Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

I FOOTBALL I On Saturday, bot!i Wrexham and Chirk were away from home, engaged in Combination matches. Wrexham took a good te.im to meet Stockport Countv, and they accompiished a good performance, winning by three goals to one. The whole team played well, the forwards being especially noticeable for their passing, and general play. B. Lewis was in capital form, and scored the three goals. As Macclesfield beat Chirk, a.t Chirk, on (lie previ- ous Saturday, it was hardly expected t.ial C :.rk would be able to turn the tables on Saturday. They were unfortunately unable to put their best team into the lield. W. P. Jones being absent from full back, and Morris, the left half, was also away. The game wit, however, well contested from start to tinisn, and altliougii Cii;rk were beaten, they were by no means disgraced. Many times, with a little luck, they must have scored. W and G. Owen were very prominent throughout the game, and Mates worked energetically at centre half. Chester rather surprised Leek, beating them at Leek by three goals to two. The other match in the Combination was between Northwich Victoria and Denton, at the salt town. The Vies were in a scoring mcol, and won by 13 goals to nil. This is not the record score in the Combination, as Everton a few weeks back went one better, and beat Denton by 14 goals to nil. On Saturday, the semi-finals in the Welsh Junior Competition were, as was the case last season, played on Wrexham Racecourse. The clubs left in this year were Llandudno Swifts, Wrexham Gymnasium, Chirk Reserve, and Buckley Victoria. Of these, Chirk Reserve reached the semi-final stage in the first competition for the Jnuior Cup, when they were thrown out, after a hard fight, by Wrexham Victoria, the present holders of the Cup. There was a good "gate" on Saturday, and the weather was beautifully fine, although there was rather a cold wind. Of the two matches, that between Llandudno Swifts and Chirk Reserve, which came off first, was by far the more exciting. The Swifts played very good football and were undoubtedly the better team. although Chirk had hard lines in not equalising in the second half. Hill played well in goal for the Swifts and Brooks is a fine back. The half-back line was yerv strong. Owen was the most energetic and did a lot" of hard work. The forwards did not combine verv well. The wings were good, but a capable centre is needed to keep them together. Of the Chirk team. J. Davics at back. Mates at half, and W. Meredith amongst the forwards were the most prominent. The second was a runaway game. Wrexham Gymnasium were much too good for Buckley Vic- toria, and finally won by 10 goals to nil. Roberts had nothing to do in goal, and the backs were seldom called upon. The halves played an effective game, but there was too much rambling. Amongst the forwards, the left-wing pair did not play up to their usual form. H. Ilnghes and Harri- son each scored four goals. Wood did well at back for the Victoria, but the other members of the team did not show to advan- tage. On Monday, the undecided semi-fiaal between Wrexham and Chirk, was played on Wrexham Race- course. The ground was in capital condition. There were about 3,000 spectators present and JE70 was taken at the gates. Chirk had their best team, but, as in the previous match, Wrexham were without their captain, R. Roberts, who was unable to play owing to the sudden death of his father. From the kick-off. Chirk had the advantage, but it was some time before they scored from a free kick. Wrexham at once retaliated and equalise J, also from a free kick. The game was then even up to half-time, the teams crossing over on level terms. The second half opened in a striking manner. After Wrexham had paid a brief visit to the Chirk goal, Butler got past the Wrexham backs and shot at goal. S. Jones met the ball, and appeared to send it over the bar. However, the referee, who was standing in the centre of the field at the time, to the surprise of nearly everybody on the ground, allowed a goal. I This was, of course, most discouraging to Wrex ham, but, nevertheless, the team played up well, and had more of the play than their opponents. They were, however, unable to score. and Chirk won by two goals to one. About ten minutes before time," Wrexham. had very hard lines. Postle, we believe it was struck out the ball when it was going between the posts, with his hands, but the referee gave neither a penalty nor a free kick. We believe it is generally admitted that in the case of the second goal. which the referee allowed Chirk, the ball went over the cross-bar. The referee, after the match, admitted that the ball did not go through, but said that the goalkeeper knocked the ball from under the bar, and sent it over. Mr Heath wtts.,itzinaiii,- on the half-way line. when the incident occurred, and how he could possibly see, from where he was standing, the goalkeeper bring the ball from under the bar and put it over we are at a loss to understand. The referee's explanation, in our opinion, only makes matters worse. The shot was a fast one. and struck the goal-keeper, who was standing half a yard or so out of goal, on the wrist, and we think football players will bear us out, when we say, that in such a case, the ball must have gone over the bar. It is very hard lines for Wrexham to be thrown out of the competition by such a decision. A protest was lodged after the match, but we are afraid that the Welsh Council will be bound to uphold the referee's decision. Coming to the players, W. P. Jones and Postle at back played a fair game, though the latter fre quently missed his kick. The three half-backs played well. The forwards went in more for long than short passing, and it paid very well. I >ut!er was very dangerous in the centre, and E,ti did well on the left. S. Jones played a first-class game ill goal for Wrexham. The back division was rather unsteady. Ellis kicked well, and Lea worked hard from start to linish. biokes was hardly so effective as in the game at Shrewsbury. Parry was the failure amongst the forwards. The wings played well. but. of course, a weak centre upset the combination considerably. Prichard has improved considerably. W. Turner and Oswald Davies made a very good wing, and put in a. lot of effective work. The protest will probably he heard next week, when the arrangements for the finals in the Senior and Junior Competitions will be made. On Saturday, Flint defeated Rhostyllen in the Charity Cup. The four clubs now left in are Chirk, Wiexliam, Druids, and Flint. The draw for the semi-final round will be made next week. The teams in the International Match at Tyne- castle, to-ehy (Saturday), are as follows :— WALKS.—Trainer (Preston North End), goal; Evans (Aston Vilial and Ariiiltze (liootle), back. Hughes (liootle), Jeiikvus (Small Heath), and K. Roberts (Ilr". ton North End), half-hacks; W. Owen (Chirk) and J. Wilding (Wrexham*, right wii:K', H. Eewis (Wroxliam) and H. Huberts (Crewe Alexandra), left wing \Y..Lewis (Chester), cantre. SCOTLAND.—Dowuie (Third Lanark), goal; Adams (Hearts of Midlothian) and Orr (Kilmarnock), backs; Begbie (Hearts of Midlothian), Campbell (Kilmarnock), and Hill (Hearts of Midlothian), halt-backs; Taylor and Thomson (Dumbarton) right wing; M'Pliersuii (Hangers) and Keillor (Montrose), left will, Hamilton (Queen's l'ark), centre. There is some doubt about Evans, of Aston Villa, and Roberts, of Crewe, being able to play. If Roberts does not go, Egan, ot Chirk, will take his place. Wrexham journey to Stoke to-day, but they will be represented by a rather weak team.

FI-RITH ALIIIO-, Y. WREXIIAM Or.yvrrc SWIFTS.— Played -.Lt on Friday. A closely contested game ending in a draw of one goal each. WKSTMINSTELT KOVKKS Y. CIII:STI:U CI)LLI:(iE. Played on Stansty Park, on Saturday. A good game ended in a win for the Rovers by three goals to two. WREXHAM SHOP ASSISTANTS Y. POI.ICK.—Played on Wrexham Racecourse, Oil Friday. The Assistants had much the best of the play, anil won by seven goals to one.

THE COMBINATION. Goals. r. W. r., D. F< r Agst. Pts Everton 19 16 1. 2 S4 12 34 Ma.cclestield. 17 12. 5. 0 44 26 24 Northwich Victoria. 16 11 4. 1 59 18 23 Stoke Swifts 16 18 5. 1 44 19 21 Chirk 20. 6. 9. 5 44 54 17 Leek 20. 8. 12 0 46 58 16 Buxton 16. 6. 8 2 13 26 14 Gorton \ïlla 17. 6. 9. 2 31 40 14 Wrexham 14. 6. 7. 1 i.6 45 13 Chester 17. 5. 10 2 34 53 12 Stockport Cowny. 17 4 11 2 17 34 10 Denton 15. 2. 11 2 17 85. 6 LEEK v. CHESTER.—At Leek on Saturday. The first half was in favor of Chester, who played with the wind, and s. ored two goals to none. The second half opened with Chester scoring an easy goal. Leek pressed very hard, and scored twice. The home team tried hard to equalise, but failed. Result:—Chester, three goals; Leek, two. NOKTHWICH VICTORIA v. DENTON.—At Northwich on Saturday. In the initial half Northwich with the wind, fairly run round the visitors, scoring five goals to none. Resuming, the home team pressed, and Harper scored from a penalty kick. llayes, Finner- han, and Leatheroarrow followed suit with seven others. Northwich, thirteen goals; Denton none. WREXHAM v. STOCKPORT COU.NTY.-Played at Stock- port, on Saturday, before a large attendance of spectators. From the start, Wrexham showed up well, and played a far superior game to their opponents, their passing a.nd kicking being effective, and before half-time B. Lewis had scored three goals for them. On the re-start, the game was very evenly contested. Then, by some timely passing, Stockport compelled the visitors to give a corner, from which Goodwin headed through on behalf of the homesters. After this, Stockport pressed, but failed to score, the Wrexham backs keeping their charge intact, in fine style, and the final score was: Wrexham, three goals; Stockport County, one goal. The following were the teaiiis:-Wrexhaiii S. Jones, goal R. Roberts and E. Ellis, backs Stokes, Heyes, a.nd Evan Williams, half-backs; J. Turner and Prichard, right wing; B. Lewis and Lea, left wing J. Wilding, centre. Stock- port County T. Urmston, goal; J. Ferguson and J. Wright, backs; W. Jepson, W. Upton, and J. Smith, half-backs; Parry and Craig, right wing; S. Smith and J. Wall work, left wing J. Muirhead, centre. MACCLESFIELD V. CUIKK.—This match was played at Macclesfield on Saturday, on the Moss Rose ground. The day was beautifully fine. Consequently there was a big crowd of spectators, numbering over 3,000. The following were the teams ;—Chirk—Goal, Povey; backs, Williams and G. O. Postle half-backs 11. E. Jones, J. Mates, and Humphreys; forwards, G. Owen, W. Owen, J. Butler, E. James, and W. Egan. Macclesfield:-(ioal, J. Kent; backs, G. Gaskell and W. Braddock; half-backs, Nolan, J. Birchenall, and W. Bolton; forwards, W. Bullock, J. Haworth, J. Hall, S. Wlieeldon, and W. Heath. Referee, Mr Hobson, Northwich. Macclesfield won the toss and eiected to defend the railway goal. A strong wind was blowing at the time right across the goal. Butler kicked off for the visitors, and after a temporary raid by the homesters, G. Owen made off with a rush towards the home goal, and the visitors became dangerous. Gaskell relieved by kicking into touch. The attack was for some time continued in the home quarters, until ultimately Heath and Wheeldon broke away, but Jones was all there and returned the leather. At this point Heath was slightly hurt, and went off the field, returning shortly afterwards. The visitors once more begun to display that fine com- bination for which they are noted, and smartly attacked, Gaskell clearing. Then the homesters had a look in, Bullock being prominent by a fine run. Howarth made a grand attempt to boat Povey, but that player was all there, and quickly placed the ball at his forwards' feet. Two free kicks given to the homesters proved of no avail. The two Owens made off, and passing all their opponents were only brought up just in time by Gaskell. A temporary raid by the homesters was returned with interest by the visitors, G. Owen nearly scoring. The home custodian neatly cleared, and from this the leather was run up by Hall, Howarth, and Bullock, who got well in, and from a centre by the last named Wheeldon sent in a shot which beat Povey. From the centre, Chirk made the lunning but were unable to get within shooting distance, the two Owens being well to the fore though not very well supported. Kent had a difficult shot to negotiate from Butler. Shortly after this, James caused Kent to again have an anxious moment. From this the homesters again attacked but were unsuccessful. Humphreys gave his forwards the ball, Bolton robbing W. Owen when he was dangerous. Give and take play for a time ensued, Chirk finally broke away, Kent being called upon to clear and the homesters had a similar breakaway, forcing an abortive corner. Off again went the Welsh- men, Mates and Humphreys being conspicuous. Nolan barred the way and transferred to his forwards who made off, Bullock managing to get clear of his opponents and centred to Hall, who in turn passed across to Heath. The latter sent in a stinging shot and followed it well up, rushing the leather through amid cheers. After this second reverse the visitors had the best of the play up to half-time when the score stood Macclesfield, 2 goals Chirk, nil. On the re-start, Macclesfield first attacked but were quickly brought up for fouling, Howarth being the offender. Then Er n and James made off in grand style and speedny changed the aspect of affairs. After a short but dangerous raid by the home team, the two Owens again made off and pass- ing well were only brought up at the last moment. Butler and James again compelled Kent to save. Still, not to be easily repulsed the two last named again made a vigorous onslaught on the home goal, and for a time Kent, Gaskell, and Braddock had all their work cut out to defend their charge successfully. Then the homesters had a similar scrimmage at the other end of the ground, being equally unsuccessful. Still Macclesfield held the advantage, forcing a corner from which, however, they reaped no advantage. Play now appeared to tame down considerably. Finally Chirk broke away, Egan getting the ball and dodging the homesters, nicely made off to the home goal. He passed to W. Owen who sent in a stinging shot which Braddock just managed to negotiate. In doing so, however, he conceded a corner, which was not improved. After this period Macclesfield had the best of the play but the defence was too good. At last they succeeded in forcing a corner but failed to improve it. Chirk strove hard to take the lead, but their efforts, though vigorous, were of no avail. Finally they did manage to break away, Butler and Owen making off in grand style, the former sending in a shot which Kent met. Still Chirk held the advantage, but we:e unsuccessful in front of goal. The two Owens again and again made strenuous efforts to break through the home defence but failed. Time was called with the score—Macclesfield, 2 goals; Chirk, nil.

WELSH CUP. I S E Ml F I N A L T I K CHIRK v. WREXHAM.—Played on Wrexham Race- course, on Monday, before about 3,000 spectators. The day was fine, and the ground in capital order. Parry kicked off for Wrexham. Chirk at once got down, and Egan screwed over. From a cros-by James, Egan shot in, and S. Jones saved. James then handled, and the free kick cleared the goal. Postle returned with a huge kick, and S. Jones hit away. Egan centred well, and Butler shot over the bar. From the goal kick, the Wrexham forwards rnihed away and nearly scored. W. P. Jones just cleared. J. Turner and Prichard did some pretty passing. The latter centred, and Mates cleared. Ellis making a bad kick, James got away, but he handled the ball. From the free kick, Oswald Davies and Turner travelled towards the Chirk goal, and a corner resulted. This was well placed, but cleared, and Egan dribbled along the left. Stokes came across and returned, and the ball was sent behind the Chirk lines. The Chirk forwards did some nice passing in front of goal, and then Mates kicked behind. Directly afterwards, from a cross by James, Butler shot over. Egan centred well, but Hayes cleared. Butler put in a fast run and got past the backs, but Lea overtook and tackled him, and then W. Owen shot over. A free kick for Wrexham on the half-way line was cleared, and a similar advantage for Chirk forced Jones to kick out a long shot from Mates. Ellis put in a big kick, and then a free kick was awirded Chirk in front of the Wrexham goal. This was taken by Mates, and James scored the first goal for Chirk. Directly after the re-start from the centre, a free kick was awarded Wrexham in mid-field. This was splendidly placed by Lea, and W. Turner equalised the score. From the kick-off, another free kick was awarded Wrexham, and Stokes nearly scored with a long shot. W. Owen was in a good position, but he kept the ball too long, and Parry got away, only to be pulled up by Mates. A free kick for Chirk in front of the Wrex- ham goal looked dangerous, but Egan screwed out- side. Egan dribbled down and crossed, but James was given off-side." J. Turner and Parry passed well, and Lea sent the ball across, Oswald Davies just missing. Povey saved well from a free kick, and Butler got through and shot. S. Jones saved, and a bully took place in the Wrexham goal, a free kick, which was cleared, being awarded Chirk a few yards from the goal post. A corner for Chirk was cleared, and directly afterwards S. Jones was cheered for a capital save. The Wrexham forwards were making for the Chirk goal, when half-time was whistled, with the score: Chirk, one goal Wrexham, one goal. —On changing ends, Wrexham were the first to show up. W. P. Jones sent the ball to the opposite end with a big kick, and Ellis making apoorreturn, Butler got through, and sent in a fast high shot. S. Jones jumped up, and meeting the ball appeared to send it over the bar. To the surprise of nearly everybody on the ground, however, the referee awarded a. goal. A corner for Wrexham was sent behind. Lea took a free kick in mid-field, and Oswald Davies got in a nice position, but shot over. The Chirk forwards showed up well, Egan finally putting the ball outside the posts. Postles made a miss-kick and W. Turner got through, and W. P. Jones gave a corner, J. Turner finally kicking behind. A free kick for Wrexham was sent over the line. Oswald Davies made a capital run and crossed. Prichard secured, and sent in a fine shot, which Povey saved. James got away to the opposite end, a corner for Chirk being cleared. Wrex- ham were again dangerous, Oswald Davies shooting over. The Chirk forwards were going towards the Wrexham goal in fine style, when hands stopped them. Then Wrexham pressed severely, and some exciting play took place in the Chirk goal, Lea finally shooting just outside. A corner for Chirk was got away, and the ball rapidly travelled to the other end, Povey saving. Egan and G. Owen passed well, but the former shot wide. S. Jones soon afterwards kicked out a long shot. Wrexhtiti pressed after good play by J. Turner. Two corners came to nothing, and then a rapid visit to the opposite end caused S. Jones to hit away. A free kick was well taken by Heyes, Prichard placing the ball a little wide of the posts. Another free kick was capitally taken by Lea. The ball hit the bar, and was then headed over by W. Turner. Egan got well away and crossed to James, who shot over. A corner for Wrexham was got away, and Chirk went to the other end, S. Jones, kicking out two shots. From a free kick near goal, S. Jones was cheered for a splendid save. A corner for Chirk came to nothing, and then Wrexham were dangerous, but J. Turner was given off-side. Free kicks fell to both terms, and then Parry shot behind from a fine centre by Prichard. Wrexham had slightly the best of the game to the finish, but nothing further was scored, and the final result was: Chirk, two goals; Wrexham, one. The following were the teams :-Chirk: Povey, goal; W. P. Jones and Postle, backs; Morris, Mates, and R. E. Jones, half-backs; W. Owen and James, right wing; G. Owen and Egan, left wing; Butler, centre. Wrex- halll: S. Jones, goal; Evan Williams and E. Ellis, backs; Stokes, Heyes, and Lea, half-backs W.. S. Prichard and J. Turner, right wing Oswald Davies and W. Turner, left wing; Parry, centre. Referee, Mr Heath, Hiriley; linesmen, Messrs J. Jones and Wilcox, Ruabon.

WELSH JUNIOR CUP. SKMI-FINAL TIES. LLANDUDNO Swn-rs V. CIIIRK RESERVE.—Played on Wrexham Racecourse, on Saturday. The Swifts were the first to show up, and Mills had a shot at goal. Free kicks fell to both teams. W. Roberts made a good run and shot, Morris saving. From a shot by Mills, Pearce gave a corner, which was well placed, Mates clearing. Soon after, however, the Swifts were down again, and W. Roberts put the ball through just after the whistle had blown for hands in their favor. A scrimmage followed the free kick, and Knight scored for the Swifts with a splendid shot. Chirk Reserve then attacked severely, and a splendid shot was sent in by Greasley, Hill granting a corner in saving. This was not improved upon, and for a time the game was fairly equal. At length, however, the Swifts pressed again, and a, scrimmagE took place near Chirk's goal, but the ball was kicked behind. The Swifts played with great dash and vigor, and were granted a couple of corners. From the second corner Clifton sent in a good shot, the ball going just over the bar. Soon afterwards the Swifts were granted another corner, and a scrimmage ensued, Clifton again shooting behind. Equal play again followed, but towards the end of the first half the Swifts had the best of the play, and pressed. A corner was granted them, but came to nothing. A good run by Meredith and E.Williams followed, but the whistle blew for "off-side." They, however, again got up, and after giving the Llandudno back division some hard work, J. Meredith finally kicked behind. After a bit more of unsuccessful pressure by Chirk' the Swifts attacked once more but without success, for half-time arrived before they could manage to score. Half-time score: Swifts, one Chirk Reserve, nil.—After the interval, Chirk made a run down the right, but they were robbed of the ball, and a good run by W. and S. Roberts followed. Chirk, however, again obtained, and pressed severely, E. Powell send- ing in a grand shot. Hill, however, saved in fine style. W. Roberts made a capital run up the centre, but S. Roberts, to whom he passed the ball, sent it behind. After a bit of equal play the Swifts pressed, and several very good shots were sent in, but Morris saved. Pressure by Chirk resulted in a grand shot being sent in from the right by W. Meredith, the ball going across the goal mouth. A short time after this W. Meredith sent in another splendid shot, but the ball struck the cross-bar and went over. This was followed by an attack by the Swifts, but Chirk Re- serve, who now had the wind slightly in their favor, again forced their way into the Swifts' quarters. A bit of most exciting play was now witnessed in the mouth of the Swifts' goal. Greasley sent in a swift shot, which struck the cross-bar and rebounded into play. Meredith then headed the ball, which again struck the cross-bar and rebounded. A third shot immediately followed, but Hill cleared, and the Swifts immediately raced to the other end of the field, and in their turn experienced hard lines in not scoring. The Chirk Reserve fought hard, and shortly before the close of the game J. Meredith sent the ball through, but the referee disallowed the point on the ground that it was off-side. Directly afterwards Powell, the Chirk centre-half, was ordered off the field for insulting the referee, but Chirk still managed to keep up the pressure, and were granted a corner, but without avail. Pressure by the Swifts followed, but nothing came of it, and in a few minutes the whistle blew for time, with the score standing-Swifts one, Chirk Reserve none. The following were the teams:—Llandudno Swifts—Hill, goal; H. Crockett and A. Brooks, backs; T. H. Owen, A. Knight, and J. Hughes, half-backs; P. Mills and T. Clifton, right- wing W. Roberts and S. Roberts, left-wing; G. All- man, centre. Chirk Reserve—Morris, goal; C. Pearce and J. Davies, backs; E. Roberts, E. Powell, and Mates, half-backs; W. Meredith and G. Williams, right-wing J. Meredith and E. Williams, left-wing S. Greasley, centre. Referee, Mr James Davies, Wrexham. WREXHAM GYMNASIUM v. BUCKLEY VICTORIA.— Played on Wrexham Racecourse, on Saturday. Harrison kicked off for the Gymnasium, who were at once dangerous. A corner for them was sent behind by Shelby. A free kick for the Gymnasium in mid- field was followed by another in front of goal. This was taken by Hunter, who passed to Garner and he shot the first goal for the Gymnasium. Hughes and Higginson were dangerous, the latter shooting behind. Directly after, Hughes shot the second goal from a centre by Shelby, and Higginson quickly followed with a third point. Buckley then played up and Parry and Humphreys took the ball to the opposite end, two good chances of scoring being missed. A free kick for Buckley in the goal mouth was cleared and then Wilcox saved twice, Harrison finally shooting outside. Harrison made a good dribble, Wilcox kicking out his shot. Two corners for the Gymnasium were not improved upon and then just before half-time, Harrison scored the fourth goal with a capital shot. Half-time, Wrexham Gymnasium, 4 goals; Buckley Victoria, nil. The second half was all in favor of the Gymnasium, and needs no descrip- tion. The visitors were only dangerous on one or two occasions, and Roberts was only troubled once. Goals were scored for the Gymnasium by Harrison and R. Hughes, who each notched three points. The final score was thus-Wrexham Gymnasium, 10 goals; Buckley Victoria, nil. The following were the teams —Wrexham Gymnasium: Roberts, goal; F. Ellis and Wilson, backs E. Jones, Beeston, and Hunter, half-backs; R. Hughes and Higginson, right-wing; J. Garner and T. M. O. Shelby, left-wing; Harrison, centre. Buckley Victoria.—Wilcox, goal; Wood and Jones, backs; Parry and J. Humphreys, right- wing Anglesey and Lamb, lef t-wilig; W. Humphreys, centre. Referee, Mr T. E. Thomas, Chirk.

THE ENGLISH CUP. The Oval presented a remarkable scene on Satur- day, when some 30,000 people gathered to see the final tie contested between the Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion teams. It may be noted that this was the 21st annual competition for the Cup, and that each side had once before been successful, the Villa in 1887 and the Albion in 1888. The Villa's consistent excellence against the more uneven record of the Albion led people generally to look for the former's success; but West Bromwich's faculty for furnishing surprises was fully demonstrated, and the Albion were able to claim a very substantial victory. West Brom- wich owed their success to their wonderful defence, in which Reader, the goalkeeper, played a very pro- minent part. The backs were almost unerring in their kicking, and the halves completely wrecked the famous attack of the Villa. Although not very fre- quent during the first three-quarters of an hour, the Albion's incursions were particularly brilliant; they were invariably started by Bassett and M'Leod. The first two goals were the result of finished combina- tion, and the third in the second period resulted from a long shot by one of the half-backs. During the first stage, the Villa, with a strong wind behind them, attacked with great vigour, but the West Bromwich defence, though severely tried, withstood everything and in the four or five breaks away of the Albion forwards two were turned to account. There were occasional glimpses to be had of the fine passing reputed to Aston Villa, but these were few and far between. West Bromwich certainly won on their merits, and on the day were altogether the better side. The Albion, who had lost the toss, started the ball in the face of the wind, which blew pretty hard from the north-east. Hodgetts and Campbell speedily took iiorth-east. Hod ? gest Bromwich en d and Rea d er the game to the West Bromwich end, and Reader had to use his hands twice in the first four minutes. Then Bassett broke away, and with a beautiful pass to Geddes enabled the latter to score the first goal before the game was five minutes old. Aston Villa fought hard, and a fine attack by Ather- smith and Devey looked dangerous for the Albion, ¡ hut Reader cleared in magnificent style, and two shots in succession were turned awvy by him, while a third hit the bar and rebounded iuto play. The Villa kept pounding away at the home lines the ball was several times behind. Reader stopped mnny sliots, and McCulloch and NicholsoiLcovered the goal- keeper with great dexterity. Bassett took the ball down the right wing in brilliant fashion, and middling it enabled Geddes to take a, shot, which Warner saved, but Nicholls rushed up, and another loud cheer greeted the fact that a second had been gained for West Bromwich. A quarter of an hour vet remained of the first half, and the Villa made a stout attempt to get on level terms, but failed. Half-time w.is reached, and the Albion were leading by two goals to none. In the second half, before a quarter of an hour had elapsed, came a fine kick from Reynolds the right half-back and Warner was a third time beaten. With a lead of three goaJs to none the Albion had the game- well in hand, and when time was at length reached the score stood tlius-AVest Bromwich three.goals, Aston Villa none.

THE LEAGUE. Various games of interest were played in the League on Saturday. The game between Sunderland and Derby County attracted a large company to the Derby ground. Neither side scored before half-time, but subsequently Sunderland obtained a goal, and won by th:Lt point to nothing.—Everton v. Accrmgton at Everton furnished some excellent phty. Victory rested with Everton by three goals to none.—Black- burn Rovers vanquished Stoke by five goals to three at Blackburn.

SOAMES S CHARITY CUP. FLIXT V. RHOSTYI.LEX.—Played at Flint, on Satur- day the home team winning by three goals to one.

FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 26m. I Wales v. Scotland, at Tynecastle. I THE COMBINATION. Wrexham v. Stoke Swifts, at Stoke. Everton v. Gorton Villa, at Everton. Stockport County v. Leek, at Stockport. Brymbn Institute v. Flint, at Flint. Gresford v. Muncott and l'entre United, at Gresford.

DENBIGHSHIRE SPRING ASSIZES. I The Denbighshire spring assizes, for the county of Denbigh, were held at the County Law Courts, Ruthin, on Tuesday, before Sir Roland Vaughan Williams, judge. His Lordship arrived at the assize town on Monday evening, and a procession was formed at the railway station, the judge being ac- commoda.ted with the high sheriff's splendid equip- ment, drawn by two handsome horses. The proces- sion was headed by the judge's heralds, and a potxe of county police, under the command of Supt. Jones, Denbigh, formed an escort. The judge was accom- panied by Mr John R. Burton, who wore the scarlet uniform of deputy-lieutenant of the county, Mr T. Reginald James, the under-sheriff, and the sheriff's chaplain, the Rev. T. H. Evans, vicar of Minera. There was a goodly attendance at the ancient parish church of St, Peter's, and the chaplain, assisted by the Rev. the Warden of Ruthin, preached a learned an d appropriate sermon from the words of the 119th Psalm, and the 34th verse, Give me understanding and I sliallkeep thy law." Miss Edwards, Church Gates, presided at the organ, and after the conclusion of the impressive service, the procession reformed, and the judge was conducted to his lodlligs in Castle- street. On Tuesday morning his Lordship proceeded direct to the County Law Courts, when the commis- sion was opened. I THE GRAND JUET. The following county magistrates composed the grand jury:- Colonel Cornwallii, West, M.P., Lord Lieutenant, foreman Sir 11. A. Cunliffe, Bart., Wrexham. Sir Wm. Grenville Williams, Bart., Bodelwyddan. Sir Robert E. Egerton, Wrexham. Thomas Parry Jones l'arry, Esq. Hugh ltobert Hughes, Ks j., Kiauiel, Lord Lieutenant of Flintshire. W. D. W. Griffith, Esq., Gam. Major It. F. Birch, Maes Elwy, St. Asaph. Col. Charles Salisbury Mainwaring. Col. James K. Barnes, Chirk. Win. Carr, Esq. Capt. J. C. Best, TIS., Llangollen. Col. Arthur Mesham, Denbigh. Dr. A. E. Tumour, Denbigh. Edward Davies, Esq., Wrexham. Capt. Francis 11. O. Cole. Thomas Williams, Esq., Llewesog. .John Briscoe, Esq., Plasnewydd, Trefnant. Edward Windsor Davies, Esq., Eglwysfach. Thomas Hughes, Esq., and F. Lyster, Esq. THE CHARGE. The Judge in charging the Grand Jury said he had been there as some of them knew a few weeks before Christmas last year, for the purpose of general gaol delivery, and he was certainly able to congratulate them, there being no assize offence committed in the county, the only matter before them was one which occurred in ?N ovember last year, before lie was in the county. He could have wished that this time they could have had a clean bill, but there were persons who had preferred against them several indictments for night poaching. His lordship then went on to refer to the case on the calendar, pointing out that although there were four persons concerned, there were onlv three names on the calendar, and he was not informed of the reason and they would draw their inference. The evidence against the prisoners was very tainted. It was that of a man who was with the party taking part in the unlawful act, and should be accepted with a great deal of caution when it came before them on the least charge of night poaching or the graver charge of murder. When persons were engaged in such joint act they should be indicted jointly, and where there was com- mon purpose of violent opposition they should all be equally responsible, it was not oniy tne man wnose hand did the murderous act that was guilty, but all those engaged were equally guilty, and there ought to be one trial, but although that was so, he had better not pursue it on that occasion because there was nothing in the mere facts to show that they had any intention of violence. The arms they had were for the purpose of executing the unlawful act that they were going to commit, and they could not infer a common purpose to shoot keepers as well as pheasants. If they had been drawn up in battle array against the keepers and engaged in one battle, they would have been properly found common in concern in the murderous attack. They had no arrangement before hand, nor was there the preparation of burglars with revolvers and masks and such like, and there did not appear to be in the behaviour of the prisoners that of people in common purpose because some ran away, and they (the jury) would have to separate the charges when before them. The jury returned true bills agtinst the prisoners on the full count. ATTEMPT TO MURDER A GAMEKEEPER. I Peter Edwards (32), farm laborer, and William Jones (26), farm laborer, of Llanefydd, were charged with having in the parish of Llanefydd, near Denbigh, caused grievous bodily harm to John Jones, a gamekeeper, wilfully and of malice aforethought to kill and murder him by shooting him. The prisoners pleaded Not guilty." The same prisoners in con- junction with Isaac Williams, a farmer's son, were also charged with having, on the 18th of November, entered upon land, called Tan-y-gaer Wood, the pro- perty of E. W. D. Walthall, for the purpose of destroying game. The prisoners made the same plea. "Mr Honoratus Lloyd, instructed by Mr Alun Lloyd, appeared for the prisoners, and Mr Marshall, instructed by Mr Wallace Davies, for the prosecu- tion. The Judge said he had been told that there would be an application that the depositions of Superin- tendent Vaughan should be read, as he could not attend, but having regard to the bulk of the evidence he thought it was of the utmost importance that the jury should have untainted evidence before them, and it would be hardly right from the prosecutor's point of view, as well as that of the prisoners', that the evidence should be read without the presence of the witness, and he was inclined not to act in the absence of the witness, who was the principal untainted evidence forthcoming. But if they did not take that view they might take the evidence through the depositions. Mr Lloyd said there was a person present who was there whilst the depositions were made, if he could be cross-examined in the superintendent's stead. The Judge said he would not take exception to that, or he could come back from Mold Assizes. Dr. Edward Davies, Wrexham, deposed to the illness of Mr Vaughan from influenza. Mr Lloyd thought in the interests of justice, Mr Vaughan should be present to be examined. The Judge ordered that the case should be adjourned until Saturday week, and he would return and try the case. The prisoners were liberated on bail, and were affectionately greeted on leaving the dock by relatives and friends. FINANCIAL DISPUTE AMONGST RELATIVES. The only civil action was one in which David Evans and another, as executors of their mother, Mrs Evans, of Moelisgoediog, Corwen, sued their brother, David Evans, formerly of Groes, Denbigh, for the sum of iF,233, money lent; also S96 7s 6d money lent and cattle sold, ana X10 interest, the cash being lent by the mother to the son. She had since died, and a family dispute arose as to this money and whether repayments had been made, one curious fact being, as alleged by the plaintiffs, that some time after the mother's death it was discovered that the papers, including the defendant's notes of hand and the will, were missing from the box in which they had been kept, and that subsequently defendant denied the indebtedness, and asserted also that plaintiffs were not executors of their mother. The principal plaintiff was so obscure in his evidence, and answered so frequently I don't know," that the judge asked how long the cross-examination was to go on, as he could venture to write down the next answer before he heard it. (Laughter.) It transpired that plaintiff's co-executor and brother had gone to the asylum, and also a sister benefiting under the will had become an inmate of the asylum. A Chancery order was issued to have this case tried. Mr Marshall was for plaintiffs, and Mr Colt Williams for the defence.— After a very long hearing, a verdict was given for the plaintiffs fort39 9s. I THE SHERIFF'S ASSIZE LUNCHEON. I During an interval for luncheon, the gentlemen j composing the grand jury, having finished the work on the calendar, on the invitation of the Sheriff, resorted to the Town Hall, where ui-i excellent luncheon was provided. Mr G. F. Byford, of the Castle Hotel, was entrusted with the preparation of the weim, and received :mlte blanche from the High Sheriff. The elaborate luncheon provided gave I evident satisfaction to the guests, who included the members of the 1-itr, the whole of the county ofifcials,, the May or of Denbigh, the.Town, Clerks of Denbigh- and Ruthin, and the clergymen of the district and many of the gentry, numbering some 200 guests. The tables were ?rr?nged in horseshoe shape, ?ud were laden with choice viands, and embellished with rare fruits and flowers, which had a pleasing effect. The spacious building was also profusely decorated with a variety of flags and bannerettes, strung together in graceful streams across the hall, whilst at the head of the room a large Union Jack stood out prominently. The platform had undergone a transformation. Arranged, tier above tier, were a large number of graceful palms, interspersed with radient and bloom- ing plants, and formed a pleasing final to the decora- tions of the tables. The High Sheriff occupied the centre se:tt of the table, and was supported by the Lord-Lieutenant of Denbighshire, Col. Cornwallis West, M.P., on the right, .and Mr H. R, Hughes Kinmcl, Lord-Lieutenant of Flintshire, and Sir Robert Cunliffe, on the left. At the conclusion of the excellent repast, the Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel West, proposed in well-selected words the health of the High Sheriff. (Applause.) The toast having been duly honored, the High Sheriff rose, amidst applause, to return thanks, remarking that he was much obliged to them for the support they had given him, and ex- pressed his pleasure at observing so many present. Applause.) A

THE RAINHILL TRAGEDY. The inquest on the bodies of the womnn and four children recentlv discovered under the cement floor- ing of a house at Iiainhiil was opened on Friday. The corpses were positively identified as those of the wife and children of the man Deeming, alias Lawson and Williams, at present under arrest for the murder of his wife at Melbourne. The medical evidence proved that the woman and three of the children had had their throats cut. and that the fourth child was strangled. A brother of the supposed murderer said that he saw it all in a dream ssven months ago. In the afternoon the victims vere buried in the paupers' ground of the Hainhill Cemetery in the presence of a large number of spectators. On Saturday and Sunday, immense crowds of peopio visited RainhiU, and a morbid interest was shown in all the details of the mystery. More revelations continue to be made. The identity of Miss Mather, of Rainhill, with the woman murdered at Melbourne, seems practically established. Deem- ing and Williams are ona and the same. Important evidence likely to furnish clues as to Deeming's pro- ceedings generally is proved by -,t letter from his last wife (Miss. Mather) in which she describes how her husband on board ship was regarded as doctor, his medical and surgical skill being looked upon its of ti.e first order. Tne experiences of a private detective placed in Deeming's track suggest that lie has for long been an expert burglar, having in one case netted £ 3,500 worth of jewellery by fraud. Some important news has been cabled from Australia, which serves still further to identify the man in custody there as Williams, with the man who is now identified as Deeming. Among the articles found in his luggage is a card bearing the name of the Commercial Hotel, Rainhill, besides a photograph of himself, a woman, and three children, taken in Liverpool, and other articles bearing the name of Emily Mather.. AVillitliis niaintaiii-s L-is innocence of the Australian murder. Dinham Villa, Ibinhill, the scene of the murder of Mrs Deeming and her four children, was on Monday again visitedliy crowds of people, there being a con- stant stream of visitors throughout the day into the village. The. digging operations were not resumed, the police being satisfied that theie was no likelihood of finding anything more of importance, as nobody further is missing. The police are further of opinion that the bed-clothing was burned by Deeming in order to hide all traces of his guilt. A chronological statement has been given of the murderer's life his- tory, from which, together with a list of the White- chapel murders, inferring that it is within the bounds of possibility that those murders could have been committed by Deeming.. Rainhill was again visited by a large namber of people on Wednesday, but the excitement with regard to the tragedies is less intense. The police have made additional excavations at Dinham Villa, but have not met with any further evidence of Deeming's crime. At Perth, in Western Australia, the prisoner's career is on everybody's lips. The sceue in court when he was brought before the magistrates was re- markable, and the spectators included no fewer than thirty justices, most of whom had to be con- tented with standing room." On Wednesday Deem- ing looked haggard and miserable, and it is thought that he will break down in health before lie is re- moved to Melbourne.

— 9 THE APPOINTMENT OF FLINTSHIRE MAGISTRATES. On Monday Mr Samuel Smith will ask the Home Secretary whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to a recent correspondence between the Rhyl Liberal Club and the Lord Lieutenant of the county of Flint, on the subject of the appoint- ment of magistrates in Flintshire; whether he is aware that very great dissatisfaction exists at the small number of Liberals who are placed on the Bench, viz., some ten only out of a total of ninety magistrates; whether he is aware that there is only one Protestant Nonconformist on the Bench, while fully two-thirds of the population of the county are Nonconformists and whether he is aware that there are a considerable number of Nonconformists resident in the county who are qualified legally and otherwise for appointment as magistrates whether he is aware that only a very few of the magistrates can speak Welsh, and that the need of an interpreter is often required; and whether the Government will use the needful pressure to induce the Lord Lieutenant to take steps that all political parties shall be fully represented on the Bench, in proportion to their numbers, and thus remove a cause of bitterness which exists on the subject throughout the connty ? Our Mold correspondent says: The County Council will je asked to pass a resolution, condemnatory of the Lord Lieutenant's conduct, of which copies will be forwarded to the Home Secretary, to the Lord Chancellor, and for presentation to Parliament. It may be interesting to add that Mr J. Herbert Lewis, the popular chairman of the Flintshire County Conncil, is a magistrate in virtue of his position, and not of his appointment by Mr Hughes.

Mazawattee HIGH-CLASS TEA. Nothing of late years seems to have escaped the craze for cheapness, at the sacrifice of Real Quality. TEA has been singled out as fair game for the onslaught of adver- tisers, who have vied with each other to deprave the taste of the public by appealingto their pockets at the expense of their palates. The public, nauseated with the rubbish that has been so persistently forced upon them, have hailed with gratitude the advent of the MAZAWATTEE TEAS. These High-Class Teas have met a long-felt want, and it is universally acknowledged that they RECALL THE DELICIOUS CHINA TEAS OF THIRTY YEARS AGO. Mazawattee "The standard brand" "for 'fine qua lit y.u, "Distinctly Tea of the" "highest character," "elevating the public" taste. Prices—l/lO, 2/ 2/4,2/10 and 4/- per lb. in I-lb., 1-1 b. & f-Ib. Packets; and also 3-lb. & 6-lb. Tins. SOLD BY WKEXHAM, H. AND T. JONES. AND AT YORKE STREET. Ilala, JOHN PARRY. Comiah's Quay, S. VICKEBS. Corwen, J. PARRY. Denbigh, W. CLWYD PIERCE, Crown-square. Ellesmere, FRANCIS Frrz- JOliN, 3, Cross-street. Llangollen, E. H. MATTHEWS, Bridge-street. Basillt, RI/LIS ROBERTS, Station-road. Malpas, T. HASTSHOBN, Old Hall-street. Mold, HUMPHREY LEWIS. 74 & 76, HigbrStreet. Oswestry, U, D. THOMPSON, 2 & 3, Market-street. Overtark, IF. FITZJOHN. Rutliln, E. Hroims. Whitchurch, G. H. MORGAI HAWWLEN, IJIUQlk DAVIES, 3551

THE ALLIANCE.. I Among Saturday's matches were the following :— Grimsby beat Sheffield Wednesday by one goal to none, Notts Forest beat Newton Heath by .three goals to none, liootle beat Walsall Town Swifts by three goals to none, and Crewe Alexandra. beat Burton Swifts by four to none.