Evening Express

"THE TEMPLE OF LIES" A GREAT NEW SERIAL, By J. B. HARRIS-BURLAND, Will commence in the "EVENING EXPRESS" Of JANUARY 15th. I 11

LINE-OUT UNCERTAINTIES. Time keeping Puzzles NEW ZEALAND METHODS MUCH BETTER By J. L. WILLIAMS (CAPTAIN CARDIFF FIRST IV.). N the course of closely- contested or very fast games it is obvious to every onlooker that the man with the whistle has a great deal to go on with," and it must have occurred to many thoughtful spectators that there is room ttuder our present regulations to some- what modify his anxieties. Incidents Occur in matches which mislead players, create doubts in the mind of the referee, and leave spectators in uncertainty. In play out of touch this is often noticeable in more than one aspect; it is sometimes advantageous for the player nearest the spot where the ball goes out of play to throw in promptly before the officiating linesman is in position. When the latter arrives on the spot he forms the opinion that the ball was not thrown in from the proper place,, and straight- way proclaims his conviction to the world at large by holding up his flag where'it should have been thrown in. Meanwhile, the ball has been handled, dribbled, and kicked, and play carried thirty or so away, and the game proceeds right Merrily until players and referee become aware through the vehemence of -a seotion of the crowd that something has happened." Then the discovery is made that the ball was not brought into Play in a legal manner, so the referee is constrained to order another line-out, I thus tacitly acquaintipg all concerned that the last" scene" was I Staged in Error, and the acquired territory must be con- fiscated. No blame attaches to anyone for this by-play. It is simply the result of the touch-judge's inability to attract the attention of the referee, who has been keeping up with the play. To fully appreciate the possible extent of the players' disappointment it is necessary to have played in a very close Cardiff game a few seasons ago, when, aft,er the ball had actually crossed the bar for a drop-goal in our favour (our ,only score then against our opponents' try), the linesman's flag was observed waving forty yards from where the ball was kicked, and where we had to line out after the referee himself had allowed the game to proceed, not knowing of any infringement. This was a second-half incident, too, and would have lost us the match had we not got a try just before the call of time. Similarly a player at times runs on after trespassing on the touch-line unknowingly, and feels rather flat when a line-out is given instead of a goal-kick. Could not touch-judges carry whistles --Of course, only one each-and upon similar occasions earn the gratitude of all by immediately attracting the referee's attention to the infringement, or else leave it pass quite unrecorded. Another Little Uncertainty incidental to the line-out occurs fre- I' quently respecting which side has the right to throw in, and sometimes even the referee has to resort to personal interrogation of his line-assistant to gain the required knowledge. In this respect the plan in vogue in the Antipodes could be adopted, with advantage to referee, players, and spectators (last please note) alike. In New Zealand the linesman carries two flags-one with the colours of the visitors, the other those of the home side--so that as soon as the flag is held aloft everyone I knows who is to do the needful. The responsibility of timekeeping is certainly one which must be rather irksome to the controller of the game. Questions of correctness in the per- formance of this duty are now and then forced upon our attention when referees watches and ideas of fairness are criticised in strong terms by onlookers. Mistakes have undoubtedly occurred in this regard, but in strenuously-con- tested struggles, where the man in charge is "glued" to the game itself, this cannot be wondered at. Indeed, it is rather surprising that they are not more frequent. The services of the linesmen might be utilised by the referee in checking his computations, or, perhaps, it might be possible or advisable-at any rate, in I important matches-to flatter our Colonial cousins by imitating them in their method of recording the enemy's progress. The duty of timing in New Zealand is outside the referee's province, but falls to the lot of an official posted on the side of the field, who rings a bell for the start and cessation of play each half. He makes duo allowance for stoppages in accordance with signals from the referee, and having a watch before him, and f pencil notes of allowances to be made, and someone at his side to see it's all right," the risk of a mistake is reduced to a minimum. Such a revolutionary idea is, however, hardly likely to find much support here, owing, chiefly, to prejudice in favour of old methods; but I hold the view that if anything can be done to lighten the duties of the referee it certainly should be carried into effect.

New Wefsh "Caps." I I II I Ben Gronow, the New Welsh Forward. rBEN GRONOW, who is playing amongst the forwards, has a fine record. A native of Bridgend, he has played in local football from the a.ge of sixteen, when he occupied ft position at back for the old Harlequins' Seconds, securing a place in the first fifteen after the first season. He then joined Bridgend Seconds, and his clever play soon, obtained for him a place in the first team, where his merit as a forward* was xecog" nised. Since that season, 1905-6, he has played regularly in that position. Ta-lelit must come to the fore, and his selection for the county three years ago was not surprising. He has up to date played in twelve county games, and his work in the recent.jtrial match impressed t-he members of the select-ion committee, i vitb the result that he gains his cap at. the age of 22. Gronow is a modest and JHUassaiOTing fellow, aiwii-a oita» and Jumest player, and, thanks to syetematio training d,nd, abstention from smoking and intoxi- cants, is always in the pink of condition. Be turns the scale at 13st. 71b., is 6ft. in beiglit, and is blessed with a strong con- stitution. Crone's best qualiitf-cations as a JRugby player are weight, force, ability in the ecrum, powerful and accurate kicking, and remarkable resource and keenness in the line-out. Theee features, above all others, have pieced him among the foremost players of the past two or three years in his own cluíb, and his selection as captain of the Brid,gend team, upon the retirement of the veteran Tom Matthews, at the begin- ning of last season, was popular all round, for he is one of those who never gives up trying till the game is finished. He holds the skipping reoord for the club, having cleared ifche swing 1,630 times three years L I PHOTO, A. and G. tayijoe, bridgbnd. I ago. His selection is immensely popular in his native town, and his work to-day will be watched with keen interest by the sup- Porters of his club. P.C. Joseph J. Pullman I P.C. JOSEPH J. PULLMAuST was born at Cardiff 26 years ago, and first commenced his football career with the local junior teams. When quite a youth he enlisted in the 7th Dragoon Guards, and that regiment having adopisd the Hugger code Puilman had ample opportunity afforded him to develop his experience iu that direction, the commanding officers taking a lively-interest in their regimental team. The South Africa War soon claimed the I services of the Dragoons, and during their sojourn in that country their team was }}Ï:tJt.ed against the best;organisations too be obtained, and the new cap" assdsted .bis SM? in every position on the field, though I r- I I [PHOTO, MOSELEY, EATH. I chiefly at centre three-quarter, but in the final for the Natal Murray Cup, when his • 4eatn -wee -Txe&ti&ar by a single point, he figured as full-back, amd, judging by the comments in the local newspaper, his dis- play in that position must have been of a very high order. Upon returning to this country Pullman joined the Glamorgan Constabulary, and upon being transferred to Trehertiert assisted that olub during t-he seasons 1904 to 1908, and was sc-lected vice-captain, during oealson 1905-6.. During that period he also assisted the Glamorgan County Police Team, chiefly as centre three-quarter, to which fact he owes the secret of his fine displays in the oipen-an experience which, added to his splendid scrummaging powers, has, no doubt, been the cause of his recog- nition by the "ipowers that be." The Glamorgan County Committee early recognised his abilities during his associa- I tion with Treherbert, but since his transfer to Neath, in 1908, Pullman has rapidly improved, and there is no doubt, in the face of his present form, about his selection to represent his country being justified. He is the seventh member of the Gla- morgan Constabulary to receive inter- national honours, and the continued success of the constabulary must be highly gra-tifying to their respected chief-constable (Captain Lionel Lindsay), who is being (rewarded by this recognition for his encouragement of sport in all its branches. I The Reserve Full-back. I WILLIAM EDWARDS, who has been selected I ■a&' reserve international full-iback, lives at Aberkenifig -where he fol- lows the calling of a. postman. He formerly played as custodian, for Bridgend, but for several seasons past he has been performing regularly for Neath. He is playing right up to the top of his form just now, and Wales is certainly no,t likely to suffer should he be the last line of defence, Three of the finest games boe ever played were those against Plymouth, Newport, and Cardiff this season. '> Edwairds is a. quiet, I unassuming you ng I f?? who is very popular among the Neath players. He is a &ure S?ld. and kicks effectively with either foot. He has a good turn of speed, and his tackling is above even the suggestion of reproach. W. Morgan, Treorky (Reserve). I WIIJIJIE" MORGAN, as he is familiarly known at Treorky, is accredited locally as one of the best exponents of the Rugby code in the Rhondda. That he is not with- out fame in international circles is evident I in the fact that he has a.gain been chosen as reserve in the forward division to do battle with the Frenchmen on New Year's Day. Cradled in &otball with the Treorky Juniors, he was top" scorer in all matches played, and quickly won his laurels in the senior team. then at its zenith, and for which he ha.s done so much since, notwith- standing the ill-luck and somewhat mis- judged management of the last two or three' seasons. "Willie" has always risen above any petty dissensions, his ideal being to play football, good football, and nothing else but football, from a purely amateur point of view; and it is felt in, local foot- ball circles that given a chance he will prove himself a player worthy of the best traditions of the former cupholders. As a county player, he holds the reoord of having done duty against all the prin- r oipal county teams during the past three yeare, and can call to mind pleasant recol- lections of his visit to France, under the captaincy of Gwyn Nicholls, the first time .that Wales indulged in mimic warfare with the exponents of the Rugby game across the Channel. He had his trial cap at Newport in 19C7-8, 1 '0"" .w.m [PHOTO, WILMAMS and WILLIAMS. I and was selected first reserve in the encounter against Ireland at Belfast, 1906, ,when the Welshmen, won the Eriple crown. He may be relied upon to give. a. good account of himself and his team.

CARDIFF ROXBURGHS IN DEVON I A party of 30 players and supporters of Cardiff Roxhurghs journeyed to Brixham last Sunday night to play Brixham on Boxing Day. The "Rox" placed•another most credit- able win to their account, the result being "Box," 2 goals 2 tries to 3 tries. The The visit.in.g team had a. splendid reception from the townsfolk of Brixham, who were very pleaded with the exhibition of football given. The ground was in a very heavy state, and rain falling during the match did not improve matters, it all being against correct back play, as we know it in W ales. The Rox- burghs forwards. however, showed how resourceful WeLsh teams can be by taking matters irto their own hands. Indeed, they played the game of their lives. Headed by Gunn (captain), C. Jones, and V. Williams, the rushes were at times irresistible. The backs helped the forwards immensely by safe fielding and fine kicking, in which department Reg. Morgan was the pick. Tries were scored by Fletcher, Roberts, E. I and Garrett. The try of the latter was gained through a splendid dribble from his own 25. A crowd of 2,5CO watched the game. It may be of interest to state that the Brix- hani tea-m had only been beaten once this season on their own ground before meeting the "Rox," Plymouth having had the better of them by a try to nil. The Roxburghs accented an invitation* to the nantomime at Torquay in the evening, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. — 4

ST. SAVIOUR'S RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, 1909-10. I.:WI.M ".JJBIJII.;J1 o .x

THE FAIRY TRANSFORMATION SCENE- ALADDIN (NEWPORT) AND HIS WONDERFUL LAMP AGAIN. THE SLAVES OF THE LAMP 1. M.I. M-L nt, HI |. | r F.I-T ALADDIN: I rub my lamp, and, l'O! so neat, They lay these treasures at my feet. Newport won all three holiday matches.

The International Gate. WHY NOT GIVE IT TO THE SMALLER CLUBS? [ A suggestion worthy of the consideration of the Welsh Unions is the method of dis- posing of the gate proceeds of to-day's match between Wales and France at Swansea. Could not the Union resolve at their next meeting to devote the whole of the money taken to the relief of the smaller clubs? It is well-known that many of the small dub,.3 are in urgent need of llnancia.1 assistance, and it is worth the while of the Union to ponder whether it is not true wisdom, from their point of view, to aid these smaller clubs to resist the encroachments of the Associa- tion and Northern Union codes. As a-n instance of the parlous case of these clubs, one of the recent holiday fixtures may be cited. Something like 92 had been spent in advertising, and a guarantee of 915 was given to the visiting- team. And what do you think was the total amount taken, at the gate? Just thirty shillings! We know that the Union has assisted this particular club very materially in the past, and there will be need to do so in the future. The problem of the financial status of the smaller clubs will have to receive more and more conaiderAtion from the Welsh Union. Probably there are members of the Union who would say that the whole trouble lay with the bigger clubs in not gfving the smaller clubs tfxtures. And perhaps it does.

I" SOCCERITE'S" FORECASTS. I FOR MATCHES PIxAYED SATUBDAY. JANUARY 8. 191(). I ENGLISH LEAGUE-DIVISION I. ASTON1 VILLA v. Bolton Wanderers. Bristol City v. BRADFORD CITY.* I Bury v. Manchester United.* *LI VERPOOL v. Chelsea.- ♦Middlesbrough v. Sheffield Wednesday. Newca.stle United v. Blackburn Rovers. I Notts Oounty v. Notts Forest.* I Pre-ston North End v. SUNDERLAND.* ^Sheffield United v. Woolwich Arsenal. I Tottenham HotSlpulrs v. Everton. DIVISION II. Barnsley v. Glossop.* I Bradford v. West Brorawich Albion.* I Burnley T. Derby County.* ) *Fulham v. Stockport County. I ,Ga'¡TI$borou Trinity V. Clapton Orient. *Grim.siby Town v. Lincoln City. Leeds City v. HULL CITY.* Manchester .City v. Leicester Fosse. !(.Okiham Athletic v. Birmingham. -nVOL VERHA MPTON WANDERERS v. is lack pool. SOUTHERN" LEAGUE. '"■Brighton v. Brentford. *Portsmouth v. Bristol Rovers. iI'Ory.sta.l: Palace v. Coventry City. Exeter City v. CrOydo-n Common. 'Northampton v. Leyton. "*Luton v. Reading. MU-Iwall v. Southampton. *New B romp ton v. Plymouth Argyll. West Ham United v. Norwich City. •Queen s Park Rangers v. Soiuthend United. *Swindon v. Watford. Played on the ground of the first-named cluib. Asterisk denotes probable winner. Draws left open. Teams in ca/pital letters possess best chance of winning, three home and three away maAcihaa.

I HALF A SCORE OF SCORES. I i Cardiff's Record in Tries REFLECTIONS AND A PROPHECY. By PERCY F. BUSH OT a cigar to give away, Percy?" queried old Mr. Soanso, as he dropped-in for a little chait after the I Barbarian game on I i Monday last. D'you take me for a tobacconist, old chap?" I asked him. "You know very well that I can't afford cigars now. Smoke your rotten old cheroots, and don't bother me." "Well, that's downright piggish, Bush, my bird," he returned. "Didn't you tell me ten days ago that you had wagered a box of cigars that Cardiff would score at least 100 points in the four matohes you named?" "By Jove! so I did," I had to admit, but, honestly, I was so pleased that my faith in the good old team had not been misplaced that I had quite for- gotten that the cigars were due. How- ever, old fish, I will go around to-morrow and get. them, and you shall have them j all. They would be no good to me, you see, because if I dared smoke one out- side everyone who knew me would know where I got them, and I should have to give 'em all away. Anyhow, don't smoke them all at once though, or you will be as cigars, a dog." "Say that last part again," said the old boy, excitedly, "I didn't quite catch it," but I had suddenly become repentant, and refused to sin again. So, in a spirit of revenge, Mr. Soanso began to talk of other things. I suppose you chaps are a bit bucked this evening after scoring ten tries," he remarked. Well, yes, just a few," I replied, and so would you have been if you had ever played against a Barbarian side, and your side had got half a score of am rp»s When the Baabaas WQn. D'you remember," he remarked, coldly, playing in a match againet the Baabaas on the park in 1899-1900? They fetched down a real red-hot side, and started about Cardiff from the very beginning. Cumborledge was playing for them, amongst a lot of other stars, and he- played a magpificiejmi" gfeftO. 4';get exactly how many tries he scored, but I know that the Baaba-ag scored regularly throughout the game, and when "time" was called they had piled up four goals and four tries to Cardiff's four tries. "Yes, I remember it," said I, "but I' remember also that we played 71 twp q|en short most of that game. The Prilice got a crocked shoulder and had to leave, and I got one, too, and also had to become a spectator; but I don't see why you nee-d bother to remind me of that match now. Try and tlhink of the 1903-4 match, when we won by 41 points to a try. That was the second match I ever had the unhappiness to play half-back in, so I remember it myself pretty vividly. "A. B. Timms was playing that day! for us, and with him and Rusty Gabe and the Prince in the three-quarter line, the Baabaas had a rare attack of "bleats. A. B. Timms dropped a grand goal, and we scored nine tries. Bacchus" Win- field piloted five of them over the bar, and with the other four just missing, we got our 41 points3 the biggest score we had ever put up against this int-e-r- national conglomeration." International conglomeration is distinctly good, my Percy," said the old ohap, "but if you had said that that feat 'constituted a probably unparalleled achievement in the brilliant annals of Cardiff's history,' I should have thought I was listening to a big pal of yours who also writes for the Evening Express,' and not to yourself. 'Nuff sed; Johnny won't mind! A Great Game. "But, talking about Christmaa matches, Bush, I cannot help thinking about the Edinburgh University match on Christmas Eve, when your dear boys brought off such a great win, and the match which they last played here previous to that. It was in 1900-1, on Christmas Eve, when Gwyn Nicholls was captain for the third time in succession, and thereby constituting a record, by the 1 way. This match was about the finest I game of good football I have ever seen on the park-that is, of course, since I used to play —the old sport hastened to correct himself. "A. B. Timms, W. H. Welsh, A. N. Fell, and J. B. Allison were the Scotch three-quarters, and Wax Williams, Gwyn Nicholls, Cecil Biggs, and W. Jones the Cardiff four. Griff Hughes and Charievi Kestell played half, and you never saw them play a finer game. Time after l time the Scotch threes were off, and Timms got through time after time. T hree times Winky saved certain tries by tackling the massive Timms, who was playing wonderfully, and at last Cardiff got, their one lone chance, when little plucky Griff Hughes broke away, and, after making the way clear, gave up to Pussy' Jones, who ran up to the full-back before he gave to Williams, who .scored, and Cardiff won the match by that single score. It was a magnificent game, and Griff Hughes excelled himself that day. The way in which he humped-up his shoulders and tackled those huge Scotch three- quarters was a sight whioh I shall never forget. It seemed so ridiculous, too, for any of them could have picked little Griff up and tucked him away in his trousers pocket. And Winky tackled in a way in which I never thought a modern' full-back could tackle. I "Oh! that was a very, very grea.t game, I I can tell you. "By the way, Percy," the old boy went on, without stopping to take breath, "what was the matter with the goal- kicking on Monday? You chaps ought to be ashamed of yourselves for missing shots like that. Now, in my time, we should have made those 30 points into 50 by just kicking the goals. What was the reason?" "Well, the fact of the matter is," returned I, "that we wanted to see how much we could score without kicking any goals. But, seriously, it is a fact that four times the ball rolled over just as it was going to be kicked, and you canrtot kick a goal with a ball that plays dirty tricks like that." Sawdust Hughes would have kicked them," grunted Mr. Soanso. Yes, and so we would have if we had had enough sense to take sawdust out with us," I concluded; and, truthfully enough, too. "Talking about goal-kicking," Mr. S. resumed, "I remember seeing Winky I kick eight goals in eight attempts, and none of them were really easy either. This was against Stade Francais in 1904-5. Cardiff won by nine goals—eight converted and one dropped. And as the worthy Winky' kicked each goal, his cheery face wore that cherubic smile that refuses to come off. It was gpeat." "What was?" I asked, "the smile or the kicking?" For I have noticed that smile myself, and I know that it is great.* "Both," he answered. "And another good goal-kicking performance I wit- nessed was that brought off by your brother Fred. Seeing him at the match, this afternoon reminded me of it. It was when he was playing for Car- diff Reserves, before he played for Car- diff, or Bristol, or the London Welsh. I I forget now for the moment what team it I was against, but he kicked seven of the finest goals I have seen. Every shot but one was from a difficult angle, and he ¡ kicked every one bar the easy one. The captain of the Reserves told me after. I wards how the easy one was missed*' The captain placed the ball himself, and took care that it should roil over, just as your brother was going to kick. You should have seen his face! It spoilt th8 sequence, you see ?" "I saw it!" I replied, and then them was silence for a time. Mr. Soanso broke the silence after 9 while. I "D'you think France will beat Walet, Percy ?" he asked. "Yes," said I, "I do. You must remem- ber that England used to beat Wales years ago just as easily as Wales have t been beating France of late yr8. Every lane has a turning Ho rudely interrupted, "D'you mean to say that the committee haven't picked good team?" he inquired, wrathfully, | "and do you really think that we shall bow the knee at Swansea next Satur- j day ?" Who said anything about next Saturn day P" I asked. "I was talking about ten or twenty years hence, you silly old silly." That finished it. Mr. Soanso would talk no more.

Welshmen Up North. By OUR N.U. CORRESPONDENT. ■ N a contemporary last week was stated that Dai Thomas had applied for a place in the Aberdare Soccer Reserve team. There is no truth whatever in the assertion, and it behoves the corre- w"hr> was resDon- W llO w ">Hr si-ble for this statement to get his informs tion from more reliable sources, as it is totally wrong and misleading. The facts of the case are the Aberdare .Scooeer Club made overtures to Thomas to play for the first tea.m during the holidays. Thomas refused to play on the question of terms, and is considering another offer. made on behalf of another prominent Welsh Association club. -Clowmea.dow made a very promising debut for the York team against Bmmley Christ- mas Day. He scored two tries, and made a favourable impression on the Minster club s supporters. Wattie Davies was in fine form against Leeds et Mount Pleasant on. Christmas Day. ,He scored a fine try, in which he completely deceived Rowe, the All Black, who plays for the He&dingley Club at wing three-quarter. Wattie is one of the most consistent Welsh- men up North. The match between Ebbw Vale and Merthyr, at Merthyr, on 'Boxing Day, was of a very exciting nature. The home team had an advantage at forward, but in the back division they were very poor. For the Valians Chick Jenkins played a good game, but there was a little too much kicking amongst the backs. Merthyr badly wants some class three-quarters, and a determined effort is being made to capture the services of Dai Thomas from the Hull Rovers club. The Ebbw Vale directors invited Dai Thomas to come over and play for them in a friendly match last Christmas Day. There can be no doubt that Thomas's debut for the Valians had a lot to do with the large gate present. He showed superb form, and demonstrated that he is as  and dangerous as ever. It is intended to raise a fu?i?n list in Ebbw Vale to secure the se'-rices of the three-quarter, who is very popular in the Ebbw Vale district. The Northern Union game has caught on around the district, and the gates are swelled with lu-o-o portions of spectators who come from Erynmawr, Abertillery, and Tredegar dis- tricts. Hull Kingston sustained a heavy -reverse I in their match with Oldham on-Christmas I Day. Dakin, the ex-Ooventry centre proved II a rank failure for them. He was far too slow and weak to cope with the fast Oldham backs. Tom Llewellyn played a good game for Oldham, his speedy running being greatly admired. Wigan had to go all the way to beat Swinton at Central Park on Christmas Day. Bert Jenkins showed improved form. Todd, the New Zealander, also showed his old-time form, having trained away his superfluous flesh. Johnny Thomas scored a good try by a strong and dashing run, which safely took him through the visitors' defence. Tommy Grey, who was on the list at p%, has been transferred from Halifax to the Ifuddersfield club. About Grey's depar- ture from the Thrum Hall club & tale could be told; however, it ia to be hoped he will be f ha.ppy in his new surroundings, where he will have the advantage of having Jim Davies, his fellow-townsman, as a. partner at half-back. It is rumoured that Dai Furnish has been on the transfer list, and the price rumoured is either £6() or C70. What a difference in price which the Thrum Hall lub put on the services of Dai Thomas, who was listed at LlW. The Halifax club, 110 doubt, judging by the price, had a high opinion of the Welshman's services. t The Broughton Rangers club has induced Willie James once more to don the jersey, and against Salford last Saturday he played a good game. He scored a t.ry by a strong burst when near t'he line, and was a con- tinual source of danger to the Weaste team. Claude James, who partnered WiNie at half- back, did his part well, although he was not too prone to stop the rushes of the Reds' forwards, but in attack he was the most dangerous of t'he Rangers' backs. For Sal- ford Johns at full-hack was very prominent, and never made a mistake. Sid Adams did not show this usual form, although he made t'he running for Sal ford's last try. W. Thomas ait half-back played a gxvod game. but he should vary his methods more fre- quently. E. J. Thomas was the best forward on the field, his et-Tong olay being very I noticeable, and his try was got by very Mnar-t following up. The eld Pill Harrier is a sound ecriamm-ager, and in the loose play doe3 not hesitate to use his weight. He is also very fast considering his weight. The Salford and Swinton match at Weaste on Boxing Day was a very exciting one. The Reds pressed the major part of the game, but were met with a splendid defence on the part of Gordon Thomas, the old Aber- dare Northern Union half-back, who operates in a. similar position for the Swinton team. Sid Adams misflelded the ball, which resulted in a try to the visitors, although earlier in the game he made a strong run that Lomas took full advantage of. leeds beat Ilunslet at Headingley on Box- ing Day. The Headingley team generally have been seoond best to their Parkside rivals, but this time the tables were turned. I i 1 BEGGM JONU W Leeds). j Saunders, the Pill Harriers' half-back, playfed a good game for Leeds, and scored a good try. The gate of 15.000 shows that interest in Northern Union football is not on the wane. Leigh beat York on Boxing Day at Clarence- street.. Cowmeadow, the recently-acquired capture from Merthyr, scored York's only try, and showed that he is a valuable acquisi- tion to the Minster club. Halifax were very. fortunate to beat Broughton Rangers at Thrum Hiall Boxing Da.y. Claude James scored a, fine try, in which he cleverly bea.t the home backs. Dai Furnish played a good game for the blue and whites, and the way he served Eceles was splendid. The Eangers are coming on well < Batley against Dewsbury on Boxing Day, and his tricky play was the chief element in tjlq I downfall of the Crown Flattis team. I Wigan had all the luck in defeating St. I Helens at the latter's ground on Boxing Day. Johnny Thomas showed bad judgment in having his kick charged down which resulted in a try to the homesters. Bert Jenkins is re-gaining some of his old form, -and his try was a good effort and was got when the aea. tral Park team seemed • hopelessly beaten. Phil Thomas played a good game for On-li Kingston Rovers against Hull on Boxing-Day at Craven-street. Barron's try was the result of Thomas's fine run through the Boul* va-rdere' three-quarters, Spackman, the old

I NEATH STILL AT IT. I Yo' see, we hab de prospective ohamipaon club.* I I just at prepent, and with a oou-ple of good three-quarters would be a power in N. U. foot- ball. The proposed N.U. tour to the Colonies is not meeting with the success imagined. The clubs are very keen on keeping their best players here, and are not in favour of them taking part in the proposed tour. The chubs are to We asked to send in a list of t,he playerg, they agree to give to take part in tlhe tour, and it will be interesting to eee the lists, as N.U. clubs are very wary of let- ting players who have cost them dear to take the risks of strenuous games down nbder. But. still, if the tour is to be a success, none but the very best of N.U. players should compose the side, as a weak side would not prove an attraction, and bssvy defea.t6 would naturally follow. Wattle Davies was in splendid form for Cardiff scrimmager. also s try by an effort which knocked many would-be tacklefa off. The game was keenly contested, and. there can. be nodoubot that the 3tovers, for. wards were greatly superior to the Boule- varders' pock on the day's form. The gate of 16.000 were rewarded by seeing a. Dl- exciting gome, and the IloveW- win wias moot* unlooked for after Hall's reoent great die. plays.

I HANDS ACROSS THE SEA. WT?mg to OldHeQ." the famous ?, A=, ian t?m, the Misom Ai?n MdD?M? 4V*. Woods. -ho are in ATMtna. my:- f?' All beat -iabes for 1910 to the el ireaders of the "Evenine Emma'' ? tyo AnabnUu 1* I

JIM STONE, Llanbradach, has returned to Gilfaoh, his old love. BOXLEY, Gilfach, accomplished the "hat trick" aains.t Btithdir. "DOÐ" JONES, Merthyir Juniors' captain, is expected to make a start on New Year's Day. HOWEL EV.W8 and C. SMITH, Ynysyhwl, have now thrown in their lot with Merthyr Juniotrs. IKE HOWELiLS, Rhymney, should be given another trial in the centre. His debut was very 'successful. LATHAM. Mardy, is a player of the Wood- ward type-oley-or and clean. Still, he is hardly forceful enough. rHE BROTHERS RICHARDS a,re among the most faithful and consistent hard-working scrimm,ag,ers in Caerphilly. JACK GOWARD, New Tredegar, is a very clever forward. He has plenty of dash,, and is dangerous when near the line. Mr. W. J. JAMES, of the Treodyrhiwfuweh Arms, the headquarters of the local eleven, takes a lively interest in the welfa're of the players. He is president of the team, 1 ■' and is, in fact, tihedir mascot. In hie younger days Mr. James figured with dis- tinction in many local teams. Doubtless, he cofuld again don the jersey with credit. rREVOiR REES is Pontardawe's smallest for. ward, but one of tihe most useful men of the team. He is a terror for stopping rushes. w. J. and W. WILLIAMS. tRhymney Cresceata' emtM-t forwards, are making matters warm for their opponents in every match. HARRY JAMES, late full-back for Pontlottyn Town, played has initial game for Troedy- rifiWifti'Wcht iaob Saturday.. ie*effity-ahout- nineteen years of age, stands 5ft. 9in.. and weighs 109t. He is 13, very promising player, and should ha-ve a brilliant, future. ['he late W. THOMPSON, who passed away on Sunday night, was an energetic official of the Orumlin Olub. For ykars he had tallen a keen interest in the team, and this season was appointed assistant secretary, a position whioh he ailed with glreat earnestness. He was exceedingly popular with the members of the team. JOHNNY DA VIES, who figures at full-back for New Tredegar, is suffering with a deformed leg. Yet he figures with distinc- tion in the last line of defence. HARRY TROTT. the New-bridge forward, has again decided to throw in his lot wiht Cross Keys. He is a olever forward, and fit for any company. TED HOWELLS is proving one of the most popular skippers, who has led the Caer- philly team, and his play at the present augers well for a brilliant future. He is a forward who would do credit to Cardiff. W. WILLIAMS the Mardy goalkeeper, is surely without a. peer in South Wales Scoter. His displays on Saturday and Mon- day were the cut standing features of the game. The three brot-hers, TOM, LEN, and JIM THOMAS, are useful members of Pont- lottyn Rugby team. All of them have been ardent Soccerites, but aire quite a success in either oode. JACK HILL, who was originally retained as trainer to the Mardy team, has developed into a fine centre half. Jack siLigrhtlv tar- nished his record by his exhibitions on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but, no doubt, he will return to his form. ARTHUR MAGrNESS, the hero of many cup- tti,e.. after about ten years' service in Pont- lotlyn and other places, is as good as ever, an/i can play a fine game either at centre forward or full back. He is one of a family 0/ footballers. JACK DAVIES, Ne.w Tredegar, the founder of the New Tredegar Rugby Club, is still working hard to foster the code locally. GEORGE WILLIAMS, vice-captain of the Pontardawe team, is a born leader. REDDICK, the Caerphilly custodian, played in marvellous form againet Machen, his fielding and kicking being superb. With the exception of one season at Aberdare, George has -been connected as a playing member with the Caerphilly Club for fifteen years. rm. all probability W. TR.EW, the Swansea captain, will take an international fifteen to Rhymney to' open the new athletic ground early in February. W. VALL-IS, New Tredegar Old Boys., is a corn-vert from the Soccer game. His great- forte is at full-back, but he can fill mny position on the field with credit. W. J. RAPSET, Pointardawe's inside half. is a very heady player, a splendid kick, as hard as nails, and a perfect glutton for work. He has done no end of good work for the Swanaea. and; Distric-t Rug'by (League. GEORGE WELLS, the Crumlin Wednesday -S-elrw.a4.ùU£llCor 9{ the team. He is undoubtedly one of the nne's.t goal-getters in the valley, and would be an acquisition to any team. Being engaged in the Postal Service, it is rather awkward for him to get away on a Saturday. SPLOTT Al.BIONS. that redoubtable young Cardiff combination, are going strong, and have every confidence of winning the fourth division league medaJs. "Billy" Fletcher, their inside left, has played no small part in the suooess of the team.