Evening Express

L SWANSEA. I jsrintrena gave tne Swansea. spectators a (surprise ku-t week, as, after having the better of the game for the first quarter of an hour, they scored a try. Up to this time the all whites' backs had missed passes fre- riaently, but it was this score of Bridgend that reminded them of their reponsibilities. Treiw, 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, 1 clipping as he was dodging through. How- .ev-er, two tries came quickly afterwards, and, jgood atf the visitc.rs played, they were no match, for Swansea when the latter extended | themselves, which they did in the second half. The all whites attempted all IKnds of. parsing-, and Tommy Schofield's men wk-re tun clean off their legs, and were too fagged 10 do anything substantial. Bridgend are a team of very great possi- bilities. What is wanted is good, sound, steady training. They have the material, ..nd a little care and attention to duty will Jaelp them to lift the club to a, high place In W^lsh footbalL Chopping a,nd changing a tea,m about is of no use. The man of the rteitars who most impressed "th/O spectators was jnouhig W. J. Cooke (the finside half). He was simply tireless, and, despite the fact that he was behind a beaten pack and up against stuch a master as Dacky Owon, he did more thn well, and the spec- tators shewed their appreciation in a. hearty Joanner. Then Rogers, the owteide ha.lf, who JB very young, acquitted himself creditably. The three-quarters were well balanced, a.nd Bho uld do well together. The forwards are a very lumpy lot, but, good as they were in some depa rtmtsifis, were bad in heeling. They simply puit fSbeir heads down and appetared to have no notion of ileeling. W. Hayward, the new Swansea wing, again proved quite a success on Saturday.

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 years. Last year against Aberavon the score was 10—3; in 1907. versus PQtJtnewydd. 46-3; in 1006, versus Neath, 1&5; xermas- Xydney, in 1905, 15-0; and in 1904, wersus the Old Merchant Taylors, 16-0 The Newport committee evidently is bent upon encouraging your, 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 oi a good old custom which has been sadly neglected of late years. Before the Cwmbran team left the field last Q?itur- day Newport gave them three hearty choem. May the custom always bo kept up!

NEATH. The result of the Leicester reverse was loot unexpected. The Tigers, caught na.ppin 1," kusit 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 course the probabilities are they would have won- Neath have rarely ever begun a eeawn well. Last season was an exception. They take a deal of time before they get fairly Into their stride. Further, last Saturday they were handi- capped by the absence of Arthur who ought really to have played for the club rhich brotignt him out. instead of the oounty. Then, again, there was the long railway } journey. t Skewen defeated the once promising Dany- J'raig by a goal to nil. Neath Secorids opened their season last Saturday by administering a whacking to Ynisgerwn. Six tries to nil was the verdict. The Yndsgerwn men were defeated by the superior skill of the seooaidn, who have a two season's ground record behind them. They are likely to complete the triple event this season. The game revealed a few promising young players. M'eill, 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 be added with advantage to the ranks of the first referves. There are one or two forwards in the first string who are not above suspicion, and cer- tainly new blood will have to be imported before the season is very old. Then there is Glyn Stephens, who was one of the finest boy internationals Wales pro- duced. Ho is now a big, strapping fellow, and 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 Ii; Harris, who played on the right wing.

ABERTILLERY. 1 Although the Tilloryites were not able to J win. they made a. draw tast Saturday after a'Struggle in which the Gloucester men were forced to defend for quite three-fourths of the time. Unfortunately, the Abertillery backs, with the exception of Joe Richardson and Tommy :Morris, did not display in attack the best of vih" they have proved themselves capable. The forwards, who oompletely outplayed the Gloucester pack, gave the 'Tillery backs amaay splendid chances to score. Three members of the Welsh Union we,re Interested spectators of the match, i.e., Dr. Rocyn Jones, and Messrs. Jack Games and J. Jarret-t.

BLAINA. I Blarna beat Machen by 14 points. though, Indeed, the score rather exaggerates their superiority. Blaina won because their backs were cleverer as individuals, and snapped up the couple of chartcee whiclt came their way. The forwards played badly, and in this respect Machen showed supe- riority. The selection commtttee should guard against varying the backs as often as last season. This practice does aot givefthe men chance to combine. II

I I ABERAVON. The game between A-beravon and the Dis- trict League last Saturday proved very into reeting. There was lack of initiative on the part of Jesiyn Thomas, the outside half, and a lack of weight a.nd cleverness among 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 scrim- magers improved, and were able to heel out more regularly. There was very little to choose between the respective half-backs. When given an opportunity M. Rees and W. Jones, the league pair, proved themselves very smart, especially the former, upon whom the com- r mittee would do well to keep their eyes. The Aberavon quartette were much supe- rior to the league backs, the best of the la-tter 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 tormixlalile lot. Most of the work went to the wing, and the manner in which Willie Davies cleverly manipulated his oppor- tunities stamped. him a.s.a. player with great possibilities. Captain Willie Thomas -again: played with fine daah, and put the finishing touch on some passing movements by scaring three brilliant tries. -E. Pugh, the vice-captain although play- ing forward, managed, to notch two tries, the remaining one being scored by Rees Richards, another of the forwards. The league forwards worked v. ith com- menda,ble dash, particularly picr.i^iani, being- D. Tobin, H'eycock, 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, wa.s not up to his usual standard, and had the ex- ceptional experience of having his kick charged down 0:1 a few oc salens. The league full-back, Ike Harris, performed very oreditably throughout. 1111, the evening several of the playelrs and committee men assembled at a smoking con- cert, when Mr. W. J. Rees, one of the Aber- avon players, who is leaving for a collegiate course at Ex&ter, was presented with a beau- tifully engraved cigarette cace as a token of appreciation. Pandy," as Mr. Roes is familiarly known, has always been an ex- 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 committee man after ten years service. The presenta- tion took the form of a handsome case of pipes. The presentations were made in ex- tremely happy speeches by Mr. Willie Thomas (captain) and Mr. B. 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 ment-iored as one of the best forwards on the county side.

BLACKWOOD. Blackwood went to Abercarne minur two forwards and took on a couple 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 and Burris made every use of them. Bingo Davies played well at full back. The Blackwood Stars are evidently in a winning vein a'nd 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 some of the best second class teams in Monmouthshire.

CRUMLIN. Cramliu entertained Cwmbran United last1 Saturday, and won an interesting game by 18 D-(A n.,t st-o 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-I doubtedly a great acquisition to the Cram- Unites. Kenvon made a welcome re-appear- ance, and did some smart work.

DINAS POWIS. The re-organised Dinas Powig Club com- menced their season on Saturday with a match against Cardiff Harlequins, the result being contrary to even the most sanguine sup-porter of the villagers. The Harlequins were last season rnnners-up for the Mallett Cup, and no one expected that Dinas Powis would do more than give them a good game, How-fever, 'things went merry for Dinas Pvywis, and the Cardifflans returned home defeated by thirteen points to five.

LLA NELLY. The season has opened in Llanelly without miwh excitement, a,nd several of the best known pia.yers have not yet donned the jer- sey. Auckland, the skipper, is kept out of the field by a. family bereavement. There are not likely to be many changes in the personnel of the scarlets. Most, if not all, of last season's players are a?ain available, including the evergreen "Fish- ?g-ua-r,d," who ha? been elected vice-captain. Last Saturday a trial was given to Lieu- te,n,a-ut Geiry, a Blackheath and Keiit County three-quarter. He is a fine, strapping fellow, Il;nd has debut in the scarlet jersey was most He has not yet, however, had Triuoh experience of the Welsh game, and has something to learn in the art of com- bining with the. other members of the third line. But that he deserves a further trial is u'n?uest io n ab le. Uanedly are better off than ever for good | forwards, and there wiH be a kom fight for places among the eight. A man who attracted favourable notice last Saturday was Marsh, the captain of the Seconds, whose 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 ail the players are brushing up their French. The Hospital Rangers as such are no more. They are now known as the Llanelly Seconds, and will be a valuable nursery for the town club. Mir. Roland P. Thomas has been appointed ohairmam, cf the L.laneUy committee and Mr. W. Jones Wilkins vice-chairman.

NANTYGLO. Nantyglo last Saturday were at home to their old rivals, Garnvach, and, as usual, it was a poor exhibition of football; in fact, at times it looked as though & general melee 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 for Garn Dublin and Vaughan played best, and for Nantyglo A. Evans. I1. Griffiths, J. Corbett, and "Cockney" Thompson were the pick.

f 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 theyaT e fortunate in drop- ping across a few Goliaths to enable tbem 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 Mi than, last season's captain, after promising his support to Bryoha^i 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 Basteman (the well known custodian of Rhondda Valley League fame), Chris. Mundy ( a spirited centre), and Jack Davies (tho sprinter) played last- Saturday.

PONTYPOOL. I Two very oredififcobte performances were achieved by Pontypool last week-end, Taly- waa-a and Cwmbran Albion boeoh having to succumb to their prowess. These two teams 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). I The visitors brought two very flne packs of I forwards with them, and the game in front on each occasion was as keenly-contested as possible, without either side employing rough or illegal tactics, but a decided superiority in combination was visible amongst the Pontypcol backs in each match. It is a pity that junior team players do not pay more attention to combined efforts 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 matches are won by it. as the tendency Wthen individualism is the order is to cause the game to deteriorate into the kick-and- rnsih style. Pontypool Reserves possess the nucleus of a good team, and they opened their season well last Saturday by drawing with Paniteg at home.

LONDON WELSH. I The inauguration of 'the London Welsh season at the Heath field Ground, Wands- worth Common, last Saturday proved the happiest of events, barring the mcst 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 position. 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 speedy, but brainy. Williams (late Llanelly) and J. Edwards (the Neathite) acquitted themselves quite credit- ably as the vis-a-vis of the internationals, Gibbe 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 Llaneliyite, was especially strong on the defence, of I which he had plenty to do.

MERTHYR (Amateurs.) I Merthyr Thursdays are again very much alin-o tlhis season. They are "the last of tfhe .ama,teii It is not generally known that this club is celebrating its majo-rity, this being tiie twenty-first year of its existence. Some of the present officials have been. connected with it ten years. This is. unquestionably, a great reco.rd for a mid-week organisation, who got all manner of set-backs, cdiiefly through dis- appointments with teams not turning up. Mr. J. J. Hunter is again captain, with Alr C. G. Fry vice, and Mr. Jack Jones hon. J secretary—three excellent officials who have done mu,ch for Thursday football. Mr. O. Watkins is the new chairman 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, and one of the best players of his time. He may play occasionally. An attempt is being made this1 season to join the Swansea League and cup competi- tions, thereby getting new fixtures. It i3 unfortunate that there is no league or cup to be played for in this part of the county, as it wouM make players and supporters so much keener, and guarantee teams turning ■vp—a thing some are not at all particular about, especially if it is a return match.

L NEWBRIDGE. I Newbridge Rugbyit-es have commenced the season splendidly. Up-to-date the-ir form has been most consistent. Last Saturday they met IMsca, the champions of the Valley league, and as Newbridge headed the second division last geason, a good ga.me resulted, especially in front. Probert was very safe at Iwx-k and gained much ground by his superb kicking. Eddie Evans, shone in attack and defence, ably supported by WilUama. Reeves, and Richards. The halYea j are improving, and D. J. Watkins is a ) decided acquisition to the team. Marsh isv undoubtedly a coming player. The forwards ( were magnificently led by Watson. He re- ceived splendid support from Branch, Nolan, and Edge. Mention should be made of Clif- ford, one of the second string.

PONTLOTTYN. I New Tredegar visited Pontlottyn to pl,%y j a frie'ndiy trial match last'Saturday and won by three points. Only about 40 spectators put in an appearance. On Monday Pcntlcttyn journeyed to Nev Tredegar to play the return match, and a good game resulted in a pointless draw.

PQNTARDAWE. Last Saturday Gendros visited Pontardawe, who defeated last season's champions of the! Second Division of the Swansea League by 221 points to nil. New players in the Pontardawe ranks were Gribble and Harry Rees in the forwards and Ted Waring on the wing, and I were three of the best. The trouble about a field is still acute, but an important development is likely shortly. J

PENYGRAIG. I 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 th& officials find it much easier to obtain players than they anticipated. It is, however, to be hoped that graater 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 liis cap this season. D. P. Bennett is a glutton for hard work. The more be is pressed the better game he plays. J. Key Thomas promises to do more than even Frank Simons in dropping goals.

RHYMHEY VALLEY. I Notwithstandi n g the depletion in the Rugby ranis in the Rhymney Valley through Northern Union clubs having captured many of the best players, and the reduction of tho,number of Rugby clubs through the organisation of the rival code, there is still sufficient enthusiasm in Rugby to secure good gates. This was evinced at Caerphilly lost Saturday when Aberbargoed—the senior team of the valley-met the men from Cheesetown in an encounter to decide whioh 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, end 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. I Risca -are ma,inta,ining their excellent form. The match with Newbridge was an exceed- ingly good one in every respect, but it was expected that Risca 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 Cwm full-back, eusta-in-ing a severe cut on the mouth.

TREDEGAR. I TredegaT won a meritorious victory over RomiLly (Cardiff) last Saturday, and their general performance pleased the spectators. The revival of the team is most encouraging, as it was feared that a very mediocre oom- bination would do duty this season. There were one or two outstanding defects in the team last Saturday which will have to be remedied. The backs mulled badly at times, and 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. The three-quarter line had been corapleteiy re-organised with satisfactory results. W. Onions and Edgar Jones made a very strong wing, and some pretty play was seen on their side. T,he most pleasing feature was the success of Burrows, at outside half. He is short of stature, but he has wonderfully quick move- ments, and is a very trioky runner.

TREHERBERT. I Treherbert Athletics won their first home match last Saturday at the expense of Dinas. The score-a try to nil—was not what it should have been, for Treherbert lost chances galore. Jack Griffiths, the Athletics' inside half, was the hero of the game. His try was a beauty. Ill-luck seems to be dogging the footsteps of the Treherbert team. Against Ebbw Vale only nime 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 we,re awarded Treherbert in favourable positions, and he, without a doubt, would have put a few over the bar. Treherbert have 'brought 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 line form. Otfher men are in view.

YSTALYFEA. I Tstalyfera met Ynismeudw last Saturday, the Seconds being engaged in a Swansea League match in Llansamlet. YnAsmeudw were beaten by 19 points to nil. Tom Davies got two tries and Vaughan the third, Dicky Moore and Steve Williams dropping the goals. The Seconds were defeated by Llansamlet by a, solitary try. This, however, was their first match, and the team was to some extent experimental.

WM. HERBERT GUiNSTONE I (Penairth's captain).

FERNDALE. I Ferndale Rovers were supposed to have played their first match of the season on Saturday, but were greatly disappointed by Ilwynypia failing to turn up. The forwards this season are a sturdy lot. They have speed, height, weight, a'nd will take a lot of beating. The backs are practi- cally the same, with the exception of E. Benjamin (brgthe- to Benjamin, Mountain Ash) at half, who i'' 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 The want of financial support has greatly hampered tha prospects of the Briton Ferry Club. They have an excellent captiin in Mr. George Llewellyn, who has been elected skipper for ten years in succession. It is possible to mention scores of brilliant players brought out by the Ferry Club, and then capturod by Neath. It would he to the advantage of Welsh fcotball generally if a little more heed were paid by the Welsh Union to the affiliated, but less successful, organisations.

THE FOOTBALL PEEP-SHOW. I

STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. Final: Aberdare, 1 goal; Barry, gil. Ba 11, 19 points; Cardi ffHarlaquiag., nil. Tredegar, 3 points; Risca, nil. Merthyr, 7pts; Treherbert, opts. High Cross. 4 goals; Saerleon, nil Canton. 8 points; Treorky. 6 points. k-el,-try, 8 pIs: Northampton, 3 pts. Earry Dock Albion Reserves, 6 goals; Canton Institute, nil. Bath, 29 pti; Cardiff Harlequins, nil. Pontypridd, 6pts; Pill Harriers, nil. Talywain. 5 points; Cwmbran, nil. Pbntlottyn, 2 goals; Trehafcd, nil. 6t. Helens, 25pts.; Bramiey, 5pts. Warrington, i9pt £ Wridnes, nil. Kalf-ti-ue: Poniypool CHoucaster, nil Merthyr. 5; Badrtock, 1. Eristal City Reserves, 3; Mardy, 1. Compare, 3; Cardiff City, 2. Hendy, 18 pis; Burry Port. nil. City All-whites, 8 pts; Peiillerga°r, 5 pts. Banygiaig, 4 pis;. Llang-ennech. nil. Gorseinon, 6 pts; Swansea St. Josephs, nil. 1 Glais, 6 pts; Half-way Rovers, nil. Balton Wanderers. 2: iMiddUrfbcpugrh, i. Ev-erswell. 2 sfoais; Immanuel, 0. New Tredegar, 5; Brithdir, 0. Barnsley 2; Oldham Athletio, 1. 1 < <

ABERDARE. I A,berdare had to bow to Treharris in a friendly match at Aberdare last Saturday. Although 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 hncn 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. Farringdon, the home centre half, also struok the upright with a shot. The majority of the homesters were suffer- ing from injuries which they received against Ton Pentre. "Stosh" Pritchard turned out for the first time this season for Aberdare. He started somewhat erratically, but he soon settled down, and in the lwtter portion of the game showed good form.

BARRY. I Never before have Barry District had such an encouraging send-off upon their season's engagements. To beat Ton Pentre by 3 goal3 to 1 was no mean accomplishment, and to draw with Mardy away was equally as good, but th,) surprise came last Saturday when Weymouth went back South two points the poorer and with unpleasant recollections of defeat bv 16 goals to I. For many 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 the extreme right and Stallworthy's re- tention at outside left, Barry people are look- ing for a different class of football to that which unfortunately has prevailed for many seasous. The halves are an exceptionally good trio, and hard working. Joe Yarr will get valuable assis'auce from the new men, Johnson and Fox.

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 weli-known champion cyclist, will be found a skipper well able to lead his men, whilst as vice-captain J. Ll. Davies wijibe-adecided acquisition. P.C. Belsham has again been elected treasurer of the club, whilst J. Grif- fith amd J. Davies as joint secretaries, are a pair worthy of their selection. No fixture list has yet been arranged, bat steps are being taken to "prepare one aa attractive as possible. The Mayor (Mr. Jno. Croesman) has been deefced president 01 the chito, whilst there ia an mfhiemtial array of vioe-president*.

A VARIED CAREER. PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS. I By PERCY F. BUSH. I Johnny Thomas, Ely-ou m-Romi I ly-eu m-Card iff- cum-Penarth. Well, it serves you right. I told I 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 to 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. j 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 mo 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 You 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 1 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 eld 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 Ely 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 disported yourself with the old Ely Rangers Fifteen, 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 newly- 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. Next Step Up 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 inj ured, 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 he was satisfied with you you felt all aglow with happiness. You have since con- fessed that the sight of the huge crowd gathered around the ground on this first big occasion somewhat unnerved you; but ribbody but yourself knew that, and that's principally the reason why I call attention to it. The Match You Enjoyed Most I 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 ITsksiders; 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 fo r Cardiff this season but, although you were awarded your Reserve cap, your First was denied you. When I returned agalIL 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, 110W that they have worked so hard to get such a rattling good side together. Many and various are the anecdotes I 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 other semi-final, though, when the ball waS dribbled over your line (this was Canton v. Roms also), and you went after it, and touched it down for a minor with both hands to make quite certain. Billy 1 Caspar was following up, so when you I had touched down you, of course, got up | and left. Billy came on. fell on the ballp I and the referee was so lost in admiration that he gave a try. Well, Johnny, my boy, I only hope that leg will soon knit, and that we shall see you "out" again shortly; you are too nice an d clean and clever a little player I to do without, and you have many years of football in you yet. So buck-up, and leave the crutches (which were sent yof to cheer you up) in the lurch. With very best wishes for a speedy recovery, Very sincerely yours,

EBBW VALE. I Ebbw Vale Town Soccer Club, having com- plied with the conditions laid down by the Northern Union Club, played their first match on too Bridge End Ground last Satur- day, when they met Newport Barbarians in a Monmouthshire League match. The occa- sion was not a very glorified one for them, as they suffered defeat by 2 gwails to 1. In J. Jones and Aaron Lloyd the olnb 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 (runnere- up in the second division Monmouthshire League) and Cwm Albions (who won the Mon- mouthshire Senior League and tied for first pofition with Troedyrhiw in the Rhymney Valley League Competition).

GLAMORGAN LEAGUE. I Cwm signalised their entry into the first di vision, by visiting Mardy and running the latter club do-Ea, the Khomddaites only getting home after a spirited struggle by two goals to one. In the second division there were three splendid struggles. Trehafod initiated their league prograinume with a 2-1 victory over Trelewis at home. Troedyrhiw. last reason's finalists, overcame Merthyr Reserves by four goals to one. Brithdir, went down bad'y 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, £ «cured a 5—0 victory over Troedyrhiw Reserves. Trelewis Reserves at home could only extract a soli- tary point from Abera.ma.n Windsors, the game ending hon;ours easy—cue goal. each. Brithdir Reserves secured their initial victory at tfye expense of Pontlotty,n South End by two clear goals, "Pointy" euffering their first defeat. New Tredegar Thistles also accom- plished a, good performance in overcoming Treharris Albions by fo,ur 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- pl,ayed. G-ilfach Reserves and Ysitradmynach divided the goals and the points of an inte- resting game, which terminated in three goals each. On Monday Llanbradach Reserves signa- lised their entry into the third division with a fine victory over Troedyrhiwfuwch by the odd goal in five.

ALFRED OOODWIN. captain of the Aberdare Association Football Club, has played for the team -at right-back for the last three seasons. He hails from Burton, for which team he played until he, removed to OaTdiff, -where he is employed at Meesre. Oroaewell's Brewery, Ely, Cardiff. He is a prime favourite with the Aberdare crowd, and always showe good form.

THE TREHARRIS WALKER. I a 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 walkeT, having won several open competitions, and in 1906 he won the Miskin Challenge Cup. He did remarkably JONATHAN ILES (on left). THEO. EVANS (on right), trainer. 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 t.he Owmcarn team as wing three- quarter. After being in Treharris a few years he succeeded in forming a Rugbr 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 cf age, stands 5ft. 8in., and turns the scales at lOcit. 91b.

I MARDY. Last year's cha.mpdoins of the South Wales league are evidently not eoA«idered de&ir- a.ble members of the Western league by the majority of the clubs form in? that league. Their application for membership was re- fused at a meeting held at Bristol on the 13th iaie-t., in spite of the eloquent pleading of Messrs. Maltby aind Mewton. It is understood, however, that the deci- sion is ootiliea strong feeling among clubs 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 that aai old-established club like Mardy, that has done so much to keep Soccer on its legs in South Wales dxiring the pact, twenty years, deserves better treatment. There is likely to be an appeal against the Barry aind Mardy match being recorded as a drawn game. Against Cwm last Saturday Mardy made sweeping cha,n,ges in their team. The form of some of the men has been fa.r from satis- factory, and Saturday's changes effected no im provem ent. It is true they beatCwm Albions by 2 goals to 1, but they scarcely deserved to do so, though pressing for fully three-fourths of the game.

I MONMOUTHSHIRE LEAGUE. Ohdef attention last Saturday was centred in the meeting of Caerloon and Ynysddu at Newport to rlecide the runners-up position for last season. As Caerleon found the net on three occasions, while Ynysddu failed to beat Beetley even once, the honours and the medals will go Caerleon way. In the first division Abergavenny and Aber- tillery met at the old castle town, a splendid encounter resulting in a pointless draw. Newport Barbarians visited Ebbw Vale to meet the latter on their old-time ground, t,he Bridge End Field. The game generally favoured the visitors, who combined to better effect, and won by the odd goal in three. In the second division Owm Reserves put "paid" to the account of A-rgoed at Owin, the visitors suffering defeat by f"wr clear goals. Tredegar Town administered a very decisive defeat in a friendly game over Blaina, the latter going under by four goals to nil. Well done, Tredegar 1 v

ASSOCIATION CODE. The Usual Cup Hints. MORE LEAGUE ACTIVITY. I 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 any player being found ineligible, the club play- ing him must be adjudged to have lost the match." This ? 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 lays down? 1. No player shall play for more than one club during the season. 2. The player must 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 himeelf in one of the columns on the form. What constitutes a "playing member" is thus 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, Moor land-road, Cardiff, tihat 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 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- I ceding the tie Secretaries of clubs for the Junior Cup, if they read these notes, may also bear in mind an item which does not apply to the Senior Cup contestants. That is—"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 doings of the City, the fortunes of Chelsea are now eagerly watched to see if Evan Jones played, and if so, how he is reported to have played. Especially in the Aberdare and Rhondda Districts is this interest keenest. His capabilities as a --hot are, 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 he has not disappointed his admirers in thie 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 i 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 freev. He has no stronger admirers or well-wishers for hi6 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 011 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 WM surely the first visit of a 'leading English I club to the valley. Aston Villa, Sheffield I United, and Notts County have been to Aberdare, but at that time, recent as it ie, who could have foreseen that a crack Lon- dcn 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 oaily imagine the enthusiasm which must have dominated Ton Pentre last Monday. To beat the Rangers 3-1 was a distinctly I flne performance, and one which must help on the code, not only in Tion Pentre but all the Valleys, for I am certain all the town- ships were represented amongst the specta- tors. Of the game I cannot write 86 I j. didn't see it. But it will no doubt occupy 6 prominent place in the minute book of the ?,o,lub, just as Aberdare's victory over Shef- field United some seasons ago is still bered and talked about in Aberdare. Journeying to Ebbw Vale, the Newport Barbarians brought off a good win over the 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 an old famous lot as Ebbw Vale is a good sign. Owmpare and Treorchy United (what a mouthful!) signalised their first Leagu0 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 se-w sons, and in the Junior Cup have also m.ad6 a name. I trust that their South Waleg League season will be as satisfactory as wa3 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. To-day Cwmparc-Plus entertain Oar- diff City, and a good game is sure to havfl taken place by the time these paragraphs appear in print. Owm Albion (no connection with the Cwm. Ac., TeferTed to in. the last note), did exceed- ingly well in their first visit to Mardy, and tested against the strong Rhondda Club the Monmouthshire lot have nothing to bo ash-aimed of. It is becoming very cleeir that the honours to be won in South Wales will have to be played for in earnest, and the vounger clubs are enterprising and aML)i tious. Barry District's match with Weymouth rc vealed the homesters in deadly scoring humour, and apart from the initial defeat at Treharris, Septem'ber has been a very eatis- factory and encouraging month for the old club at Barry. Treharris added another to -the lengthy list of wine over their rivals of Aberdare, although neither club had what it would consider its strongest eleven. But there is always a certain attractiveness and keenness whatever the composition of the teams. The pick of the basket of last Saturda.y'j fixtures was the visit of Ton Pentre to Mer- thyr, and the meeting of last eeafion's Senior Cup finalists attracted a large attend- ance. Ton Pentre repeated their cup-tie suo- cess, but, unfortunately, I was prevented at the last moment from being one of the crowd, as I had hoped. Two promising Leagues, with headquarters in Aberdare have eought affiliation with the Association. The Thursday League has for secretary Mr. Jenk-iin Howell, who. is well- known as a referee, and his experience as a referee should certainly be a big asset to tha League. Mr. John Marshall will do th< writing for the Saturday combination* which also has every prospect of a very use- ful end beneficial life. Another want in the Abergavenny district haa been filled by the formation of a League (secretary, Mr. H. E. Pope), in which some half-dozen clubs have arranged an er cellent programme. In view of the early printing of the official lists, referee examinations are now in full swing, and any leagues which find a short- age of local qualified registered ref-ereeg might do well to look up promising candi- dates, and persuade them to send to Mr, Hart, the Association secretary, for a fotm. when I am certain all information will W at once forthcoming. Clubs who happen, to be in the areas of two 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 the newer-formed organisation. This has been insisted upon in Monmouthshire, where cer- tain little .overlapping does exist in the are-a of the three leagues-the Newport, the Mon mouthshire, and now the Abergavenny.

| "THE FUTURE 13 BEFORE US. | All AOMClation Football ?thu.?lastS 8åouJ4 read the remarkable &rtiole by Hr. CHerp @ ldeTCOl In tb. 0 I "WESTERN MAIL | ?FOOTBALL ANNUAL ? uader the above em4wtalni?g tUo.  It's m hid most br?zy style of tbe 0 <?> development ot the Soccer Code in South (8 W&lee, and makes ttie confident prediction, "The Future Is Before Us." £ The Fixture Lisu of all the prominent id Association and Rugby Clubs are conw4w S 0 In U* A&u4-boaL 1 BUY IT 1 PRICE ONE PENNY. |

CWMPARK. Pemhrok-e Dock made their initial appear- ance in the Rhontkla last Saturday in connec- tion with 'the South Wales League, and a large crowd were rewarded with a spirited struggle for points. Owmp-ark and Treorchy United emerged victors of a hard-fought contest by 4 goal-s to 1. J. Evans (left wing) and Bob Peohe (centre forward) each bagged a, brace for the home- sters, while ParrcU, after a magnificent individual effort, soored the solitary point for the West Wales men. Jack Hughes (captain) was prominent in the forward line, and some of his centre's were beautifully placed. He is also proving a valuable skipper. For the docksmen. Mason and Underwood were (L good defensive couple, while Parrott proved an aggressive and fast forward.