfortunate deadlock existing: between the Welsh Schools Union and the parent unionp-tiae W.FrU.—■continues. The breach should be healed m the interests of elemen- tary school Rugger. In the ptist the teaohers have worked iiard and given ne,r Lime un- trrudgiingiy for the geme, whilst, on the other hand, it must le uumuted the vv.i.b has been generous with tuantiaj. iieip. it is to be hoped that ac-at wee", or the weekaiier the misundersta-ndiog \11 come to a,n dltI. I am glau to see that the proposal, that the C?rdiL. ?ch.?oLs' CLMon saiou^u sever its ccn- B)eoMon w?th the We1s,h Spools' TJmos. was withdrawn at the last meeting of the former body. Secession at UH> present junc- ture would undouotc-diy do much to cripple the W-S.E.S. In another quarter it has been stated tha-t it is doubtrul if any more boys' internat.ionalrl will be played. Inquiry, how- ever, proves this to be not the case. Wales owes a home game to cha English Schools' Union, and, come what will, this debt will be settled by the fielding of the Welsh fifteen against England at Leicester. In the ordi- nary course next year the Saxon boys are doe at Cardiff, and it i? not for one m-ome-it likely that the Welsh Schools Union would be foolish enough to sacrifice a substantial source of revenue by enaing the sporting and very interesting coato&ts between the boys of the two countries. Like all inte- rested in sehool and jnruor football, I trust that the present misunderstanding—for that is all it is-betwe-en the vV.r.CJ. and Schools Union will be ended before any real damage t:) school Rugger is caused. West of Llanelly LeagLe- Soldiers Play 11 Dead March." The league match between the Weteh Regi- ment ana is eyiand proved, as it pro r.r.eJ. to be, lull of excitement. Playoo. on woe regiment's ground, wiaa bora teams pre- viLxusuy unbeaten, precautions were taken to prevent the "siuggifl.gr" among spectators wxach was from all acecu rets a feature of the drawn game held some time ago at >ieylaud. ilie soieiers were juat the better team, and a converted goal ana a penally to nil marked tee difference at t-qe close. 'ihe final whis-tie W-a.<; the signal oi much enitnasiasm. Tiie Neylandcsrs were played off the field by the fraud present to tne strains of me Dead March," while memorial cards to Poor old Neykvnd" Obtained a great sale. The Wekh he-Ie still to meet Tenoy at Ten/by, and may be assured c-J a stiff game. Nar berth and Haverfordweet have been stea.dily putting their football houses in cvder this season, and at both places strong clubs may be expected for next year's league ooui petition..Sar berth (Mit-ertara-ed Tenby tha other day, and, though beaten, were by no means disgraced. At Haverfordwest a, .strong Welsh Regiment A Team ,ju.st got home after a strenuous struggle. Next Saturday Goodwick and Langwm. are due to vi^it Neyland -and the Segiment for league matches, the rest of the clubs being engaged in friendlier. Bridgend and District. Thone who Have not been actively con- nected with the management of a junior league know little of the sacrifices some men maae to carry out their duties. Tom Sheii, of Cefn Cribbwr, is an example. In order to ■he present at the league meetings he en each occasion undertakes a weary tramp of eight milets-thds in ail weathers. Ownig to the wretched weather we expe- rienced last week, the two League games were not of a very pleasant en a ratter. The ground at Nantymoei—the in aji awfui state, ihe "boys of the old parish" were the visitors, and the result of an amusing game was a win for the Lions by rjr triee to 1. Llangyrswyd a-rr i,e d with a, weak team; nevertheless, they ga yea good account of themselves, and pleased the home supporters by their smart piay. They are on the light sfde, and could not stand the formidable ruøaes of the home forwards, i amongst wham, Jack ChiLcoU, Jack Davies, Tom 1 nomas, and Palmer simply revelled in the mud. The backs could not shine, but A. Hodgson at half, and the two wings, Cole: and Piiikhard, were extra smart. W. Perkine, at back, was very safe. On the [Jan side the little ups showed pInek. notably Tudor Dagg and J. Hansom. They were ably supported by some smart back play by H. Hanson. D. Lloyd, and T. M. cusse. The last named was very con- spicuous with clever dribbling, whilst the two former players contributed the two brightest incidents of the match. Na-ntymoel Excelsiors paid a visit to Caerau to meet Tally's Lambs. The ground made r 1 e ?rg-niid ri  a de the play more like a water polo game than anything else. The ruaTOW win by a try gained by Naoitymoel was very gratif-ying to the ieader. Tally Thomas. He was deiii-nted with the display of his lambs. The Shepherd maintains the winning try to have been a. doubtful one. CSfceraa are on the up-grade; they have the right sort of material at hand. A little training and a few chats together on training nights will considerably alter your position in the league table, Caerau. Although the weather was vile. Caerau had a record gate-eight shillings and fourpence! It is not true that. the_ Scotch Union has declared war against Wales on account of professionalism in the Cierau team. Ma({d-ied oafs "• who did extra well in the struggle were Dai Harry, a smart little half; -e, Hanniford, W. Clarke, and the flier, W. Devon-aid. The Excels did not relish playing on such a field, but. in&citioe ine--rt sinking ouT- ol sight in the mud. so they went at it in rare style after the first "flops." H. John, Groker, Jf^see, and Williams were the best of their forwards Liew Davies, Jones, Morgan, and Bowden. of the backs. Might I make an' appeal to Uanharran to re-eornieider their rfsigrmtion3 Perhaps those real sports, Messrs. Jeis-ki:>», Buseell, and Cog-iiill, will move in the matter. Bridgend Valleys Old Boys. I Much enttasSasns is bedmp ;w-n in con- nectien with the Old igue. MiiP clubs 4avo entered, and some foot bail id beinsr shown. Aup.port. are gather- ing round the clnht- in threat iiucibe: i—such I being the appreciate >n of the lads for their efforts to play real- -A"i'lah "ootbail. Tondu Boys journeyed to GiliacL Goch ana were uialucky in beug defeated by 2 tries toO 1. The Maesteg Boys visited BrYllcet.11ill and WfnJ under bar 13 points to nil. The i Bryn hoy-, are hftt. sfcuff, and their siipporteit? im-e already talMng of chempio<p.ships. The old veteran. Dai Byli. ius got the team. in hand, and no better tutor be founli an.tymoel Boys at Llangynwyd were the] victors of a. ploaaant ga,e by 2 tries Xantymoei has s^ecgtheTjied the team greatly by. the inclusion of W. Oliver, the ex-schoolboy intemaiionai full-back. Oliver has lost none of tr.e c'eveornese which characterised his play in his school-days. "What ha» be com c of tie Eridgend Boys? They have had no Tnatctee lately. feinted that the" fine weather players and want a leader. Rhymney Valley Juniors. Merthyr v. Bed was was postponed owing .o- the professional game between the Kangaroos and the League! Ab*Ttridwr were due1 at Ab,.c,i-bai-gocd, but not put in an ai*pearan -s. This is tLe t- -.— .d time Aber- h-3» failed to turn up — t1"- disappointed Biiytnney the previous fee**■ rday. The league ,7,11 have to inflict III severe penalties an future cases. 'I ue only league garre plrived wa2 betwee-n Deri and Bhymney Seconds at Bhvjniiey. A large gate tlic,-rou,-hiy enjoyed "the play, although a pointless draw was the result. The field was arik.:e d,eel) in licpjid mud. Deri deserved to win by a small seore. Their luck was out. S. Weeks a capital game ai centre for Deri. For jffihymney, Parry, Sul- li an. and Jones were the most conspicuous. G. & D. R. U. The borode efforts of tshe committee to get a couple of postponed ga.me-s decided last Saturday purowed after all useless. Pia yers find International games too great a tempt- tion r.g»allj% but on this occasion the ^luiii were determined to Way. The heroic efforts the grim determination of club officials all fizzled out. for fthe hatef-ai, board, Gl'a.os too wet for piay. was hung up outside the parks. Eomilly and Cardiff 'Qxeins, however, were able to oarry out their fixture on the Sophia Gardens—but even this gacie has no tangible resmlt as league games go. far the Laughing Philosophers lodged an aippea.l against the ".iuin.s for playing two unregistered men. The match has to oe re-played. Had Koanilly Strictly followed the protect rule I have an idea that they would have been awarded the poin.  To-day two matches wh?h will do much to settle the leadership of first and second leagues take place. The Wanderers are at home to Mackintosh at Ja'iilee Park, whilst the unbeaten Garth side visit tne also un- defeated Canton 'Quins at [Jandaff Fi ids. Cardiff Centrals head U1-e third league. Their record is-Played 3, w,)l 3. The introduction of proft s^iona! ism into Wales has greatly affected the finances of most of the Cardiff senior clubs. In past seasons these organisations have obtained a good part of their income by playing guarantee matches with tlw clubs of Glamor- gan and Motunouthsihire. Few of the clubs in the former county are now able to offer guarantees which exceed rail fares and teas for the visiting' players. The Damper of clubs able to offer Iruarantees of any kind hs greatly decreed. Tht result ss that the majority of the local olnb in the Union are now in an insolvent condition, and I air. giving away no secrets when I state that most of the.tIl would have

MERTHYR SWIMMING CLUB-PO-LO TEAM, SEASON 1908 .I I Top Bow:—J. Prag, A. Davies, D. C. Davies (treas-n-rerl. 0 31 iddle Row:—A. V. Marriott, I'. J. Ooombes, T. Evans, W. Vaughan. I Bottom How:—W. J. Doctom (secretary), C. Jellyman, Ivor Davies (captadn), Ben Vaughan, G. Alban (chairman). ROtt.om ',l ow:- W Do-toa I [Photo, OWEN, Arcade, Merthyr.

JIM THOMAS (Pontlottirn). Jim Thomas (Pont.'cttyn) comes of a well- known sto-ck of foofci-allers. His brother Will, better known as "Ponty" Thomas, plpys the Northern U-Mon game for Merthyr, whilst his brother Lewis has a place in th? Rhym- nry Farmer Id1i. Jirq is only twenty ye are of age, sta-nds 5ft. 9in., and turns the scale at 129t. 21b. He commcnced his football j career in the old Potlottyn Junior team, where he showed such conspicuous ahility that he was soon drafted into the old Pont- lottyn premier team, when they took part in the first division South Wales and Rhym- ney Valley League repect vely. "nen they di.-ibandod he threw in hi.s lot with the Gil- fach Firsts, with whom he took* no small part in bringing thi c,ha.mpionship of the Second Division Rhymney Valley League to the town last season. At the commeneement of this sseason he was unanimously appointed vice-captain of the Gilfach team, but last November he decided to sign on for New j Tredegar. Mr. Jack Lewis, the well-known secretary of t.he Troharris Firsts, of whom there is no better judge of a player, on hear- ing of Jim's prowess, approached him with the view of his assisting the all white brigade at full back. Jim accepted the place, and signed on for Treharris Firsrt-s ae an amateur about two mouths ago, and his future, wl-cili is stiire to b- a bright one under the able tuition of Steve Jones, 'l'rehiLrns s veteran, hac-k, will be closely watched by his numerous admirers.

I RHYMNEY VALLEY RUGGER. In accordance with the time-honoured custom on international days, there was little Rugby played in the Rhymney Valley on Saturday last. The majority of the exponents of the game were found on the Cardiff enclosure taking less-ons in the "dummy pass" and "reverse passing," as well as "Cymru am byt,h." Four of the senior league teams met—Machen and Fleur-de-Lis in a league encounter, and Bargoed and Aberba.r??ed in a friendly game. i Tbf "flower" of the '\aney, after t ?ir recent Yk'tcrie? over Pontlottyn and Pa,rk?d, were expected to give the "southerners" a warm pill; but never were they more hope- le.-sly outHs-'sed, for the merry mpn of Machen piled on no less than 1 goal and 7 tries against them. There is absolutely no question about it that the visitors were not in the of form, whilst the homesters

VINCENT O'^RJEN. The new secretary of the Taff United A.F.C. was until recently a member of the Taff Kugby Club, but took over tlje secretaryship of the Soooeritefi, who, although a very pro- raising lot, were at a disadvantage owing to indifferent management. V. O'B. was for seasons 1905-7-8 secretary of the old Docks ,n i t-P,'I(now d-efunotl, and it was mainly due to him that a team was promoted in that district at all.

SKITTLE NOTES. I (By FLOORER.") I Barry Holton still oontijme to hold a sub- stantial lead, although they were hard Pressed by Roath Liberal. The Bute Docks lost to the New Park Liberal by a pin, but agains the Plymouth Rocks they were seen 4t their best, J. Miles, the 1 old warhoree, finishing a fine 36. A meeting of the manage- nient committee will be held at the head- quarters on Wednesday. NEXT WEEK'S MATCHES AND REFEREES. January 25. Ply month Blocks v. Four Elms—Cardiff City. Museum v. Oddfellorw-s-Cardiff City. Centra.! Liberal v. Roath Liberal-Penarth Plymouth. Irish Institute v. Bute Docks-Penaxth Plymouth. Greyhound v. Hol-ton Barry—New Park Diberal. King William IV. v. Maindy-Barry Central. Barry Central, v. Penarth Dock-King William IV. New Park Liberal v. Royal Oak-Roath Liberal. OantJpn Conservative v. Clyd-e-Plymouth Rocks. January 26. I Cardiff City v. Penarth Plymouth-Irisdi Institute. Roath Liberal v. Vainidy-Clyde. January'28. Bute Docks v. Barry Central—,Slu9eum. Penarth Dock v. King William IV.—Penarth Plymouth. Oddfellows v. New Park Liberal—Four Elms. Royal Oak v. Plymouth Rocks-C-antoii Con- servative. January 29. Penarth Plymouth v. Central Liberal— Penarth Dock. Holton Ba-rry v. Cardiff City-King William IV. Four Elms v. Irish Institute—Oddfellows. Clyde v. Museum—Bute Docks. All matches on alley of first-named c-lub. Oaidiff City winning over King BiLly and the Roath Liberal make the City only one point behind tha Bute Docks. Griffiths, Law- rence, J. Fisher, and J. Moore played a grand game against the King Billy boys, and against the Roath Reds Seymour's boys fairly excelled themselves. Now, George, keep you/r team together, and you can win the league yet. Look out, Hoitcn,, for the 29th; the City meaii business then, so recollect this, Dorsey.

.1 0 LOCAL FIELD DAY. I Queries, Criticisms, Replies. I The law we have reached this week is a short one, but it is not the shortest. That has yet to be reached. Short, however, as is Law 11, it is most important. It must be read in conjunction with Law 9, the one which was given a fortnight ago. That con- tained a series of "Thou shalt not," and the free kick following commission of one of those offences has a special virtue of its own- tRead Law 11 and then tack it on the end of Law 9. LAW 11. A goal may be scored from a free kick whicn is awarded because of any infringe- ment of Law 9, but not from any other free kick. The insertion a fortnight ago of friend Rawlinson's query, "vVnich side kicks off at the beginning of a game?" has brougnt several replies, whica i will give attention to in due course. For those who are fond of tihese little problems—not only relerees, who ha\e to be experts in this mrection-l now give another. It is a good problem, and if i olio wed step by seep will provide a lair test of ones acquaintance witti the laws" of tha game. A referee on the field would be called upon to give his decision "at once." try it- Wet and slippery ground. A's attack. Centre forward lias the ball six yards from goat. Trying to kick it, he mis-kicks. Tne bail bounces up, and he fLts it into the net. Reier-ee sees the action, rightly dis- allows the claim for a goal, and gives a five kick to the b s. flie iuil-baek takes this free kick, and passes the ball back to the goalkeeper tor him to pick up and punt away. The goalkeeper, however, misse-s the bail, whicn goes into the net. What is the correct decision? Cardiff City's good form against Hardy was not sustained in the Ton-P'en:tre match, for the Rhoiukia Ciub finished up with a lead of half a dozen goals. Possibly, the partisans will see in the two results an indication of the way the big match this afternoon will go.. Tension tre beat by sax goals the same team which Mardy found almost too good for them. For it was only in the last few min utes that Mardy turner a virtual defeat into an actual draw. » Previous performances of Miardy and Ton Pentre are of little vaiue in an attempt to forecast to-day's result. If one team had won every match, and the other lost every game up to date, that would not be a safe louuda.tion for a prophet WHO cherished his reputation. Here is a senior cup-tie between local clubs, always a condition of things fuil of promise. And in this particular case the two clubs, in addition to their keen neigh-1 bouring rivalry, have had a very succestsdul season so far. With such good records a fine game is assured, tor under the new arrangements of t'he South Wales Association the honour i of getting into the semi-finai and final brings with it the possibility of a respectable addi- tion to a club's finanoes. With the clubs that are in the running for honours this I year this possibility becomes a certainty, depending for its amount solely upon the weather, seeing that the days will by that time have lengthened out to permit of a late kick-off. AU that I have said above can with equal truth be applied to the Treharris-Aberds.re tie. These a.re old antagonists in cup and league games. Last year they avoided each other uutil the semi-final. This year they meet a stage earlier, which, from the eiubs' outlook, is probaoly an advantage, for a reason which need not be emphasised. Previous to the Mardy-Aberdare Welsh Cup tie, a month ago, one was tempted to describe Aberci-ai-e as the "boss" team of .south. Wales for the season. Recent victories over the 'BarJans by Mardy and Merthyr ha\e shown that no match is won until it has been played, and the battle of the famous rivals to-day is brimful of pleasurable expectancy. And then, again, Aberdare's fine performance last week against Welton shows that they are again, like Treharris, in form. One who writes in the press has to be very careful. Readers-are many, and oritios almost as numerous. I don't complain of that, and am only too pleased to be put right when an inaccuracy slips in, or to be ha uled over the coals should I be guilty of that unthinkable and unforgivable crime- unfair comment. A Barry Island friend thinks that I have not done justice to his club by my notes last week, where I assumed tha,t Oogun Okl Boys 'have qualified for the semi-final. He says that the island club has lodged a protest with the Association over the match in the third round, and that until this has been hea d and decided upon one way or the other it was slightly unfair to have referred to the match. With this I do not agree. I did not at the time of writing know that a protest had been sent, nor am I to be expected to run backwards and forwards to Mr. Hart with queries. Nothing I said or implied could possibly affect his protest, and if I had criticised his club's right to protest, which I didn't, it is not likely that my comments would have influenced the Association com- mittee. The committee is composed of -gen- tlemen of experience in football matters. They are not children unable to think. They can be depended upon to judge any protest purely on its own merits. If anyone suf- fered it would not be any protesting club, but possibly the humble writer of these notes might get a well-deserved snub. My Barry Island friei?5 has manufactured a purely imaginary grievance. He adds that he is mot an official of the club—only a well- wisher. Well, so am I. Another cap did critic has found in my notes this season remarks which can be read into expressions of approval for illegal tactics in a game. Well! well!! well! This beats all. I must make opportunity to study the files of the "Express" and get on the track of my back-sliding. If my correspondent is correct, my official connection with the South Wales Association will be brought to a sudden stop- by myself. But I need not unduly harp upon such an astonishing charge. Let me just remark, however, that the deliberately foul player has no bitterer opponent than myself. If I had my way the "dirty" player, the user of the intentional trip, the push, and such like should be sent straight off the field of play, as well as penalising his side by the giving of free or penalty kicks. And if he repeated the unfair play in a subsequent match in which the player might be taking part he would play no more for a very long time to come. We can do very well without that kind of gentleman. Such punishment, however, would be somewhat in advance of long-established custom, which says that, for instance, the trip is punishable with a free, and under certain conditions a penalty, kick. And it is the laws of the game that referees ,and associations have to administer, not their own individual private opinions. The international at Cardiff was not responsible for any great dislocation of fix- tures. The many k-agues and other com- petitions do not favour postponements of arrangements made long before. The Cardiff Banks' Club faced the music, but the Islanders of Rarrir were too good. I haven't seen much of Idns and Jack Williams lately. I wonder if they have joined t'he ramks of good old "have beens"? We are getting a biggish army now, and recruiting and addi- tions to our restful band go on making steady progress. st;hY dates for the aemi-ana-Ie are:—Senior Cup, March 6; Junior Cup, March 20. The two games in each class are now played on the same day. The p-y-'tem of having separate days, four in all, was abolished last year, and is hardly likely to be revived. The present srratem works well, and is certainly an im- provement on the old one.

'SOCCERITE'S" LEAGUE. FORECASTS FOR MATCHES PLAY-ED SATURDAY, JAN. 30. DIVISION I. •Preston North End v. Woolwich Arsenal. •Bristol City v. Notts County. •Newcastle United v. Sheffield Wednesday. ♦Micldlebrou'-di v. Leicl>tr}iosse. Manchester City v. *Everton. Liverpool v. •Manchester United. *Bur, v. Bradford City. « :lin&d United v. Hiaekbum Bovem? •Aston Villa v. Chelsea- •Notts Forest v. Sunderland. DIVISION U. F arnsley v. Derby county- Bradford v. "'West Btoiuwich Albion. Burnley v. •Birmingham. •Clapton Orietu v. chestorflela. •Fulham v. Gainsborough Trinity. *Grimsby Town v. Bolton a.nderere. •Leeds City v. Blackpooi- Oldham Athletic v. •Gl<*iSOP' •Tottenham Hotspurs v. Hudl City. •Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Stockport County, SOUTHEBS LEAGUE. •Luton v. West Ham. *Brentford v. Brighton. •Crystal Palace v. Plymouth Argyle. •Swindon v. Leyton. Portsmouth v. •South»ftiP''(>n'' Exeter v. Northampton v. Norwich City- *New Brompton v. Watford. •Millwall v. Bristol Rovers. Southend v. »Coventry. P,ayed on the grounds of the first-named clubs. Asterisk denotes probable winner. Draws left open.

CARDIFF INSTITUTES' LEAGUE All iSaimts were vi-tors 10 canton Parish. Church, where they gave the leaders a rare run for points. They won at whist and lost at billiards, but the draughts result was left undecided, Gan,ton claiming a win and the Saints a draw. If not mutually settled between the clubs in the meantime, the matter will oome before the next league meeting. Grange Temperance took four points from Ely Paperworks, winning at bilLiards and shooting, and losing at crib. Grange showed fine form with the gun, both À. Wells and A. Taylor making 34. while for Ely Tommy Flook, the Victorias' crack shot, registered a possible. This is the second possible made with the league, F. Tucker getting the first. A closely-contested game was seeh between the Radicals of Grange and Roath. The latter won at billiards, whilst Grange took the honours at cards. Several of the Grange men were off form at shooting, and, with their opponents exoolling themselves, Roatih gained the verdict St. Saviour's and St. German's shared the points, the games chosen being billiards, shooting, and crib. The former won at crib and St. German's won at shooting, billiards resulting in a tie. NEXT WEEK'S MATCHES. I Grange Liberals v. All Saints. Grange Temperance v. Canton Parish Church. Ely Paperworks v. Llandaff W.M.C. Y.lf.C.A. v. Roath Liberals. St. Saviour's v. University Settlement. St. German's, a bye. All matohee at the first-named institute.

NANTYfFYLLON SCAKLETS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB. I Top Row;—Mr. Cook (president), S. Wells, Wm. Evans (vice-president), J. Burns, A. Thomas, J. Oaeey W. John, W. Thomas T. J. Smith (hon. soo.). Middle Row:—J. Roberts (trainer), H. Jackson, W. John, P. 'Howells, D. Bwrdges, W., Davies, J. Burns (treasurer). Bottom RowJ. Lewis, T. W. Burns (oaiptain), D. Stephens.

Air Rifle Notes. I [By "BALL'S CY*3 Cardiff and District League To be twice beaten in the league season by the same club is a new experience for the famous Atlas club. Until this year they were spoken of with batted tbr,-ath--in fact, with the exception) of the Windsors in the first year, and the Lansdowne last season, their optponents were praotiic-ally beaten betlore the matoh started. Things have changed this season, and though there is still i a. long way to go, their chance of regaining tile leadership is very remote. As matters now itanu, tne Victoria 1 can oertainiy be said to Hold the wnipaiaud, for, wiui the exception of their last match, when they are opposed by the Adciphi, tiie re should be 110 Mount, aGout thaw Wl>lU11ng Wle rest or tneir engagements. Ait !p.rf<?nt Wley 6]lare tne leadeiship .honours with the Albert, ibt)-u I wiuereas the Albert (have a stiff finish tj tueir prcigi-ainine, their last lour maLches beting with the Adeilphi, Duke of Y or it, Engineers, and the Atiaw, 111 tne order named, the Vdotaria already have isix of these points in hand. Tiie Victoria have this week taken league (points from the Atlas and the York, and, in addition, beaten the Albert in their cup- tie re-boiot. -U1, each match they have beaten o/0, their average being 370.66, truly phenomenal scorung for ùhree su-cceebdve | matches. Their win against the Atlas gives them the distinction of being the first team to lieieat me ALias twice iu one season, 'linear first wm was a bit fiukey, but the return match tdiis week was wooi o,n imerit. Although in their best form, the Atlas were beaten from me start, tine Victoria, with every man 30 or over, compiling the huge tcore of 379 against J.70 by the Atlas, W". •Suuith and Gnaiiey IIUJK were the only Atlas* doen to score over their opponents, the Vies, winning oil seven individuals. Brothers Tucker gave the Vies an early lead, each taking a point from their opponents, Tommy Parkin and George Morris. Frank Lusa and Tommy x ickik auot 30 all, and then came another series of reverses for the Atlas, baloir inext men all dropping points, and the Vies were leading at tlhe interval by six points. After Charley Hunt had gained a ipomt from typriggs, the AUas cuptaui) sealed, the fate of his -side by dropping four to A iSiinith, who fxut. up a toLai of 33. Although j the toafceh was lost, the Atlas died game, for Paynter and Lages tied with D. Thomas and U. Hopkins with 33 and 32 respectively, andj Willie iSmitlj with 33 took two oft Bruford. The Victoria are to be congratulated on their fine performance, and share with the Albert tiie honour of beating the Atlas OIL their own range. In their coiiitesi with tihe York, the Vies finished 376, winning by 22. Con Hopkins headed the list with a lovely 34. On top of these two suoeestsos, the Vies were set the task of meeting the Albert in t-J1.e re-shoot in the Association, Competition. Baker gave the Vios an early lead with a 34 against 30 by Hiaifry Howell, and from then on there waa no doubt as to the ultimate result, the! Vies winning with 57M67. D. Thomas shared the evening's honours with Baker, the best return on the lo&er's side being 33 by Piper. The teaans meet again 011 Monday in the Dewar Cup round. The Duke of York showed all their old form against the Splott Conservatives, and came out easy winners. The early stages favoured the Dons. Wood, with 34, giving them a three- "int lead and ftfur men,. The Brothers Little with a brace of 32's soon picked up the arrears, and from here on the Oons were always under. The Duke of York had two failures, Carter and iBrown letting them down with 26 and 27, otherwise they would have been near bea-ting 390. Walt Wells 34, J. B. Rebori and J. S. Lee's &3,s were the pick of a good lot. The Adelpbi seem fated to always carry a passenger, this week's being T. Applebee, wtho showed miserable form for 24, while, Olsen also failed them. Still, with these two failures,(they finished 368 against the Tudor's i 357. Brown, who a; the best shot in the1 league, gained another possible, and A. Wells and Woolacott finished with 33's.. J. Kensey always had W. Wells in hand, finding the bell with six of his shots, while the odd one was a good inner. Though losing well, Splotlands were not disgraced in their contest with the Atlas. They stuck gamely to their powerful opponents, and finished an average of 29 per man, no mean performance for so young a team. J. Mayo, G. Ward, and L. James were the heroes for Siplo-tt. Tommy Parker, Edgar Prite-hard, end G. Evans falling to their bag. Vi i Hie iSimitih was toip scorer for the Atlas, who finished 363. The Oak were unable to place a full team out against the Engineers, but with Powell and Evacs being allowed to sboot twice, they ran the soldiers to five points in a high scoring match. Best 3cores of the evening were 33 s by Hartree, T,a meF. and Williams, for the winners, and Sid Hicks for the Oak. The following series of tnatch-es in the second round of tihe Dewar Cup Com- peti!tion take place on Monday on the range of the first-named club:—■ Victo-ria, v. Albert. Duke of York v. Adlas. Adelrphi Y. Engineers. York v. Stag. I have received a letter from an enthu- siast who signs himself "fuirplay," for the meagre remarks each week concerning the doings of the Stuarts. As an outside enthu- siast, he thinks the Stuarts are being badly trea-t-ed, and wants to know if they have fallen so low that they are not worth even the smallest credit. He continues: "No doubt the Stuarts have been the means of causing a great deal of keen rivalry by their consistent shboting between themselves and the other aspdrante for homours. but this is what we want in air-rifle shooting, as in all healthy sport, and the longer the -rivaLry la?t-e the fbe?ter for ajT-rine ?booting." Whiile sympathising with Fair-play," I would point out to him that I am only allowed a certain space, by the editor, and this I must make use of to the best advan- It-ag.e. There is no denying: but that the Situa-Pts are a good team, but even" Fair- play" must admit that there is no keen competition in the Victuallers' League. The Stuarts are altogether too strong for rtlhe majority Off clubs, and, with the excep- tion of the Anchors, there 'is no club that offers them any opposition for the champion- ship. Even over the Anchors they hold a clear lead of two points, with a match in hand. I am only too pleased to write up itheir best matches, but I cannot chronicle their doings at lengtth against tthear weaker brethren, such matches being only a case of how- many they will win by. Ever since I started this column, three years W, I have made it a point of making the principal matches the basis of my notes ea.ch week, and "Fadrplay" need have little fear but thait the Stuarts will be fully commented on when ty meet foemen worthy of their steel, as they seldom do in the Bonifaces league. I can-not see wibh "Pairplay" that the # Stuarts have been the means of causing keen rivair-y amongst the other aspirants for honours. Rather I would, say that their very strength is a menace to the league. However, this sta,te of affairs will be altered when the handicap competi- tion opens next month, for then other teams will he on more level terms with the Stuarts, who are set to give six points to the next strongest team in the league. Cardiff Licensed Victuallers' League Once again practically the whole of the time at the usual league meeting of the Car- diff Licensed Victuallers' League wae devoted in an endeavour to settle disputes—I say endeavour, because in a way they failed, for the Queens, sooner than accept the decision to re-shoot the A.O.P., preferred to concede their apponeitts the points. The committee also decided that the Anchor and Stuart should re-shoot, and this decision has created a deal of feeling, it being held in various quarters that the committee, instead of settling a dispute, got out of it in the unsatisfactory and unfair way of ordering the match to be re-shot. The dispute in ctivestion was over a shot in the last Anchor v. Stuart contest. The Anchor claimed a four, which the Stuart would only give as three. Counting the shot as an inner, it would have given the Anchor the match, and for this they appealed. Personally, I hold that the committee showed great weakness in order- ing a re-shoot. They should either have allowed the point to the Anchor, or declared that the scores as, sent to the league secre- tary should stand. The couitmittee may not know it, but ttoey have created a precedent which may cause them trouble in the future. The league are in a sound financial position. The secretary submitted accounts showing receipts of £16 10s. 4d., expenditure JE4 Os. 6d., leaving a balance in hand of ClZ 9s. 6d. The next league meeting wtll be held at the Tavistock Hotel on Feob, 5. 'J The draw for the s4|mi-flnal of the S.A- Noel Cup resulted as follows:- Mü-ira v. Stuart, at the A.O.P.'s range.- Referee, Mr. 0 S-nith. Anchor v. Queen's, at the Windsor's range. —■Referee, M,r. J. Tucker. Matches to be shot before February 3. I Good Shoots at Merthry The feature this week in Merthyr airnriflo circles was the number of defuncts. First the Cowbridge, then the Harpists, and now we get the Premiers. This ia, getting a8 bit tii esome. One consolation, there are stiil some faithful ones left. Merthyr Conservative paid a visit to the Dowlais Macks, and put on the good total of 374 to the Macks' 366. W. Davies (No.1) for the Macks, and A. Jones, for the Con- servative, made 34 each, both being fine efforts. The Gordons renewed acqua-intanre with their old friends the Lambs on the latter's range, and what appeared to be a soft thing for the Gordons very nearly failed to come off. Indeed, the Lambs put up a good fight, and were only beaten by five points—354-34S. Lewis and Jenkins made 33 each for the winners, Aaron Lloyd (32) being top for the Lambs. Aberfan, with a score of 354, gained two points from the Vols., who only fired seven men Thomas, was the Aberfan best with 32. Of the "seven" Sergeant M'Naily was top scorer with 32. Id?ardy 370, the Bees 351, and the M.B.T. 378, a,il had fine shoots. Good individual scores were made by Wilson 34, J. Griffiths 34, Howard 33, Bryant 33, and R. GriBiths 33. 34, Th? visit of Cfydi? Albert to the M.E.T. produced some fine shooting, the Electrics putting on the fine total of 378 to the Albert's 368. In this score was a grand possible by Tom Dancer a,nd 34 by Frank Wilson. Turle, for the Albert, was also in form with 34. A jolly evening was spent at the Vulcan Hotel. N:ÐW OOM:PBTI_TIO. The Cardiff and District 1 eague decided at their meeting on Friday to purchase the cup offered them by the Lansdowne Club, the cup to be competed for on a handica-p prin- ciple, details of whdeth have yet to be arranged. LEAGUE TEAMS. At trie same meeting me lonowiug teams, as picked by the selection committee, were accepted for the "inter" m.atches against the Rhondda and BridTend Leagues. The team for the Rhondda match, which is to be fired at the Royal Hotel, Clydach Vale, Is:-A-. Moon (York), S. Hiicks (Oak), E. Lages (Atlas), A. Tucker (Victoria), J. Mayo (Splotland), W. A. Smart (Splott Conservative), ,T. Kinsey (Tudor), J 0'NpiI (City), W. Weih (Adelphi), S. Grant (Duke of York), E. Edwards (Albert), A. GriUith8 ?B'l?ineem), and J. J. Taylor (Stag). For the Brid?md match, at the VIotaria Hotel. Oardiff, the team is as folbows:-T. Parkin (Atlas). C. H?pkine (V?ctoria), F. Brown (Adelphi), D. James (Engineers). J. Ward ¡ (Splotland), J. PoweU (Oak), F. Hooper (Splott Conservative). J. Kinsey (Tudor), W. B. Wilson (Cardiff City), J. J. Taylor (Stag), J. Hosie (Albert), and W. C. Wills (Duke of York) (captain). It will be noticed that thirteen men ha.ve been selected for each match, the final seleo- j tion being made on the day of the match. I NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. Intending competitors for the .National Championship are reminded that the entries close on February 1. This year each district or section is bound to be in the m'ize list; j in. addition to the final prizes there being also three priaes for the runners-up in both team and individual competitions allotted to each district. Last year there wa< an entrv of over 2,000 for both events. Mr. Norton, the secretary of the N.A.R.A., writes me this morThing asking that entries be forwarded as early as possible. CARDIFF LICENSED VICTUALLERS' LEAGUE. I Roath, •Barbarians. A. J. ?"f?nn 444444 5—29 E. Lewis ..5 4 4 4 3 4 4-28 ?kentlebury .4 4 4 4 4 3 5—28 H. Mathews 5 5 5 4 34 4-30 R. Deere .3 5 3 40 40—19 B. Allison ..5 5 4 5 5 5 4—53! M. Jones .4 5 5 4 4 5 5—32 T. Davies ..3442443-24: (!. Bliss .4 4 4 5 4 4 5—30 II. Da.vey ..4 5 3 4 3 3 4—26] A. C. Mtrks 4 5 5 4 4 4 5-31 A. Wippins 4444545-30 G. Stagg .4 5 5 5 4 4 4—51 F. Pro-wer ..4 4 4 4 5 4 4-29 A. Russell ..5 5 5 3 4 5 4—31 Heplnstall ..4 4 5 4 4 5 4—30! R. Hooper ..5 4 4 5 4 4 4-30 B. Hurford ..2 3 3 4 3 3 4-22 G. Bliss 4 4 4 4 54 4-29 D. Bryant ..4 4 5 4 4 5 5—31 A. Blif-v .3 4.3 4 5 5 4—28 V. Coate-s ..4 5 4 5 4 4 5-31 S. Hazell .6 5 4 5 5 4 4—52 R. G. Stain 4453455-30 Total "So Totaa 344 j FRIENDLY. *Atlas (Cardiff). Oaks (Cardiff). E. Lages .5 4 4 5 5 5 5—33 S. Hicks .5 4 5 4 5 4 5—32 S. Powell ..6 4 4 3 4 4 3—27 Chan, erlain 4 4 5 5 5 5 3—31 W. Padg-ett 4 4 3 453-28 C. Noakes ..4 5 4 5 5 4 5—3?. G. Morris ..5 5 55655—35 C. Murphy .1 4 4 4 4 4 4—28 E. Plummer 5 4 4 5 4 4 5-31 S. Owens ..4 5 4 5 4 5 5—32 J. Kellv 5 4 55 4 5 5-33 A. Tarr .4 3 5 4 5 44—29 G. Evans ..5454544-31 W. Evans ..4254234-23 W. Smith ..5 4 4 5 4 4 5—31 S. Grant .4 5 4 5 5 4 5—32 T. Parkin ..5 5 5 5 4 5 4—33 W. Powell ..5 4 5 4 5 5 4-32 C. Frampton 4 4 5 4 5 4 4-30 J. Powell ..4 5 5 5 5 5 5-34 F. Paynter ..4 5 4 4 5 5 4-31 W. James ..5 5 4 4 5 5 5—33 E. Priohard 5 4 5 5554-33 W. Powell ..5 4 4 5 5 5 5—33 Total. 376 Total 371 At the conclusion J. Powell, of the Oak, was presented with a silver cup for the first possible made in a league match, and a gold medal for bus possible in the cup match with the Atlas. The presen- tation was made by Mr. C. Smith. •Anchor—J. Hill, 33; J. Bryan, 31; A. L. Tudor, 29; G. Scarfe, 34; W. Burris, 29; N. Castle, 28; J. Sandberg, 26; E. Griffiths, 27; W. Pritchard, 32; J. Mars, 31; E. H. Edwards, 31; T. Davies, 29-total, 360. Stag and. Hounds-W. Gibbon, 30; F. Trevarthen, 26; J. Gibbon, 32; T. Jones, 29; J. Haberfield, 31; J. Emea, 29; W. Martin, 30; Fr Stewaxt, 30; E. Jones, 29; F. Hulin, 30; D. Jones, 29; W. Parfitt, 34— total, 359. RHONDDA VALLEYS LEAGUE. Welsh Dragons. *Ferndale Conservatives. G. Hockaday 4 4 5 4 2 4 5-28 N. Thomas ..4 4 3 4 2 5 5-27 Dd. Owens ..5 5 4 5 5 5 3—32 J. James 4 5 4 4 33 4-27 W Flook ..4 4 4 4 3 5 4—28 D. J. James 4354543-28 E. Hamlin ..5445454-31 J. Herbert 3 2 3 3 3 4 4-22 J. &,wk 3 4 4 4 4 44-27 W. Dicker ..3 3 4 4 4 5 4-27 J. Venn .3 553 5 54—50 H. Clarke ..4434435-27 S. Driffield ..3 4 3 4 5 4 4-27 E. Thorpe ..4 5 3 5 4 4 -1—29 J. Perry .4 4 3 4 4 4 3—«6 W. Watkins 3 5 5 4 3 5 4-29 M. R. Etvans 4 5 3 4 4 4 3-27 J. M'Dewitt 0 2 3 2 5 2 3-11 H. Oatley ..4 4 3 4 4 3 5—27 W. Brown ..4 4 4 4 3 4 4—27 J. Griffiths 5 4 5 5 4 4 5—32 D J. JoflfcJ 5 3 5 5 4 4 4-30 J. Loney .5 4 444 5 5—31 W. Hicks ..5544454-31 Total 346 Total 321 Royals. *1oc!¡\.I. D. Davies..4 5 5 5 544-32 D. Evans ..4 4 5 3 3 4 3—26j. T. Thomas ..4 5 6 3 4 4 3-28 T. Dawson ..4 3 4 5 4 4 5—29 D. Roberts ..3 4 5 4 5 4 5-30 S. Stock .5 3 4 4 3 5 5—29 C. Coombes 5 3 5 4 3 5 4-29 F. Wall .5 5 4 4 3 5 E—31 G. Webber -.5 5 5 4 5 4 5—33 D. Moses .5 3 2 3 5 5 5-28 J. Evans (1) 5 5 4 5 5 5 4-33 E. Fletcher 5 4 5 4 5 4 4-31 D. L. Davies 4 5 5 t 4 5 4-32 T. Beaton ..5 4 5 4 3 4 5—30 w. Roberts 5555445-33 M'Entegort ..3 5 5 4 3 4 4-28 J. Blow 5 4 4 5 5 44-31 G. Howells 3 5 3 3 3 3 3—23 1 G. Thomas .5 5 5 5 4 5 4—33 A. Derrick ..3 4 5 5 3 4 4-28 F. Thomas ..0 4 5 4 5 4 5-27 0 Price 5 3 4 3 3 4 4—26 D. Bowen ..5 5 3 4 3 3 3—26 T. Whitney 5 4 4 5 5 4 5-32 Total 367 Total 3,41 All shooters selected to tept?aent the ltoonaaa. Val??y,g League a?inet the CM?tS League ?? e requested to be at th? Roysl Hotel, Clydach Vale, on Tuesday evening next not later than 7 o'clock sharp, and uny shooter unable to take part In the match J is requested to let the secretary know by -donday evening next. Conservative.—J. Butler 30; J. H. Doe, 30; A. Day, 29; J. H. Jones, 31; L. HozzeU, 34; H. Griffiths, 32; G. Moore, 32; G. Mitchell, 30; J. Davis, 30; J. Hull, 31; E f. Parker, M; W. Austin, 34—total, 376. PentrW Brass Band-R. Pritchapd, 25; F. Collier, 30; I D. Lewis, 29; J. Robinson, 30; W. Powlesland, 32; S. Evans, 26; W. Jenkins, 27; L. Phllltps, 32; M. Davis, 26; T. Morgan, 28; 1. Bailey, 31; J. Jones, 33— total, 349. BRIDGEND iAND DISTRICT LEAGUE; I INTER-LEAGUE MATCH. I I The fonowing team has been selected to shoot in I the inter-league match aga.inst Cardiff, at Cardiff, on February Jtod. Tie team was selected, from the best league averages. W. G. Simmoads (Y.M.C.A.), E. J. Thomas (Y.M.C.A.), A. A. Sanders (&t. John's), S. Simmonds (Y,M,C..), T. Ed,Wards (G.W.R.), D. R. James (St. V.lM.C.A.), T. King (Ffaldau), J. Morgan (St. IUtyd's), l t ydla), F- J. T..Davies (St. Illtyd's), W. Parkins (St. Illtyd's), A. Berry (Coytrahen), G. Jones (Merthyrmawr). Reserves: D. W. Edwards (Y.M.C.A.), Rees Watts (Y.M.C.A.), D. M'Lellan (St. Illtyd's). •Coytrahen—W. R. Hayman, 31; S. Vickers, 28; W. L. Haymaai, 32; C. Mills, 31; A. Vickers, 32; G. E. Hill, 27; T. D. Williams, 29; H. Hodges, 33; T. Butler, 26; R. Hill, 28; J. Power, 33; A. Berry, 30- total, 360. tOf\d'F, W. Lougher, 29; C. F. Hins, 26; I. Rogers, 28; Evan Harris, 20; A. Whittaker, 26; H. Boulter, 26; C. Burrows, 31; W. Thomas, 32; D. Williams, 31; Rees Sajit, 30; W. Lewis, 30; J. Jones, 2B-total, 337. •Merthyrmawr—I. Thomas, 30; R, Harry, 30; R. Smith, 26; M. Evanson, 30; J. Bowden, 29; H. D. Jones, 32; R. T. Board, 25; L. C"by, 30; J. Cosby, j 25, T. Cornelius, 31; T. HopkLn, 33; T. Lewis, 31- total, 352. St. Robert's—T. Kinsella, 23; E. Dack, 29; M. Griffin, n; E. Fitzgerald, 27; D. Moloney, 24; F. Davies, 22; J. Riley, 26; J. Fitzgerald, 30 ;E. O'DonneU, 32; vtili6ihei;' J Murphy, 25; J. ButiM, O;rlll,' 323. *St. Illtyd's—W. Thomas, 31; W. Vincent, 31; W. Davies, 30; F. Bradshaw, 29; R. EvanB, 30; F. James, 30; W. Parkins, 30; D. R. James,32; T. Davies, 33; D. M',I,ellan, 33; J. A. E,vans, 31—total, 370. St. John's—A. J. Bailey, 26; J. Richmond, 28; W. J. Beard, 31; H. Hill, 22; J. H. JoweM, 29; J. Thompson, 27; W. Hopkin, 27; W, Mottram, 25; A. Minchinton, 29; H. Hughes, 23; J. Allen, 29; A. A. Sanders, 32-tctal, 333. Y.M.C.,A.-D. W. Edwards, 27; Rees Watts, 30; A. L. Ward, 30; C. Davies, 27; A. W. Hardwick, 29; S. Simmonds, 32; H. N. Spintzvk, 30; W. G. Simmonds, 30; C. Harris, 30; J. M'Lellan, 27; T. G. Llewellyn, 33; E. J. Thomas, 29-total, 354. G.W.R.-J. Farr, 27; G. Chambertein, 26; C. Skinner, 26; A. Churches, 28; H. Pritchard, 29; W. E. EM wards, 29; S. Gale, 24; A. Harley, 27; H. Hopkins, 29; W. Bradford, 30; A. E. Purchase, 32; T. Edwards, 32-total, 339.

BADGER O'BRIEN, 8s(t. 41b. Boxing I Champion, and Full Back of St. Paul's I Oardiff.

;—————————————————————— Miniature Rifle Notes. I By -22. I The next meeting of the executive oom- mit-tee of t,he Welsh Miniature Rifle Apsoe-la- tion will be held at Brecon on Saturday next. i.iie rules of the Welsh Miniature Rifle meet- ing at Mae?teg 011 Jiuue 2—5 will be drafted, and the following important proposal will be considered, viz. :— "That at o..V.R.C. meeitinigs, when the pro- gramme warrants it, a team representing the W.M.R.A. shall compete." Doubtless the W.M.R.A. will be glad to re- ceive applications for the venue of the final shoot for the Welsh club championship, which usually talies place in April. It is the turn for Glamorganshire clubs this year, and unless a move is shortly made probably the Brecon and Radnor League will apply for toe final to take in its a:i*t. At present the following clubts appear likely to figure in the finalChepstow, Eisca, Rhayader, Maesteg, Pentre, St. Pagan's, or Barry. The great score of Usk in their lea,gne match with Cwmbran has been widely pub- lished. The scorie—799 out of a possible 800— is a Weteh record, and is likely to remain such. Probably amongst the many congratu- lations received by Captain Clift, none c.arused him more pleasure than tihose ten- dered by the Cwmbran team at the clone of the match. One important point to be remembered in connection with this SOO-re and the recent "record" scores of 796 is that none of them was made 011 a 25 yards range, altholigh the 25 yards range targets were tioed. Ao a matter of fact, I believe the ranges concerned, from the muzzle of the rifle to the target, measure about 1-6 yards, and, therefore, the "bull" should have been much smaller. It is on a par with claiming a record for shooting at 50 yards range targets on a range of 30 yards. Shooting men know the difference that the extra yarda mean. Major Richardson (the captain of the English Twenty, and captain of the British Rifle Team which recently toured the world) will probably captain the English team at Maesteg at the internatio,nal meeting. He hae just wublish-ed his report of the tour to America and Australia, and calls the atten- tion, of the Government to the fact that the American aperture sights on the service rifle are better than ours both for service an target work, and are adapted to the taking of rapid and accurate aim." Such a remark from the captain of their own team can hardly be palatable to the National Rifle Association—the opponents of amertture sights. In reply to a number of inquiries on the matter, the conditions for the Queen's Cup competition for 1909 are not yet determined. Mr. H. Mairks will act as secretary of the competition in the place of Major Morrison- Bell, who is seeking Parliamentary honours, and arrangements have been made for the publication of the conditions in this collum-n as soon as they are decided. .Rhaya,d-er is proud of its rifle club. The first half of the league engagements were gone through without a defeat, and in the second series their Newbridge rivals have been again defeated—758 to 725. The remark- able feature of the match was the failure of the Welsh International—H. J. Ba,rnard-who was one of the lowest scorers with 88. Pro- bably this is Barnard's lowest score in any match or competition at 25 yards. Evidently something is wrollig with the Garndiffaith Club. The officials have been unable to raise teams for two matches recently. This does not redound to the credit of the club which furnished a mem- ber of the Queen's Twenty for 1908. Mr. Brace, the horn, secretary of St. Fagan's Club, writes with reference to the paragraph which appears last week anent highest pos- t-il,ie scores on, ranges of leF,- than 25 yards in length. ATr. Brace says, During the four years the St. Fagan's Rifle Ckib has been in existence not one possible has been made in a match on the range either by the home or v the hcm,e or visiting teams. The ra-nzo is exactly 25 yards, with excellent light and every facility I for good shooting." I believe oqjy one highest possible has ever been scored on the Newport range—also J 25 ya-rdts Icnsr—in league Tfatches. Other than the St. Fagan's and Newport ranges. I do n-ot kniow of any rangoe in South Wales which is being used for league matches, and which is 25 yards long. Usk range, of course, is 50 yards long. Brecon and Radnorshire League I The Rhayader team looks like winning the league, they having shot 8, won 8. points 16. This club only commenced shooting pome nine months ago. They have a splendid in-door range up to 35 yards at the Old Factory, Rhayader. Abersychan hais been making rematkable 794, and 798 out of a possible 800. They think, possibly, they have made a world's record. I give 3 league scores of the Rhaya-der team:- December 12, Rhayader (Y. Ilav)-E. P. MoTsrnn, 100; A. Collard, 100; W. R. Wood, 100; P. Worthing, 100; M. LloYd, 100; S. Price, 99; J. Jenkins, 99; J. Jones, 9a-total, 796. Hay scared 762. January 4, Rhavader (v. Penpont)—E. P. Morgan, 100; A. Co!t'ard, 10?: W. R. Wood, 99; 'r. Worthing? M; M. Doyd, 99; S. Price, 100: J. Jenkins, 99; J. Jones, 99-total, 795. Penpont scored 766. January 8, Rhavader (v. Llanfaes, Brecon)-E. P. Morgan, 100; A. Collard, 100; VV. R. Wood, 99; P. Worthing, 1C0; M. Lloyd, 100; S. Price, 100; J. Jenkins, 100; J. Jones, 99-tota.L 798. Llanfaes scored 762. RISC A AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. This is the 5th win out of five matches for Riaoa. •Risca. Ebbw Vale. T. Edwards 98 J. Groggerty 84 S. Davies 95 W. Hooper 65 W. Jones 97 T. Francis 03 B. Mai, 95 A. Harr!s.?.J. 85 G. Field. 97 T. Jones 9-4 E. Morton 9o T. E,,nn ^4 W. Davies 95 J. Edwards. 87 J. Booth. 96 S. Everett .77 Totat. 768 Total. 719 BM-ry?G. EvMs 97- D J(,hn 98; ?A pitt' 95; C. Hare, 94; J. ?'V. IFI?welis. Jn\v 8k. tartjt; 9}. Blackaaore, 93; E. Ireland, 94—total, 764. St. Faga-nls-j. Mason, 93; A. Webber, 98; C. Spiller, 94; T. Coombes, 94; W. Edmonds, 96; J. J. Reed, 96; A. Tennick, 94; H. A. Pettigrew, 90— total, 755. Whartons—N. 'Gleaves, 97; G. Glyn, 95; C. Rhode, 99; Tracey Thorpe, 95; W. Hornby, 94; H. Jennings, 90; J. Allen, 97; T. Thatcher, 95-total, 762. Birchgrove-W. EUiott. 94; F. Preon, 100; A. '.?i- liams, 96; R. Stevens, 95; D. Elliott, 92; C. M'Kenzie, 81; J. R. Thomas, 93; D. Thomas, 99-total, 750. CHEPSTOW CLUB SHOOT. ine Chepstow Kifle Clmb assembled to meet Gorn- I diffaith, who did not turn up, and the team shot for 5allAJr.!s, showing the following results:- l>. (j. 1'idler, ae; J. w. Iscott, S)9; U. W. argent, 100; j C Ball, S9; F. Johnson, 93; T. Williams, 96; R 1 Davis, 98; E. T. Coles, 98. J. W. Scott and C. Ball shot of ftheir tie, thus: J. W. Scott Ð7 97 98 49 C. Ball 97 97 98 • 48 The first three rounds were ten shots, and the last five shots. This team now stand on top of their league I with one defeat by Abeisvchaiij Printed and published by Thomas Jones for the pro- prietors, at 68a, St. Mary-street, in the City of Car- diff; by James Norman, Castle-street, Swansea; by R. G. Williams, Glebeland-street, Merthyr TydSl; it the shop of Mt. Wesley Williams, Brldgend-all in the County, of Glamorgan; by Jabez Thomas, 22, Hi?h-street, Newport; ?t the shop of Mr. J. P. I Caffrey, Monmouth—both In the County of Mon- mouth; at the shop of Mr. David John, Llanelly, in the County of Carmarthen; and at the offices of Mr. T. A. Davies, The Bulwark, Brecon, in the County of Brecknock. SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1909.

EASTERN VALLEY LEAGUE. Garndiffa,ith-H. Williams, 200; F. Richards, 200; J. Harris, 200; E. James, 200; T. Coakham, 193; P. Owen, 200; S. Tovey, 149; VV. Godwin, IBG-totJ. 1,531. -libeftycl-taii-G. Edwards, 180; A. Poweil, 1; j Kinsey, 184; E. Robins, 152« R. Smith, 2;)0, J. Price. 134; L. Slloox, 200; F. Morris, 200-total, 1,439. RUMMER HOTEL, DUKE-STREET, CARDIFF. First-class Billiard Tatl 1 Annual Professional Tournament Every Evening. Play will commence at 7.30 p.m. Heats, 500 up. First Prize value £ 12. Second Frize value £ 6, Third Prize value £ 3.—G. Matthews, 1'r,,prictor. 9174 '?he°WELLINGTON HOTEL (Cai1,ton  al? Open to Play Home a.nd Home Friendly Matches. e423ui23 » i » i

collapsed ere this had it not been for the i readiness of the Cardiff ro-othall Club to al'ow the use of their ground on March 13, when an effJrt will be mad to arraIle a amateh for the financial b?nent of the insol- vent clubs. Las'tei- Wednesday the clubs would have I preferred, but the deputation fTom the Union to the Cardiff committee were informed that this day had been previously promised for a charity match. A joirt committee con;si.?ting of members of the Union and, amongst others, Meters. Gwyn Nichoils. I'. F. Bush, and D. L. Evans, of the Cardiff Football Club, will arrange an attractive match, which we all hope will draw a large gate for the benefit of the clubs now almost in a state of bankruptcy. Had Easter Wednesday been ava'lable it is possible a team composed mainly of Swansea premier players would have heen the visitors, P. Lamey. of Eoath-cum-Mackintoish-cum- Rominy-cum-"Po;itypridd, informs me that he has no desire tc transfer to Eomiily. Peter, my boy, you love a joke! Canton Greece its having disbanded, R. Good-fellow has been permitted to join Can- ton Piovers. Cardiff East muiilt have had a mixed team MORGAN USHER, Grange "Barbarians R.F.O. out against Garth. They played no less than ntine unregistered players. The East alleged that permission was granted by a Gar-til member. They failed, however, to prove that any re>:o..ons:ible official cf the Garth club would be mad enough to agree to such a wholesale number of excellent "subs." play- ing. and thus points went to Garth. Grange Harriers defeats d Canton United last Saturday in a four-point league game by half-a-dozen points to three.- Granige Harriers' league record is—Played 8, won 4. drawn 2, lost 2. Ten points out of a possible 16. Penr.rth Thistles have failed to prodnce age oertineatos of all the players objected to by the Centrals, and in consequence the latter have been awarded the league points. There aopears to be some unnecessary friction between the two clubs. Let us s-ee an effort to bury the hatohet on both sides. I understand* that at the next meeting of the Uni n the complaint of Cant-on United v. Cardiff East wili be re-opened. The com- mittee have discovered some facts which places a new complexion on the ca^e and at variance with the evidence recently ten. dered. Glamorgan League Gwilym Jones has received his transfer from Cardiff to Llwynypia. He will turn, out when his knee is fit. Gwilym had an acci- dent when playing for London Welsh against Bath, which brought on hlood poisoning, iiv.'og Evans, too, is injured. The accident he met with at Mountain Ash will keep him out of the field for a week or so. Two players who are going strong for county honours are D. Mead ami E. Phillips. Llwynypia, considering that, they had three three-quarters, one half, and tour for- wards away. did well to run Blaizia to a dropped goal on the )'t::ton Tump. A. Thomas ylayert 'a very fine game. He b worth a county trial. Mithan is a very fine captain, and his play should gain him honours yet. Western Valley, Only one match was on the book for Satur- day—the International of the Hills. Garn- vaeh and Nanty^io had their second struggle. The first, at Nantyglo. ended in a draw of I triez-, ,:oi.aturda:y'¡ H'rugle at Garr;ya-oh was red hot. The homesters just won by a, kick. viz., a -goal to a try. The old boys' movement is spreading. Blaina Lilies, Llanhiileth Stars. Blaenau Gwcnt Lilly whites, ard ?antyg]o have aiready appii?d for a&iMttioB. ISirhowy Valley. Troedriuwgwair on their visit to Pentwyn- I mawr expected to return with two league notches. They vere diEappo¡nt"d, for t?-leI, ^dutwya iads gave the?r visitors a hard game and shared th? points. Tredegar United l?Liic?d to turn up at Araioed, and the Kioeriuans failed to get a I conveyance to take them to Pontlottyn to play the Rhymuey Valley team. Rbymhey Vailey Seniors. I The lieu eat match 011 Monuay at Rhymney bervv-een Jir. ACU JLlewexiyu's international U-am and Khyiiiuey Districi was a great financial siiccecs. Consiueriug the bad state o. tiie ground, a spiendid game was wit- I uos&ed. ihe Riiymney boys were nervous at the outset, but nerves steadied after the in- teriiatioiiala had scored ttv.ee, and, going at it full spead, actually scored. At this juncture Gryn Sicholis and Percy Bush were j ii'ard to stroogiy instruct their iaen to I fake ap. for we have to meet a smarter team than we thou=ni." Bush was in his element, and made i.-e uunui openings on but the keen tackling pre- I \euicd any more scoring • uutil nearly close on time. Jarmau got a hot time twice in tackling some cf the big 'uns. MoVickers aud Benjamin were very conspicuous esl)e,- ciaiiy in stopping Bush and Nicholis All the team did well. To-day the great battle between Rhymney and Aberhargoed takes place. Both teams are confident, of success. Will RhymQeys = glorious record go? i*i.rgoed entertained their near neighbours' 4berb:irgoed, in a friendly on Saturday last and rau out winners by 3 points. Bargoed were without A. v, liiam.s, Gnlaths, and Tyler, while "Cymro" Davies and Frank R'" we? m'?ins for Auer. This win ,c>e'd put a little more life into Bargoed, thv?y have not been tarning up as they should of late. J. was uadoubt?dly the h?t man on J, the field, as he dropped a fine goal in addition to converting Richards's try. Rhondda Valley Old boys I- That smart little emo, xretji^y nau their neighbours, TN"herherr, ;< ïlsIors, and won by 6 points to nil. Both, trIes were the outcome of excellent fo{)trJali. lily So vers ,enteitaiEe<l Abercynoii, and won by two tries to nil. The fine game played by both s.des was greatly enjoyedby th-e large crowd. Undefeated Curynydd ex-schoolooys enter. tained Pontypridd Thistles. It. A- a6 a stub- born game. Although a pomtiess draw, play was des-perately exciting to the capital crowd prevent. R-eferee ilarvey deserves praise for keeping a hot game well in haiid. Penygraig Rocks failed to appear at islaen- clydach. Hard luck. when the latter had billed the match. If rumour be true, last year's winners Cave disbanded. They were, however represented at the last meeting of the league. Now then, Koc.^s. pull together; t let a small squabble with one 01 your officials be the means of disbanding. A good forward game at Llwynypia against Dinas ended in a pointless draw. Hopkinstown All Blacks had Cilfynydll as their FMitors. It was a pme worth gomg ??--3 to v?ituess. A far crow was delighl. especially when Wood kicked a aiarveiious penalty goal and Ben Williams scored' a fine try. With this lead Hopkins- j town had all their work to win. Ben w il- Lams is easily the best forward in t.be league. Stone is anotber good 'un. Oilfynydd should make their halves part with the ball quicker. I The clubs and league are delighted at the financial aid rendered by the Union of Welsh; Leagues. All a,re now financially flourishing. MERTHYR AND DISTRICT. Of the two league ?ames the chief was I Mountain Ash Juniors v. Aberaman Gym- uasium. !j Alxraman meant on their visit to the Mount to avenge the 28 points' defeat in- flicted earlier in the season. They actually ran Mountain Ash to a draw. Bravo! In the L st fo .v moments Aberama,n were the omiy team in it. Harry Miles, the inter- league skioper, was the best man on th<3 ground. The way he got away from The lino-outs reminded one of Miller in his palmy days. Bradford and Tom Phillips

also played fine games. The Mount has now lost two league noints. I C \Jamaa won lhe game with the Ramblers by 6 points, and by doing so occupy third po&itiun in the le??ue. j hs Owm boys are ?radua?y chlu'?in? up- wards, and, con'sid?rin,? nearly all their ?piayei-,s are new 10 the Ru?by cod, great praise is due to them. They stick to the advice of their leader, Rees Thomas. Rhondda Valley Seniors I CLUB SUSPENDED. The executive committee got through a huge amount of busiines f at tneir last meet- ing. It was decided to offe Monmouthaline Valleys League to play them on their own soil owing to the dead slump which is lixe- vaHing in the Khondda district at preseut. lbr not fuiiiliin? a fixture with Lewis Merthyr at Trehafod on January 2 Hills Plymuutih were fined 15s. id-, and must arrange another date. Giambriau Boys, for not going to Tylor&town, were fined 1,1,6. 6d., and have also to arrange another date. Permission was given G. Heminiiiigs and D. J. Mattihewt! to play for Lewis Merthyr, and E. Newick from Lewis Menthyr to Ponty- pridd United. The application from Lewis Meithyr to play G. F. Charleti was deferred lOClldivg inquiries. It is fair to state that these applications were to hand in Decem- ber, but owing to prewure ot business with the inter-league fixture with Aberdare were not dealt with. S. Edwards, granted permis- sion to play for Wiliiamstown; J. Butcher, deferred pending inquiries; J. Feehan, from Wiliianutown juniors to Dinas Rangers granted. The protest of Williamstown Juniors against Blaealleohau was ruled out of order and the protest fee m-luiilied. The complaint of Abercynoii against Blaen- llecnau for not turning up on the former ground ou January lo was deferred until next meeting. It was decided to close the Blaenilechau grounds for two weeks owing to the encroach- ment of the spectators on the field of play and interfering with the referee's decision of awarding a try in the Blaenilechau v. Ynysybwl match on January 9 to the latter. The Chairman strongly complained that tne eiub seemed to treat this official unfairly since a certain decision earlier in the season (v,itich was much too lenient). It beheneu the executive to stamp this out and protect referees, according to the rules of the Welsh RUJby Uiii"n => ?hy ;Lpplimtion of Rhymney Valley Jn?or l,e,,t T -i-le for a fixture could not be enter- tained at present, but will later on be a.rra-ii,-ed. A splendidly contested game was seen on Y ny-ybwl grounds on Saturday Dct?e<n Farndale Rovers and Ynysybwl Village Boy? ?he home forwards were fairly routed by the Ro?M. who were in fine trim, and, ir?eed, the rtsitors were dMiiix-tly the better team. It was desperately hard line6,for them to share the pûinæ after havin?. the ?a.a MS ? a rare ?ood try up to within t-Li4e t't minute. For the Rovers P?rce a?dBc??eu were very smart in the third lide; so w as Pierce at outside half. being aoly red by his partner. Of an excellent pack Price (ca.ptMn), .D. J. j Thomas. and Nelmea were ever P????' For the ViHage Boys the Brothers j] C. Smith, and young Bobby on the wi.ng, and alao Ben Williams at back work? nar|u.> What is the matter with Hill's plymouth? They again disappointed LI?ynyP??,?,? -a bit too thick. Let us ha,v-e something like bti9HMes. aad not a lot of child's ??v Lewis Merthyr were disappointed M Lewis Merthyr were diBawoint.oo al.1n through Cross Inn failing to appear, -NOW' take a word of advice. In a.n-aQ.g???M"n?r:<? ?' have these sort at home first, and then YOU will not suffer so much, and will keep Your treasury from not being overdxa w The next executive meeting will lie held at the usual place on February 1. at a.eHn v- t Union of Welsh Leagues The next meeting of the Union WIll taKe pla?e at Cardiff on Satnrday, Febra,Y.- ¡ I ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDtNTS. -Sport" (A-bertLllery).—In Ireland, and Wales tied for the LnternatIOnal cha mpi,(JIlIs hi-p 0l II. Jones (Cardiff).-The respo^nsibility of seeing the ground was property laid out lay with the visiting captain. After the game was over it was too late to complain of the position of corner flags. B. M." and A. W." (st-eg).-I cannot decide your argument. There are no official figures given of attendances at We-ls-h Inter- national matches. I

took advantage of every opportunity to scoie. ltÜ and Wiiiew t«-iaii.i.iatod here and there, and the threes were really oazziing at times. A gyai-Kioker is warned by iViaciien, lor seven anconvei ied tiles is diwgraceiui. iNeeaie.-s 10 tmy, lie Aiacmen »u-i»n>rw;rs were jubilant over tjaeir heioes aud tne additional two points towards the p-iyniieraiiip. Bargoed and Aberbargoed indulge-d. in a friendiy on tile M'Do-uneii ground at Bargoed. The most sanguine 01 the Bargoed supporter's only anticipated that the "metropolitans" would gÎ\e tne A-bero-argot-diaue a Keen game, but great was their deiight to, find. tHe Bargoed boys beat the redotibtaoie Mon- lliouthdlire organisation. Bargoed took the held minus two piuyers, and ADerbargoea | cumuiencfcd with one man short. The t visitors kept play in the metropolitan terri- tory in the early stages of the game, and it was not long tie George inomas aud "Coxey" WiiliaJUS cio&sed with tw o hue tries, both from urUiiant bouts, w hidl were iuitkited by Eddie Waiters, who is the •at-a-r c.Mtre of the valley. On the change of ends Bargoed pressed strongly. Richards, the WIUg, tllloUgtt, scored from a pass by Morgan Davies. Jonah Jones added the extra points, to ahe delight 01 the crowd. 'The venue rapidly changed, and Jonah Jones with a remaiAabiC kick placed his Side three POIUts ahead. The Baigoed supporters now ioat aU .co?uol cf their ieclingc. ior vjc?ory a.p'?ear?d within meir ?ra?-.p. ?ddie alters at last ran over with what appeared to be a perieetiy legitimate try, but tiie referee, to the delight of the metropolitan supporters aud Lhe disgust of the Aberbargoed oiayei's, I ruled, that the ball had been grounded. The i pace vvai a gruelling one to the end, but When the whistle sounded Bargoed had main- tained their lead. 111 the Junior Rugby Division. Deri met Rhymney Seconds on the watery waste at R.iymney. The ground was in a deplorable condition, and a scientific game was o-ut of the question. Ihe game encitd in a pointlecss draw, but this meant a point each in the league table. The game was evenly fought. Sullivan was the of the homesters, while;! i Jam,es were con- Sam Weeks, bowen, and James were con- spicuous for the visitors. The result appeared to give every satisfaction. Mr. Aok Llewellyn took a team of inter- nationa.1s to Rhymney on Monday afternoon, which attracted a crowd of some 3,0C0 spec- tators. The redoubtable Gwyn Nicholls turned out and played behind the two crack halves, Bush and Viie. The ground was a veritable "slough of despond. llere and there an island of green tlirf was to be found in the sea of mud. and the plungings and fir; nnderings of the players caused infinite amusement to the crowd. Gwyn managed to keep his equilibrium and shirt clean through- out the game, and Bush made heroic attempts to follow bis example. The crowd, however, yelled when "Purse" at length was "flopped." The game was by no means one- sided. Richardson crossed twice in the first half, from o-penings made'by Vile and Bush. and Percy converted one of them. In the second half, with eig-ht points against them, Rhymney played a hard game. IdrisThomas got over with a try after one of Gwyn's historic gallops, and Bush majorised. Guiiter scored for Rhymney from a forward rush, and thus the "inters" won by 13 points to 3. i^'iijumin, M'Vickers, and Guriter were con- spicuous for Rhymney.