The Aberdare Leader

Football Notes. BY "SPECTATOR." ASSOCIATION. 1st ROUND WELSH CUP COMPETI- TION. Aberdare v. Barry. Aberdare entered the 1st round proper by defeating Ton Pentre a few weeks back on the New Athletic Grounds. On the other hand the Seasiders, who were beaten by Merthyr Town, remained in the competition after a protest, Merthyr playing two unregistered players. Con- sidering that Barry weremaking their appearance on the Dare enclosure on two successive Saturdays the opinion was general that the gate" would be a small one, but this was not the case, a goodly number lining the ropes when the teams ranged up as below: Barry: Goal, Connors; backs, English and Bryant; halves, Mason. Yarr, and Prince; forwards, lies, Parr, Bilston, Thornhill, and Thoman. Aberdare: Goal, Carter; backs, Alf Goodwin and Pritchard; ^-backs, Sam Parker (capt.), Farrington, and Johnson; forwards, Geo. Davies, Groves, Evan Jones, T. D. Jones, and Hawkins. Referee, Mr. Neale, Bristol. Bilston started for Barry. A good in- dividual dribble by T. D. made matters look dangerous for the visitors, but the local was beaten. A free-kick to Barry .availed them little, as the leather was sent smartly out to Hawkins, who beat the opposing half and full-back, and Connors had to be all alive to clear a stinging shot from the home left. Barry were frequently pulled up for fouls, but nothing resulted from the free-kicks. The game was of rather a quiet nature I until T. D. Jones scored from a terrific drive, which gave the custodian no pos- sible chance of saving. Barry set to work in grim earnest to gain the equal- izer, and eventually Thoman send in a lovely shot which beat Carter all the way. Connors was next called upon to handle, and for a time play was in the vicinity of the Barry goal. Evan Jones made several grand efforts to put his side ahead, and at last Connors stood helpless at a shot which he was powerless to save. Another followed from a good centre by Geo. Davies, T. D. Jones mak- ing no mistake by driving hard and low from long range. Just before the inter- val Groves added the fourth. In the second "45" Aberdare attacked strongly, the forwards quickly working into a good position. Groves's pass to his centre was intercepted by Joe Yarr, who was playing a fine game for Barry. T. D. Jones again received, and cutting out a fine opening for Hawkins, the latter ran in from the half line, but his shot lacked sting. Connors, however, did not manage to clear properly, and Evan Jones being in clo.-e attendance easily put on the fifth goal. Barry made spirited at- tacks on the Dare goal, but the defence was sound, and the home five. WELin got going, English having to concede a corner. Hawkins placed nicely, but the visitors cleared. Again the Darians at- tacked, and Groves, seeing Geo. Davies unattended, promptly transferred to the Abernant boy, who gave Connors no chance with his shot. This proved all the scoring, and Aberdare will now be looking forward to the second round. Final score: Aberdare, 6 goals; Barry, 1 goal. The game was not so one-sided as the score would indicate. Had the Barry forwards exhibited the same dash in front of their opponents goal as they dis- played in midfield, then Carter would assuredly have been tested more often. But whenever Barry visit the Ynys the Dare goal average is considerably aug- mented. Far less cleverer eleve-ns can put up a bigger fight against Aberdare For -istaiace, Merthyr a little while back, before they commenced to show their present form, ran the Darians to 'within a couple of goals. The same remarks apply to Treharris. Last season, in the Semi-Final at Merthyr, seme of the Dare supporters in their exasperation at the turn in the play of that memorable game, declared that if the Treharris Committee placed eleven old women on the field in the guise of Treharris footballers, they would scrape home with a draw if not a win. From goal-keeper to centre-forward one cannot find a real weakness in the Barry eleven, yet Aberdare pile on 10 goals in two games. Then where is their weak- ness? Put the players in the hands of a man like Joby for a week and this weakness will soon disappear. The display of the Darians was good all round, and the team that breaks their ground record will have to be an excep- tionally clever eleven. But 'tis a pity that a capable outside right is not forth- coming, as Groves seldom gets the ball returned to him once he puts it out to the wing.

BY "MUDDIED OAF." RUGBY. Northern Union-Ebbw Vale v. Aberdare. Played at the Ebbw Vale Enclosure on Saturday. The Valians have become the champion team in Wales by virtue of having won more matches than any other Welsh Northern Union Club. The sides were represented as follows: Ebbw Vale: Back, Dai Davies; f-backs, L. Llewellyn, Chick Jenkins, W. Hig- gins, and H, Smith; t-backs, T. J. Thomas and W. Harvey; forwards, Geo. Hitchings, Jack Foley, W. Saunders, G. John, O. Bungham, and Ike Leah. Aber- dare: Back, Gordon Thomas; --backs, 4 Bayliss, Lucimore, Bert Whittle, and Another; -21-backs, D. J. Rees and W. Hopkins; forwards, Dick Thomas, Dai Fryer, Jack Jones, Phil Richards, Ike Taylor, and Jack Thomas. Mr. Nervins, of Warrington, officiated as referee. The game at the commencement was wholly in favour of the Valians, who pressed hard only to find the defence of their opponents sound. The Darians were without the services of Gordon Thomas, their versatile full-back, who failed to arrive until half-time. The Valians scored 15 points in the first half. However, Aberdare made several rushes in which the forwards shone to immense advantage, and had not the home backs been on the scene at the time the home line would have been crossed. Up to the interval the Darians were playing a wholly defensive game, in which Luci- more and Bert Whittle did a lot of work. But the presence of Gordon Thomas at back after the change of ends made a great change in the game, and the ini- tial attack by the Valians was checked in a grand manner by that sturdy cus- tcdian, who figured so well against the Kangaroos. Indeed, Aberdare bucked up so well in this moiety that had there been a less powerful defence present scores would have assuredly been regis- tered by Hopkins and Lucimore. The Darians were penalised for some minor infringement. Davies, the home custod- ian, kicked a goal. Then the Darians changed the venue with a vigorous rush, and succeeded in reaching the home line, where Will Hopkins cleverly deceived the home defence, and negotiated a pretty" try for Aberdare. Llewellyn increased the home score with a try, which was quickly followed by a grand penalty goal for Aberdare, kicked by D. J. Rees. "Chick" Jenkins added another try for his side after hav- ing made a grand run. The Valians scored 8 points in this half, and the Darians 5, so Aberdare lost the game by the score of 23 points to 5. Amateur Rugby.-Aberavo-n v. Mountain Ash. Played at the Athletic Grounds, Port Talbot. These teams have always been great rivals, and Aberavon's perform- ances during the past few weeks have stamped them as one of the finest clubs in South Wales. With a considerably weakened team, the supporters of the Old Firm feared defeat. Mountain Ash were without the ser- vices of D. Lloyd Jones, Ireland, Wynd- ham Jones, and Another, whilst the Sea- siders were at full strength. The teams were represented as follows:—Aberavon: Back, Rees Richards; -backs, W. R. Thomas, Maurice Walsh, W. J. Rees, and W. Thomas; j-backs, A. Morris and Rees Llewellyn; forwards, Will Jones, Will Gregory, Ivor Jones, W. Douse, W. J. Davies, Tom Davies, D. Morgan, and E. C. Jones. Mountain Ash: Back, Johnny Thomas; -backs, Eddy Ains- worth, Dai Arthur Davies, Payne, and Farrow; ^-backs, George Edwards and J. Donovan; forwards, P.C. Bevan, C. Stone, Geo. Caple, A. Jenkins, Joe Ellery, Tom Shepherd, Dai Davies, and A. Price. So the Pennarites were repre- sented by practically a Junior side, whilst Aberavon played their League fighting giants. It was refreshing to witness the man- ner in which the Mountain Ash recruit i-quarters defended their line time after i time, and the good individual work done by Johnny Thomas, the full-back, and Ainsworth. The Mountain Ash men were occasionally seen to turn defence into attack, but their repeated efforts were neutralised by such giants as the famous Willie Thomas, the skipper, and his body of defenders. Ainsworth, the Pennarites' brilliant wing three-quarter, sustained a nasty kick to his knee, and had to be carried off the field. After- wards the Aberavonites had an easy ao- cess to the line, but then, the tackling of the young defenders on the Mount side was fir-e. Nothing was registered up to the interval. The game was afterwards .more excit- ing than ever, and a smart movement by the Aberavon outside half-Jack would have resulted in a score had not the backs been reliable in their tackling. Caple, Shepherd, and Bevan wore always conspicuous in the forward department. They came near scoring on several oc- casions. They were very unfortunate in losing Johnny Thomas, their clever full- back, who was carried off owing to an injury. Only thirteen in number, and pitted against a more formidable side of 15, the Mount continued to play up pluckily. Willie Thomas scored the only try of the match for Aberavon, the Mount custod- ian being then off the field. Aberavon won the game by a try. To run a team of the standard of Aberavon to only a single try on the Aberavon territory is no mean feat. For the Old Firm, Jack Thomas and Ainsworth did very well up t.. the time of their injuries. Donovan and Edwards were powerful at half, whilst the pick of the forwards were Caple, Bevan, Shepherd, Stone, and Ellery. For Aberavon, the shining lights of the forwards were Gregory, Pugh, and Tom Davies, whilst Morris at half was brilliant. The display of their three-quarters was poor in comparison with that of their forwards. Cwmaman v. Aberaman Gymnasium. On Saturday last the newly organized Cwmaman Rugby Football Club opened their season's campaign in a match with the Aberaman Gymnasium at the Cwm- aman Grounds. Mr. Jack Everett acted as referee. At the outset, the Aberaman- ites became the aggressors by dint of superior play both at forwards and at back, and in spite of the defensive work of the Cwmamanites, Alf Davies got over for the Gymnasium with a try, which, was. however, disallowed. The defensive display of the new team was commendable. There was no score at half-time. In the second moiety the Aberamanites were conspicuous by some nice combined play, and Tommy Miles, their half-back, got well away from a scrum and regis- tered a try which was unconverted. Cwmaman have yet a great deal to learn in the art of combining effectively. Their forwards also were a little rusty in the series of scrummages, but Dan Isaac played a very resourceful game at full-back. Ned Thomas, the outside half, was also very conspicuous. The pick of the Aberamanites were W. Bryant, Dick "VY illiams. and Geo. Lewis at threequarter, Tom Miles and W. Jen- kins at half-back, and Harry Miles, Alf Davies, Hodges, and Edevane in the for- ward line. Final score: Aberaman Gym- nasium, 1 try; Cwmaman, nil. On Saturday last the Aberaman Scar- lets entertained Cefncoed at the Bryn- heulog Field, when Cefncoed won by 5 points to nil. ASSOCIATION. South Wales and Mon. League (2nd Division). Abernant v. Caerau. This match was played at the Abernant Grounds on Saturday last. The Aber- nant forward line included Dai Wil- liams at centre and Steve Probert on the right wing, two men who figured so pro- minently in the ranks of the Aberdare Crescents A.F.C. The teams lined out under the charge of Mr. Jenkin Howell (in the absence of Mr. Jarman) in the following order: -Caerau Goal, Wil- Lins; backs, Nash and Williams; halves, Davies, Lewis, and Woods; forwards, Bassett, Rees, Gingell, Pool, and Turner. Abernant: Goal, Bowen; backs, Fowler and Pugh; halves, Wil- liams, Thomas, and Panniers; forwards, Steve Probert, D. Williams, Dai "Cox" Williams, Ivor Edwards, and J. Devon- ald. In the opening stages of the game Abernant gained a large slice of terri- tory by means of some prettily conceived movements. Dai "Cox" Williams es- sayed a warm shot at goal, which Wil- kins, the visiting goalie, just managed to save. Caerau afterwards came away in a body, but found the defensive abili- ties of Pugh, Fowler, and Thomas too good, and play then was waged in the visiting territory. Dai Williams headed in the first goal for the homesters nice- ly. The visitors were afterwards very aggressive, but Abernant were equal to the occasion, and a few minutes later saw Dai Cox Williams giving his side the lead with a powerful shot. Half- time score —Abernant, 2 goals; Caerau, nil. After the change of ends came a splen- did rush by the Caerau forwards and halves, whose passing ended in Gingell, the centre, testing Bowen with a stiff shot which the home custodian, how- ever, safely negotiated. Caerau con- tinued to keep the homesters in their own territory, but Evan Pugh at back saved his side repeatedly. Caerau con- tinued to have the best of the argument, and after beating the home defence, Turner sent in a shot which found the net, giving Bowen no chance whatever to save. Dai "Cox" Williams sent in a shot which found the aperture after hav- ing deceived the defence, yet the point was disallowed on the plea that the player was offside. Final score: Aber- nant, 2 goals; Caerau, 1 goal. For Abernant, Bowen was a staunch defender in goal, whilst Pugh shone at back. The pick of the halves were W. Thomas and Williams, whilst Dai Cox" Williams, Dick Williams, and Probert shone in the forward line. For Caerau, the best men were Nash at back. Lewis and Woods at half, and Turner and Gingell in the forward line. On Saturday last the Gadlys Wander- ers defeated the Trecynon Stars at the Park by the score of 3 goals to 1. The scorers were Lewis Jones (1) and George Edwards (2) for the Wanderers, and Dai Jones for the Stars. Aberdare Territorial XI. v. Blaen- gwawr United. Played at the Park on Saturday last, when Mr. Jack Griffiths acted as referee. The Terriers kicked off, and Dan Jones centred the ball across to Clements, who opened the scoring with a fine shot. Blaengwawr retaliated, but could not beat the Ter- rier's staunch defence. Nothing further was scored. In the second half, the Terriers bom- barded the visitors' goal, but the backs played a sterling game. Eventually W-hitbread and Dan Jones added two mere goals for the homesters. Evan Humphreys tried to score from a pen- alty, but the shot went wide of the mark. Final score: Aberdare Territorialists, 3 goals; Blaengwawr United, nil. For the Terriers, Martin the goalman had nothing to do as he was well screened by Messrs. Evan and Fred Hum- phreys at full-back. Griff Rosser at right half and Jack Holloway in the cen- tre were the pick of the halves, whilst W. Clements at centre forward, Dan Jones on the left wing, and D. P. Evans at inside left, were the best of the for- wards. For Blaengwawr the goalman was safe, but the backs and halves were weak in comparison with their oppon- ents. W. Behenna at right wing was the pick of the forwards. Next Saturday the Terriers will meet the Trecynon Wind- sors at the Park. In the recent match played between the Aberdare Crescents (new formation) and the Aberdare United, the game was stubbornly contested all through, and a draw resulted. Aberaman Church Lads' Brigade v. Aberdare United. Played on Saturday last. The Brigade opened the game, and matters were very even for the first five minutes. The United tried to rush away, but were admirably held up by the Brigade halves, who fed their for- wards nicely. The latter sent in a con- tinuous shower of shots at the United goal, but Harry Davies was safe, and saved time after time. Half-time score Brigade, nil; United, nil. After the resumption, the United played better, and Pendry Williams secured and sent across to his right wing who was, however, robbed of a chance of scoring by Burrows intercepting his shot and kicking to touch. After this came a hot attacking movement by the Bri- gade halves and forwards, but they lost several chances owinlr to erratic shoot- ing. Nothing was registered by either side. This was the second consecutive point- less drawn match that the United team have played of late. Prominent amongst them on Saturday were Harry Davies, the goalkeeper, and Pendry Williams. The most prominent on the side of the Brigade were Jack Finn, W. G. Wil- liams, T. Davies, E. Cummings, and Parker and Burrows at back. All the Brigade players have proved themselves fit for their places. Aberaman Thistles v. Cwmbach Lily- whites. Played at Michael's Field in dull weather. In the first half the Thistles were the aggressors, and Ted Brown opened the scoring with a low de- ceiving shot, which was soon followed by one from Bressington. Half-time ar- rived with the Thistles leading by two clear goals. Early in the second half Cwmbach conceded a corner, nothing re- sulting'. Some give and take play f»l- followed until Joe Brown took the ball all upon his own, and scored in the corner. The final whistle blew with the Thistles pressing. Final score: Thistles, 3 goals to love.

SCHOOLBOYS' LEAGUE. BY SCHOOLBOY." Town National v. Cwmbach National. Despite the rain the ground was in splendid condition on Saturday. The National turned out full strength, but Cwmbach were two short. Thev filled up the gaps with boys from the field. Cwmbach won the toss, and elected to play with the wind. Town National pressed from the kick-off, and opened the scoring early with a clever goal by Jack Rhys. The Town National boys were shooting well, while Cwmbach were shooting badly. The Cwmbach left wing made some runs up the field, and on two occasions his centres ought to have been scored from. The Cwmbach backs lacked in tackling. They waited for the opposing forwards to shoot instead of tackling at once. At half-time the score read: Town National, 3 goals; Cwmbach National, nil. After the interval Town National kept up a. warm attack, but the defence could not be pierced. At last, Town National were rewarded, and in quick succession they scored three goals. The best goal was the one scored by Tom Evans. He worked his way from the centre to the right wing, and from a very difficult angle he scored a magnificent goal. The midget right half of the Town National also played a good game. He nearly al- ways got his kick in, small as he was. In another year, if he puts on some avoirdupois, he'll follow his confrere and seek international honours. The best shot among the Town National forwards is Jack Rhys. He puts in some beauti- ful "daisy cutters" with always plenty of sting behind them. The only boy of note among the Cwmbach boys was the little left wing. He is small, but there is plenty of football in him, and football of the right kind. With some coaching he'll become, as is said among enthusi- asts, "mustard." Result: Town Na- tional, 6 goals; Cwmbach, nil. Town National have a fine record so far. They have played three league mathes, won the three, and have scored 17 goals for and 1 against. Bravo, National. Cwmbach Council v. Blaengwawr. After this game had been in progress about 12 minutes it had to be stopped owing to the rain. It has been post- poned until 12 o'clock Saturday, Nov. 21st.

BY "BACK." Ely Rovers, Williamstown, v. Abercynon Old Boys. On Saturday last the first match in connection with the Old Boys' League was played under the W.F.U. Great in- terest was taken in this match. Mr. Rhys Williams, Cilfynydd, refereed. The teams lined out at follows :-Eli Rovers: Back, D. W. Davies; f-backs, J. H. Jones (capt.), B. Hughes, Ashton, J. Dyke; J- backs, J. Roberts and J. Parnell; for- wards, T. Lewis, W. Bowden, W. H. Miles, Levi Howells, S. Cook, E. Phillips, D. Coles, T. Thomas. Abercynon Old Boys: Back, Harding; backs, G. Rich- ards, Lewis Beaton, Pellard; ^-backs, Humphries and Dudley; forwards, Wat- kins (capt.), Jaynes, Lewis, D. Thomas, D. Evans, Dd. Thomas, Williams, J. Jones. Ely Rovers started, and give and take play was the order for the first quarter. From a scrum in mid-field Dudley made an opening, and then transferred to Humphries, who made a brilliant run, but owing to the unevenness of the field, stumbled a few yards from the line. Here a scrum took place, but J. H. Jones and Hughes saved for the Rovers by a bout of passing. The visitors at this stage worked their way by excellent loose play into the Cynon half. Several scrummages took place, and from one of these J. Roberts made an opening, and set the visiting backs in motion, which resulted in J. R. Jones scoring an un- converted try. From the drop out the visitors continued to press, and Joe Lewis saved by a long kick into touch. The homesters now visited the Rovers' quarters, and tested the defence, but the visiting custodian saved. At the inter- val the score read: Ely Rovers, 1 try (3 points); Abercynon, nil. Evan restarted for the Cynonites, and play soon settled in the visitors' quar- ter. The Cynonites now pressed the Rovers. The pressure was relieved by Dyke making a mark, who by a huge kick brought play into mid-field. The homesters were now having the best of matters, and David Thomas crossed the line, but the referee disallowed. Soon after David Evans rushed across with a try, which the referee again disallowed. The homesters continued to press, but failed to score as the final whistle blew leaving the Rovers winners by three points to nil. During the first half of the game the visitors were superior, the try which Jones scored being the outcome of a brilliant run and a fine bout of passing. Their combination was ahead of the Cynonites. Davies played a great game at back. The visiting forwards ex- celled in dribbling. For the Cynonites Humphries and Dudley combined well. Joe Lewis played well at centre. Rich- ards was not up to form. Thomas, Evans, and Dai Thomas were the pick of the pack. In the second half the Aber- cynon Old Boys had certainly the better of the play, and the team's supporters maintain that they would have secured the two points had not the referee been so whimsical in his decision. The Premier team played Dinas Rangers in a league encounter at Dinas. An excellent game ended in. a win for Dinas. The Abeicynonites scored a try, which was unconverted, early in the first half, while the Rangers just managed to score a try in the last few minutes, which wa.s converted. Final score: Dinas, 5 points; Abercynon, 3 points. SOCCE-K. The St. Donat's team journeyed to Llwynypia, to play Mid-Rhondda. The game was a fast one, and the homesters scored the first goal. Soon after Teddy Griffiths netted for the Saints, and within ten minutes the Saints had scored three goals. During the second half the Rhonddaites managed by some excellent play to net the leather. At the final whistle the score read St. Donat's, Aber- cynon, 3 goals; Mid-Rhondda, 2 goals. Mr. Owen Morris refereed.

BY U AMAN." Aberaman Thursdays v. Mountain Ash. On Thursday afternoon last the return fxture was played between the Aber- aman Thursdays and their near rivals from Mountain Ash. Owing to the latter team's inability to obtain a ground, the match was by mutual consent played at Michael's Field, Aberaman. The home- sters started playing from the station end, and began to force matters during the first few minutes. After a great deal of pressing, they managed to score from a shot by Richard Davies, their right half-back. A few minutes later another dangerous attacking- movement was initiated, and the ball was placed into the centre, where it stmok firmly in the mud. J. H. Jones, the home centre forward, managed to extricate it with a short pass, and his confrere Willie Harris banged it in from an easy position. Matters now cooled down, and the Mount players were allowed to press for some time. R. Samuels and Stanley John were quite able to defend the home posi- tion, so that J. D. Rees was given very little to do in goal. Just before half- time Willie Harris put through another shot, but it was ruled offside. The teams then crossed over with Aberaman lead- ing by two goals to nil. In the second moiety the visitors pressed during the first quarter of an hour, during which time they scored from a scramble in front of goal. The Aberamanites were disorganised owing to Samuels taking up an unaccustomed position in the centre,' instead of remaining at full-back. To- wards the end, however, they rallied, but their shooting power had lost its sting. They were awarded a penalty, but this was excellently cleared by the Mount goalkeeper. The spectators were so ex- cited that they rushed on to the field of play whilst the penalty was being taken. Fortunately a fight between some dogs occurred outside the ground, and the crowd rushed off again, as well as a few of the players who felt winded. Upon the resumption, Aberaman tried hard to score through the efforts of Ben Rees, J. H. Jones, Tom Sage, and Samuels, but no further score was made, and the final figures read: Aberaman, 8 goals; Moun- tain Ash, 1 goal.

COMIC COMMENTS ON THE GAME. Were it a match of first-class import- ance, played upon a Saturday, Mr. Editor, I should unhesitatingly ask you to head the placards this week: Great Match at Aberaman. Dog Fight Interrupts the Game." Or something to that effect. But as it was only a Thursday match, our readers might think that we were exaggerating, and therefore they must judge the stand- ard of play for themselves from the re- marks that follow herei In the first place, let me congratulate the Aberaman players upon their choice of colours for this season, as the glaring green looks very pretty when they go full pelt across the field. The only thing necessary would be a badge of the Sham- rock to make Irishmen of them all, and judging by the wits of one or two of them, they ought to have been born in Ireland and not in Wales. However, it always looks better to have the same coloured jerseys on each of the men be- longing to a side, so as to" avoid con- fusion, and this was the case with Aber- aman, with the exception of Samuels, of the Saturday ranks. Amongst the Mount players there was distinction galore. One had a Welsh flannel shirt of the best quality to play in, another was togged in his flannelettes, still another with a white matted shirt, and others with jerseys belonging to various teams, both Rugger and Soccer. I tried hard to dis- cern two jerseys alike in shape and colour, but failed. The chief character- istic of the referee was the manner in which he kept his hands in his pockets during the first half, but perhaps he was excusable because the weather was cold. In the second half he was stimu- lated to action because matters became warmer. This warmth was not the re- sult of any atmospheric change, mind you, but caused by the storm of invec- tives that were hurled forth by some of the players and spectators alike. With regard to the individuality of the players, I was stunned when I came upon the field to hear the spectators shout Aferedith!" I instinctively thought it was a son or some other re- lative of the great player of Manchester United and Welsh National fame, as the cheering was similar to that obtained by him before First Division crowds, Judge of my surprise when I found that the shouts of the "madding crowd" were only made in derision. When I asked a little boy which of the players was called Meredith, he replied: Him with a long trousers," meaning, of course, an ordinary trousers instead of the regulation football knicks. It was his Christian name that he was called by, and he was not an ordinary member of the football ranks. He was an Aber- amanite by birth, but had been import- ed. into the side of the Mountaineers as a likely champion and probable saviour of their side. Unfortunately, their an- ticipations were not realised. The spec- tators got too voluble in their praise of eyeiry kick he made, so that at last he got disheartened. The last ten minutes of the game proved to be exceedingly interesting. When the penalty was taken, the crowd could not sit down dispassionately, but were obliged to run forward to the field of play and mix up with the players through and through. They formed two ranks which were parallel with the up- right goal-posts, whilst a few players were dotted here and there and formed a parallel line with the cross-bar. From a distance, one would think that a great geometrical problem was being solved, but all at once the crowd dispersed as if it had only been a myth. This was the result of the dog fight already referred to, and the field was left with but one player, and only three of us as spectators along the ropes. Had I been a poet, I should have written a parody on Gold- smith's "Deserted Village," entitled: "The Deserted Football Field." With the referee's persistent whistling, how- ever, most of the players came back to participate in another half-minute's play, which left the homesters trium- phant by 2 goals to 1.

Aberdare Listens to Aberdare. When a stranger addresses us we listen with attention, but when a neigh- bour speaks out, more especially when telling us good news, we listen with in- creased interest. It is very encouraging to many of us here in Aberdare to read week after week such splendid news from our neighbours, such as this which we print to-day:—Mr. B. George, 30, Bond Street, Aberdare, says :—" For as long as I can remember I have had sharp pains in my back-especially when I stooped. The kidney secretions were irregular. A little while ago I commenced to take Doan's backache kidney pills, and they soon began to do me good. I went on with the pills, and they cured me. I am better now than I have been for years. I tell all my friends about the benefit I have" received from Doan's pills. (Signed), B. GEORGE. Doan's Backache Kidney pills are two shillings and ninepence per box (six boxes for thirteen shillings and nine- pence.) Of all chemists and stores, or post free, direct from Foster- McClellan Co., 8, Wells-street, Oxford-street,London W. Doan's are the pills that cured Mr. George.

Chrysanthemum Show at Aberdare. The second annual show of Chrysan- themums, fruit and vegetables, was held on Monday at the Memorial Hall. It was organised by the Aberdare Garden- ers and Allotment Holders Society. The President of the Show is Councillor Dd. Hughes; chairman of committee, Mr. C. Gerrish, Aberdare; treasurer, Mr. S. Cox, Aberdare; hon. secretary, Mr. B. Llewellyn, 5, Arnott-place, to whose efforts much of the success of the Show is due. The quality of the exhibits was re- markably good, the competitions being very keen. Mrs. Thomas, Brynawel, had sent in a very nice group of plants, and was awarded a bronze medal. Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart., had another group which won a silver medal. Mr. Isaac George, J.P., The Grove, had sent two beautiful specimens of cypripedium, and. was awarded a certificate of merit. Another excellent group of miscellaneous, plants had been staged by Mr. W. Marsh, florist. The group included a very fine- wreath and cross. The prize-winners were as follows: — 12 Blooms of Japanese Chrysan- themums: 1st, T. J. Thomas, Abernant Gardens; 2nd, J. H. Powell, Danygraig. Best Cross of Chrysanthemum Blooms: 1st, Case Bros., Cardiff. Best Wreath of Chrysanthemum Blooms: 1st, Case Bros., Cardiff. Best Collection of Vegetables: 1st, Lord Aberdare. Best exhibit of any 6 kinds of vege- tables: 1, T. J. Thomas; 2, Lord Aber- dare; 3, C. Garrett, Trecynon. Best 4 Dishes of Potatoes: 1st, C. Garrett. Best Bunch of Beetroot, Parsnips, and, Carrots: 1st, Lord Aberdare. Best Dish of Nine Potatoes: 1, R. H. Earley, Highland Place, Aberdare; 2,. Thos. Oliver, Harlech-place, Aberdare. Section 2-Gentlemen and their Garden- ers, residing within a radius of 10 miles: Best Group of Chrysanthemums in Pots, to cover space of 30 square feet: 1, T. J. Thomas; 2, Dr. Davies, Brvn— golwg; 3, J. H. Powell. Six Blooms of Japanese Chrysanthe- mums 1, T. J. Thomas; 2, Isaac George, J.P.; 3, Lord Aberdare. Six Blooms of Incurved Chrysan- themums: 1, Lord Aberdare; 2, J. H- Powell. 3 Vases of Single Chrysanthemums: 1, A. Buckingham, Ynyslwyd-street; 2, Dr. Davies. Best Collection of Vegetables: 1, Lord Aberdare. Best Specimen Plant of Chrysanthe- mums: 1, T. J. Thomas; 2, A. Bucking- ham; 3, Dr. Davies. Best 6 cut blooms of Chrysanthemums: 1. J. H. Powell; 2, A. Buckingham. Best Vase of Chrysanthemums: 2, J. H. Powell. Best 4 Dishes of Potatoes: 1, C. Gar- rett. Best 3 Sticks of Celery: 1, R. H. Ear- ley; 2, ¥. Crocker, Pembroke-street. Best 6 Leeks: 1, Lord Aberdare; 2, A. Buckingham. Best 6 Onions: 1, T. Oliver, Aberdare; 2, R. H. Earley. Section 3-Cottagers residing within a radius of 10 miles: Best specimen plant of Chrysanthe- mum: 1, A. Buckingham; 2, S. Cox. Best 3 Window Plants: 1, T. Oliver; 2, A. Buckingham. Best Vase of Chrysanthemums: 1, C- Garrett; 2, J. Prowle; 3, W. C. Coombes- Best 6 blooms, Chrysanthemums: 1, A. Buckingham; 2, C. Garrett; 3, T- Oliver. Best Collection of Vegetables: 1, A. Buckingham; 2, C. Garrett; 3, S. Cox. Best 3 Ferns (prizes given by Mr. Marsh): 1, T. Oliver. Best Rope of Onions: 1, S. Cox; 2, J- Prowle. Best Head of Savoy, etc. (prizes givell- by Mr. J. Prowle): 1, A. Buckingham; 2, S. Cox. 4 Parsnips and 4 Turnips (prizes by Mr. Garrett): 1, T. Oliver; 2, R. H' Earley. 3 Sticks of Celery (prizes given hf Mr. Herbert): 1, C. Garrett; 2, R. H- Earlev. Best Table Plant (given by Mr. GeO; Deane): 1, F. Crocker; 2, R. H. Earley- Best Four Leeks (by Mr. Coombes): A. Buckingham; 2, T. Oliver. Best Collection of Vegetables (by Mr. J. Comley): 1, C. Garrett; 2, W. C. Coombes. Best 4 Parsnips and 4 Carrots (by Mr, S. Cox): 1, R. H. Earley; 2, T. Oliver.

Miss Sweet (Leap Year): "I have just proposed marriage to your son, and have been accepted." Mr. Golding (sternly): Can you support him in the style b6* has been accustomed to?"

Drink Horniman's Pure Tea. lnoSets Sold by- Aberdare, T,loyd,Grocer, Commercial st Trecynon, J. R. & J. Smith, Drug Stores. (Wholesale and Retail) Cwmbach, Co-operative Society Hiley's Cash Stores, Canon street Aberaman, T. Roberts, Grocer, Lewis st. Tom Evans, Grocer, Whitcombe street T. Maddy, Grocer, Cardiff road Phillips, Grocer, Victoria square J. Lewis, 11 .)1 E. E. Evans, Chemist „ Co-operative Society W, H. Jones, „ „ J. W. Evans, Grocer, Cardiff road D. Phillips, Grocer, Canon street G. Evans, 44, Cardiff Road D. Watkins, „ Cross street T. Davies, Cambrian Drug Stores. Rees Jones, „ Ynsylywd street W. Lewis, Emlyn Stores, Jubilee road. D. Evans, Royal Stores, Gadlys road Cwmaman, Co-operative Society D. E. Davies, Grocer, „ J. Smith, 415, Fforchaman road. M. Isaac, Wholesale and Retail Grocer, Mountain Ash, Cwmbach Co-operative SY Victoria square J. Long, Grocer Cattell's Ltd., Wholesale Confectioners, D. Smith „ Oxford street High street (Wholesale Agents). N. Thomas „ Cwmdare, D. Edwards, Grocer, and at T. Bowen, „ Jeffrey street Trecynon. Duffryn Co-operative Society Penrhiwceiber Morris & Son, The Stores Eynon, Grocer, and at Miskin (Special M. Isaac, Family Grocer Wholesale Agent.) A. M. Jones, Chemist. Griffiths, Grocer, Ffrwd Crescent. Abercwmboi, Co-operative Society Hirwain, T. Davies, 79, High street. Perrott Bros., Grocers Godreaman, Williams, 13, Howells' row. WILLIAMS & SONS, Coachhullders and Undertakers, High Street, CM :Aberdare, a ii i I HAS OPENED A UNDERTAKING low. DEPARTMENT Under the managemeDi of MR. J. B. EVANS (late of Messrs. J. Mor- gan & Son). 1 FUNERALS TO SUIT ALL CLASSES AT MODERATE PRICES j Modern Glass Hearses and Coaches Provided. j