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PAST AND PRESENT
PAST AND PRESENT "Od Boys" on Old Times SOME SWEET AND BITTER RECOLLECTIONS. [By "FORWARD."] Comparison between past and present discloses many changes, but in Rugby football their evolution has been so gradual, so silent, as to be almost imper- ceptible. On international days more than any other, men who have been inte- rested in the game from boyhood look wistfully back through the vista of years that are gone, and when, by some chance, two or three of them gather together, they become reminiscent, and talk of other, and, perhaps, happier days. To me, these little talks are oft- times tinged with sadness. Faces tha-t were once familiar are missing, and many of the" boys of the old brigade" have dropped out of the ranks. With the incoming of a new generatio there seems to be a new spirit, and the old 'uns feel that they are breathing a new atmosphere which is not half so agree- able as the old. But their innate geniality triumphs in the end, and once they are settled down in cosiness and comfort they brush aside soft eentimen- talism, and, lifting their glasses, fight their battles over again. To the veterans these little convivial gatherings on the ova of an international match are second only in importance and inte- rest to he match, itself. To them this annual chat is quite a sacred institu- tion, fallowed by pleasant memories of the stirring days of buoyant youth. A verbatim report of some of these chats would be worthy of the dignity of big, bold type. It would be an epitomised history in a bright, readable form of the rise and development of Rugby football in this country. And it is a wonderful story when yon come to think of it. Twenty-five years ago the game was more or less in its swaddling clothes, and comparatively I few people cared whether it would grow out of its infancy or die young, fcypec- tatonj could be counted in dozens wherei they can be counted to-day in thou- i sands. Clubs that ared lsappomted to- day with 9100 wc?uld have been thankful then to take a hundred shillings. They wouldn't have known what to dor with so much wealth. There was no talk of professionalism. Men played the game from sheer, pure lovi) ->f it. In the town where I first saw an aval ball and felt its magic touch, tho first fifteen players of those days used to pay for their own "togs," their rail- way fares when playing away, and if there was a little surplus left they would indulge in the luxury of a twopenny sandwich car a chunk ot bread and cheese. There were no sumptuous dinners 01 high teas after every match. No one was employed to see that each player's togs and boots were safely conveyed to the railway station in big baskets. It was the pride of every man to sling his jereey, knickers, and boots across his shoulders and walk from his home to the ground or to the station. But all that is changed. Players like a little petting and pampering, and if they don't get their own way show signs of pouting. FoVfcttnately, players of that class are out-numbered by those who regard foot- ball in the true spirit of sportsmen, and who play the game for the game's sake. I am afraid, however, that their number is gradually diminishing, and that the time will come when pay for play will have to be a recognised principle. That seems to me to be the trend of things, and one of the inevitable resu-its, of biz gates. It k impossible to put back the hands of the clock and revert to the customs and methods of the early days of Rugby football. They are gone for ever. We must, rather, look to the future, and try to shape our destinies on lines that will run parallel with modern require- ments and be in keeping with the senti- ment of the age. But I am afraid I fcave unconsciously drifted away from my subject, and yet I do not know that wcat has been written does not come within the scope of a comparison between past and present. Jtor the moment, iiowever, that particular phase can be postponed for future treatment. Being international Day, it is more con- genial and more appropriate to take a glance backwards and re-call some of the incidents which are most likely to live in football history. Mr. W.1). Phillips-the evergreen "-is one of the small, select circle who can tell funny stories of the debacle at Blackheath, where Wales met England for the first time in 1880, and whistled sadly to the titne. of eight goals and five tries. That game was too tragic to be humorous, and i have noticed that W. D." seldom refers to it, even when he is in his happiest reminiscent mood. "Uncle Wiiiie" played in that game twenty- eight years ago. In those days he had a beard, and yet he is a single man" who is still living in hopes. There was a succession of English victories until the year 1886, when Wales met England at JLlaneiiy and made a draw of a aeaaorablS game. On the run of the game that day the gallant Welshmen ought to have won, but their luck was ovrt. That was the day wnen the cross- bar became detached from the goal- posts, and when Arthur Gould placed a seal on his sobriquet of -lionliey ld. by climbing up one of the uprights ■ and re-placing the offending pole. It was the first time an international match had ever been played at Llanelly, and iu was a day of great anxiety. The "classic slope" at iStradey was frcst- bound, and there was very grave doubts as to whether the match would be played. It did come off, but not on the "classic slope. The adjoining cricket I ground was found to be in a more playable condition, and the goal-posts were shifted there and the ground marked out according to rule-book requirements. The whole of that morn- ing I stlood outside the Stepney Hotel watching eageciy for every player to come out so that I could look and admire. The internationals of those days had no feet of clay for me. They were heroes—simply heroes. For the next two seasons there were no ir-atches between England and Wales owing to some silly dispute, but when peace was declared and the two countries met again at Dewsbury, in 1890, Wales found the turning point in her inter- national football career. Poor -BuUer"- Stadden was the hero of that match, for it was he who scored Wales's only and winning try. After that initial success against t?e &ower of English football, Wales wm a power to be reckoned with in the iKi?natMMi! tourney, and, although there Dom been many dis- appointments since tlfcaft eventful day, she has never really looked back. The bills and valleys of Wales had resounded with shouts of triumph two years before, the Scotsmen having been vanquished for the first time at Newport. That glorious victory will ever be associated Witth the name of Dr. Price Jenkins, who scored the only try of the match after a magnitcent run. It was one of those efforts which made a lasting impression on oite's memory, and it was a day when every Welshman felt a thrill of pride in his nationality, just as he did when the New ZealaiKMars met their masters at Cardiff a, coup]. of years ago. It was in the 1890 matcfe- at D ews- bury that W. J. Bancroft made his debut for Wales, and, let me say here that, in view of his rong and brilliant service to Wales. it seems a thousand pities that the necessity should have ever ariseA to place him outside the pale of Welsh amateur football. It was not until 1893 that Wales won her next match against England, and who, among the thousands who wit- nessed that game on the Cardiff Arms Park, will ever forget it. New scoring rules had not long ooen introduced, and when the final whistle went there was a feeling of uncertainty brooding over the ground as to whether Wales had .really won. But it was not long-lived. Fifteen points to fourteen can always win a game, and that was the score in this remarkable contest. Bancroft made football history that day by dropping that wonderful goal which gave Wales the victory. Arthur Gould, who was captain of the Welsh team, wanted to have the ball placed, but Ban- croft knew his own powers best. What a moment that was when he took the ball into his hands, looked at the goal- posts, and sent the ball flying over the cross-bar! I should dearly like to live it over again. England had her revenge in the following season at Birkenhead. Five goals and a try to a try was the score. Oh! but it was a cold day, and the ground was very, very hard. Indeed, I don't remember another Rugby game being played on such a hard ground. Our men fairly had their tails down, especially the three-quarters, who allowed Dicky Lockwood and Sammy Hurfrtt, the two diminutive Engtish centres, to run slick through nearly every time they had the ball. The Welshmen would not tackle or go down to the ball that day. Why, of course, yon have heard the story of one of the Welsh wing three-quarters—it was not M'Cutcheon, by the way—running away from Brads'haw, the great burly York- shire forward. I can see him at this very moment tucking the ball under his left arm a-nd starting a gallop towards the Welsh goaL On and on he went until he came to the aforesaid wing three-quarter, who slipped out of the way without making &ny attempt to tackle him. After the match someone made bold to ask him, Why didn't you tacklo Bradshaw ? The three-quarter looked at his questioner in surprise, and replied, "Tackle him, tackle him! Why, my dear boy. it was as much as I could do to get out of his way" Thus endeth the first ohapte;8.
Advertising
I STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. '1rR.t.=== ( vyys. tl: v, crCTi'.Q.sbir-p VW^iv ecmaiittee.ictra. in re-pi ■ the query reporter asked, '•Well, wha you think of it?" said- "Think" I di ;i°t see it, a.-id sv how can I say anything Oi course. T am glad to hear that Wale ""•on.-but for any opinion I am quit nnabie to give it." WATCH. M- G)- -l-th ::xt- by ?is f t]¡ l i '?OX?Or-niStnRE MAX LC?H. GOLD law.. David Bown, Abereani, ?) ?ad aT.?ber <?? ?f ccm:)?int to \a ?? ^en*rai ?r??p. -j?? ? ? wa maI:;T? his wy cm in the thick ems from the places inside the ropes lie wn relieve d .yf hh g-ghi watch. ■Rochdale Hornets. 3 goals. 7 tries: St Helen '2. 1 g-^a.1, 3 tcieB. Aberdeen, uil; (ftasarow Bangers, nil. A'oerdare, 2 soais; Barry, nil. Pill Barrier?. 3 points; Pontnewydd. nil. Ctvnxra.1 Old Boy* CariiT, 9 -pninta; Sute- meraill New-port), nil. st. iVoaiios, 21 points; Barnardtowxt nil. -i€v;port I}a-Bas, Orb Workmen's Club, Giiwern Stars, 7 pointsLlangennech, 3. Health and Strength (Gowertotii, nil; liendv cecojcds, nil. Gloucester South End, nil; Cindcrford Å>t uii. Barry Port*. 12 points; Ferryside, ml. Albion?, 2. iJontnoutti. ml; League of the Cross, nil. Coventry- 4 goals, 9 tries'; Burton, nil, Tirphil, nil; Aber'cargoed, nil, York. 12 Keigthley, 9. Mot-ten. 2 goals; Clyde, 1. Tenby Fluted. -1 goal 1 try;' Milford Haven, nil. "ililford walked off the ground twenty mimitesaft-erthe start. 1 GOLF. NE WPORT v. GI-AMOBGAN SKCO>TI>S.— At Newport to-day. Scores;—X«wport; R. R. Parish, 1; Leslie Phillips. 1; H. D. Yoratit, l: E. W. Eendnck, 0; C. Kendrick, 0; W. L. Moore, 3; H. 1. Smith, 1; B. T. Bees, C-t.taj, 4. Glamorgan Seconds; G. A. Alexander, 5: U. CoTentty, 0; A, Ik its, man. 0-, .S, Biggs. 1;1 IL C. Fleury, 1;, T. W. Hall. 1;; Ft J. Howeli, 0' J. tit Wilson, o-iola a. .j.j, d 4.,I¡.a.4" T, if" rr-r-—' 1 -t L';i.w .-nr. ■ ■?»- '9. ,'4 'f#C n't d; L -'I, ("+$- l r
BILLIARDS I
BILLIARDS I EAST GLAMORGAN LEAGE. I F' ♦Merthyr Constitutional Clob J. Jeremiah, 200; A. F Beery, 200; A. GoWwin, 200; W. H. Mc??na. 200; B. Jonw, 200; C. A. Harris, 200: ?. L Hum. 200; W. H. WMiams, 200—total, 1,908. Mountain Ash Constitutional Clnb.—Q«& Williams, 153; Geo. Brown. 139; W. Brown, 1ZS; G. SaUlok, 153; D. Hugbeg6 ili; iL Harris,-80; A. Ttnmss, 180; J. Griffiths, 14o-total. 1,247,
ITHE VIRILE WELSH CAPTAIN
I THE VIRILE WELSH CAPTAIN [Photo by Sport and General LLlufitTa.tion Compa-ny. A. F. HARDING (LONDON WELSH) AND
His Facile Half Backs,
His Facile Half Backs, r* Evening Express w photograph. P. F. BUSH (CARDIFF) AND T. H. VILE (NEWPORT).
I IInternational Gossip I
International Gossip I A. F. Harding has well won his title to I the honour of captaining the Welsh team, having played in eighteen representative ¡ games since he was capped against England in 1902. The game he played for the London \1 Welsh against Cardiff proved that he has lost very little, if any. of his old form. "Boxer" himself considers that he is play- ¡ ing better than ever. Khys Gabe played his twenty-fourth inter- national game to-day, and has only missed one match since he came into the Welsh team as a reserve wing three-quarter against Ireland at Swansea in 1901. Inat one match was against Scotland two years ago, when he was on the injured list. lie has only to play three more matches to go one better than Arthur Gould. but he will have to play regularly for Wales for three more seasons before he can shake hands with Bancroft. In his record, as on the field, the great W. J. B." takes a lot of catching. James Watts will be the solitary repre- sentative of the Western forwards in the Welsh pack against England. That the East should have seven to one seems altogether out of the proportion, especially as the Llanelly pack admittedly contains the fastest forwards in South Wales this season. Bristol City ground was quite new to both Welsh and English teams, not one of the 30 players engaged having ever played on the ground betore. Neither side could, there- fore, claim any territorial advantage, and in the matter of moral sup'port trom the spectators honours were about easy. One begins to feel old age coming on when one reflects upon the fact that eleven years have passed since Arthur Gould played hia last match for Wales. That feeling becomes intensely accentuated on recalling the last match in which W. D. Phillips was on view. That was 24 years ago. The ever-green" played his finst international before most of II the members of the present Welsh team had I seen daylight. It will be news to quite a number of people to know that R. T. Gabe came into the team through Ttew's inability to field. Gabe played on the wing. Curiously enough, the famous Swansea halves, Owen and ionei3,, played in the &ime game for the first tone, viz., against Ireland at Swamsea in 1901, Wlhen Wales won by two concerted goals to three tries-a decidedly lucky victory. The last international match the Brothers James played in was, appropriately enough, at St Helen's against England in 1899. The days was an unfortunate one for the wearers of the Rose, who retired beaten by four con- verted goals and two tries to one try. In this match Evan James played with his shoulder "out" for the greater part of the game, but until it was all over no human being knew—except Elvan himself—anything of it. The scorers for Wales were Willie Llewellyn—four tries, and Vivian Huzaey— two tries. Huzzey was partnered by Gwyn Nicholls amd Llewellyn by R. T. Skrim-shire, the old Newportonian. EngLand's one and only try was scored by I Robineon, on the left wing, after a. really brilliant run. This same player might ha.ve done much danger had he been well fed. Who will forget Hodges' three tries in the 1903 match at St. Helen's? And in the same match T. W. Pearson—after emerging from retirement-severe injury to his ribs being brought about by Gamlin's great tackle. Jowett augmented Wales's score. beating GamUn just on the touch-line. England again "went through it," being tro-unoed by three goals, two tries. to one goal. Then, again, in 1907 the Englishmen were once more played to a standstill, and beaten by two goals, four tries, to nil. Indeed, St. Helen's to the Englishmen must be a fateful enclosure. The well-known rover game was played in this match, R. A. Gibbs taking up the position, with Willie Trew and Dick Owen as the halves. The oombination was just 'great'' between the three. On the English side, which made an awfully poor show, one man stood out. That was Jackett, of Leicester, who played with a bandaged head. Yet he did more than well. W. Neill may fairly be regarded as one of the very cleverest forwards who has ever played for Wales, and aspersions cast on his sarimmatgiBg are not corroborated by has oolleagues in the Cardiff pack. Of course, Neill ia not a heavy weight, but he uses all his available force. Than he no player in Wales can give the "dummy" so cleverly, except, perhaps, it be B. M. Owen, of Swan- sea. Swansea people are ery eore a'bout Owen bein.g left oat of to-day's Welsh team. They 1 rightly regard him as peerless as a.n inside half, and they also say that if it was a question of Owen. or Bush being left out, then it oogfrt to have been Bush, as Owen's qualities ae a tactician only should have made his selection certain. However, a point ,tba;t Swansea people forget is that Bush is really the only brilliant outside half avail- able, and if Vile is conitenit to act merely as a "feeder" to him the pair are sure to do well. Would Owen, with his admitted cleverness as a tactician, consent to act in eooh a oag"t-y P Boanour bath it that some of the Oardiff players would not hawe stood out so reso- inteiy n-gaitnp*. playing at Xieiester last- Saitur- k day if it had not been for today's infcetr- na tior.al. Certainly there was a. little "boone" in tihe ground. but the Leicester players played a nine-aside game on it after- wards. By thai way, the Leicester Club had acrvertised extensively, inviting all and sundry to come and see the world's cham- pions. Those people who think that J. L. Williams is lower than he was a year ago are a lit,tl,o mistaken. Johnny is as fast, as keen, ana as clever as ever he was. It is all very well for Swansea, people to talk sarcastically of the "Cardiff" team chosen to play against England, but it may 'be taken for granted that the Welsh Union only selected Oardiff men because they were considered the best players avail- ,able. Swamsea. or Llanelly, or Heath men would have been equally favoured under similar circumstances. In fact, there is an occasion on record when the Oarliff club were in a worse plight than Swansea at tie present, time. They hadnit a single repro s.entative in the Welsh side. TEuken all in ail, the Welsh Union select the national teams very i To-day was the first occasion on which an international Rugby match, had been Played at Bristol, but the n?hbouTinK oity Q-f Gloucester ? honoured by the Lnc- list Undon in 1900. It expected that J. L. Williams ,1»g bawiful to look a-fter to- day i-n A Hudson, of Gloucester. Hudson is etron<g, dashiag, and willing to make those deep-oraote ibtwets for the line which so often earn tries. He scored one such   v. ?OTKeater m?h on October moUjx on Du.n.n? the leat ten  fiv*  ? ? Tiot??ai? Wales was the drawn ?m? at Leicester in ffroa^l those, yeans Wales h" scored 22 goals &nd 18 tries ??Dst 4 goals and 6 tines.
I INTERESTING RECORD_____I
INTERESTING RECORD I 1860-Blackheath. England won by 8 goals and 5 tries to nil. ?i?-by'?goai the i North of England, lost by 1 goal to 1 try. 18&3-Swansea. England won by 2 goals and 4 tries to ml. ISM-1 eds. England won by 1 goal and 2 tries to 1 goal. nsea. England won by 1 goal and 4 tries to 1 goal and 1 try 1886 Blaekneath. England ?, by 1 goal and 2 tries to 1 goal. ;H~^T laDelIy-Drawn, neither side scored 18W-NO match, owing to dispute. IBV-?No, match, owing to dispute. ^~$ewslmry- Wales won by 1 try to nil 1891-Newport. England won by 2 goals and 1 try to 1 goal. IM-Blackheath. England won by 6 goals and 1 try to niL 1893 Cardiff. Wales won by 2 goals (1 penalty) and 2 tries to 1 goal and 3 tries. 1894-Birkenhead. England won by 5 goals and 1 try to 1 try. 1895—S„ wansea. England won by 1 goal and 3 tries to 2 tries. 1896-Blackheath. England won by 2 goals and 5 tries to nil. 1897-Newport. Wales won by 1 goal and 2 tries to nil. 1898—Blackheath. England won by 1 goal and .3 tries to 1 goal (droped) and 1 try. 1899-Swansea. Wales won by 4 goals and 2 tries to 1 try. 190"loucester. Wales won by a goals (1 penalty) to 1 try. 1901-Carrdiff. Wales won by 2 goals and 1 try to nil. 1902—Blackheath. Wales won by 1 penalty goal and 2 tries to 1 goal and 1 try. 1903-Swansea. Wales won by 3 goals and 2 tries to 1 goal. 1904-Leices.ter. Drawn, Wales, 3 goals (1 from a mark); England, 2 goals a penalty) and 2 tries. 1905-Cardiff. Wales won by 2 goals-and 5 tries to nil. 1906—Richmond. Wales won by 2 goals and 2 tries to 1 try. 1907—Swansea. Wales won by 2 goals and 4 tries to nil. Summary—Played 24 (excluding 1882 match); England won 11, drawn 2; Wales ditto WELSHMEN'S RECORDS i H. B. Winfield, I., 1903: ES° I- 1934; N.Z., 1905; ELS.I., 1906-J.1. J. L. Williams, E.S.I., 1907. R. T. Gabe, I., 1901: E.S. 1902. 1903 1904 1905; N.Z., 1905; E.I, 'l5C6; ^5 1907. R. A. Gibbs, S.I., 1906; E.S., 1907. W. Trew. E.S..I., 1900; E.S.. 190:1:; s.. 1903; Sa 19$ £ S-. 1906; &A., 1906; IkS., 1907. T. H. Vile (new cap). I "^907 Bush, ?'?" ??' ?" 1906 1 ?'? M; 1, 1907. A. F. Harding. ES-I.. 1902. 1903, 1904, 1906; N.Z.. 1905; E:S.I.. S.A., 1906; I.. 1907. W. Neill, S.I.. 19D4; E.S.I., 1905; EJ„ 1907. George Travers, E.S.I., 1903, 1S05; N.Z., 1905; EuS.I., S.A., 1906; E.S.I., 1907. W. H. DoweH. E.S.I.. 1907. W. Brown, E.R.I.. 1907. J. Webb, S., 1907. J. Watts. B.S.1- 19M C. M. Pritchard, I., 1504; E'.8.. 1905; N.Z., 1905; EAI, 1906; B.A. 1906; E.oU. 1907.
T - - -HOW BILL ADAMS WON…
T HOW BILL ADAMS WON THE ENGLISH MATCH. r —————— INTERNATIONALS SPIN YARNS. I TOLD BY PERCY F. BUSH. Illustrated by J. M. Staniforth We were all seated round the fire after the England-Wales match discussing the win. There were lots of old players there, and several who had played that afternoon. Arthur Gould was there, and H?uTy Bo wen, a.nd Charley Arthur, and II the two Aleœ (Bland and Duncan), and A. F. Hill, and W. D. Phillips, and "Billy" Douglas. Then there were Gwyn Nicholls and Willie Llewellyn, also the Rusty One, and many others; and in one corner, with his fao3 illl the shadow, sat an oldish-locking man with a well- knit frame. He was listening inte-ntly I to all that was said. Suddenly, some-! one volunteered the remark that the match that afternoon had provided rather an easy win for the Welshman. It wasn't always so," said Charley, of the Round Table. "I remember seeing an English match about seven years ago when we only just won on the post. You were skipper, Gwyn d'you remember it ?" "Aye, verily," returned the Reticent One, "I remember it well." The stranger in the corneT exhibited signs of unrest. I "That was the match," said Gavin Henry, that good old Bill Adams won I for us. Here 'W. D.' tell them the tale." I will if you like," said the Econo- m ist, "but I wish old Bill were hre to give us the yarn himself. I' wonder where he is now!" The stranger in the corner rose, and it I could be seen that he was not so old as he looked. "He is here, Bill, old pard., I am Bill Adams," quoth he. "Wot! cheer, Arthur, my buck," he went cn, turning to the I-skside Arthur, "and all of you, wot ho, my hearties!" with a com- prehensive sweep of the hand. Why, it is Bill," put in Tom Scho- field. "Tell us the tale yourself, Bill, as you're here." "Well, gen'lmen, as you wish it, I will,! but it's rather a hard task for a modest man. Howsomever, 'ere goes. England 'ad a real good side out this 'ere match as we're speakin' of, and so 'ad Wales; but Enland was expected to win. They was stivng in the forwards, you see, and we wasn't, at least, not so very. I remember well 'ow Billy Bancroft was arst just before the match '00 did 'e think would win. 'Well,' sez 'e, 'it all depends on Bill Adams, and on 'oo scores most.' Far-sighted man was Banky, I give you my word. "Well, anyhow, we started the game. From the very first scrum the English forwards came through with the ball at their plates o' meat, and made for the line. I tried my best to stop 'em, so did Gwyn, but all I got for my pains was a kick in the 'ead, which made a 'ole in it, wot ;ou might have put a peacock's egg in, only peacocks don't lay eggs. "Them forwards scored in the corner, and five minutes after England 'ad. got aiKxfcher try, scoured by a very fast man on the wing. A even-timer 'e was, and couldn't 'e jest 'op it, too! "Tlien Wales 'ad a look in, amd Willie Llewellyn got a try. Someone shouted out, 'Bravo, Willie Batch.' I don't know why 'e should 'ave said 'Willie' Batch,' low there was only one of 'im, an' one ain't a 'batch' not by long chalks. Any- way Banky didn't convert, and so we was still behind. "Then England scored again, a goal this time, and they was eight points ahead. "After that things was even for a bit, but again the English forwards for- got their little selves, and put on try number four. A goal was kicked from this, and so at 'alf-time Wales 'ad been sharked to the tune of 16 points to 3, and we 'ad been playin' with the wind, too. I was feelin' a bit whacked at 'alf-time, 'cos I 'ad done a lot of 'ard graft, so I goes up to the Prince, and I sez to 'im, sez I, Pri,nee, can I 'ave a drink?' I sez." "Who is the Prince' ?'' cut in Bill Phillips at this point. Bill Adams cast, a look of withering i scorn on him, Oo is the Prince, you arsk?" he' said, "Where 'ave you been livin'? I'm fair ashame d of you, Father; why Gwyn Nicholas, in course; 'aven't you never 'eard of the 'Prince of three- quarters' ? "Well, when I arst 'im for a drink, 'e says to me quite nice-like, 'Why, in course, Bill. If you want a drink, you may 'ave it; but d'you think it will do you good?' I called for 'arf-a-gallon or beer, as a sort of reply, and when II 'ad drunk it at a draught I knew as 'ow old Wales was 'agoin to bed the Lion I after all. "Wot I liked about it was the nice way the Prince said 'Yes' when I wanted a drop of something. Just like you might," he went on, fixing Gavin Henry I with his eye. Gavin Stands Gavin rose nobly to the occasion. "Right o, Bill," he said, "What'll you have?" I think I'll have a bottle of Piper I Hiedsieck, please, said Bill. "Think again, quickly, Bill," says I Gavin. "and think of something about a bob this time." Bill accepted the situation; also half- a-gallon of the fearning, which appeared I to be his usual gargle. "Well, gents, he continued, "when the game was re-started, the wind had risen, and was now blowing 'a,rf a gale; and Wales 'ad to face it. Things looked pretty blue, but the beer inside me kept oil whispering 'It's crl right, Bill; you'll pull em, through'. So I knew it was orl right. "We bot the ball out, and off went the backs; passing and passing and pass- ing, until at last the ball was thrown back to Rhys Gabe, and ',e Llangennidged over in the corner, so we was only ten points behind. "Then for a. long time there 'was no scorin' All of a sudden the ball was thrown out to the English flier on the wing. He took it, and 'ad a clear run in. Seein' that 'Willie Batch' 'ad no chance, I went after 'im. It was a great I raoe, but 1 overhauled 'im'and over 'and, and caught 'im up just as 'e was on the line. 'Is speed was bound to carry 'im over if I didn't do something desprit, so I collared 'im, and picked 'im up and ran out with 'im nearly to the 25. Then some of the others came dashin' up, so I threw 'im into touch. I must have throwed 'im 'arder than I meant to, for 'e 'it up against the people inside the ropes, and broke a leg each for two gents I. wot was just peacefully watchin'. 'E crashed right through the seat 'imself and broke .it, and all the people on tha seat came sliding down from both sides and fell on top of 'ian. Well, when they 'ad sorted 'em out, and taken the flierl and the two broken-ledgers orf on a hambulance, the game was resumed. i "There was only about a quarter of an j hour to go now, and just then England I got a penalty ,;oa.l 'cos the referee kraiv our lairf-back kick the ball right back into the scrum. So we was thirteen points behind again. Up oomes the Prince to me, and 'e l sez to me, sez 'e, I Bffl, 'e sez, 'you've 'ad a 'arf-a-gallon of beer at the expense of the Welsh Union; now show 'em that you are grateful.' Now, I knew that I wasn't full, but I thort I'd show 'em I was grate, any- way, so I began at once. "The ball was kicked over our line very soon, and I ran after it. I wouldn't touch down, but came out with it. All the Englishmen was after me now, but I dodged 'em, man after man, all except one poor fellow who couldn't get near enough to> n.e. I went the 'ole length of the field and right over the line; but jest as I was goin' to touch it down I 'card Gwyn say, 'Ullo, Bill, the're's a man over there you 'aven't dodged,' so I ran out again and dodged 'im, and then scored. Banky kicked a goal, and left us only eight points behind. ITempus Pressed But time was pressin' 'ard. I could feel it pressing like the Black Watch; so I thought I would try. another dodge. Next time I got the ball we was peggin' away just outside their line. 1 stood right behind the scrum, and told the 'arf-back to throw me the ball. 'E did so, and the English blokes charged down on me. I just dodged between the two half-backs, and jumped over the scrum which 'adn't broken up. So I only 'a.d the full-back to pass, and 'e was standin' about, two yards out and right in front of the bar. I 'adn't any room to dodge 'im, so I mill straight at 'im and jumped again. I jumped too 'igh, though, for I went right over 'im, and over the crossbar, too. Then there was no end of a 'ullaballo. We claimed a goal, in course, but England said it couldn't be. 'Owever, they couldn't sny wot it was, so, finally, the referee gave us a goal, and so we was only three points behind. But now there was only a minute left for play, and it seemed all over bar the dinner after the match, for the whistle was bound to go directly the ball was next dead. England kicked off once more, and it went to Banky, 'oo was standin' just by the touch-line on 'is own 25. The forwards was tearin' down, so Banky perlitely made a mark. Then we didn't know what to do with it. 'Is it too far fo'r a shot?' says the Prince to Bapky, sez 'e. 'I'll 'ave a drop if you like,' says the Great One. 'I didn't arst you if you would 'ave a drink,' says the Prince. 'E turns to me, and 'e sez to me, sez 'e, 'D'you think you could reach it, Bill?' 'Well,' sez I; 'it's a goodish distance; all of 75 yards,' sez I, 'but, never mind, I'll do it, although the wind's agin me.' So the ball was placed for me, and the people orl larfed when they saw what was goin' on. But I took a deep breath and put my hoof into the ball, and it went on and on as straight as a arrer for the goal, and over the crossbar, and it didn't look 'arf cross neither. "Everybody was silent for a. bit, they couldn't realise it, and then there was a roar orl round like the waves breakin' on the rocks, and the people came rushin' for me. I knew that they was goin' to give me an ovation, so, as I dislikes eggs, I made a bee-line for our goal-posts, and shinned up one of them till I was right up it, and then I sat on the top y of it, a,nd arst them to please go 'ome 'cos I wanted a barth. When they saw that I was in earnest they cleared, off, and, finerly, I came down and went into the pavilion. That's the true tale of 'ow that 'istorick match was won." Bill here raised his half-gallon tankard aloft. And now gen, 'ere's your very good 'ealth, all of you, and good luck for the Triple Orown this year. No, thankee, sir, I won't 'ave anything, I'm a tea- totaler. Good-night, gents, all." He was gene, leaving behind him a feel- ing of compassion for the pettiness and the lack cf incident in present-day football.
FOOTBALL—RUGBY.-I
FOOTBALL—RUGBY. I WELSH OLUBfl. Team. P. W. L. D. For. Ag. Cardiff 18 17 1 0 216 32 CfcitLiff Resen. 16 13 2 1 243 29 Swansea 19 15 3 1 242 40 Llanelly 18 12 2 4 119 54 Newport 18 11 4 3 192 47 Neath 17 11 4 2 145 42 A-beravon 18 9 6 3 100 74 JPontypooi 19 1261166 69 SIRHOWY V AiLLEY Team. Y. W. L. D. P. A. Pta. Hibernians 10 5 0 5 39 10 15 Hollybusto 10 5 2 3 38 8 13 Troedrbdwy^air 8 3 1 4 32 18 10 YiiyyJdu ? 3 1 3 26 18 9 United — 8 4 3 1 25 12 9 Sirliowy 8 32537 15 9 Georgetown 9 3 4 2 15 28 8 Blackwood. 6 14 1 11 27 3 Argood 10 0 10 0$77 < MOXMOUTHSHIEE VALLEY. Team. P. W. L. IX P. A. Pts. Talywain 6 5 0 1 37 6 11 Crumlia 4 3 1 0 15 5 6 Owmcain 4 3 1 0 27 6 6 Pontyfiool II 6 2 4 0 12 26 4 Cwm 3 1 2 0 3 9 2 Nwbridge 3 0 2 1 6 30 1 U.anliilleth 4 0 4 0 0 23 0 CARDIFF AND DISTRICT SENIOR. Club. P. W. L. D. Pta. GrwngetOW11 7 5 0 2..12 Mackintosh. 7 2 3 2 6 Northern -5210 4 C&ntm 4 2 2 0 4 RomiBy 1 i 1 A 1 Wanderers 2 0 1 1 1 St. Peter's 4 0 3 1 1
ASSOCIATIONI
ASSOCIATION SOUTH WALES. Team. P. W. L. D. P. A. Pta. Ton Pentre 10 7 2 1 30 16 15 Treharris 7 7 0 0 43 9 14 Usury 7 5 2 0 26 6 10 Aberdaie 7 3 1 3 18 10 9 Cwmpa.rk ? 3 3 1 18 23 7 Maray 9 2 6 1 11 26 5 Merthyr Vale. 7 2 5 0 11 22 4 -F,I>bw VaJo 3 1 2 0 6 11 2 Rivesside 11 1 10 1 16 53 2 WESTERN: DIVISION II. Team. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pit. Bristol City R. 14 9 2 3 35 16 21 Bristol Rovers R. 13 10 3 0 44 12 20 Treha.rris 10 6 3 1 28 15 13 'Viltom Rovera 11 5 4 2 22 32 12 Kingswood Bortsa. 11 4 7 1 18 23 9 Rudstock Town 10 3 6 1 20 28 7 Pa,laton Bovem 8 3 5 0 14 20 6 Weymouth 5 2 3 0 7 18 ♦ Staple Hill 9 1 8 0 6 7 2 EflYMiVEY VALLEY: DIVISION I. Tein. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pti. Bwry DMtnft ??.. 5 3 1 1 19 7 7 ?berdate -4 2 0 2 9 6 a Merthyr Va4e ?_6 2 2 2 13 13 6 Ma«Jy .I 6 4 3 1 8 11 5 L +112 6 10 # Too pentro? I o o 1 1 2 BMW v 5 1 4 0 7 U 2 DIVISION H. Team. p. W. L. D., F. A. Pts. Gillach 6 6 0 0 27 3 12 Baa-goed 6 4 2 0 23 8 8 Treharris Reserves 4 3 1 0 14 5 6 Now Tredegar 4 3 1 0 17 4 4 Dowferis 5 1 3 1 5 14 3 LJanbradach United. 2 1 1 0 5 3 2 Merthyr Vale B 3 0 2 1 3 7 1 Reng,oed 6 0 6 0 I 49 0 DIVISION m. Team. P. W. L. D. F. tA. Pts. Troedyrhiw 11 9 1 1 39 15 19 Abertysswg 9 5 3 1 25 20 11 Dowl" Reserves 8 5 3 0 23 12 10 Giltach Reserv" 8 4 3 1 34 19 9 Bedlinog 5 4 1 0 16 6 8 New Tredeg&r R. 7 3 3 1 15 22 7 Bargoed .Reserves 6 3 3 0 9 19 6 Ystrad Mynach 10 2 6 2 19 30 6 Brithdir 9 2 6 1 21 32 5 Plymouth 6 2 3 1 9 12 5 Aberiw 7 0 6 1 11 28 1
I 'AIR RIFLE SHOOTING
AIR RIFLE SHOOTING CARDIFF AND BKTBIOT: SECTION A. Team. S. W. L. D. Pts. Adfilphi 18 18 2 0 32 Grange Conservativee 17 14 3 0 28 Splctt Conservatives 16 13 3 0 26 Alberts. 18 12 6 0 24 Tudors 18 12 6 0 24 Ix?yala.— 18 lo 8 o PO Tterminus Ig g ::1 Clives 17 7 10 0 14 Victorias 18 7 11 0 14 York 18711 0 14 Napiers 18 61 12 0 12 New Park Liberals 18 5 12 1.. 11 Central Liberals 17 5 12 0 10 SECTION B. Team. S. W. L. D. Pts. Atlas. IS 17 1 0 34 Lansdowne 18 16 2 0 31, Duke of York. 18 14. 4 0 28 Caledonians 18 12 6 0 24 Winders. 18 II 6 1..23 Canton Liberals 18 10 8 0 20 Alma. 18 9 9 0.. 18 Oaks 18 9 9 0.. 18 Canadians 18 8 9 1 17 Engineers 18 7 10 2 16 Grange Albions 18 5 13 0 10 Irish Institute 18 4 14 0 a OA&DlLFF LIGENSED VICTUALLERS. Team. s. W. L. D. Pts. Stuarts 24 21 3 0 42 Barbarians 24 20 4 0 40 Queens 24 20 4 0 40 Anchors. 24 20 4 0 40 Weatgates. 224 4 210 9 4 5 0 0 4308 Ruperru 25 19 6 0.. 38 Rovers 24 18 6 0 Sr. AXhP.s 22 16 6 0.. 32 Roath 24 15 9 0 30 3L*im 24 14 10 0 28 Anglesea 24 12 12 0 24 8wams •••••••••■ 24 9 15 0 18 St6g and Hounds 22 8 14 0 16 Statr&cd Hounds.?.22 8 14 0 ..16 "VO-PCW. ——-? -"? ° -? ? ? ? SttMi s.w. L. D. Pt5. | | 8t«wn Packet 13 12 1 0 24 11 1 0 23 Coronation 13 9 1 'jg B.a?A 13 8 t 0 16 Rogerstone 13 7 6 0 14 Clythaa 13 5 6 2..12 Gladstones 12 5 7 0 10 Tredegar Conservatives. 13 5 8 0 10 St. Jtdfeu's 13 S 10 0 » 6 Wbwf-rced Liberals 12 e 9 1^5 Gross Keys 13 1 12 0^2 BARRY. Team. S. W. D. 1. Pts. Femneys 19 16 0 5 32 West End 19 15 0 4..30 Ship 19 14 0 5 28 Iloyals 19 13 0 6 26 Don 19 12 1 6 25 Y.M.C.A. 19 11 0 8 22 Witchills 19 9 0 10 ..16 Workman's .19 8 0 11 16 Hibernians 19 7 1 11 15 Barry Dock Conservatives 19 7 0 11 14 B.A-O.B 19 7 0 12 14 Liberals .19 7 0 12 14 Wenvoes 19 5 0 14 10 Cadoxton Conservatives 19 2 0 17 -4
MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTINGI
MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING EAST MONMOUTHSHIRE. Team. s. W. L. D. Pts. Newport 8 8 0 0..16 3rd V.B.S.W.B. 9 5 3 1..11 Usk 7 4 3 0.. 8 Abersychaa 7 3 3 1 7 7 3 5 1 7 C.6r.n ? 5 3 2 0 6 Garndiffalth 6 1 5 0? 2 4th V.B.s.W.S. 7 0 7 0.. 0 WEST, MONMOUTHSHIRE. Team. S. W. L. D. J't9. Pengam 8 8 0 0 16 Blsca. 6 5 1 0.. 10 Blaina 8 5 3 0..10 Six Bells. 8 4 4 0 3 Ebbw Vale 5 2 3 0.. 4 A,berearn 8 1 7 0 2 Sirhowy 7 0 7 0 a SOUTH GLAMORGAN. Team. S. W. L. D. Pts. Maesteg 7 6 1 0 12 Cadoxton Conservatives. 8 6 2 0 12 Barry Civil Service 7 5 2 10 Bryn 7 4 3 0 8 St. Pagan's 7 4 3 0 8 Birchgrove 7 2 5 0.. 4 Ogmore Vale. 7 1 6 0,. 2 Cardiff 8 1 7 0.. 2 MID-GLA.MORGAN: DIVISION A. Team. S. W. L. D. Pts. Nelson 4 4 0 0 8 Bed was 4 3 1 0 6 Bedwas ,;? Conatiltiomal 2 2 0 o 4 Mountain A. Coneti'thmal 2 2 0 0 4 Cllfynydd. 3 1 2 0 2 Mountain Ash Town 1 0 1 0.. 0 Songhenydd 2 0 2 0 0 SECTION B. Team. S. W. L. D. Pta. Cwmpark .L 5 4 0 1 9 Pontypridd 4 3 1 0.. 6 Wattatown 5 3 2 0 6 Porth 4 2 2 0 4 Penygralg 5 1 3 1^3 Tonyrefail 5 0 5 0' 0
I SKITTl ES
I SKITTl ES CARDIFF AND DISTRICT. Team. P. W. L. D. Pts. Barry Centrals .16 12 4 0 24 Plymouth R(JOks 19 12 7 0 24 Central LitCcals 17 11 6 0 22 Five Belle 16 11 5 0 22 Ship-on-Launch 17 II) 7 0 20 Bute Docks. 18 10 8 0 20 Penarth Plymouth 15 9 5 1 19 C,?rdiff City 18 9 9 0 18 Greylymnds 16 9 7 0 18 m. IÊ Jig:: i King William IV 17 8 "1 0 16 Irish Institute. 18 7 8 i 1 15 Museum 15 7 8 0..14 Cathays Liberals 15 6 9 0 12 Four Elma 16 0 12 Penarth Windsors 16 4, 0 8 New Park Liberals 18 0 < a 0
!28 POINTS TO 18.
28 POINTS TO 18. Great Game in a Fog. CROWD SEES THE PLAY IN SECTIONS. GHOSTLY FORMS IN THE DENSE MIST. Welsh Backs' Grand Display-A Stern Contest EBY FORWARD.] For the first time in the history of Rugby" football Bristol was favoured with an inter- national match to-day, and the ancient city of the West showed practical appreciation of the honour by making a mighty effort to make the speotatorate a record one. From all parts of the Wost-ern Counties and South Wales people poured into the city in thousands from an early hour in the morn- ing until the afternoon. After so much effort on the part of the executive to make perfect the arrangements for the game, and, after all the expense and enterprise to which thousands must have put themselves in order to got away from business and work, it was a hundred pities to find on their arrival at Bristol that the city was Shrouded in a Thick Fog and that the odds were rather in fava-ur of a postponement of the match. At the time of writing this extreme step had Lot been definitely decided upon. but most people who had arrived early on the ground felt extremely appre- hensive as to whether it would be possible to brief off the game under euch
TRY-GETTERS TO DAYI
TRY-GETTERS TO DAY I I R. T. GABE. I REGGIE GIBBSt I TBEW. conditions. It was impossible to reoogmise your best friend half-way across the ground, I and the people on the other side were like eo many spectres in a Pepper's Ghost enter- tadnment. I To the supporters of the English team it was a disappointment to find the announce- ment in this morning's "Western Mail" that I Vassall could not play, and they had hardly reconciled themselves to this misfortune when the news spread like wildfire that T. S. Kelly, the English captain, was ail unlikely starter on account of illness. Lapage was the successor of Vassall at right centre, and Gil- bert, of Devon, took the place of his fellow- countrymen in the pack. Welsh Team Fit I Happily, there was not a single change in the Welsh team, every man reporting himself thoroughly fit and eager for the fray. Vassall's defection was considered to have an exceedingly weakening effect upon the strength of the English back division, but many good critics were of opinion that the side would lose nothing by the substitution of Gilbert for Kelly. In all parts of Bristol, and especially on the ground one witnessed the customary demonstrations of jocularity and good humour on the part of the Welsh invaders. Their high spirits indicated their confidence in the ability of their favourites to win the impending battle. Leeks, big and small, were in evidence, and the familiar aroma blended nicely with the I Welsh airs played by the band in compli- ment to the visitors. I Condition of the Ground 1 The ground had recovered wonderfully from the effect of the week's heavy Tain, aaid was in perfect condition. As an item of interest it might be stated that the ground was lent for the day by the Bristol City Association Club at a charge of Eloo, and in discussing this little matter with one of the directors of the city club on Wednesday, that gentleman was good sport enough to say I that the Association supporters had no desire to kill Bug-by, and that there was room enough for both codes. At two o'clock the thickness of the fbg became positively alarming, and it was now impossible to see anyone a few yards beyond the middle of the field. The ground lies low I and like the county ground at Ashley Hill, apd there is a natural tendency for fog to hang about. The mist came and went in gusts. It was a heavy humid sort of atmo- sphere, and most sensitive to cold could have done without an overcoat. In some respects the visitors noticed some differences on the state of things which prevailed in South, Wales. For better or worse, there is a bar on the ground under the main stand, which is a very substantial building of brick. corru- gated iron. and wood. It was not easy to estimate the attendance-. The ground record up to date is 26,000, which had attended the soccer match between Bristol City and Woolwich Arsenal, and the director already referred to assured me that there was room enough for another 4,000 people, so that a fair estimate of the hold- ing capacity of the ground may be set down at 30,000. So far as the fog would permit one to see6 the stands around the playing arena were well filled, with the exception of the covered stand at the far end, where there was room for 3,000 or 4,000 more within half-an-hour of the start. A small army of pressmen from all parts of the kingdom were specially accommodated on the grand stand, and every device had been resorted to in taxing the full capacity of the telephone and telegraph as trans- mitters of news. The plan, of the field, as ro. constituted, was as follows:- Cheer for Gwyn Nicholls The crowd of Welshmen outside the grand stand created some diversion by calling out "Right, left'" to every step of a burly police- man. An enthusiastic cheer was given to Gwyn Nicholls as he walked to his seat inaide the ropes five minutes before the kick-off, and, with characteristic modesty, ho was glad to hide himself amongst his friends.. but not before he blushed like a sahoolgirl. The fog at this time,was worse than ever. and I am ofraid those who stayed at home- will have- to be content with a. meagre, report, lacking detail, and one for the accuracy of which there is not much that I, can make more than I can afford to lose., The Game. A. F. Harding ledt his men into the enclo- sure at 2.55 o'clock, and they were quickly lost to view in the fog. The band played "Men of Harlech" to their honour, and imme- diately the strains of the popular march had died away Birkett made his appearance amid a rousing cheer. The band struck up' "Rule Brittania." There was not a breath of wind when the players lined up, and the ground being perfectly even, there was no advantage in playing one way more than, another. England started, and J. Watts' receiving the ball, made his mark near thai Welsh 25 line. He kicked into touch over tha centre. The Welsh forwards broke through a scrum, but were sent back by a flying kick. by Hudson. The ball went into touch at the centre, and from the line-out it was sent out to Trew, who kicked well into the English 25. and Wood had hard work to prevent it being rushed over. From the succeeding serum the ball was sent out by Vile to Bush, who gave a short jpass to Gibbs, who punted across to Gabe. The latter failed to hold. Williams picked up and found touch five ylrds from the English line. The Welshmem for the next few minutes were Hard on the Agressivfe but an attempt at passing was spoiled by the English three-quarters playing yards off-side, and intercepting the ball from Bush to Trew. This was allowed to pass by the referee, and the Englishmen rushed to midfield. TreW distinguished himself by picking np with. wonderful smartness, and. doubling half-ar dozen opponents, passed to Travers, who. knocked on in trying to take the ball under* difficulties. A moment later a free kick waat giyen against Wales for some reason not apparent to those in the press seats, and a. good slice of ground was gained, the ball finding touch on the Welsh side of the meri- dian line. The next free was given to Wales, and .Winfield found touch between the centre and the 25 line. The Welsh-- put in soma good passing in the centre, and the ball tra. velled along to Williams, who failed to hold, and kicked into touch at half-way. A Brilliant Bout of Passing was now brought off by the Welsh backs, the ball being seat out to Bush in olever faehioi by Vile, and the Oardiff half, rushing through in fine style, went right up to tha full-back and passed to Gabe, who took the ball rather awkwardly when the English defence was absolutely beaten; but the effort was spoiled by a forward pass to Williams A serum was ordered ten yards from the goal-line, and Vile, again being well served by his forwards, promptly sent the ball out to Bush, who dropped a magnificent goaI amidst deafening cheers from the Welsh supporters. From the kick-out the Welshmen again broke away prettily, the backs handling with consummate skill and invading English terri- tory. A free-kiqk was given against England in a dangerous position, and the ball was placed for Winfield. The Cardiff custodian, with a. grand kick from an awkward angle, sent the ball over the posts, this putting Wales seven points ahead within ten minutea of the start. Immediately after the kick-out the Welsh backs again essayed a round of passing, bul the ball WlloS intercepted by one of the English centres, who kicked well into thft Welsh 25, where the play settled down for, some time, and was absolutely undistinguish- able from the press seats. The fog was thicker than ever, and it was not unlikely that the game would be stopped at any. moment. Play crossed from the left to the right, and Gabe, putting in a fine run, succeeded in breaking through, but his pass was a forward" one, and a scrum was ordered on the English 25 line. From a loose ruahe the ball was kicked to Gibbs, who made a mark and put in a long punt into touch. From the serum which followed Vile sent out the ball to Bush, who dodged Peters cleverly, and gave a long pass to Gabe, who ran over thsi 25 line a.fter beating his centre and passed to Williams, who was well tackled by Woods ten yards oirt. Again the players became indistinguishable^ In another second, however, they were in sight, and Trew was been sprinting up the field and doubling hal'f-a-dozen opponents in masterly style. He passed to Gabe, who was tackled just as he was receiving the bail five yards from the English line. In the next minute Vile again distinguisihed. himself by giving a. perfect paee to Bush, who Gave Peters the Go-B) and. again, showing cleverness by peæi over Trew's head, eTM?Med Gabe to run OYe) -andl ??w head.em-bled Gabe to -run ove)