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RUGBY.I
RUGBY. CARDIFF. I Most of the spectators who saw the Cardiff v. Penarth match last Saturday felt that they had wasted a couple of hours. It was about the most wretched display of football seen on the park for m-any a year. What was the matter with the Cardiflfians? Well, the forwards were badly off to begin with, and the backs, especially the threes, never seemed able to get into their stride. It was not a cr&t.bl. exhibition by the blue and blacks, and right up till the last moment the spectators would not have been surprised to see Penarth gain the lead and keep it. Under the circumstances it was not astonishing to find the committee give serious consideration to the pack at last Monday night's meeting. However, they only introduced one new forward, Brookman, and they dropped one of the youngsters for him instead of one of the old ones. Dai Pike's presence may give some stiffening to the pack. What on earth were the Cardiff committee thinking of to leave out Con Scanlon from to-day's team. Scanlon was the best man in the Glamorgan pack in London last (Saturday. 'Tis true, he is light, but he is a real good player. Sid Gillard has put on so much weight that be looks like taking some time to get into form, When he does he ought to be a genuine acquisition for the premiers. lIe was a very fine forward two years ago. There is much trepidation in Cardiif about the result of next Thursday's match at New- port. But it must be remembered that Orcy Bush will be playing, and that is say- mg a great deal in a match on the Uskside enclosure. He is always seen at his beat there. Although they did so much grand stopping work, the Penarth backs never really looked dangerous in attack last Saturday. It is peculair how a red-haired or light- haired player always seems to attract more attention than be deserves. Thus it was with C. Jellings, the Penarth forward, last Saturday. He has plenty of pace, and was frequently seen making a mighty dash up the field. But he didn't do anything effec- tive. In fa.c.t, Jellings' defects as a forward is that he is much too wild in the open, and lacks energy in the serum. An ex-Cardiff player, who is an exceptionally fine judge of the game, is of the opinion that Tom Evans is very nearly the best centre in the Metropolis. In all probability H. B. W infield and Rhys Gabe have played their last games of football. It is hard lines for the men and their club, for had things gone favourably both would have had several years of play left in them. The Cardiff Club are lucky in having such a capable custodian as Frank Wood avail- able. He is a remarkably safe field. very fast, but does not always kick well. Now that ,Frank Wood will play per- manently for the premiers, the captaincy of the Reserves will devolve upon Donald Dun- can, the vice-captain. Mr. R, Pollock, of Newport, has never referee'd a pme so badly as the Cardiff v. Penarth match last Saturday. There was a continuous solo on the whistle, and the spectators simply got tired of it. R, T. Gabe's knee went wrong when last Saturday's match was only a few minutes old. and that was the reason of his poor dis- play.
SWANSEA. I
SWANSEA. Bridgend gave the Swansea spectators a, (surprise Last week, as, after having the better of the game for the first qua-rter of an hour, they soored a try. Up to this time the all whites' backs had missed passes fre- quently, but it was this score of Bridgend that reminded them of their responsibilities. Trew, who had missed a few passes, called for an effort by his side, and made a deter- mined bid for a try himself, but just failed, slipping as he was dodging through. How- ever, two tries came quickly afterwards, and, I good as the visitors played, they were no match for Swansea, when the latter extended ( themselves, which they did in the second half. The all whites attem-pted all ffinds of passing, and Tommy Soho field's men were irun clean off their legs, and were too fagged to do anything substantial. Bridgend are a team of very great possi- bilities. What is wanted is good, sound, jjteady training-. They have the material, •jloc! a, little care and attention to duty will )iel-P them to lift the cdub to a high place jtn Welsh football. Chopping and changing a team about is of no nee. The man of the v-iaitcris who most impressed the spectators was young W. J. Cooke (the 'inside half). He was simply tireless, and, rlet-p,ite the fact that he was behind a beaten pack and up against suoh a master as Dicky Owen, he did more thn well, and the spec- tators showed their appreed"ion in a hearty tia?ner. Then Rogers, the outside hif who Js very young, acquitted himself creditably. The three-quartars were well balanced, and .mould do well together. The forwards are a very lumpy lot, but, igood as they were in some departments, were  in heeling. They simply pmt t?eir hea?is bad in heeling, They simply pwt their heads ?.?wzi and appeared t? have no nation of {.heeling. W. Hay-ward, the new Swansea wing, aiga-in I'P-roved quite a success on Saturday. I
INEWPORT. I
I NEWPORT. Newport's opening score of 34 points to nil against Cwmbran compares very well with the opening of the season for half-a-dozen .-year.s. Last year against Aberavon the score was 10—3; in 1907, versus Pontnewydd, 46-3; 'in 1986, versus Neath, 18-5; versus-iydney, in 1905, 15—0; and in 1904. versus the %d Merchant Taylors, 16--0 t The Newport committee evidently is bent upon encouraging young forwards. Perhaps, that is why some of the older hands are not now seen in the selected teams. The Newport Club is to be congratulated Upon the revival of a good old custom which has been sadly neglected of late years. Before the Cwmbran team left the field last Satur- day Newport gave them three hearty cheers. May the custom always be kept up! NEATH. < The result of the Leicester reverse was not unexpected. The Tigers, caught napping la £ <t season, were determined to wipe some- thing off the slate. And they did. Their victory was solely due to better condition. Had the all blacks been able to stay the oourse the probabilities are they would have won. Neath have farely ever begun a sea.son •well. Last season was an exception. They take a deal of time before they get fairly into their siride. Further, last Saturday they were handi- j capped by the absence of Arthur William*, who ought ready to have played for the club which brought him out, instead of the county. Then, again, there was the long railway Journey. Skewen defeated the once promising Dany- j iraig by a goal to nil. Neath Seconds opened their season last Saturday by administering a whacking to Ynisgerwn. Six tries to nil was the verdict. The Ynisgerwn men were deie-a,ted by the superior skill of the seconds, who have a two season's ground record behind them. They are likely to complete I the triple event this season. The game revealed a few promising young players. M'Neill, of Oadoxton, who played on the wing for the visitors, exhibited a fine turn of speed. He did some clever things, but was badly supported. Percy Moon also played clever football for the seconds. One forward in the ranks of the home side—Ernest Thomas —played a fine, dashing game. He might he added with advantage to the ranks of the first reserves. There are one or two forwards in the first string who are not a.bove suspicion, and cer- tainly new blood will have to be imported before the seaeon is very old. Then there is Glyn Step,hens. who wae one of the finest boy internationals Wales pro- duced. He is now a big, strapping fellow, .nd a clever and fearless footballer. Very likely he will find his way into the firsts before very long. A three-quarter who favourably impressed the spectators was W. Morgan, and another is Harris, who played on the right wing.
abertillery.I
abertillery. I Although the Tilleryites were not able to they made a, dra.w last Saturday after a »trugg!e i,n which the Gloucester men were forced to defend fo.r quite three-fourths of the time. I Unfortunately, the Abertillery backs, with the exception of Joe Richardson and Tommy I Morris, did not display in attack the hem. of which they have proved themselves capable. The forwards, who completely outplayed the Gloucester pack, gave the 'Tillery backs gniaoiy splendid ohances to score. Threo monabaers of the Welsh Union were interacted speotators of the match, i.e., Dr. Bocyn Jones, and Weesm Jack Gantes a,nd J. Jarrett.
SLA%TM. &, I
SLA%TM. &, I Blaina beat Maohen by l^^ointe, though. Indeed, the score rather exaggerates their superiority. Blaina won because their Ijaokn were cleverer as individuals, and snapped up the couple of chanoee which came their way. The forwards played badly, and in this respect Machen showed supe- riority. The selection committee should guard against varying the backs as often as last, I reason. This practice dooe not give thft men '.a chance to combine.
. ABERAVON.
ABERAVON. The game between Aberavon and the Dis- trict League last Saturday proved very inte- resting. There was lack of initiative on the part of Jestyn Thom.as, the outside half, and a lack of weight and cleverness ^piong the forwards. In the first half the league players opened so well that it looked as if the game would be a very close one. Their forwards showed good form in the first moiety. As the game proceeded, however, the Aberavon sc rim- ma gers improved, and were able to heel out i more regularly. There was very little to choose between the respective half-backs. When given an opportunity M. Bees and \V. Jones, the league pair, proved themselves very smart, especially the former, upon whom the com- mittee would do well to keep their eyes. The- Aberavon quartette were much supe-- rior to the league backs, the best of the I latter being Albert Lang, who played a very, smart and swift game. Edwards and M. Jenkins are also worthy- of a word of praise for their plucky efforts. The Aberavon four proved a formidable lot. Most of the work went to the wing, and the manner in which Willie Davies cleverly manipulated his oppor- tunities stamped him as a. player witbb great possibilities. Captain Willie Thomas again played with fine dash, and put the finishing touch on some passing movements by scoring three brilliant tries. E. Pugh, the vice-captain although play- ing forward, managed to notch two tries, the remaining one being scored L-y Rees Richards, another of the forwards. The league forwards worked with com- mendable dash, particularly prominent: being D. Tobin, ireyoock. and T. Rees. It is regrettable to know that Tobin, after playing a sound game, was unfortunate enough to dislocate his ankle, and will be unable to turn out for several weeks. The Aberavon forwards did not show up to advantage, the pick of the bunch being E. Pugh, Rees Richard, Ivor Jones, and, Will } James. Dick Hughes, the 'Afon full-back, was not up to his usual .standard, and had the ex- oeptioiittl experience of having his kick ?barged down on a few occasions. The league full-back, Ike Harris, performed very creditably throughout. I.n the evening several of the players and [committee men assembled at a smoking con- cert, when Mr.. W. J. ReE, one of the Aber- avon players, who is l ving for a collegiate course at Exeter, was presented with a beau- tifully engraved cigarette case as a token of appreciation. Bandy," as Mr. RcM is familiarly known, has always been an ex-I tremely popular member of the team and one of the best of sportsmen. A presentation was also made to Mr. Evans, upon his resigning the position of com mi tt.ee man after ten years' service. The presenta- tion took tba form of a handsome ea?e of pipes. The presentations were made in ex- j tremely happy speeches by Mr. Willie Thoma.s (captain) and Mr. D. W, Jones (trea- surer). W. J. D. Davies, one of the best of the Aberavon pack, was greatly missed last Saturday, being away in London playing for Glamorgan County against London Welsh. W. J." was mentioned ae one of the I best forwards on the county side.
BLACKWOOD.;
BLACKWOOD. Blackwood went to Abercarne minus two I forwards and took on a cduple of Abercarne men who rendered a good account of them- selves. Three* only of the regular pack turned out and the front rank were hoplessly beaten. The backs showed up wonderfully well. Whenever opportunities presented themselves Stokes a'nd Burria made every use of them. Bingo Davies played well at full back. The Blackwood Stars are evidently in a winning vein and on Saturday last put "paid" to the account of Pentwynmawr by 23 points to nil. The scorers were Charles Rowlands, Alf- Stokes, B. Stokes. W. Coleman, and D. Baker (one try each), whilst E. Baker! succeeded in crossing twice. In the four matches played this season the Stars have scored 41 points to nil. The secretary. Mr. G. H. Davies, has arranged a splendid list of fixtures with ome of the best second class teams in Mc r.outhshire.
CRUMLIN. I
CRUMLIN. Crutmlin entertained Cwmbran United last Saturday, and won an interesting game by 18 points to 6. The game was chiefly confined .to the forwards. E. Jones, for the homesters, scored two tries and kicked a couple of goals. Browning is un- doubtedly a grea-t acquisition to the Crura- j linites. Kenvon made a. welcome reappear- ance, and did some smart work. i
DINAS POWIS.-I
DINAS POWIS. I The re-?)rga ni?eA Dinas Powis Clu,b com- menced t-heir season on Saturday w,,i?? match against Ca?difF Harlequins, the reat?t being contrary to even the mDst sanguine supporter of the villagers. The Harlequins were last season runners-up for the Mallett Cup. and no one expected that Din-as Powis would do more than give them a good game, However, things went merry for Dinas Powis, and the CardifftanR returned home defeated by thirteen points to five.
LLANELLY. I
LLANELLY. I The season has opened in Llanelly without I much excitement, and several of the best knowni players have not yet. donned the jer- sey. Auckland, the skipper, is kept out of the field by a. family bereavement. There a.re not likely to be many changes in the personnel of the scarlets. Most, if not all, of last season's playere are again available, including the evergreen. Fish- guard," who has been elected vice-captain. Liaet Saturday a trial was given to Lieu- tenant Gery, a Blackheath and Kent County three-quarter. He is a fine, strapping fellow, and his debut in the scarlet jersey Was most promising. He has not yet, however, had much experience of the Welsh game, and has som-ethirug to learn in the art of com- bining with the other members of the third line. But- tha.t he deserves a further trial is unouestion able. Llanelly are better off than ever for good .forwards, and there will be a keen fight for 1 places among the eight. A man who attracted favourable notice last Saturday was Marsh, the co-pta-in of the Seconds, whose I play in the Line-out and in the loose gener- ally was particularly clever. The scarlets are to play in Paris in November, and it is understood that all the I players are brushing up their French. The Hospital Rangers as "neh aTe no more. They are now known as the Llanelly Seconds, and will be a valuable nuraery for i the town olll.b. I MT. Roland P. Thom&s has been appointed chairman, of the Llanelly committee and Mr. W. Jones Wilkins viee-obai raicy'.
-NANTYGLO.-1..hn.I -- .? -.…
NANTYGLO. 1..hn I ? 11  I iNantygio last isaturaay were at nome to I their old rivals, Garnvach, and, as usual, it was a poor exhibition of football; in faot, at times it looked as though a general melee I would ensue. It is quite time the different leagues insisted on league referees at all friendly matches, as a far better class of football would be obtained. Of the players fDr Garn Dubhn and Vaughan played best, ¡ and for Nantyglo' A. Evans, F. Gril ii,tbnt: Corbett, and "Cockney" Thompson were the pick.
I LLWYNYPIA.
I LLWYNYPIA. Llwynypia have done well in all their matches to date, and have taken the oppor- tunity of choosing the most likely players to represent them in their coming stiff engege- ments. What is lacking is weight, and in this respect they will probably be found wanting unless theyar e fortunate in drop- ping across a few Goliaths to enable them to withstand the strength of the other League teams. The players must not neglect train- ing, and if they think anything of their worthy captain they will turn u pregularly to practice. Ted Mithan, last season's captain, after promising his support to Brychan Jones and his team, has returne dto the ranks of Peny- graig. Another big surprise is to see three other players from Llwynypia figuring in the Peny- graig team and playing so well that they stand every chance of retaining their places. Tom Bateman (the well known custodian of Rhondda Valley League fame), Chris. Mundy ( a spirited centre), and Jack Davies (the sprinter) played last Saturday.
PONTYPOOL.__I
PONTYPOOL. Two very creditable performances were achieved by Pon,ty;pool last week-end. Taly- wa.in and Cwmbran Albion both having to succumb to their prowess. These two team- are the smartest junior combinations in the Eastern Valley, and they fully extended the Pontypool team, and often caused doubt to arise with regard to the ability of the home- sters to keep their line intact. ALEC RUSSELL (Pontypool). The visitors brought two very fine packs of forwards with them, and the game in front on each occasion was as keenly-contested as JX>iSible. without either side employing rough cr illegal tactics, but a decided superiority in combination was visible amongst the Pontypool backs in each match. It is a pity that junior team players do not pay more attention t6 combined effQTt-s, in attack, as it is obvious that if they did so great strides would be made. Individualism is all very well in its place, but not very many matohes are wan by it, a.3 the tendency when individualism is the order is to cause the game to deteriorate into the kick-and- rush style. Pontypool Reserves possess the nucleus of a good team, and they opened their season well laat Saturday by drawing with Pamtegj at home.
LONDON WELSH.I
LONDON WELSH. The inal-igurat;on of the London Welsh season at the Heathfield Ground, Wands- worth Common, last Saturday proved the happiest of events, barring the meet unfor- tunate accident to Winfield, who is as popu- lar with the Metropolitan Welsh as he is amongst the Welsh Metropolitans. J. S. Evans, by his superb display against Glamorgan, has made good his claim to the "first refusal" of the full-back poeition. Maddocks was seen at his best because' he had the luxury of an efficient centre, who knew what to do, and did it well, for not only is Lloyd strong and epeedy, but brainy. Williams (late Llanelly) and J. Edwards (the Neathite) acquitted themselves quite credit- ably ae the vis-a-vis of the internationals, Gibbs and M'Gregor. D. E. Jones worked the scrum, and was very nippy, but occa- sionally he was the victim of his own quick- ness. H. C. Evans ,the young Llanelllite, was especially strong on the defence, of which he had plenty to do.
-MERTHYR ___(Amateurs.)
MERTHYR (Amateurs.) Merthvr Thursdays are again very much alive this season. They are "the last of the amateurs." It is not generally known that this club is celebrating its majority, this being the twenty-first year of its existence. Some of the present officials have been connected with it ten years. This is. unquestionably, a great record for a mid-week organisation, who get all manner of set-backs, chiefly through die- appointments with teams not turning up. Mr. J. J. Hunter is again captain, with Mr C. G. Fry vice, and Mr. Jack Jones hon. &€<;reta.ry—three excellent officials who have done much for Thursday football. Mr. 0. Watkins is the new ch-airman of the committee, and, being an old player and enthusiast, he is certain to make a popular official. Another well-known old player-com- mittee man is Mr. Chris Williams, reserve international, a.nd one of the best players of his time. He may play occasionally. An attempt is being made this season to join the Swansea League and oup cocmipeti- tione, thereby getting new fixtures. It is unfortunate that there is no league or cup to be played for in this part of the county, as it would make players and surtorters so much keener, e.nd guarantee, teams turning 'l''P-,a thing some are not at all particular about, especially if it is a. return match.
NEWSRrDGE.
NEWSRrDGE. Newbridge Rugbyites have commenced the season splendidly. Up-to-date their form has been most- consistent. Lac- Saturday they met Risca, the champions of the Valley League, and as Newbridge headed the second division last season, a good game resulted. especially in front. Pr-o-hert was very safe at back and gained much ground by his s?p?rb kickmg, Eddie- Evans, sbone in attack and defence, ably supported by Williams, Reeves, and Richards. The halves are improving, and D. J. Watkins is a decided acquisition to the team. Marsh is undoubtedly a coming player. The forwards were magnificently led by Watson. He re- ceived splendid support from Branch, Nolan, and Edge. Mention sh<^ufd be made of Clif- ford, one of the second string.
-PONTLOTTYN. i
PONTLOTTYN. New Tredegar visited Pontlottyn to play a frie'ndly trial match last'Saturday and won by three points. Only about 40 spectators put in an appearance. On Monday Pcnticttyn journeyed to Ne-.v Tredegar to play the return match, and a good game resulted in a pointless draw.
PQNTARDAWE.I
PQNTARDAWE. Last Saturday Gendros visited Pontardawe, who defeated last season's champions of the Second Divisio.1 of the Swansea League by 22 points to nil. New players in the Pontardawe ranks were Gribble and Harry Rees in the forwards and Ted Waring on thfe wing, and were three of the best. The trouble about a field is still acute, but an important developme'nt is likely shortly.
I PENYGRAIG.-I
I PENYGRAIG. If the Rugby team can maintain their pre- sent form this season will see a welcome re- vival of Rugby football in Mid-Rhondda. The game has already attracted far better gates than last season, and the officials find it much easier to obtain players than they anticipated. It is, however, to be hoped that greater attention will be paid to the adver- tised time of kicking off. The comfrot of the spectators deserves that consideration. Two Penygraig forwards at least should receive notice from the County and Welsh Union Selection Committee this season. Tom Ponsford has no superior at present playing in South Wales, and if not overtaxed should receive his cap this season. D. P. Bennett is a glutton flfcr hard work. The more he is pressed the better game he plays. J. Key Thomas promises to do more than even Frank Simons in dropping goals.
I-RHYMNIEY _VALLEY.__
I RHYMNIEY VALLEY. Notwithstanding the depletion in the Rugby ra-nks in the Rhymney Valley through Northern Union clubs having captured many of the best players, and the reduction of the number of Rugby clubs through the organisation of the rival code, there is st-ill ynffioient enthusiasm in Rugby to secure, good giates. This was evinced at Caerphilly last Saturday when Aberbargoed-the senior team of the vall-cy-met the men from Cbeesetown in an encounter to decide which club should take second place on the league table for last season, and have the distin- guished honour of wearing the medals pre- sented to the runners-up. It was fully recognised that it was going to be a hard Struggle, and these prognostications were thoroughly realised. The game was fast and vigorous, but by no means unduly rough, and up to the interval both teams were evenly balanced, but in the second half the Caerphilly forwards proved their superiority, and a try was scored as the result of good front rank work.
RISCA.
RISCA. Risca are maintaining their excellent form. The match with Newbridge was an exceed- ingly good one in eTery respect, but it was expected that Risc-a. would win. Unfor- tunately, some of their regular players were absent, and this, perhaps, accounted for the match ending in a draw. Risca Seconds won by a try in their match with Cwm Juniors. There was a great deal of unnecessary violence introduced into the game, Tovey, the Owm full-back, sustaining a severe cut on the mouth.
TREDEGAR.]
TREDEGAR. TreotlegaT won a meritorious victory over Romilly (Cardiff) last Saturday, and their g-en-eral performance pleased the spectators. The revival of the team is most encouraging, a.s it in-as feared that a very medioore com- bination would do duty this season. There were oolle or two outstanding defects in the team last Sat urday which will have to be remedied. The backs mulled badly at times, a,nd they will have to cultivate safe handling to be effective. The forwards, too, were very slovenly in their heeling, by which the half-backs and three-quarters were much handicapped. 1 The three-quarter line had been completely re-organised with satisfactory results. W. Onions and Edgar Jones made a very strong wing, and some pretty play was seen on their side. The most pleasing feature was the success of Borrows,, at outside half. He is short of stature, but he has wonderfully quick move- ments, and is a very tricky runner.
TREHERBERT. II
TREHERBERT. I Treherbert Athletics won their first home match last Saturday at the expense of Dinas. The soor-e-a try to nil-was not what it should have been, for Treherbert lost charieee galore. Jack Griffiths, the Athletics' inside haJf, was the hero of the game. His try was a beauty. Ill-luck eeems to be dogging the footsteps of the Treherbert team. Against Ebbw Vale only nine men fielded. Treherbert confined their play principally to the forwards, the backs being out of fettle. The forwards, however, played a fine game, The absence of Fitzgerald was severely felt. Several penalties were a-warded Treherbert in favourable positions, and he, without a doubt, would have put a few over the bar. Treherbert have bronght off a good capture in signing on Wat. Evans. Although a Tre- herbert boy, he has played for Treorky, where he has shown some very fine form. Other men aire in view.
YSTALYFERA.,,I
YSTALYFERA. I Ystalyfera met Ynismetsdw last Saturday, the Seconds being engaged in a Swansea League match in L)ansamlet. Tnismeudw were beaten by 19 points to nil. Tom Davies got two tries and Vaugfban the third, Dicky Moore and Steve Williams dropping the goals. The Seconds were defeated by Llaneamlet by a. solitary try. This, however, was their I first match, and the team was to some extent experimental. WM. HERBERT GUNSTONE (Penaifrtlh 's captain).
FERNDALE. I
FERNDALE. I Ferndale Rovers were supposed to have played their first match of the season on Saturday, but were greatly disappointed by I lwynypia failing to turn up. The forwards this season are a sturdy lot. They have speed, height, weight, and will take a kit of beating. The backs are practi- cally the same, with the exception of E. Benjamin ibrothe-, to Benjamin. Mountain Ash) at half, who ir1 a little wonder with the ball. and Ernie Davies, at centre. Davies was last year's captain for the All Blacks Associa- tion team.
BRITON _FERRY.I
BRITON FERRY. I The want of financial support has greatly hampered the prospects of the Briton Ferry Club. They have an excellent captain in Mr. George Llewellyn, who has been elected skipper for ten years in succession. It is possible to meation scores of brilliant players brought out by the Ferry Club, and then captured by Neath. It would be to the advantage of Welch football generally if a Httle more heed were paid by the Welsh Union to the affiliated, but leas successful, organ isat ions.
I THE FOOTBALL PEEP-SHOW.i
I THE FOOTBALL PEEP-SHOW. i
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STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. Half-time: Penygray? llpte, Fortihcaw1 5pt3. Ha;;f-time: Llanelly. llpts; Ammanford 3. Final: LLaneilv, 16pts.; Ammanford, 6pts. Half-time: Tredegar, nil; Eisoa, nil. BlaenavoUi 7pts0 Bridgwater Albiens, nil. RT:{: Aberd'are, nUj Barry, nil Final: "Whitchurch, 8,nts.; Llandaff North 0 Half-time: Neath, County Police, nil. Final: Penarth, 1 goal; Peny'an, 1 goal. Half-time: Pontypool, Idpts.; Gloucester nil Wakefield Trinity, 10 points; Ebbw Vale nil llond, 3 goals; Port Ta'lbot, nil. YjKr-<»:> —-usf vsjF5"Jr:'i^K~rfwys.P^r'- xsnr.^ C;:02J13:i:.rEJ;¡: j i | V
ABERDARE. I
ABERDARE. I Aberdare had to bow to Treharris in a friendly match at Aberdare last Saturday. Altiliough the former lead by three goals to nil at half-time, the homesters rallied and scored two goals, which enabled them to get within a goal of the whites. The 'Darians had hard lines on several occasions. On one occasion T. D. Jones, after a breakaway, got within a yard of goal, where he was brought down from behind when in the act of shooting. FpLrringdon, the home oentre half, also struck the upright with ,a shot. The majority of the hcrmesitera were suffer- ing from injuries whioh they received against Ton Pentre. "Stosh" Pritehard turned out for the first time this season for Aberdare. He eta-rted somewhat erratically, but he soon settled down, and in the latter portion of the game showed good form.
IBARRY. -I
I BARRY. Never before have Barry District had such an encouraging send-off upon their season's engagements. To beat Ton Pentre by 3 goals to 1 was no mean accomplishment, a.nd to draw with Mardy away was equally as good, but the surprise came last Saturday when Weymouth went back South two points the poorer and with unpleasant recollections of defeat by 6 goals to 1. For ma'ny seasons the Barry Committee have been looking for the kind of team that beat Weymouth tn Saturday. The forwards are the best that Barry have ever had. and the district team have never seen a centre like Hayman since the days of Charles Grinnell and Griff Williams. But it is Stallworthy who thrills the crowd with his lightning runs along the touch line and smashing shots that threaten to wrench the net from the uprights. With Burbidge on tho extreme right and Stallworthy's re- tention at outside left, Barry people are look- ing for a different class of footban to that which unfortunately has prevailed for many seasons. The halves are an exceptionally good trio, and hard working. Joe Yarr will get valuable assistance from the new men, Johnson and Fox.
-CARMARTHEN.I
CARMARTHEN. I Although very little has been heard of the Carmarthen Association Football Club in the past, it is hoped to form a good team for the coming season. In Charlie Baker, the well-known champion cyclist, will be found a, skipper well able to lead his men, whilst as vioe-ca^ytaan J. U, Da-vies will be a decided aoqjrisition. P.C. BeAsham has again been ..etooted treasurer of the club, whilst J. Grif- fich, and J. Davies a8 joint secretaries, are a piaar worthy of their selection. No fixture list has yet been arranged, but steps are being taken to prepare one am attractive as possible. The Mayor (Mr. Jno. Crossmaoi) has been elected president, of the ckife. whilst there ie an influential array of vioe-pruidtaiU.
I A VARIED CAREER. .I
I A VARIED CAREER. I PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS. By PERCY F. BUSH. Johnny Thomas, Ely-cum-Romi I ly-eu m-Cardiff- cum-Penarth. Well, it serves you right. I told you it would happen if you went on playing, and now you have been and gone and done it. Broken leg, is it? Well, there you are; you wouldn't give it up when I advised you to! I was just in time t.o I hear these few trite re- marks, and, recognising the voice as that of Frank Wood, this year's captain of the Reserves, I peeped through the chink in the door of Johnny Thomas's room, and waited for the reply. It soon came, and proved worth waiting for. Yes, I remember you warned me, you cheerful idiot. It was when you were lying in bed with broken ribs earned at Gloucester, last season's end, and when you warned me you swore that you would never play again and now you are captain of the Seconds, and the very first time you turn out you take the liberty of playing two matches the same afternoon lou are a fine adviser, I don't think!! This from Johnny; and it seemed to make him more comfortable, somehow, as he lay on his back with his broken limb- broken while playing for Penarth last Saturday-looking like a rabbit with a nightgown on, all swathed in bandages as it was. Well, I am awfully sorry, Johnny, old chap, that you have met with this bad accident, but you have had a real good time during your interesting football career, and have escaped serious injury as by a miracle, so you wouldn't grumble even if you could, and I don't believe it is in your nature to grumble. I hope, also, that this mishap will not put a finish to your football career, but I suppose that will depend largely on the future Mrs. Johnny, for they tell me that you are going to don Hymenal bonds ere your next birthday anniversary. And that is on the 13th of January next, and on the 13th of January last but twenty-seven, as the chill east wind blew nastily down Oxford-street, in good old Swansea town, you, also, blew, but not nastily, for the first time of asking. Before long you removed to Cardiff, and have stayed there, in the house which now harbours your broken leg, ever since. Your Initial Essay in the football world was, like that of Billy Spiller, in the Soccer code. Curiously enough, you were, like Billy Spiller, under the care and guidance of Mr. Smith, who at that time presided over the destinies of the Canton National School. Football has got much to thank Mr. Smith for, and having made that remark, I may modestly add that he was my friend and mentor at this self-same school. Your Soccer team was that of the office staff at JbJly Paper Mills, but busi- ness became so brisk at the mills that football had to be given up and the team' was disbanded. So you took to Rugger, and first disportod. urself with the old Ely Rangers Fiffpsgt, which team was quite the best in the district at that time. For them you played at centre three- quarter, and for two seasons, during which only about three matches were lost, you captained the second string. The ground you played on was that upon which Victoria Park now blushes and flourishes, and I believe it was when the corporation took it over that the Rangers became defunct. We find you next captaining the newlv- formed Canton Harlequins Fifteen. This proud post you held for two consecutive seasons, with the happiest results, in- cluding the annexing of the medals of silver presented to the winners of the Junior League. I Next Step Up I was to Canton Firsts, who in your first year won the championship medals of the league and in the second made you vice-captain. This season again Canton headed the league competitors, so that there seems to be something magic, which goes for competition winning, about your presence in a team. After Canton came Penylan, and when you had done great things for them for a season Cardiff Reserves saw your worth, and included you in their ranks. For part of half a season you assisted the Reserves, and bade fair to become ¡ a record reserve try-getter, for in the matches in which you played you scored fourteen tries at least. Then I got injured, or something, and you came into the Firsts. This made you quite satisfied, for you had achieved your ambition. Your first match was against Pontypool on the Park, and when the Rusty One, who was captain that year, told you after the game that lie was satisfied with you you felt all aglow with happiness. You have since con-I fessed that the sight of the huge crowd gathered around the ground on this first big occasion somewhat unnerved you; but nobody but yourself knew that, and that's principally the reason why I call attention to it. I The Match You Enjoyed Most in your life, or, at any rate, the most exciting one you participated in, was Cardiff v. Newport, on the Park. Natu- rally, it would be an enjoyable match, for there is nothing so pleasurable, quite, as a game against the Usksiders; but this particular match was memorable for many things. For one thing, Melville Baker robbed you of a certain try by a grand tackle right on the line. You had dodged right through from half-way, and Melville had followed you when there seemed no chance of getting near you. Just as you were about to earn immortal fame by touching the ball down and win- ning the match for Cardiff, Melville clutched you in a grip from which there was no escaping, and it was only a "scrum outside" instead of "Good old Johnny." However, you saved the match all right, for you made the opening for Car- diff's try. When you got away and the Newport backs and forwards spread them- selves out to spoil the pass, a habit which Newport are past masters at, you did the only thing possible in sending out a long, high pass to Albert Jones. This pass was described as a "bad pass," but in reality it was a real good one to a footballer. Albert took it with safe finger-tips, and the try was scored by him. This was the match in which Jack Brown, the sprightly Cardiff forward, ran a Marathon race with Rowlands, the Newport full-back, who ran right through, and would have scored but for Jack's chasing him and falling, exhausted, on, him just outside the line. In all, you played thirteen or fourteen matches for Cardiff this seasoOf but, although you were awarded your Reserve cap, your First was denied you. When I returned again you allowed me to take my place, and, as Penarth asked you over to tea, you naturally took it on, with the result that you have played many fine games for them. I only hope that your injury will not upset them altogether. It would be the hardest of hard lines if it did, "flOW that they have worked so hard to get such a rattling good side together. Many and various are the anecdotes you can tell of queer happenings on the field and off. In fact, one could fill the whole paper with them. How you and Randall Davies played a game of "Tip-it' to the death, with a plate, in the Swan, at Brum; how you and some others painted Bream many colours, but all in quite good taste; how the referee in that memorable semi-final between Canton and the Roms left the field in a hurry, without waiting to change; and etcetera, etcetera, ad infinitum (if you can grasp what that means). But these things are too long in the telling, and so must wait. I expect you will remember one othet semi-final, though, when the ball was dribbled over your line (this was Cantofl v. Roms also), and you went after it, and touched it down for a minor with both hands to make quite certain. Billy Caspar was following up, so when you had touched down you, of course, got up and left. Billy came on, fell on the ball, j and the referee was so lost in admiration that he gave a try. Well, Johnny, my boy, I only hops that leg will soon knit, and that we shall see you "out" again shortly; you are too nice and clean and clever a little player to do without, and you have many years of football in you yet. So buck-up, and leave the crutches (which were sent you to cheer you up) in the lurch. With very best wishes for a speedy recovery, Very sincerely yours,
CWMPARK.
CWMPARK. Pembroke Dock made their initial appear- ance in the Rhondda last Saturday in connec- tion with the South Wales League, and a large crowd were rewarded with a spirited struggle for points. Owmpark and Treorchy United emerged victors of aboard-fought contest by; 4 goals to 1. J. Evans (left wing) land Bob Peake centre forward) each bagged a brace for the home- sters. while Parrott, after a magnificent individual effort, scored the solitary point for the West Wales men. Jack Hughes (captain) was prominent in the forward line, and some of his centres were beautifully placed. He is also proving a valuable skipper. For the docksmen, Mason and UnderWood were a good defensive couple, while Parrott proved an aggressive and fast forward.
EBBW VALE,I
EBBW VALE, Ebbw Vale Town Soccer Club, having com- plied with the conditions laid idown by the Northern Union Club, player their first match on the Bridige End Groursd last Satur- day, when they met Newport Bkrbarians in a Monmouthshire League match. The occa- sion was not a very glorified one for them, as they suffered defeat by 2 to 1. In ?. Jones and Aaron Lloyd the club possess two fine backs, and no alteration will be necessary in that position. Ebbw Vale is rich in junior talent. Besides the Town team, there is the United (runners- up in the second division Monmouthshire League) and Cwm Albions (who won the Mon- mouthshire Senior League and tied for first position with Troedyrhiw in the Rhymney Valley League Competition).
GLAMORGAN LEAGUE.
GLAMORGAN LEAGUE. Owm signalised their entry into the first division by visiting Mardy and running the latter olub close, the Ehonddaites only getting home after a spirited struggle by two goals to one. In the second division the.re were three splendid struggles. Treha,fod initiated their league programme with a 2-1 victory over Trelewis at bonne. Troedyrhiw, last season's finalists, overcame Merthyr Reserves by four goals to one. Brithdir went down badly away from their own pastures, Treharris Reserves administering a defeat of five goals to nil. The third division provided no less than seven contests. Aberaman Wanderers, who have not yet dropped a point, secured a 5-0 victory over Troedyrhiw Reserves. Trelewis Reserves at home could only extract a soli- 1ary point from Aberaman Windsors, tTTe game ending honours ea.sy--o,no goal each. Brithdir Reserves secured their initial victory at the expense of Pontlottyn South End by two clear goals, "Pomty" ouffering their first defeat. New Tredegar Thistles also accom- plished a good performance in overcoming Trehazris Albions by four goals to one. Troedrhiwfuwch pleased their supporters with a two goals victory over Pentrebach Treharris Rovers went one better than Cwm- bach, although, owing to the late arrival of the visitors, the game may have to be re- played. Gilfach Reserves and Yetradmynach divided the goals and the points of an inte- resting game, which terminated in three goals each. On Monda.y Llanbradaoh Reserves signa- lised their entry into the third division with a fine victory over Troedyrhiwfuwch by the odd goal in five.
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ALFRED GOODWIN, captain of the Aberdare Association Football Club. has played for the team at right-back for the last three seasons. He hclils from Burton, for which team he played until he removed to Cardiff, where he i4; employed at Messrs. Orosswell's Brewery, Ely, Cardiff. He is a prime favourite with the Abexdaro crowd, and &lwvj4 mikows good form.
! THE TREHARRIS WALKER. I
THE TREHARRIS WALKER. I JOHNATHAN ISLES, Treharris, familiarly known locally as Jack lies, hails from Ferndale, but has spent most of his time in Owmcarn (Mon.). He is a renowned long- distance walker, having won several open comtpetitions. and in 1906 he won the ■ Miskin Challenge Cup. He did remarkably JONATHAN ILES (on left). I THEO. EVANS (on right), tradner. I well in the Stadium last year. Jack lies is an all-round athlete, plays Rugby and Soccer football, and has operated for three seasons in the Owmcarn, team as wing three- quarter. After being in Treharris a few years he succeeded in forming a. Rugby Club, of which he was skipper for a season. He gives a splendid exhibition in a mile run, for which he has won a. few prizes locally. He is a clever exponent at the noble art, and a member of the Welsh Cross-country Association. He is 34 years of age, stands 5ft. 8in., and turns the scales a.t lGet. 91b.
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last year's champions of the South Wales league are evidently not considered desir- able memibers of the Western league by the majority of the clubs forming that league. Their application, for membership was re- fused at a meeting h.e:d at Bristol on the 13th inet., in spite of the eloquent pleading of Mcesrs. Malt by amd Mewton. It is understood, however, that the deci- sion is not considered final, for there is a strong feeling among clube which were not represented at the meeting that the decision should be altered. What has surprised the Mardy supporters most was the hostility of the Merthyr and Barry delegates. They feel t-hat am old-established club like Mardy, that has done so much to keep Soccer on its legs in South Wales during the past twenty years, deserves better treatment. There is likely to be an appeal against the Barry and Mardy match being recordt-d as a drawn game. Against Owm last Saturday Mardy made sweeping changes in their team. The form -of some of the men has been far from satis- factory, and Saturday's changes effected no improvememt. It is true they beat Cwm Albions by 2 goals to 1, but they scarcely deserved to do so, though pressing for fully three-fourths of the game.
MONMOUTHSHIRE _LEAGUE.I
MONMOUTHSHIRE LEAGUE. Chief attention last Saturday was centred in the meeting of Caerleon and Ynysddu at Newport to' deckle the runners-up position for last season. As Caerleon found the net on three occasions, while Ynysddu failed to bea.t Beeley even once, the honours and the meda-ls will go Caerloon way. In the first division Abergavenny and Aber- tillery met at the old castle town, a splendid encounter resulting in a pointless draw. Newport Barba-riaris visited Ebbw Vale to Tneet the latter on their old-time ground, the Bridge End Field. The game generally favoured the visdtotns, who combined to better effect, and won by the odd goal in three. In the second divisioa, Cwm Reserves put "paid" to the account of Argoed at Owm., the visitors suffering defeat by fouir deatr goals. Tredegar Town administered a very decisive-, defeat in a friendly game over Bladna, the la,t-te,r going under by four goals to nLU. Well' done, TredMwi
[ASSOCIATION CODE.
[ASSOCIATION CODE. The Usual Cup Hints. MORE LEAGUE ACTIVITY. About this point in the season I generally work in a reminder to those clubs who have entered, or intend to enter, for the Associa- tion Senior and Junior Cups. The old hands amongst the company of secretaries are well aware of the rule to be observed to ensure their respective players being "eligible. The new ones cannot be too particular in their study of the rule. for—"In case of auy player being found ineligible, the club play- ing him must be adjudged to have lost the match." This ie definite enough. "Must" is clear enough. The annual meeting ties the committee to a uniform verdict. No option is permitted. Hence the need for secretaries to study their Rule Book. What are the conditions the rule laya down? 1. No player shall play for more than one club during the season. 2. The player muet be a "playing mem- ber" of the club. 3. He must be registered at least four weeks previous to the match. These are the three chief things to be borne in mind. There are other items in the two rules, but they somewhat only go towards explanation. In registration the player must sign his name himself in one of the columns on the form. What constitutes a "playing member" is t,hus defined. He is one who 1. Has played in a match for the club in the current season, or, 2. Has in writing intimated to Mr. Hart, 36, Moorland-road, Cardiff, that he is a playing member of this or that club. Note the little word "or," and also the ruling of the Association Committee at the j last meeting concerning the "intimated in writing." This intimation muet be received by the secretary of the Association previous to the minimum period of registration, in. this case previous to the four weeks pre- ceding7 the tie. Secretaries of clubs for the Junior Cup, if they read these notee, may also bear in mind an item which does not apply to the Senior Cup contestants. That ie—"No professional shall play in the Junior Cup Competition." Just as the migration of Wedlock from Aberdare to Bristol City has caused many South Walians to follow with keen interest the doinge of the City, the fortunes of Chelsea are now eagerly watohed to see if Evan Jones played, and if so, how he is reported to have played. Especially in the A,berdaxe and Rbondda Districts is this interest keenest. His capabilities as a ehot a.re, of course, known to everybody in these regions, and he is in the unfortunate posi- tion of being expected 'to score in every match. So far lie has not disappointed his admirers in this department, and his great success at the beginning of this week against Brentford was hailed with delight in South Wales.. But his fame as a shootist will soon precede him wherever he goes, and the special watch which will be kept upon his chances will make goal-getting an increas- ingly difficult task. Although the special attention to him will leave his inside col- leagues all the freer. He has no stronger admirers or well-wishers for hie future than his numberless friends in South Wales. The cupholders had but an indifferent start, 'but by all accounts -they have lost none of their enthusiastic supporters, judg- ing from the magnificent attendance on Monday to witness the game with Queen's Park Rangers. A fine evening, a. conveni- ently late kick-off, tended to make the fix- ture one of the most attractive ever arranged for the Rhondda. District. It was surely t-he first visit o.f a 'leading English club to the valley. Aston Villa, Sheffield United, and Notts County 'have been to Aberdare, but at that time. recent as it ie. who could have foreseen flbat a crack Lon- don club would have found worthy oppo- nents in the valleys beyond Porth.? Late as was the kick-off, it was too early to give me a chance to get there, and so I can. only imagine the enthusiasm which must have dominated Ton Pentre laet Monday. To beat the Rangers 3-1 was a. distinctly fine performance, and one which must help on the code, not only in TPn Pentre but all the Valleys, for I am oertain all the town- ships were represented amongst the speotar 'tJoorB. Of the game I cannot write, as I didn't see it. But it will no doubt occupy a prominent place in the minute book of the club. just as Aberdax«'a victory over Sherf- field United some seasons ago is still reimeic- bered and talked about in Aberdare. Journeying to Ebbw Vade, the Newport Barbarians brought off a good win over til", Valians, and the Monmouthshire League should be in for a season of even, well. balanced matches. Even if the Newport senior club is not now in existence, there are some good clubs still in Newport, and that they can hold their own with such ai1 old famous lot as Ebbw Vale is a good sign. Cwmparc and Treorchy United (what a mouthful!) signalised their first League match, by a substantial win over Pembroke Dock. The Westerners have a good reputa* tion, and have generally made a good shotf in the Pembrokeshire League for many sea* sons, and in the Junior Cup have also made a name. I trust that their South WaleS League season will be as satisfactory as WO that of Milford last year. The matches SO far of Cwmparc-And-All-The-Rest-Of-It have been useful in giving the players some good tests. Today Cwmparo-Plua entertain Oar diff City, and a good game is sure to have taken place by the time these paragraph appear in print. Owm Albion (no connection with the CwJ]1. Ac., referred to in, the LaiSit note) did exceed- ingly well in their first visit to Mardy, and. tested against the strong Rhondda. Club the Monmouthshire lot have nothing to bØ ashaoned of. It is becoming very olea/r tbunt the honours to be won in South Wales will, have to be played for in earnest, and tbol vounger clubs are enterprising- and ain/bi' tious. Barry District's match with Weymouth ro, vealed the homesters in deadly scoring humour, and apart from the initial defeat at, Treharris, September has been a very satis- factory and encouraging month for the old club at Barry. Treharris added another tO ,the lengthy list of wins over their rivals of Aberdare. although neither club had what it would consider its strongest eleven. Bu* there ie al-wa-ys a certain attractiveness and keenness whatever the composition of the teams. The pick of the fb-asket of last gaturdOYSi. fixtures was the visit of Ton Pentre to Mer- thyr, and the meeting of last oeaso-n 19 Senior Cup finalists attracted a large attend- anoe. Ton Pentre repeated their cup-tie sue- cess, but, unfortunately. I was prevented at the last moment from being one of the crowd, as I liad hoped. Two promising Leagues, with headqtierterg in Aberdare have sought affiliation with toM Association. The Thursday League has for secretary Mr. Jenkim. Howell. who is W,IIA known as a referee, and his experience as a referee should certainly be a big asset to tha League. Mr. John Marshall will do th6 writing for the Saturday combination# which also has every prospect of a very U-10 ful and beneficial life. Another want in the Abergavenny districi has been filled by the formation of 6 League (secretary, Mr. H. E. Pope), in whicl some half-dozen clubs have arranged an ev cellent programme. In view of the early printing of the official lists, referee examinations are now in fu11 swing, and any leagues which find a short- age of local qualified registered refereeJ might do well to look up promising candi dates, and persuade them to send to Mr. Hart, the Association secretary, for a when I am certain all information will be at once forthcoming. Clubs who happen to be in the areas of tw" junior leagues, or in that part of the dis- trict where any overlapping exists, are eX" pected to compete in the older-established league before making any entry into th411 newer-formed organisation. This has been insisted upon in Monmouthshire, where oer- tain little overlapping does exist in the areeig of the three leaguthe Newport, the Mod* mouthsbire, and now the Abergavenny.
Advertising
| "IW FUTURE IS BEFORE US." | W All Amociation Football enthusiast* ibould Jead the nmarub18 ArUcle by Mr. (Worge vd?' x Mercer in tbe I "WESTERN MAil" | FOOTBALL ANNUAL U"er the above eIIt.Dc tka& A 5 He WrAes ia h? most breezy sty? of the at drrelopwent of the Soccer Code ia 6GAUla £ (S Waleo, and makes the c*»a&dattt ptodicUaim6 <? £ The future Ie Before ULLI, The Fixture Lists of all the promiaeat £ Association and Rugby Clubs are coaitrfoe* S^ '0 ia the Bacd-beok. | BUY IT I PRiCE ONE PEtIIY4 |