Evening Express

ENGLAND S PRESTIGE WELSH 8-7 FORMATION. BY HARRY BOWEN. BY HARRY BOWEN. The England of to-day is a much i, mproved England from the England of a few seasons back. She is now a side in which the power of former years ehowa promise of being almost, if not entirely, renewed. Instead of nought but defeat after defeat to look at; j instead of being as happy as she couldj with the wooden spoon sticking out too prominently to overlook or forget; instead of all this, she holds the prestige of a drawn game against the conquerors of Wales, the Springboks, and a victory as the result of the last of her international engagement against the doughty Scot. And, moreover, a victory at Inverleith-a little achievement which takes a heap of doing even at the best of times. Perhaps the most debatable point since the selection of the Welsh team has been the selecting of the eight backs and seven forwards. A good many keen foot- ballers are of the opinion that too little account has been taken of the strejlëth of the forward oppositions, and too much dependence upon our own back play. 13ut, strange as it may appear, this has not been the case. Full value was given to the forward team that England was likely to place upon the field. Their strength could not have been more fully considered. Buit there was another and more important consider- ation to us, and that was the strength of our backs. With men like Gwvn Nicholls and Teddy Morgan out the ques- tion of defence had to be considered, and it was felt that if it could be obtained extra strength in this particular was needed more here than the difference of a man in the forwards, whatever that difference is, might mean. And please understand that this was determined upon without regard to the question as between eight forwards and seven backs or seven forwards and eight backs. My own faith in the seven forwards as being all there is room for in the pack for the full power of each separate man to be brought out is well known, and need not here be referred to. But I would repeat that confirmed opinions on the above were not the means of deciding upon the formation. It was more the needs of the hour that determined the formation. And I would beg leave to say that, apart from my own settled opinion on the seven in front formation,, I think the correct thing has been done. In saying this, I would call attention to a point which is often missed in discussion of the two systems. The point is whether you have the men that suit the system you adopt. To take to the complete eight! backs and seven forwards without having a back able to undertake the extra back's work is quite suicidal. At the moment we have in Gibbs a player who, as a rover, knows that he is expected to have a dash in the open when his forwards get busy, who knows also that there are times when he must keep as a thing apart from the work of the backs and their attack, and that at others he must be part and parcel of it—a player who knows that he is not expected to be back for defence when aggressive work by his own forward or half-back side is going on, and one who knows that in defence the habit of unexpectedly playing himself in the way of forward and back attack of the opposition is his peculiar prerogative, and one it is expected he will put in evi- dence. Gibbs knows his work as a roving open forward and extra back. Further, he haa done well when employed at the work and when the strengthening of the defence of the backs was considered imperative, and that by means which would help the Welsh aittack, I con- sidered that the correct thing has been done. There are bat two men fit for this in Wales—one, the player in ques- tion the other, Fred Serine, of Swansea, who, with liberty of in and out, would have done equally well, though in his case the forwards would have been helped the more. FOOTBALL TEEMS ILLUSTRATED. PERCY'S PHOTO. A ftae photo of Percy F. BuSh, giant poet. card eiae, will be given free to readers of tl)0 "Hems at the World to-morrow. A liet of the towns in which the distribution will be made is included in the advertisement on plage 4. and orders ahcmld be placed a-t once.

STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. GOLF., fciturdsy was quite a bns-y day at Laclr- hrV. Th <•!•(• w.'i-o several competition: d'l ,.r which were well seemed by the Rev. D. I., ./ones with the fine match t-core 1)i!' year. 'ihis .-core sraiued him the tiieda! comm-tition, and also Mi.- competi- tion for the best asi^reuate -core of [0' day a ml =tllrl D, The monthly bourey %Va» won by 1.. The monthly bogey ti of Dco uiber 29 was played off yesterday between {{.$s. Lyne, the Rev. D. L Jo tics, and T. '('ear-on, beinj: won by i-y-'H', followed by jii\ Pearson. Keid ( up. Peiiar;A tie between Mr. Herbert Thomas ami Mr. A. )!. Tfcoma- 10 points down. f.y.lney, 9 points: 'hen-tow, nil. 11 i-OUcester, 15 point-. Bristol, nil. Newport, 3; Staple Hill, 1 Durham, E l'nint. Cumberland, c. Mac'icr;. ni!; Maes-ycwmmer, nil. Barry Ses^mv. 1; Cadoxton Conserv.: trreg. 0. Warriugtor., 6 poil\t> Hull, 5 points. [tail King-.tou Rovers. 17 points- KVvb Whitchurc! 2; We.-t Park, nil. Cwmbran, nil: l'ontuellliydd, nil. Liynypia, \2 points; Trealavv, nil, St. Helen's, 2 tries; .Mon.-eltoii, nil. Ha tod, 2 truss.ijt. Thomas-, 1 try. ^ririJaiid .Stars. 5 pointt-: Splotf I nilen I.i whites, nil. Cardiff' West. 6 points; Dinas. I'o^is. 5. Penarth United, 5 ptg; Grange United 0. "Milford, 3 goals; Pontlottyn, 2. A'nordare Crescents, 5 90aIs; Ilafod, nil. Brook Vilia, 9 goals; Kly Wanderers, 2. Trdedyrhiw Stars 1: Abeiian Lilywhitf-i i. S. W. Borderers, 3 goals: Cwmpark 2 goals. • Tiohafod 3 goals; Caerau 2. Cowhridge 6 ^oals; St. Athan 3 goal?. Barry Y.1I O.A 4 goals;. Holloa Unit eel J. IPorxh v. -Seiaou off. Natrtymoel v, i uyshu- off, jMelbournc ^Briton Ferry; 12 pts. Glyncorrws I.' t t

DR. BUIST. INVITED TO EXPLAIN. Forward" Asks for Definite Details. Patience is a virtue that is supposed to merit its own reward, and we are told, in addition, that all things come to him who waits. Well, the whole point-the head and front—of my object in writing under the above heading is to know where we are in regard to the Reform of the Welsh Union. Is there still some vestige of vitality in the movement, or has it flickered, faded, and gone out? It is a question to which the foot- ball public have the right to expect an and Dr. Buist, as co m m a n d-er-i n. chief of the Reformers-the Roundheads of Rugby-is, perhaps, the best qualified to make reply. It appears that the question was discussed at a meeting of the Cardiff Football Club Committee on Monday evening, and the strange part of the business was that that every member, at the close of the meeting, seemed extremely reluctant to give the least hint that Reform had been dis- cussed. Why such reticence, especially on the part of Dr. Buist and his valiant henohman-Mr. John Davies? The assistance of the press had been eagerly sought for in the early period of the movement; but, personally, I took no sides until the grievances of the Reformers had been made clear and the proposed measures of reform put into definite shape. With some hundreds, if not thousands, of other people, I am still waiting to know what steps the Reformers propose to take in order to reach the goal of their desire. It is unnecessary to traoe the history of the movement from its inception, because it is well within the public memory that Dr. Buist sounded the first blast on his bugle in consequence of what he then construed to be thê oavalier treatment he received at the hands of Mr. Horace Lyne and the Welsh Union Com- mittee when he attended a meeting, as one of a deputation, to complain of the manner in which tickets had been allotted to Cardiff for an international match. Subsequent events have proved that the grievance was More Imaginary than Real and Mr. Lyne and Dr. Buist have buried the hatoh?t. In the meantime the men7,b?L of the Cardiff Football Club, at their last annual meeting, passed a resolution that the committee of the club be instructed to invite the chief clubs of South Wales to a confe- rence. This instruction was acted upon, but not one of the leading clubs responded to the invitation. In fact, the only four cluts I THE DRAGON AND ST. GEORGE who signified their intention of sending representatives to such a conference were Merthyr, Aberavon, Pontypool. and Maestig, and two of these clubs in their reply letters asked for fixtures with the Cardiff team. Then, again, there was a peculiar irony in the fact that the representative of Merthyr. one of the four clubs already named, was the very man to propose a. vote of confidence in the Welsh Union at the special meeting held at Cardiff on December 6th. All the clubs in the union were represented at that meet- ing, and the vote was carried unanimously. No more was heard of reform until last Monday evening's meeting of the Cardiff Club Committee, at which the matter was freely discussed with a certain amount of liveliness and warmth. With the exception of two members of the committee all the others were satisfied with the present con- stitution of the union, Gwyn Nicholls and Percy Bush stating that they had no grie- vance. But, perhaps, I had better give in parallel columns the names of the Cardiff Club executive who are for and against this reform movement. Here they are:— FOR BUISTISM. DT. J. J. Buist. John Davies. AGAINST BUISTlSM. W. T. Morgan (president). W.D. Phillips (ex-president) A Duncan (ex-pre.aident). A. F. Hill (treasurer). A. Blaiid (.vice-president). I W. M, Douglas. Gwvn Nicholls. P ercr Bush (captain). C_ Bit?,?,. W. Stanifoith. john Gibson. Therefore, it will be seen that there is Btni

THE ENGLISH TEAM. FIBOT BOW: OOOPPEB. SHAW, SCOTT, HOPLEY. SLAROCK, and JAQO.. S SECOND BOW: GPEEN. SHEWBiING, STOOP, BILL (C&Ptaiu),. #MILT& KELLY, wad BtMSMT. THTRTV aad LASSEN,. PHOTO* HALF-TONES. | overwhelming majority of the Cardiff Club Committee opposed to proceeding any further in the movement, and that only four out of about 50 clubs affiliated to the union accepted the invitation of the club to a conference, a,ad tnot one of these four clubs can be justly held to come under the heading of "I,ea.dim,g Welsh Clubs." What ought to be stated clearly and defi- nite-ly is the nature of the grievance or grievances of the would-be Reformers, and also what reforms they desire. We all know that the Welsh Union, like every other institution, is not so immaculate as to be free from a single fault, but, surely, it is the first autd most important duty of the Reformers to stsube in plain English where lies the fault in tHe constitution of that T'nicm, and to suggest a remedy. There must be a constructive as well as a destructive side to the movement before it can possibly hope to succeed. Perhaps Dr. Buist will draft his scheme of reform and make it known to all and sundry, and then we shall know exactly where we are. The idea of placing representation on a numerical basis would be condemned aU round simply on the ground that the Cardiff Club, with its eighteen hundred members. would be able to swamp nearly all the other clubs in Wales. Newport and Swansea, for instance, have onl4y a membership of four hundred each, while Llanelly cannot boast of more than two hundred members at the outside. And it must be remembered that the con- stitution of the Cardiff Club is so entirely different to that of any other club in the union. Every man who pays half a sovereign becomes a voting member of the club, gets a grand stand ticket, and a. lady's ticket thrown in as welL Thus he is pro- vided with I The Cheapest Football I in the whole kingdom. The average Cardiff member ia not such an avaricious individual, nor such a poor sportsman that he would seek the additional privilege of being placed in a positio.n to swamp all the smaller clubs. Further, it must not be forgotten that the Welsh Football Union is a union of clubs, and the Cardiff Club subscribes to the union exactly the same amount as the Tenby Club, for instance, viz., one guinea per annum. I mention this question of representation because it is the ouliy one upon which we have been given any real inkling of a desire for reform. It is not enough to ctry for reform from the house-tops and denounce the present system. The people must know in detail the programme and the propaganda of the Reformers, and I say again that once those details are published we shall know where we are, and not until then.

WELSHMEN'S RECORD UP TO DATE. The following is a record of international appearances of members of the Welsh team:— D. Daviæ, E., 1907. R. T ?1..?01; E., S. I., 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905; N .Z., 1905; E., 1., 1906; S.A., 19N; K, 1907 J. L. Williams, S.A., 1906; E., 1907. J. IL EvaM,"E. 1907. H. T. Maddocks, E., S., I., 1906; ^E„ 1907. R. M. Owen, I., 1901; E., s., 1., 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905; NZ., 1905; !E., S.. I., 1906; &A. 1906; B., 1907 a., 1., 1900; B., 9,. 1901; B.. 1903 W. ?re??E., S., 1.. 1900; R, & 1901; 8., 1903; S, 1905; S., 1906; E., 1907. R. A. Gibbs, s., 1., 1906; E., 1907. W. Neill, B., 1., 1904; E., S., I., 1905; E.. 1907. C. M. Pritchard, I., 1904; E.. S., 1906; N.Z., 1905; E., S., 1., 1906; B.A., 1906; E., 1907. J. Brown, E., 1907. W. Do-well, E., 1907. T. Evans, I., 1905: E., 1907. G. Travers, E., S., 1., 1903; E., S., 1., 1905; N.Z., 1905; E., S., I., 1906; 8.A, 1906; E., 1907. J. Watta, E.. 1907.

ENGLISHMEN'S RECORD UP; TO DATE. E. J. Jaekett, W., S., I., 1906; S.A., 1906; W., 1 1907. I H. E. Shcwring, 1., IMS; W., 1907. 1 F. S. Coopper, W., 1907. J. Soott, W., 1907. F. G. G. Birket.t., W., 1907. R. Jago. W., 1907. A. D. Stoop, W., 1907.

THE ENGLISH FULL-BACK. E. J. Jackett, Leicester and Cornwall County, regains his place in the English fifteen after having been dropped, while a trial was given to Lee (Kent) in the England v. Franco match last Saturday. Jaokett, who acted aa back in all the English Inter- nationals last season, origioaily came into prominence as a half-back. There is no doubt, however, that full back is his best position. He fields cleverly and kicks mag- nificently. For an internaitionixl full back he io on the small and light- side. He is 5ft. 8Jin. high, and weighs lOst. 101b., so that he is the lightest back that has represented England for yea-m. It has been alleged that he is powerless against good dribblilllg for- wards, while until the New Zealand inat-oh his tackling was considered weak. Probaibly, however, these apparent weaknesses are due to the inefficiency of the three-quarters who have played in front of him. Jockett's age is 27.

FOOTBALL QUERIES W-elah (Bristol).—A birth qua.ldfieat.ion is not necessary in International Ruigby matches. For instance, Gwyn Nioholls w-ae born in England but learnt all his football in Wales, and by reason of his long residence in the Princrpajity he became qualified to play for Wales. On the other hand, Gent, the half-back, was born in Wales but played for England. Dr. Tiinms was born in Australia .and played for floatiand. Numerous j instances can be given of men playing for ti-he country of their adoption and net of their birth. Tako again tfhe most recent caee of Duumn .McGregor, who wias born at Pontypridd and has always lived there, being -picked for tb'e Scottish trial !ruatoh. His only qualification to play for Scotland is that ibis iflather is a Sootarman. There its no fixed period of residence in one of the four counties, and to ail intents and purposes a pi?y?r can pt?y for any country he likes, 9.,t 'he c&naot p?y for two couutriŒ. Paricite.—No, Millar did not play through lbhe wnolegaane (between the Sprirag- boks ait Cardiff. He left &t the same time ,as Cecil B;.Vgs and returned again but only if or ia few minutes, and then he went off for tfhe second and the last time. "Rugg,er." wamts to know wihetlher dis- ,ti-nguiifih-ed Inijerma/tioninlH" a/re awarded pensions by the Weigh Union OIL their retire- ment. "I have been told," he says, thait Arthur Gould is in receipt of IZ50 per annum pension." The question is eo absurd as to be really amusing,, and without wvaate of words the is "No," with a. big oajpiital N. F. Godwin.—The South Africans only oom- pleted the fixtures of titeiz British tour ia the xoaiMx aitL G*rdi £ L<m. Bask

I W. H. DOWELL, Newport. Personally, Dowell is the most un-assumang of fellows, plays the game in a thoroughly gentlemanly spirit, is an untiring worker, and never gives up hope from start to finish of a gam-e. He has shown such continued improvement from the time of his first asso- ciation with the Newport pack at the begin- ning of last season that shrewd judges foresaw tlhat he would inevitably gain his cap, bar accidents. It is about five years since Dowell oaine under the notice of the Pontypool Com- mittee whilst he was pilaying for Pont- newynydd Juniors. After being invited to do duty for Pontypool he did splendid ser- vice, but was more noticeable for his strenuous and excellent work in the scrum and tight than for any particular brilliance in the open. Though not unexpected in Pontypool circles, where he is extremely popular, his selection has given an impetus to football interest, and it is felt that Dowell's example—that of earnest persever- ance and the quality of keeping fit-will encourage young players to put out greater efforts.

I J. BROWN, Cardiff. I John Brown, of Cardiff, was the heaviest and biggest forward in the Welsh pack to- day. He tips the beam at 6ft. lin., and turns the scale at 14st. 12ft). in his playing togs." This simple fact is sufficient to indicate that he is built on the right lines as a forward. Brown is not only tall, big, and boney, but proportionately strong, and, like average big 'uns, full of energy and vim, 'and never tires in the hardest of games. His football career began in 1895. when he played for the Windsor United, and in the next season joined the Riverside club, when he transferred his affections to the Caledonians, now defunct. Three years later he joined the ranks of the Roath Seconds, who were winners of the shield (which was offered for competition among junior clubs) and also runnere-up* in the league of that season. Brown was promoted to the first team in the next season, and assisted them to win the league championship. His abilities were recognised by the Cardiff Club in 1901, and he was given a. place in the team, which he has kept till the present time, and his recognition by the Welsh Union through being tardy is, perhaps, all the more to be appreciated because it has been well deserved for the past three seasons. Brown is 25 years of age, a'nd, being a quiet and unassuming I sort of chap, is very popular all round.

J, WATTS, Llanelly, I Watta, the Llanelly forward, is one of the cleverest scrimmagers ever turned out by the scarlets. He is a perfect glutton for work, possesses a rare turn of speed, is wonderfully quick in the line-out, and has no small reputation as a kick. He is one of the old Seaside, Stars. There can be no question about his deserving a. place in the Welsh team, and local opinion has held that he Should have obtained this distinc- tion a couple of seasons ago.

F. S. SCOTT, I the Bristol three-quarter, is 23 years of age, his birthday being on Wednesday last. He is 5ft. 9in. in height and weighs 12st. 31b. Born in Australia, but his people belong to Devon. This season the champion county played him in three of their matches, viz., against Middlesex, South Africans, and Glou- cestershire. The latter protested against his qualification, and the protest was allowed, though Scott refused his place against Corn- wall for the 'Cestrians last week. He learnt his football at Epsom College, and for the last three or four seasons has been playing on the left wing for Bristol, with Shewring as partner. Soott is a determined runner and a strong tackier, and this season, under the tuition of Webb, the Bristol trainer, im- proved his pace. This season he played for the South and also for England against the West, but was not given a chance to show his ability.

J. V. HOPLEY, Kent. I J. V. Hopley was one of the players in the Barbarians' team. which was eo severely beaten by Cardiff recently. The old Cantab is one of those players (Marshall, the well- known half of the eighties is another), who have got their iiiternational cap after fail- ing to get their Blue. Big and strong, and intensely popular at Cambridge, Hopley would assuredly have got his Blue if his play had merited it. He was, however, an un- finished forward, and, though often useful, was never quite good enough for his Blue. He has improved since he oaine down, and is regarded as one of the best in the Black- heath pack. All the same, bis selection, except on personal grounds, for he is a. favourite with everyone, came ae a surprise, and has not given satisfaction. Hopley got his Blue -for boxing and cricket. and is a. fine all-round athlete of striking appearance and physique.

A. N. SLOCOCK, Lancashire. I This Lancashire forward oaine into the side against France as first Teserve--& great stroke of uck. for it secured hum his cap against Wales. Slocock is a sturdily-built player, and is regarded as one of the best forwards in the North.

W. NANSEN, Cumberland. I W. Naneen, the Cumberland forward, was hardly known in the South until he played againrt France. He getB bio oap for the first time, Mond. is reg'arded as eme of the flarigriife qeta&oaa 440

ST. GEORGE ROUTED. Welsh Team's Sensational Performance. 22 POINTS TO NIL. TRIUMPH OF NEW FORMATION. There was a general presentiment that I the attendance at the match would be a poor one, but if anyone had foretold that the interest in the game would be even less than that evinced in an ordinary club match he would probably have been con- sidered a hopeless pessimist. Actual events, however, proved that he would have been a true prophet. The experience of seeing only a few hundred people assembled together on the occasion of an international match within an hour of the kick-off is something more than a novelty in the history of Welsh foot- ball. The lack of interest and the paucity of numbers was simply staggering to old campaigners who had followed the fortunes of Welsh football During Past the Twenty Years I or more. Swansea, which is usually brisk I and progressive on the day of an inter- national match were perfectly normal in character, the streets being just as deserted and just as dirty a son an ordinary day. Even at the Royal Hotel ,the headquarters of the Welsh team, nobody seemed in a mood to talk about football, and it. was amusing as well as astounding to hear even veterans discussing the appointment of Mr. Birrell as Chief Secretary for Ireland. Then, again, another topic which found full vent was the' danger of flannelette and the remarkable euseedness of mothers in clothing their offspring in this inflammable material. I These were only two out of the many sub- jects discussed during the period of waiting i for the event of the day—the main event being left severely alone. True, football was memtioned in a oasual eort of a way. All were agreed that the South African match had knocked the stuffing out of Welsh foot- ball for the season, and public interest could only be renewed by way of beating England I and Scotland, and thus opening out the pros- pect of winning The Triple Crown I by proving victorious over Ireland in Cardiff I in t;he Ides of March. All the Welsh players met together at the Royal Hotel shortly alter noon, and, with diminutivo Dicky Owan, had a serious confab on the plain of campaigns. It was a bort of Cabinet Council, the secrets of whioh could only be revealed in the tactics adopted in the field of play. The English players down at the Metropole kept very quiet all the time, and in their general demeanour gave one an impression of oonfidenoe on their part in the issue being favourable to England. The weather was depressingly miserable, a small drizzling rain falling continuously from early morning. It was not sufficient, how ever, to affect the ground to aaiy material extent, and the Turf of St. Helen's I fully maintained its reputation for its recu- perative qualities. In spite o ftxie uncompro- mising prospect with regard to attendance in the early part of the day, there was a strong hope entertained that the people would roll up BIt tihe last moment, but it was a hope to be falsified, for at 2.30-a quarter of an hour before the kiek-off-there were not more than 5,000on the ground-the aztendan(-e estab- lishing a record fcrsmallness in international football in Walea^for 20 years at least. The Welsh Union might very well have granted free admission to the ground for the sake of keeping up appearances. The remarkably poor attendance was only in proportion to the laok of interest at the deadness of every- thing oonnected with the match. One redeeming feature in the wilderness of woe was the sweet music discoursed by the band of the 3rd Glamorgan Rifles, under the cireotion of Mr. Sims. This was the only music provided, not a single attempt ooing made by the crowd to raise a chorus of any kind, and the effect of the stillness was depressing. In the matter of team changes there was some doubt Up to the Last Moment as to whether Stoop would play with Jago at half-back, but, there was no further alterations in the Welsh team other than already announced. A fact worth noting was that only 4,000 people came into Swansea by train to-day as compared with 17,000 on the occasion of the South African match. Both teams were photographed at 2.30 outside the pavilion, — I the Englishmen being the first to go through the ordeal. Five minutes from the kick-off it was announced that Stoop would play, so that the Engli3h toarn took the field as selected. The teams were as follows:- TEAMS. I England. Referee, Mr. J. L. Gillespie, Scottish Union; linesmen, Mr. Rowland Hill (England), and I Mr. D. H. Bowen (Wales). Play Desci bed I The teams fielded punctually at 2.45. and at this time there were about 12,000 people on the ground. Dicky Owen won the toss, with the wind at his back at the Mumbles end. Basil Hill kicked off, and the ball was carried into touch near the centre line. From the line-out W. Neill cleverly handed back to Trew, who passed to Jack Evans, and he to Gabe, who kicked into touch well over the centre line. For legs up in the next scrum the Welshmen were penalised, but no ground was gained by the kick. The next scrum was carried by the seven forwards, and the ball was kicked to Jackett, who fielded cleverly and kicked back to Trew. who made his mark, but failed to find touch. Owen received from the next scrimmage, and passed to Trew, who kicked to Coopper, who found touch in his own 25. For some mysterious reason a free kick was given to En,gland arfter the ball was carried into touch, but no ground was gained. Clever play by the Welsh forwards in the next scrum, resulted in the ball being sent up to Trew ,who put in a timely kick into touch over the English 25 line. From a long throw-out Kelly secured, but was promptly bowled over, and the Welsh forwards, Taking the ball at their toes, dribbled to the line, where Jacket saived splendidly by diving on the ball. The next scrum was formed about five yards from the English line, Ctoopper picking up in A Loose Scramble and punted out to Bailey Diavies, who found touch in the English 25. Short and sharp rushes by the English forwards took play to neutral ground, where Gibbs came into prominenc,e with a clever dribble, and Trew backing him up, picked up the ball and passed to Owen, who just put his foot on the touch line before giving up theball. Owen again received from his forwards and passed to Trew, who, broke through brilliantly and passed to Gabe, who was tackled before he conid pas* to Johnny Williams, when a lovely opportunity presented itself. A free- kick was -given against England in their own 25, and the ball was placed for Reggie Gibbe, wlho put in a fine kick, but Missed the Goal Wales kept up the attack, and were look- ing dangerous, but another free-kick brought relief to England. It was evident even at this early sta'ge thiat Wales had more than n.i even chance of winning, the play of the wfhole team being marked by superior clever- ness all d j-kill to that of England. Owen, receiving from his forwards, passed smartly to Trew, who ra.n splendidly and passed to Jack Evans, who gave up to Haddocks. The London Welshman was sailing beauti- fully for the line, but slipped when only two yards otf. Brilliant passing by the Welsh backs placed the English goal in danger, and it was only by a marvellous save by Jackett, who threw himself on the ball, that prevented Wales Drawing First Blood JacketJt was injured in the effort, and left the fieljl with an injured arm. Play was suspended for some time. The wind dropped away. When play was resumed Jaokett was off the field. From the first scrum formed Gibbs received from Owon, a.nd attempted to break through when he ought to have passed to Trew, and put him over with a sale try. He slipped in trying to double his man, and a glorious chance was lost. Owen, served admirably by his forwards, once again pa,ocld to Maddocks, who failed badly to bold the ball, and English forwards dribbled down to the oentre, but were stopped by Maddocks, who recovered himself splendidly and kicked into touch at the centre. Owen, again receiving, broke through in brilliant style and threw a wide pass to Gabe, who ran to within ten yards of tho line, and then passed to Johnny Wil- liams, who found himself cornered and passed to Gabe, but the ball went forward. Immediately afterwards the Welsh backs brought off a I Dazzling Round of Passing and it was only the last pass just on the I line that weint wrong. Wales's reward, how- ever, was bound to come, and a moment later Owen, receiving from his forwards in the I English 25, passed to Trew, who made a lovely opening for Ga,e, and the Cardiff man, running strongly, ga.ve a perfectly- timed pass to Johnnie Williams, who scored a clinking try in the corner. Reggie Gibhs took the kick for goal, but sent the ball wide of tne pest. Immediately after the kick-cut the Welshmen were hot on the attack, aaid looked like scoring every moment. The seven Welsh forwards were doing magnificent work both in the tight and open, and were beat- ing the Englishmen badly. Every man jl plav-ed up to his reputation as a scrimmager, and already the trend of the play was a complete justification of the new formation. Jackett now returned amid cheers, and play ruled right in front of the English goal, where Owen beat Jago badly and ran within five yards of the line before he was brought down. Wales kept up the pressure, and it was only a failure on the part of Ga-be to hold the ball that robbed his side of A Certain Try Indifferent handling on the part of the Welsh backs allowed the Englishmen to pass the meridian line, but danger threatened Wales until Trew made a clever mark, and Gibbs, taking the kick, found touch in the English 25. Another brilliant round of pass- ing was brought off by the Welsh backs, the most of the work being done by Gibbs break- ing through cleverly, but the last pass to Maddocks wont wrong, and an opportunity was lost. Within the next minute Gibbs again broke through with one of his charac- teristic dribbles and crcBs-kicking with con- summate judgment, lea.tin? the English defence hopelessly, and, throwing himself on the ball. Scored a Try I which he himself converted with a beautiful kick. The kick-out brought England no relief. The Welshmen came at it again with great determination, placing England quickly on the defensive. So far there had been only one, side in it, play having been confined entirely to the English 25. Trew was badlv hurt in a tackle when lie was about to break through the English dofenc, but the hurt. was not serious, and he was able to resume within a couple of minutes. The English forwards dribbled down to the Welsh half, where Johnny Williams saved by screw-kick- i.ng into touch. Once inside the Welsh 25 the wear era of the rose made a desperate effort to pierce the defence, but their methods were clumsy. Tom Evans dribbled to the centre, where Birkett picked up, and, running strongly, passed to Coopper, who was tackled by Trew five yards from the line. Trew was so badly hurt in this tackle that he had to leave the field. A serum was formed five yards from the Welsh line, where Owen, having Che ball heeled out to him, ran round on the blind side and kicked inot touch at the centre, thus bringing relief to his side. The Welsh forwards heeled out splendidly, but Jago, Beating Owen I dribbled over the Welsh 25 line and put iz. a high punt, from which Maddocks cleverly made his mark right on the line and just in the nick of time. Gibbs, taking the kick, found touch neajr the centre. The English forwa-rds beat the Welshmen in the next scrum and dribbled down to the home 25, where Jack Evans picked up cleverly and smartly kicked into touch at the English 25 line. A brilliant attack by the Welsh backs took play to the English 25, where Johnny Williams was hurt in making a fine effort to cross. Immediately th3 game was resumed Owen eent the ball out clean and swift to Gibbs, who passed to Gabe, and the old Llanelly player, putting in a great run, gave the ball I at the right momemt to Jack Evans, who promptly threw to Maddocks, and he went over with f A Perfect Try I which Gibbs converted with a magnificent kick. No praise oan M too great for Gabe's effort in breaking through and the admir- able judgment he showed in passing the ball at the right moment to his co-centre, and the Pontypool man is also to be oompli- memted upon the aocuracy of his pass to Maddocks. Half-time score: G. T. Pts. _I I WALES .2 'f' i8. I I ENGLAND 0 0 0 I SECOND HALF I Travers re-started for Wales with a solid advantage of thirteen points, and, to the f great delight of the epecta.tors, Trew had now returned, and was greeted with cheers all round the ring. Showing great dash and I determination, the Englishmen invaded Welsh territory, and Bailey Davies was called upon to save. He threw himself fear- leasly on the ball, and. saved the eitnattion I in daring fashion. England were attacking wli(,n Ti-eN, picldng up in the loose, made a capital opening for himself, and punted down to Jackett, who found touch at the centre. Owen was caught off- side, amd a penalty was given to England, from which Birkett punted to Bailey Davies. who safely held the ball in the mouth of the goal and punted into touch near the cemtre. The English forwards were now making desperate efforts to break through the scrum rather than put it out to their backs. They dribbled over the Welsh 25 line, where Trew made a clever mark and I kicked into touch out of danger. The Welsh- men were now having the WORST OF THE ARGUMENT on the general run of play, but England never looked like breaking through the Welsh defence. Gibbs put in some useful work by tackling Stoop just as he was making a, nice opening for his three-quarters. This enabled I the Welshmen to take play from the centre to the Emgiish 25, where Owen, running round on the blind side, punted into touch t,en yards from the visitors' goal-line. Trew Trew at this moment happened to be ont of position, or he might have been put over very nicely. Poor handling by the Welsh backs let in the English forwards, who, with short dribbles, took the bal 1 right up to Bailey Davies, who fielded cleverly, and, finding himself unable to get in his kick, showed exoellent judgment in passing back to Trew, who kicked into touch at the centre. Trew was playllig-a-great game; and a moment later came into prominence with a clean pick-us and a. timely kick into touch. Jago, receiving from his forwards, passed to Birket, who threw t!1e ball to Scott, and the Bristol man was going headlong for the line when Gabe, dashing across, sent him into touch ten yardts from the line. Wales had to play ON THE DEFENSIVE for some time, and England, by virtue of their persistent attack, thoroughly deserved to score. They carried play right to the Welsh line, and Jago passed out to Shrew- ring, who made straight for the line, but was finely tackled by Gabe three yards out. The Englishmen were now going great guns, especially in front, and again carried play to the Welsh line, waere Bailey Davies saved splendidly by throwing himself on the ball at the feet of the opposing forwards. A free kick was given to Wales for off-side by one of the English forwards, and Gibbs found touch at the centre. Tom Evans, breaking through a loose scrum, dribbled down to Jackett and tackled him before he could put in his kick. This enabled Wales to assume an aggressive posi- tion FOR THE FIRST TIME in this half, an dthe Welsh forwards, taking advantage of this opportunity, heeled out beautifully to Owen, who sent the ball to Trew, and the Swansea man, running at a correct angle, passed at the right moment to Gabe, who beat the centre and passed to Johnnie Williams, who bounded over the line with A LOVELY TRY in the extreme corner. Gibbs failed with the kick. From the kick-out play was taken into the English 25, and the Welsh forwards, with Tom Evans as their leader, dribbled in great style over the English line. where Jackett got on the ball just in time and touched down. The kick-out enabled England not only to gain relief but to make a. strong attack on the Welsh position. Birkett, receiving from Stoop, made a deter- mined effort to break through, but found' the tackling too keen, and was knocked over on his own 25 line. England now TOOK OUT A FORWARD from the pack to play as extra back, a-Ttd: from the very next scrum Owen had the ball and passed to Trew, who ran beautifully to tlle centre, and there passed to Gabe, who cross-kicked, and made his eide look like scorers all over, but only to find Stoop pick- ing up smartly and kicking into touch at the centre. The Welsh forwards, again, led by Tom Evans and Pritchard, dribbled for the English 25, where Watts joined them and cleverly crossed, doubling over to Brown, he made a dash for the line, and, finding him- self pressed, passed to Maddocks to touoh down and sootre THE FIFTH TRY. Gibbs failed at the kick. This magnificent rush by the Welsh forwards demonstrated to ? n.9 t rq ted to perfection their genuine merit, and also the superiority of the new form.ation as com- pared with the old. England took play to the Welsh 26 immediately after the kick-out, and Birkett, with a high kick, sent the ball to Bailey Davies, who held safely and touched down. From this point the Englishmen were beaten in all phases of play, and Travers, coming through a loose scrum, dribbled with superb judgment, and, assisted by Pritchard and Tom Evans, put the Englishmen on the defence, but Jackett got round in time to touch down. There was no holding the Welsh forwards at this stage; they were beating the Englishmen hopelessly. Tom Evaps, Pritchard, Travers, and Watts were particularly conspicuous for grand play. Gibbs, receiving from a kick by Jackett at the centre, passed to Maddocks, who put in a fine run on the wing, carry- ing the ball over the English 25 line. where he passed to Pritchard, but the ball was sent slightly forward. A moment later. however, the Welsh forwards were off again, and Brown, being the leader, scored the sixth try for Wales, and was heartily con- gratulated by his comrades. Reggie Gibbs again took the kick, and the ball went only a couple of yards wide of th emark. Time was then called. FINAL SCORE:— G. T. Pts. WALES 2 4 22 ENGLAND 0 0 0 RESULTS OF PAST MATCHES Excluding to-day's match, England has met Wales 24 -tames. and :the record is a-a follows:- Wales won 10 Eng-land won. 12 Dra-wn 2 The tscoring in the decided games shorn tide tow:- Goals. Tries. Wales *25 25 England 31 39 In the drawn games the totaJ: eoares are Wales t3 0 England .2 2 Dropped, 2 penalty. t One from mark. + One penalty. 1800-At Blackheath. England won, 8 goali 5 tries to niL 1882—Wales, playing the North, of England, loiit by 1 goal- to 1 try. 1885-H8wane»ea. England won. 2 goals 4 triet to nil. 1884-L(-e,d-s. England won, 1 goal 2 tries U 1 goal. 1885—Swarusea. England won, 1 goal 4 tries to 1 goal 1 try. 1886—Bliackheath, England wxm, 1 goal 2triat to 1 goal. 1887—Llanelly. Drawn, neither side scored. 1888—No match, owing to dispute. 1889-No match, owing to dispute. 1890—Dewsbury. Wales won, 1 try to niL 1891—Newport. Eniglaand won, 2 goads 1 tl1 to 1 goal. 1892—Blackheath. England won, 3 goals 1 to to nil. 1893—Cardiff. Wales won, 2 goals 2 tries to 1 goal 3 tries. 1894—Birkenhead. England worn, 5 goals 1 try to 1 try. 1895-Swal sea,. England worn, 1 goal 3 tries to 2 tries. 1896—Blackheath. England won, 2 goals 5 tries to niL 1897—Newport. Wales won, 1 goal 2 tries to nil 1898—BLackheath. England won, 1 goal 3 tries to 1 goal (dropped) 1 try. 1899-Swa,nsc-a. Walea won-, 4 goals 2 tries to 1 try. 1900—Gloucester. Wales won, 3 goals (1 penalty) to 1 try. 1901—Cardiff. Wales won, 2 goala 1 try to niL 1902—Blackheath. Wales won, 1 penalty goal 2 triea to 1 goal 1 try. 1903—Swansea. Wales woo, 3 goals 2 tries tt. 1 goal. 1904-Leioester. Brawn, Wales 3 goals (1 from a mark) England 2 goafo (1 penalty) 2 tries. 1905—Cardiff. Wales worn, 2 goals 5 tries to niL 1906—Richmond. Wa.les won, 2 goals 2 tries to 1 try.

THE WELSH TEAM. Top iRow: E. DOWELL, J. WATTS, J. BROWN', W. NEILL, and GBOfRGE TRAVBM. I Second. Bow: J. H. EVANS, R. T. GABE. R. M. OWEN (Captain), W. TREW, and J. L. WELLTAlfS, I I