The Glamorgan Gazette

FOOTBALL. Comments on Football mast react the Wt office Queen-street, Bridgend, not later Lnfe post oa TUESDAY mornings. Re- ports to hand after that time cannot be EUrted. Selected teams for the follow- ing Saturday can be accepted up to Thurs- day mornings. BRIDGEND. Bridgend had exceedingly hard Pontardawe in losing the game, as with the smallest of hick they would have registered a ^As it* Pontarda we woni by a converted goal to a try. the homesters snapping a vic- &!?' -for the visitors ™ » ^if was unfortunate that Tom Evans was rotable to accompany the team. To-morrow (Saturday) a good -rocted on the occasion of the visit of yridd. Bridgend ought to have little difc- Salty in -registering a win 011 their own lieath over the Bhonddaites. One of the great matches of the season o the Qu are LI a enclosure will be that^1(; takes place next Wednesday between ^1 morgan Police and Bridgend Wednesdays. The Police are turning out a strong side, and the Wednesdays will out the Possible XV. they can find against- them. A fine fight dhouldl witnessed.. The match will afford an opportunity to local enthusiasts who axe engaged oa »atm <Jays to witness a good' mid-week encounter. A huge gate is expected. BONTPENT. BRIDGEND SECONDS. The Infants are growing quite big children, and it must be a long time since they -were shortened" and the white clothing, now down to the waist, covered' their tootsies. On Saturdav they were shortened in another way -by two points in the League at the hands of the Bridgend II. „ i» ,.1 Possiblv the milk in the Feeding Bottle had turned sour. I never did admire those para- doxical instruments of comfort and torture, they show .a lack of maternal instinct.. and are y s dangerous when dirty. On this occasion thev must have given pains in the Little Mary, for the poor infants could pass nothing, even a footbaT know whether it was through having pains, but one of the Inf antSr—J ■ HoweS—was a very naughty child, and had to be sent home by the nurse. And after playing in high society in the Bridgend W ed- •nesd&v's nursery, too • Whatever the cause, the Infants were com- pletely out of sorts, and soon fell down and broke their name. Seldom did. they get a glance at the line in the first half, and it was onlv once or twice during the whole match they looked like counting beads on their own wires. Earl'v in the game Hocking made a mark in a beautiful position, but W. Gronows kick masked! by a foot or two. Hocking opened the scoring with a try. after a fine race between him and one of the baby backs. This was all the scorinff in the first ball. After the interval, Giles dropped a and' B. Hapgood scored from a forward rush, the Sf • lis thus winning by ten points to B1TIie Infants took their spanking quite manfully. „ The feature of the play was the fine work of the Seconds backs. who handled with racrr- ity and' precision, and gained ground excel- lently. A little more smartness and spee<i eard Bridgend Firsts will have to look to tbear laurels. Cocky Cooky and Dai Hopkins were the most noticeable players of the thirty. If tshey are not selected for League teams I shall bo surprised. Hopkina sho-uld be in the Premiers next season. The Infants relied on their forwards, and the kick and rush game. It didn't come off. SECUNDIJS MAESTEG. The fact that Llanelly had dome so well this season made their match with Maesteg one of the most attractive on the fixture card, and a big crowd was seen once more on the home enclosure, to the delight of the committee. The game as a spectacle was quite up to ex- pectations, but the result was most disap- pointing to the home supporters. To say that the Sca.rlets were lucky in winning would be letting them off lightly; tlte fact is they were lucky in not losing. Their penalty goal was only obtailn-ed, after a third kick, the referee allowing the kick to be taken a second and third times for some reasg-A ~"Mch was not- apparent. litre homesters pkyeu in surprising fashion, the visitors being onlr just a little superior in the scrums. Apart from this Maesteg were quite their equals. The Llynvites will have to take the precau- tion that they do not take some of the matches at hand in to easy a fashion, for if they are now playing in extra good form, they must bear in mind that others are aware of it. I mention this because it is character- istic Of the Maesteg team to do this sort of thing- Maesteg performance is a very creditable one, for if Llanelly won on merit it would fitiu, speak well for the homesters, seeing that the line was only crossed once, and this was the onJy occasion upon which Llanelly seemed likely to score. On the other hand, Maesteg had hard luck on three occasions. Ireland twice, after beating all opposition, kicked too hard, the ¡mil on each occasion going out of bounds wheru a score seemed a certainty. The third was when Evan'Evans dropped tJie ball after he had crossed the li,ne. Thp ~k played the visiting eight at their own game, which was of the qu-i k break-up axwl rush order. When they settled down to serious scrummaging Llanelly had the best of •natters, but in the open Maesteg were better, especiallv in dribbling. Skipper Colemani was oft-times seen going away with the ball at his toes, and vhe never failed to finish hie movement. To pick out the most conspicuous of the forwards would be a hard task, as they all pilayed a brilliant game. Evan Evans is a veritable box of tricks, and on Saturday he performed some of his ma&- terjjieces. His present form is worthy the attention of the Union, or at least our worthy representative of that body. Baylise did all that Evans gave nim to do he took his pa.sses neatly and transferred to the backs splendidly. Ireland was the siJalr of the quartette; he played with tremendous dash which on two occasions almost resulted in scores. Seldom haa any player on the Maesteg field given smch a wonderful tackling display as he did. J. W. Freece was not so conspicuous as his oo-oentre, but he funked' nothing, and did quite his share. Gujin. played with plenty of dash, but does not &eem to be able to swerve when attempts arre made to run lum into touch. W, Thomas showed the most improved form; his game surprised those who have eeen him play before this season. He never gave his man any chance, but grassed him in splendid style. Although injured earl'v in the second half, Aokermian played a brilliant game at back. His drop gc-al. which had the misfortune to touch one of the visiting players in transit, waa a fine kick from near -She half-way line. To-morrow (Saturday) Maesteg will have Pontardawe as their visitors, when they hope to wi-p-* out an old score. The homesters should have no difficulty in defeating them by eight points. LLYXFI. MAESTEG RANGERS. Last Saturday the Rangers visited Caerau in a League encounter. This was the first League match for Caerau. and to have such a side as the Rangers against them meant hatrd training. They did not spare themselves in this direction, and when Saturday came they were confident of a win. but were surprised at a defeat of 4 tries to nil. A little incident occurred before the match. After arriving at the headquarters of the Caerau Club the Rangers found they had left most of the jerseys behind, but A. Lewis com.mandeeroo the landlord's cycle and had them. up in no time. Caerau won. the toss. Jones kicked off for the Rangers, and play settled for a time near the home line, but owing to the bad condition of the field, the Rangers' forwards were han- dicapped in their heeling. From a scrum Stradling got the ball, pul- verised the defence, and passed out to J. Thomas, who trotted over with a olinking try. Clever work by Stradling set the backs at work, and after handling the ball across the field Ben Howells scored a grand try. J. Thomas had hard luck in not converting, the ball striking the upright. The interval' arrived with the Rangers two tries to nil. » For the first 10 minutes of the second half Caerau seemed likely to score, but some clinking defensive play by the Rangers' backs prevented, them. Soon after Stradling set the backs in mo- tion, and another bout of passing resulted in J. A. Jones scoring an unconverted try. The next score oame from a line-out near the goal-line, when W. Howells dodged the attempting tacklers and got over with two al- most hanging on him. The Rangers were absolutely all over their opponents, who were beaten in every depart- ment. Their forwards were by far the best, and got the ball two out of every three. Stradling and Hanoon out-classed their op- ponents at half, and the quartette combined excellently. J. Davies played a sound game at back. The Rangers have played 8 matches, won 7, and drawn 1. They have scored 57 points, and had none scored acainst them. To-morrow (Saturday > Brynna will be visited. I predict a win for the Rangers by a small margin. RANGER. BLAENGARW. Last Saturday we played Bridgend II. at Bridgend. With just that introduction let me ease your minds by saying at once that we lost, and what was worse, lost by 10 points to nil. There- is no purpose served in crying over spilt milk, but being merely a Feeding Bottle I claim a little privilege in this re- spect. It would be bad sportsmanship on my part to cry out that we ought to have won, be- cause we did not play with' that earnestness which was a feature of the Bridgend play. If the Infants had played as they played in the last quarter of an hour a slightly better tale might have been given me to tell. For then the Infants d'id plav. and though only fourteen they looked dangerous. There must be much more vim in the play throughout before they are able to beat a side who had previously laid! themselves out to win. Football matches are often won be- fore the kick off by the spirit of determina- tion which should possess all players before going on the field. The incident which led up to one of our forwards being sent off ea,riv in the second half was much to be regretted. From where I stood I saw nothing which really desorved the con-sure of this player in particular while the offender OIl the other side escaped. Why not send both off when such a scene occurs? Bridgend officials evidently keep their breath to cool their broth: at any rate, some more wind might have been put inside the balls, because they as soft as-well, they were not, hard enough. As mv dear friend. Billy Full pelt, described it, "Well, mun, it was softer an em footballs me an our Dai used to make out of old case and bladder from butcher's. I will mot mention the names of any of the players, but only say that if all played as hard and! as vigorously as they did when it was too late they might have done better. Dai Elbow and Billy Fulilpelt were in awful way about it. The two of um did lose turn, mun. to come and see the match. When I saw these two worthi,es this evening outside the chip shop they looked down-hearth. But after listening to my sage remarks and moral isings they brightened 110 wonderfully, and Dai said, Yes. I do hope to goodness it win do um good1, cos 'twas awful 'ow some of um used to brag." Then Billy joined' In Well, us 'ave 'ad enough about last Saturday, let us talk about next Saturday. Now Feeding Bottle," said he. What you think about the Infants for next Saturday against Pontycymmer? I do hear they are going to nut out awful strong team against us." With a. quiet smile, I told him to wait until they saw the tearni31 on, the field, and then hope for a good display of football free from all bad feeling, and' may the better team win. Mind you. I did not tolq them the better team because they knew that. FEEDING BOTTLE. NANTYMOEL. A Bridgend League match was played at Nantymoel on Saturday between Nantymoel and Cefra Oribbwr, the homesters winning by 17 points to nil. The homesters, who were in their best form of the season, worked with fine combination, and the play of the home backs was simply admirable. A prettier and more interesting exhibition of Rugby football has not been witnessed at Nantymoel for many a day, and the success iand brilliant display of the homesters -affords strong hopes that the team will emerge at the end of the season champions of the Bridg- end District League. Perkins at full back was resource and cool- ness personified, and the excellent way he nursed1 his forwards throughout a strenuous game was worthy of a Winfield. The home quartette were in rare form, and their handling of a rather greasy ball has not been excelled in junior football. The fact that no less than four of the tries —all beautifully got in tvnical Welsh style— were scored by the threequarters is a true indication of the high standard of back play. A. W. Cole, the ex-Borough-road Collegian, was in fine form. and his try, taken from a. pass by Price Davies. a forward, was the very acme of fine skill and keen judgment. Lloyd and Pinkard1 in the centre gave a ver- fine display, and Isaac on the wing, though hampered by the bad light, was full of resource. Hodgson and Boobyer, though not afforded the opportunities given1 usually to half-backs. played a capital game, and their combination had a great deal' to do with the Souccess of the homesters. Boobyer's two tries were well conceived and determinedly acquired. The home pack were superior to the Cefn octette in nearly all phases of forward play. The brother Chilcott, Pryce Davies. Jack Davies and Tuss Williams were quite the heroes of the game. Jack Chilcott is no doubt the best forward in thehagne. and his try. got by means of the dummy pass, marks him out for better company than League football. For Cefn the hero of their side was their midget captain, George Watkins. who, as in- side haiff, played a clever and brilliant game. Downs at full-back gavea nne display. Smith, the ex-International schoolboy, and his confrere. Jones, were the pick of the visi- tors' threequarters. Watkins, Butcher. Hop- kins. and Hold were the best of the Cefn for- wards. PONTYCYMMER. Pontycymmer phyecl Brynna on Saturday, before a good gate, and defeated them by two points. The visiting team were giants compared with the homesters, but the Gatwites played like heroes throughout 'and crossed the visi- tors' line, a feat which the visitors failed to accomplish. In the first half Pontycymmer played against the wind, which enabled the visitors to kick a penalty goal. This was the only point of interest in the first half. The homesters had things more in their favour in the second half, but they could have made a better show had they aimed at making marks. Jess Griffiths played an excellent game, a.nd made some very clever openings. From one of his openings Jenkins broke through, and A. Davies ran in with a try. D. J. Richards, with his usual good judgment, kicked a goal. The homesters were very much inspired by their success, and were close to the line on more than one occasion. Jenkins, Feiven, and D. J. Richards were great, and the forwards held their own re- markly well1. „ GARWITE. GILFACH GOCH. Bravo, Gilfach! Nantymoel Excels were entertained on the Tump in a League en- counter 'last Saturday. and defeated by three tries • It was a rattling good game, the Gilfach boys showing excellent form, especially (among the forward department. Dick Watkins, the ex-Neath boys forward, proved a great acquisition to the Gilfach team. Si Jones, who deputi&ed R. White at outside half, was excellent. The way in which he opened up the game for his threes was a treat to see. He scored one of the tries, and his brother Johnnie registered the other two. Si should certa.inly be retained in this position. The threequarters had a Little more of the leather than in previous matches. They also brought off gome fine passing bouts, which fairly nonpMssed their opponents. Bert Groves, of the Bridgend Harlequins, was given a place on the left wing, and did well: he has a fine turn of speed, and is a good kick. George Jones, the reserve full back, fully justified his selection. Be played a sound game, and kicked' well with both feet. Now a word about training. If the team are to win matches, they will have to turn up to practice a little oftener. Next Saturday, the United play a team re- presenting the Constitutionfal CLub. PUPIL. BRYNCETHIN. The Boys" had another spell on Saturday, which is unfortunate, when) we consider that Porthcawl are to be met to-morrow on their own ground. The wearers of the red and black are cap- able of playing a much faster game tha,ilI hitherto, more especially if they had regular games to keep them in strict form. Behind the paek we were never so strong, particularly the threequarter line, of which George Bailey is pre-eminently the star. His fine play this season has made George the idol of Bryn's spectators, who delight- to see him in possession of the ball. and he is credited with being Bryncethin'e greatest centre. Overtures have continually been made to him to leave his "native" team, but all the inducements of local foot ban monopolists can but fa,it to capture him, for he has become deeply imbued with the patriotic spirit. The Seconds entertained Heolycyw away, and! the game. which was played on a. verit- able quagmire, ended in a draw, each side scoring a try. Our youngsters looked gay in their new pink and white jerseys going on the field, but oh! coming off they looked1 like mud- larkers. Bunnell, Em. Rees, and Herring were ab- eenteies. Heolycyw had the assistance cof Cooper, the Penooed lsts captain, who failed to make any impressions against our babies. Leon Roper at half again played well, a.nd will certainly develop into a fine half-back. All the forwards were good, and it would be invidious to single them out. They play Porthcawl Seconds at home to-morrow. i EXILE. HEOLYCYW. A very interesting match was played be- tween Bryncethin II. and Heolycyw on the ground of the latter on Saturday, resulting in a draw of 1 try each. The ground was in èi. very sloppy condition. The result came as a surprise to Bryn sup- porters, who played a few of their first team, and predicted a win by a large score. The home forwards played very well, but were not up to their usual form. With a little practice in packing and heel&g, they should do a lot better. Tom Gore, Walter Cooper, D. Lewis, and Sam Dando were most prominent amongst the forwards. The half-backs were quite a success. The threeqaiarters nLayoo well, considering the state of the ball'; Jim Brain and Jim Cooper were the pick. Brain was very clever, and Cooper was good in covering the full back. The full back was quite a failure. CROSS-BAR. TALYGARN. A.F.C. Talygarn journeyed to Bonviistone on Sat- urday last, and arter having the greater part of the play. bad to rest content with a draw of one goal. The game was played in semi-darkness, and at the close the different players could1 not be distinguished. Talygarn were without Slater (oapt.), Brownsey, J. Hinksinan. North, and Ed- munds. S. Smith made his first appearance in goal, and although he was not severely tested, shaped weH, and proved himself worthy of his selection. It was a pleasant game, and played in a most friendly spirit. Both sides adopted the kick and rush game, scientific play being conspicuous by its absence. 0 Talygarn scored through Berks, the ball re- bounding from a Bon,vilst-o-nie player into goal. After some mis-kicking by the visiting backs, Bonvilstone scored a good goal. The play during the second half was very scrappy, and almost entirely in favour of Talygarn. but the visiting forwards lacked scoring -abill-ity, amd no further goals were added1. W. KelLeher (back) was the best man of his side. his kicking and tackling being of great service in many Critical moments. E. Jones and Berks were in their usuail happy mood, but could not seem to find the vital' spot. I think that. taking into consideration Bonvilstone's plucky defence, they would have been extremely unlucky to lose. They played a dogged, pluokv fame right through. I would like to suggest that in future matches the halves should not be quite so close to the forwards. There would not be quite so many of those ucly forward rushes from which a number of, coals have resulted. I trust soon to see Slater in his own place once again, and the broad, smiling counten- ance of Brownsey once more between the post's. I NANTYMOEL EXCELSIORS. The Excels in their match at Gilfach Goch on Saturday had a rather trying time of it. The game it appears was far from being a pleasant one, and much feeling was unneces- sa,rily introduced. Bowden, the Excels' full back, was rendered hors do comhat for some time. and Referee Tom Jones, Fcmtycymmer. found it necessary to order three rueji. off. The Excels have just now struck a bad pitch, but with the home matches, a return to their best form may be expected. Next Saturday against Llanharran at the Wyndham Field victory, I predict, wiH go to the homesters. Plav up. Excels. I ALPINE. LLANHARRAN. Llanharran entertained Tonyrefail last Saturday in a friendly encounter. Earlier in the season Hanharran vanquished the Ton men on their own ground by 12 points to love. From the kick off Llanharran pressed. During the first half chances galore were missed by the threequarters. Though Llan- harran did all the attacking, their play lacked vim and earnestness until the last five minutes, when play reached a high standard, and two tries were scored. These tries were typical of Welsh back play. the ball travelling from the base of the scrum to the wing three- quarter with lightning speed. The first try was scored by Jenkins, who, after a round of passing, received the ball,