Evening Express

THE CLOSING SEASON WHAT OF THE NEXT P [By FORWARD."] On the whole, the season's campmicrlhas been fairly interesting, but it fell much below par in comparison with the two preceding seasons, when the All Blacks, in the first instance, and the South Africans afterwards, helped to make foot- ball history in a very real sense. Next season we shall have the New South Walians as our welcome guests, but, judg- ing by the results of matches played by British teams in Australia, they will not be the formidable opponents tha-t the All Blacks and the Springboks were. The last British team that toured the land of the golden fleece, under the captaincy of Bedell-givright, wm every match in Australia, but in New Zealand they had a very different experience. Still, it would be ungenerous to pre-judge our prospective guests, and I will say no more at present. It is with some degree of astonishment that one hears that 125,000 people wit- nessed the Association foot-ball match between Scotland and Erland last Saturday. Not so many years ago a 30,000 gate was regarded as something wonderful. Newcastle, Everton, and Manchester City prepared grounds for 50,000 crowds, and it was thought that the limit had been reached. This was roJlowed by the Crystal Palace, who com- pelled the notice of the Football Associa- tion by providing a ground to accommo- date over 100,000 lookers-on, and chiefly because it was the largest ground in England it was looked upon as the only possible site for the Soccer Derby. A hundred thousand is now recognised as the average gate for the Cup final, and every April-end crowds of football enthusiasts make their annual pilgrimage from all parts of the four kingdoms to "the Palace," the Mecca of all wor- shippers of the boundii bladder.

ALL THE LEAGUES. FOOTBALL—RUGBY MONMOUTHSHIRE. Team. r. W. L. D. For. Ag. Pts. Abrttill«y 14 12 2 0 150 J4 24 Pi,i 14 3 1 4 101 2J 22 Tr«l<jga-r 12 7 I 3 104 12 11 I-liaenu,on 15 6 7 2 76 106 14 Cnft Keys 16 a 8 3 57 8* 13 Hit?a. H 3 3 2 41 67 M Brynmawr 14 4 8 l 56 33 10 Unn;'ra n 15 3 9 3 32 129 <i I'Dntnewydd 13 2 3 i 35 95 7 MONMOUTHSHIRE VAIALEYS. Team. P. W. L. D. For.Ag. Pis. 3 7 1 0 63 6 14 gn  8 5 1 2 41 9- 13 C'umlin 7 4 3 0 M2t K Pontypcol. 6 2 4 0 12 26 4 Newuri-dge 8 2 5 1 16 55 3 LlswiliiUeth 9 171 9 43 2 WESTERN VALLEY. TeKft. P. W. L. D. For.Ag. Pts. Bla4vnau Gwort 6 S03 22 7 9 Brynmawr Seconds 5 3 0 2 18 3 8 Malim <4«ooads • 2 3 I 11 12 5 (4arnvwh 3 0 5 0 4 33 0 RHYMXEY VALLEY. Team. P. W. L. D. Fte. Mtwhen 1292 1..19 Blackwood 137 3 3..17 Ithymnoy H 5 4 4 14 Atoerbargoed it i Maesycwmmer 11 5 4 2 12 Caomhilly 10 4 4 2 10 ]Etedwa 11353 9 Fechriw H 0 10 1 1 KHYJOTEY VALLRY JUNIOB. Team. P. W. L. D. pts. rth,yr Aeconds 76 0 1 13 Der! 9 6 2 1 13 Rhymney Seconds 6 2 3 1 5 Tirphil .°"? 7 1 3 3 5 Aberbargoed Second, 7 1 5 1 3 6 0 3 5 RHONDDA VALLEY: DIVISION I. Leaders: Tyloretowa aad Cambrian Boys. DTVI8ION II. Champions: Cilfynydd. CARDIFF AND DISTRICT SENIOR. Team. P. W. L. D. Pts. Rnntfly 127 3 2.. 16 Wanderers 11 7 2 2 16 Mackintosh 11 6 3 2 14 Grangetcwn It5 2 3 13 C<kntan 10 6, 3 1 13 oIthem 12 2 10 0 4 St. Peter's 10 0 9 1.. J. SECOND DIVISION. Cardiff Barbarians aDd Cardiff Rovem t.is for- top position, and have to play to decide the championship. THIRD DIVISION. Canton Unitad (1). AdrUt Roveis (2). BRIDGEND AND DISTRICT. Team. P. W. D. L. pt9. I Bridgend 'Quinø 13 16 1 1 33t Pontycymmer 17 » 4 4 22 Giifach Goch 15 9 3 3 21t Iltry n na 1263 3 15- Cefn Cribt>wr 15 5 4 1 14- Naotymoel 14 6 1 7 13« Tondu Bangers 1* 5 1 3 10 Kettws United ..? J J?. 13 4 1 3 9 B?Ma?arw rjp1^. 13 4 1 6 91 t Points added. Points deducted. OARDIFF EX-SCHOOLBOYS. Team. P. W. L. D. Pts. Cantcm Craaadera 14 11 2 1 23 Grange Juniors 14 10 2 2.. ZL8 Taff Juniors 14 3 3 3 19 Canton Ro-ors 148 4 2 18 JUandatT Xonh 3 0 ?. l Fairoak Juniors 14 4 8, 2 10 Grange Cons 14 4 8 2..10 Weet End 14 0 14 0.. 0 A pmttet pending oTer one of the defeats. ASSOCIATION I 80CTH WALES. Tnm. P. W. L. D. For.Ag. Pts. Treharrw 12 11 0 1 54 U 24 Ton Pentro 12 9 2 1 41 18 19 Aberdora 12 « 3 3 23 14 16 Barry 12 7 5 0 36 17 14 12 5 5 2 23 29 12 -Merthyr Vale U 4 6 2 20 30 10 Mardy 13 3 8 2 16 33 3 Bbbw Val. 10 2 7 1 19 34 5 Riverside 15 2 13 0 20 72 4 BRYJCaY VALLEY: DIVISION I. Team. P. v*. L. D. For.U. pj3. Aberdare 12 8 2 2 41 IS 18 Ton Pentrt 9 7 1 1 28 15 15 Barry District 10 3 4 3 23 18 9 Merthyr Val. 9 3 3 3 It 19 9 )tardy" 10 3 5 2 il 3$8 Llanbmdsok 9 2 4 3 12 23 7 Ebbw Tain lu 1 7 2 14 33 4 DIVISION II. Teem. P. W. L. D. For.Ag. Pts. Gilfaeh n. 8 8 0 0 26 7 14 Treharris Be»rs«a 7 3 3 1 22 11 7 ÍJt .d. » 2 5 2 13 28 6 BtfcgMf', T 3 4 0 14 18 6 Yew" TV«!«gar 6 2 3 L 13 10 5 Mmhyr Vala K 5 0 4 1 3 10 1 DIVISION III. Team. P. W. L. D. For.-As. Pts. Troedyrbtw 12 11 1 0 J6 11 22 BIdlinOlf 11 9 2 0 35 10 18 Dowlais Hwmw 9 < 3 0 24 13 13 AbOTtrsaw* 10 5 5 0 23 27 10 Ystrad Mynaob 10 4 5 1 21 15 9 Brithdir 13 2 9 2 25 47 6 GtKact: Reserves 10 2 7 1 28 36 5 Aberfao 6 0 7 1 9 34 1 xosmou,m"lm JUNIOR. Taaav P. W. D. h. For.,Ac. Ptn. Cvrm 17 15 0 2 61 21 30 Torsddn lie 10 33 56 23 23 Liao%-Iota 18 9 45 45 25 22 AtwrtiOsry 14 t 2 3 44 18 20 BlalD4 17 7 2 8 44 44 16 Efrbw Vale tTi>j4«d.. 17 < 3 8 22 53 14 Victoria 16 5 3 8 25 45 12 Dnkestoxm .15 4 2 » 27 36 10 Ebbw Vata T.M.C..V 14 3 0 11 11 48 < Delftuton. Tsedegae.. 16 2 1 13 17 016 ,3

DO NOT MISS THEM. PROMINENT PERSONALITIES OF THE PIT, .'f- By Tom Richards, M.P. (THE 191N a* ffiCSVfABY). Watch Thursday's "Evening Express e g

PLYMOUTH ROCKS BASEBALL CLUB. fiMvCHkff of tbe PIymoath Rocks SMMhMtl Ohib the foUowinr offlwm -wfTe heated for the PIIFUING year.-Preeident, Mt. tre4wmrer J. Daoseombc, fen.; xet"rv. G. Lone. D. How., T. jRMKBM. a. M«and C. Beirridse; jUKptai-n. W. j. Da vi secretary, J. noombe. i i

STOP PRESS ■ Latest Telegrams. 1 iWAXSSA AyD stwr VJVIAN ART GAljLMLT. The cw anting of the vctfe for tie Glya Vivian Art Gallery noil .at Swaaaea resulted in a majority of 5,435 in fawuT of t'he acceptance of Mr. Glym Viviau's offer. Haff-time: Neath, 1 try; FOntno-ol, nil. Fir1d ec&pe; Aberavoa, nil; Treorky, nil. Final. Kingston Rovers, 3Cpte; Eb-hw Yale. 4pts. JPu»l;. Lydooy, 1 try; Glcwiceeter. 1 try. i I I j I

TALYWAIN. The Red's" emtertained Abercern last Monday, and every player was in be form, a good ga-me ending in a. victory for Taly wain by eleven points to three. JtAok Miles, a recruit forward, played a fine game, and his try was the beet wooreU. On his present form he should find a regular position in the pack. TaJer aie still holding out hopes for the cold medaie, for should. Owmcarn lose a lewue matoh they will have to meet "Taler" again.

TREHKRBIirr. Suspensionfi of Ti-eherbert players by the Welsh Union hare caused much discussion. The Moumtain Ash match with Treherbetri saw a Mountain Ath player ordered off I'rst," and he is let off with the lightest punishment. In comparison, Eveleiyhs sine we and OiriflBtha's two months are absurd. Treherbert are still able to keep t'tetr team together, and are playing- Maeeteg at home to-day. With the exoeptien. of tbe lof!- pended players all the others aire available. Cox and J. Williams, of Treherbert, aesisied Treorky against Mr. Tom Williams's Inter- nation&l team. The former coupled with, Polson were the pick of the Treorky eight, whilst the latter proved a great thorn against the great Dioky Owen.

YHYSYBWL. The Village Boys came off victorious again. Mat Saturday, when, they defeated the Dinas Raneers, in a benefit match, by two tries to a goaJ. from a mark. The Bwl" forwards did not feed the baok* as they should, or the score would, undoubtedly, have been more. The bcks, howE'V. availed themselves of the f?w opportunities that MHBe tb, Zi?y W.V and utilised them. The visitors were entertailned to tea by the bome cdub after the match.

TAKE A TIP FROM US. VISIT CARMARTHEN PARK, EASTER MONDAY NEXT, J TO SB £ THE MOTOR SENSATION", GREATEST SENHATIOKAI, NOYXLTIR Of THIS DAY. BUl SNYDER'S SOMERSAULTING MOTùR-CAR t A MotMSar turning a Complete Somersault through oace with a liva yorma laalda. AND To azas T" BRASi BAND CONTESTS. RECORD ^JfTRIXa IN TWOt a CLAflSXS. Cycle aod POt. jntriee Clou To-day (&A-"

I Personal Pars BOB GILL is doing splendid work in the Abertillcry pa-ck. LIONEL THOiJIAiS scored both 'Tillery's tries in the Pontypool match. JOE BIOHAIIDSON is showing excellent form for Abertillery at right centre. CHARLIE HODGES was in his best form for Abertillery in the Pontypool game. ABE JONES, the 'Tillery forward, played a rattling good game a/gainst Pontypool. JACK WEBB'S versatility i8 continually being proved by Abertillery. He does well in any position.

MR. WILLIE S. HARRISON, Abertillery. Abertillery Rugby Football Club consider themselves fortunate in possessing a first- rate secretary in Mr. Willie S. Harrison. He is the son of Mr. W. Barrow- Harrison, C.C.. J.P., of Celly Cru, Abertillery, and he is possessed of his I Mr. W. S. HARRISON, Abertillery's Ideal I Secretary. father's sterling integrity, consummate tact, and keen business acumer. He has conducted the secretarial affaire of the club in ideal style. Mr. Harrison also represents the-club in the Monmouthshire County Union and the Monmouthshire League, and is recognised as one who, all being well, should fill a prominent position in the I affairs of Welsh football.

I FOOTBALLER AND BASEBALLER. I I C. Tapper, of Cardiff Barbarians. The subject of this p,hot ois a good aJl- round &port, but an exceptionally clever footballer, being one e.f the best forwards in the principality. It is C. Tapper, of Cardiff Barbarians, and he has been the mainstay of the Ba-baa's" pack this season. In every phase of forward piay he shows rare skill, and senior clubs C. TAPPER, Cardiff Barbarians. should keep a watchful eye on this promising player. He is only twenty-one years of age, and is built <m right lines for a front p?u?er, standing 5ft. Sin. in height, and weighing 13srt. Tapper is very fond of baseball, of whkh pastime he is P-loo a very clever exponent.

CARDIFF RACES, EASTER MONDAY AND TUESDAY. Mnt Day **CARDIFF BURDLZ RACE or ?iM' S<c<md t?! WELSH (i&"D NATIONAL ?oc' asm BBItGEXD LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ATHLISTfr SPOUTS. BICYCLE AND VONY RACING EASTEB MONDAY, APRIL 20th, 1908. Entrim close Friday. 17th April, certain, Partioulars and Entry Forms of eIi204 W. E. PUBFIELD, Bridgend. TOPPING AND SPINDLER, TUBF COMMISSION AUENTS, FLUSHING, HOLLAND. The oldest-established and moet extensive firm of Turf OoBBiasiioo Agent,* in the world. city and Suburban, Derby, ftc. Double and treble events. No comminioa or deduction whatever. Our "Year Book and Beady Reckoner," containing rules, codes, &c., also "The CostL4outal Sportsman," free on receipt of post-card eoDUtalitg applicant's addreu. All letteri, to be »dftrte>ed—Topping and Swindler, Flushing, Holland. Foetace, 2; post-cards, Id. e520i

I ABERAVON. lamng into oonsideratioTi the weak team that A/uera Yon took down to Llanelly last Saturday, hardly one of the 'Avonites' sup- porters thought that they would have made such a creditable fight as they did. Llanelly's victory of two pointe- goal to a try-is nothing to be proud of, as had the 'Avonite.s fielded at full strength the chances were that they would have emerged vic- torious. As it was, Aberavon were very fortunate to lose, and many who witnessed the game assert that a. draw should have been the result, or even a win fo,r the '-tvonites, as D. Lloyd's try wa-s a very eoft one, and should have been easily stopped. The 'Avon "ups" from the commencement were beaten for possession in the scrums and also in the loose. The Avonites had the advantage of the wind in the secon-d half,-and soon made traoks for Llanelly's line, 'but were driven back. There is no gainsaying the fact that had the 'Avon pack .heeled oftener Llanelly would have been whacked. W. J. Rees, at fu-M-back, played well, and was by far superior to his opponent, G. I.wiis. W. J,'s" touch-finding kicks were of great service to Aberavon. Alby Daivies's try was a smart bit of opportunism, and deserved a better fate than being unconverted. He, with Willie Thomas and Hendra, played splendidly throughout, their stubborn defence beintg- a particular feature of tihe game. Jimmy Donovan and D. A. Davies, at half, were greatly handicapped owing to the for- wards failing to hec,t in the scrums, but, nevertheless, played consistently good th rouighooit. E. Puigh, one of the forwards, who filled Arthur James's .place at centre, did fairly well. G. Vickrey, Ivor Jones, Bob Stacey, and Gwyn Jones were the pick of the forwards. I;ast .Monday the 'Avonites met Mountain Ash, who came down to fulfil the return fix- ture which was cancelled earlier in the 6eason through frost. The game was a poor exhibition, of football, and ended in a win for Aberavon by a try, scored by Willie Thomas, in the last minute of the game. The contest was very vigorous, and the tackling bein'g very deadly, made it more uninteresting. But tihe try scored by Willie Thomas was a bea-uty.

ABERTILLERY. To defeat Pontypool on their own ground is no mean achievement, and Abertillery therefore have cause to feel a little proud, as thev, for the second time this season, lowered the Ponty colours last Saturday. 'Tillery scored through Lionel Thomas in the first half, and the same player also scored, after by far the finest bout of I passing of the match, in the second half, while Pontypool's only score came in rather lucky style, the ball bouncing nicely for Gus Carr from a cross-kick, and. he fell on it scoring a try. Penygraig was visited last Monday, and the weak team that did duty deserves credit for running the powerful Glamorgan contingent to a two point margin.

BLAINA. Much to the disappointment of many would-be spectators, Blaiiia were unable to raiæ a team to go to Brywmawr on Satur- day. By a. series of coincidences many of the players were, unfortunately, prevented from making the journey. Blaina Seconds lost at Blaenau Gwent by the narrow margin of one try. Gwent secured their lead in the first half, and held to it, though BI-ain-a experienced very hard times, and deserved a score.

CARDIFF. I Everyone must sympatnlse wrtn itnys uane, the popular Cardiff skipper, who has been crocked at the fag end of the season. Gabe was very anxious to play in all the club's fixtures, but he has been disappointed. Percy Bash talked of retiring two years ago, but we haven't heard anything about it since, and Cardiff people are mightily glad. It may be intimated that Percy may be booked as a certain, starter for next season. The heeling of the Cardiff forwards against Gloucester last Saturday was something to marvel at. Not a bad lot were the Gloucester forwards, but they were beaten hopelegsly in the scrums. Pity is that the Cardiff for- wards have not done so well in all their matches this season. Dai Pike is really good enough to be worth a permanent plaoe in the Cardiff pack. The three half-back game, as relayed by the Cardiff Reserves at Gloucester last Saturday, was not a success. Indeed, if the old style had been adopted the Reserves would pro- bably have won. But there you are, these errors of judgment will always be made in football. The Devonport outing is regarded by the Cardiff team as one of the most enjoya.bie of the season. There wae the usual gather- ing on the verdant and historic Hoe this morning. For a considerable number of yea,rs past Welsh tea mis have always found it difficult to conquer the Albion on t.he Rectory Field.

CINDERFORD. ..1 witn tneir one win over Ulirton tast Saturday by two goals and five tries (25 points) to nil, Oinderford secured the Gloucester County League Championship with thirteen pomte, Bristol coming next with eleven. It ""3:9 a fine, sporting game, Clifton playing with 9-rizt determination to the finish, though outclassed at all points of t,he ga'me. TLh-e hovae team P-I;eyed a much better game ithan on the previous Saturday against Lilwynyp-ia.

GARNVACH. I Garnvach played their neighbourly rivals, Nantyglo, last Saturday, whom they defeated by three tries to nil. The game was very interesting, and waa only marred by the presence of a strong wind, which prevented either team handling the tuall with, tkeir accustomed accuracy. As the score indicates, Garn were quite the better team, being superior all round, but it is to the fine play of thk backs that the victory must be attributed. Through several disappointments, Garn- vach have been kepi in retirement for the ■last few weeks, but Saturday's display exhibited no etalene^s on the part of the players, most of whom make a point of keeping flit.

LYDNEY. I I he Tinpkvters received Neath last Satur- day, and one of the most pleasant games of tne season was witnessed. Bot-h Bides were at fuH strength, and the Welshmen, having i- f a of beatin,g all thE,? Rrst- ? had ? ,taC e _?ng of beating an th& Rr.it- tiaes v^<?*sn teams (except Swansea) this season, felt full of IholOO as to their abilities of lowering the colours of the Tin plat era. It is always considered one of the most popular fixtures on the Lydney card, a,nd it may be termed the same as to Neath, for they always look fM-ward to a &n.e, sporting game.  Wel?m?n. alth?h winnm? by six pointE;. were eX1tremely fortunate in doing so, for the Tlnplwters put ? a splendid fight,  behind them in the first ha,H! t>W v, f^v, three S? chances of fl<x>rlne thff» ?S?t?. ? ? ??d defence alon< s^ing t.heir tine. ''SW" S had a puB was at h?M. for 1E?a pl?y? a brUHant game, and led urn it,o thwU t + tW? T0r^' and he was well- ra^rtnerd J?ac? k ?PMei?tina In other dertments it iwere evenly-matched. Owvn Thorfl ??a. in the r?esp?ectivve .?thr? ee-quarter    head and shoulders the rept, ?d in S jo?f?o??a???f S, Howell Jones, Bill aitelso o and Rœso'n played weH for Neath, as a,ir,o did &t,i?n?chcomb? Biddle, ?"e??' Sleeman, and Downing for Lydney.

MERTHYR (Northern iiMiam\ I -}- The ill-luck which dogs Merthyr i in their away matches did not desert them on Sa'turd,ay, when they encountered wfdnes. TThh^e fSacct lftthhaa?t 1t,hhe e team did not embark upon the long jo,urn-ey North until the ery morning of the matoh ^arclly ?,aLc;uI??d to c?ntri?te to their ?e<;? ?d ?s it wa?, the ptMt was delaYed owing to their late arrival. AM the scoring w?a conHn?d to the early gt.ages of the game, and the trio of tries were notched by the Widnea front rank^' M.hyr played in an attra?? o'Den style, and some of t.h?r boutao?' c? pa"ng ?nt the spectators into ecstacios ^though th? defence was too s^und tTto pierced.

HEATH. I Neath's victory over Lydney last Saturday was more decisive than the more indicates. [ The all bluoks were much cleverer behind, and the backs won thegn,me. The Lydneyites put up a good fight in frcat, ihcir forwards are a, nme, iu.?ty i«t and ch?y were in the pink of condition. -Ntvt+,-al there was no score, but in the second half, when the all blacks had the wind behind them, they proved much the better eitte.. The tries scored by* Tom Davies and Rees Phillips were both characteristics ones. The Neath team hAd a. splendid reception, and pleasing reeo.tle.ctiom wU long linger in the memories of the all blacks.

PONTYPOOL. I In a gtame which was quite 50 per cent ifcelow expeoctlaJtílon PcriLtypccn^ were defeated for the eeeond time this season by ad- the fteond team Abertillery, who were aJso the second team to beat the pon-typoolaans on their own enclosure. No pcLrt,ieu,la,r person or persons tan be blamed for Pontypool s downfall, but it is fair to state that the three-quarters never shaped in a manner wihich was likely to produce scores, and this was not because they did not get the ball, but 'be?se each m?n seemed to have an off-day. E. T. Morris wa.8 the meat con-s?tect player, but b-e waa ? .? to f?rm by any means. The Pontyipool forwards, also. appeared to be satisfied to hold their own against the Aib^niiiery pack, and did not take the ga-me seriously enough in the first half, when they had the wind in their favour. Hn.(i tihev put a Httlemor6 Mfe into their rlav it is quite pcMiM? that they would Ea? been able to win t.he g<? in the ar.t b,a,bf. ?ne Abeilil?lerY for?vds were tryers all the time, as usual, but they failed to get the ibeWer of the homesters, and in this phase of the game honours were very evenly divided. At half-back Thomas and Prosser wpre sligihljly superior to Hodges and Francis, but with their threes playing much below their average form, their efforts were doomed to failure. Morris Williama. at fall-back, wae; sette, and kicked a good length, and his display did not t suffer when cooipaxed with that given, by Charlie Hodges.

The Irish Team. I The Irish T earn.. I W. SOOTT, EVERTON. I Considered in many quarters the finest goalkeeper in the United Kingdom. A. CRAIG, THE CAPTAIN. Though a Galwuy man, all his football has been played in Scotland, where his brilliant form waa recognised this ecaaon. He was the player whom the famous Quinn, of Glasgow Celtic, was suspended for ?ieMmg. A fine all-round defence man. A. M'CARTNEY, BELFAST CELTIC. I A long kick, and deadly tackier, a.nd was I I first capped when in the now defunct Ulster I Club against Scotland in 1903. J. DARLING, LINFIELD, I ha.3 played for Ireland in every position on I the field save go,.14. He is noted for his I cleverness in breaking up forward attacks, and is a fine shot at goal. VAL HARRIS, SHELBOURXE, I centre half, is a noted centre forward, and often played inside. Harris has represented Ireland on numerous occasions since 1905, and, as a forward, played against England at Liverpool in 1907. ENGLISH M'CONNELL, SUNDERLAND, I left half. A tricky player, shines both in offence wnd defence, a.nd works to the last minute. His caps da,te from 1904. A. HUNTER, BELFAST CELTIC, I the outside rigiht, is one of the fastest a,nd I smallest men in the team. A splendid shot I and centre. CHARLES O'II AG AN, Aberdeen, I inside left, secured his first 1908 honour against Scotland, and is the only forward who played in thiglt game who retained his Place for the Aberda,re matoh. He is a splendid dribbler, and has never been in better form than now. H. BUCKLE, BRISTOL ROVERS, I outside left, is a floe player when in form, and has ropresented his country occasionally since 19M. His strong po,int is his faet dribbling and smart centring. HAROuD SLOAN, BOHEMIANS, I centre forward. His list of internationals I dates from 1902, and is a very fine record. A olever centre, he holds his wings together well, and is also a splendid shot. IRISH LINESMAN. I ihe Irish linesman, Mr. P. Meenan, of I Derry, has gained faaue with the gloves as a I heavy-weight.

ABERTILLERY. Abertillery gained a most creditable victory last fcaturday over Ebbw Vale United, and now occupy the second place in the league table. Price, Flook, and Webb were Tillery s Bhining lights, though all did exceptionally good work in turn.

I MEïrr,Vft VALE. I Owing to non-fulfilment of fixtures earlier in the season, Barry District visited Merthyr Vale la&t Monday, and returned dlfllated by four goals to three. Morgan, the home right wing, was in good form, and brilliant das-h resulted in the trst goal being notched, the same player a,lso ran half the length of the field, and with a low shot beat Connors hopelessly. The Barry forwards were rather better than the homesters in combination, and tiime after time got tihe better ot the home ihalves, but Carrier waa in grand form, and bis powerful d-rives killed the visiting half- backs. Carrier is on the top of his form just now, r. Ù besides kicking lengthily, places the bail nearly always in a favourable position. He distinctly uses judgment. Jan was in good form, and got the hall away to the forwards often. Rees was exceedingly smart for the sea- s i (Ic rs. Both teams improved their play after the first goal, and Merthyr Vale deserved to win on the day's play.

BLAINA. I Blaina played C-wm in a league encounter last Saturday, and lost by six to three. The game was really of no value to Blaina, but to Owm it mti.nt that they assured t'hem- selves of the position of the championship of the South Wale3 Junior League. Cwm played .splendidly, arid the combina- tion of their players was excellent. Blaina also did well, considering that the team was not purely representative one. Syd Goay shows a return to his clld form, and scored two goals. Sam Lawrence and Jack Roberts, the Blaina players, have 'heen chosen to represent the league at Bbbw Vale :1, Easter, playing in their respective positions of right half and outside left. Blaina have been fortunate in securing the services of George Bird, late of Ebbw Va-Ie a,nd Bristol Rovers Reserves. He plays in f.ny position, and did splendidly against Owm.

PORTH RESERVES A.F.C. I To the Editor of the "Eveming Express." Sir,—'Having seen in last Saturday's "Evening Express" the bouncing record of the Maerdy Albions Association Football Olub, I am able to say that the Porth Reserves, sraoll lot though they are, will accept their challenge to play for medals on the following conditions: — 1. That we have permission from the South Wales Un ion to play for medals. 2. The wilJlnng team to receive all gate money and medals. 3 That the South Wadcs Union appoint a refree and linesmen. 4. Th,at the match be played on neutral ground. 5. That the teauifl be selected from the 22 players that pl-ayed at Porth and Maerdy in the Rihondda Valley League matches. I 6. That the Maerdy team bar Griffiths, their right back, he being a player of the First Division of the South Walee Ijeague. 7. That all playcra be registered members of the .Second Division of the Rhondda Junior League. f 8. That each team be allowed ono change, —I am, on fcehalf of the above club, TIIOS. HUU-HB8, lIoa., Soec. J 9, High-street, Porth, April 8. I

THE GREATEST FOOTBALLER OF THE DAY I PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS TO 1 OVAL KICKERS. By PERCY F. BUSH. I ANCIENT PARKITE LEW. GEORGE I My dear Baldhead,—I sincerely hope I I shall not have the bears set upon me for using this sobriquet, but am running the risk because I wish to draw special | attention to what passes for your head. There is a reason for this, and that reason is that certain people clamour I for young blood, and hint, darkly, that we are harbouring a Methuselah in thei Cardiff pack. I It is far from being my intention to try and teach these Methusilites, for j everyone (except myself) is entitled to, and fi a position to express, an opinion; but, just in proof of your capacity for I lamb-like friskings, I fain would men-1 tion that you have not yet departed from the twenties, for it was muc'h less than thirty years ago that the Castle clock first made musIC III your shell-like ears. En passant, I would mention that tokernuts have shells, as also have I other invertebrate vermin. In the season of 1899-1900 you com- menced your somewhat varied career by playing for Canton. It was for one match, only, though this was not your fault, for a member of the Cardiff Reserves Committee, spotting your form—by which I mean your football "form"—you were pounced upon, and condemned to enter the Cardiff ranks. For the Reservists you warred through 1899-1900, 1901-2-3. Then, for some unexplained reason, you were allowed to slip through our fingers, and joined that nursery for Cardiff foot- baNers, Penylan. One could write pages about the 'loyalty of Penylan to the Cardiff Club, but those pages would not be about vou. my remarkable friend. so I will not be the one to write them. The same year you served under the banner of the Loudouns, apparently thinking that, as you lived at the Docks, a Docks team might possibly have some claim upon you. Accordingly, the Loudouns took you under their wing, but soon became so loud in your praise that my old team, the Rom illy, began ro covet, and brought about a consumma- tion of their coveting by annexing you towards the end of this same season. Before this year of wandering began I saw you play a most brilliant game for the First-Stringers of Caerdydd against our opponents of last Saturday, Gloucester. The match was played on an off-day, I remember, and you scored a beautiful try from a. good distance out, besides shaping like a top-notcher all through; so that your peregrinations afterwards were not much to the liking of a certain few who had marked you down for permanent inclusion in the Firsts. Next year that permanent inclusion became un fait accompli. [Dear me, I'm horribly French to-night! Please excuse me! A French poodle bit me on Tuesday; I suppose that must be it.] This was the year 1905-6, w'hen you did, perhaps, more than your share in bring- ing the championship back to the banks of the Taff. Your debut was marked with great eclat, not to say aplomb. [I wish that French poodle had been shot before he .net you, Percy.—Ed.] You continued I the promise you then held out right through the season. You are so jolly useful, you know, Lew, my boy you are not simply a for- ward, although that's bad enough, but you can play a more than useful game in the three-quarter line, and the spec-I tators always hail your advent on the wing with great joy. You needn't be ashamed of this even, but when it is said that you can, in addition, occupy the half-back position—and have done so- then you can hang your head. In fact, you might just as well hang yourself, for when a man descends toj playing outside half he might as well be hung as anything else. Everybody knows that you can be trusted with any- thing at full-back, so it is quite easy to see that you are The Greatest Footballer I of the day, for even the great Gwyn. or the unruffled Billy Trew, would cut but a sorry figure in the pack, whereas you can' play anywhere. It is not only in the quest of the bobbing and elusive oval that you excel, my good Lew, for there are very few amateurs in the kingdom who can j give you a start at billiards. If you h?,i taken up billiards as a profession, instead of working, I am firmly convinced that we should read in those long billiard reports the local newspapers treat us to such items as these :— George 24,000 Reece 123 or George 9,000 Roberta 37 You are also a rather useful sweep at baseball, can throw a pretty fly while in the pursuit of trout, are a most capable exponent with the riffe-both air and otherwise-—can row, or, perhaps, I should j sav "'scull," seeing that your cranium is what it is, and can hold your own, even in good eoinpany, at swimming. In fact, it is not at all an easy matter to name any amateur sport that you are not an adept at. In case the title of this sketch should need some explaining, a few words on the "A.O.P.'s," or "Ancient Order of Parkites," may not be out of place. Tliis, as the whole world knows, or should know, was a "lodge" started by a few J lovers of open air and its sports and pastimes. Every Sawbath morning it used to hold meetings and discuss various matters in the park. Hence "PaTkites." The fact of your having lost much of your thatch, through much mental I strain, although quite young, supplied the "-Ancient"; and the "Order" was put in as a sort of bluff to the park attendant, As a fact, it was mainly recognisa ble by reason of its having no part in your deliberations. AVhen you were "chairman" there was a roll-call of over 100 members, antl you could have turned out a team for any- thing from "shove ha'penny" up to liorse-racing. But there was seldom a penny in the funds, so perhaps we cannot marvel that we don't hear much of the "A.O.P .'s" just now. ca;se of R.I.P., Lew? I hope not. I was nearly forgetting, in my (VI' tions, to mention that dropped goal o* yours, my Ancient. It is the only 011 you ever dropped, so it deserves special] mention; and, personally, by the ways I believfe it was a punt. It happened when the Reserves playing iioath in 1901-2. Roath wee leading by a try, and looked -ertaill winners. But all of a sudden the bafl nearly hit you in the eye; yóuciutehed at it, and seemed so bewildered th8* oomeon8 ironically shouted, "Drop a. goal, Pudding Face." You kicked viciously at the spheroid, and, to yo111 intense surprise and relief, it didn't gc into the river, but sailed neatly over tDI bar, and the Reserves had won by toul points to three. Serves you right As a sort of finish, it is only right to mention that you were captain of Loudouns in 1901, and that if I)iii-criarO ,are thinking of paying you a visit thef will find a goodly few trophies by your prowess with the cue in the second drawer from the top of tlO mahogany sideboard in your salle-a, manger. On second thoughts, I'm: n<>* quite sure whether they are in the, I manger or in one of the stalls. Anyway, good-bye and good luckt young fellow. You ma'y regard that jø ,the light of a threat! Very sincerely yours,

T T T T T T T T T Y T-T- -T T T T T T T TTTTTTT" "Y' MEMBERS OF THE IRISH TEAM, RESERVES, AND LINESMAN. PHOTOGRAPHED FOR THE "EVENING EXPRESS" ON THEIR ARRIVAL AT G.W.R. STATION, CARDIFF, YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. (1) Kenyoii, (2) Bookie, (3) M'Oarn'Ill (4) Buraisou, (5) Osborne. (6) Sloan, (7) P. Meenan (8) Hunter, (9) J. Giilan, (10) M-Oartney, (11) Craig. (12) Hamilton, (13) Darling, (14) M'William.

THE WELSH TEAM, RESERVES, AND OFFICIALS. PHOTOGRAPHED FOR THE "EVENI NG EXPRESS" AT THE TAFF VALE RAILWAY STATION, CARDIFF, TO-DAY, JUST BEFORE THEY ENTRAINED FOR ABERDARE.  Sasg;.iS!5?y^gg: ><TR,A)' McrriB-P? (Ld?rp?l). W. M?di? (M?h?r U?), ?. W?in. (S?M. Penry?<? (Uandrind). G. Latb,a?m (Liverpool), T. H. Buwby.Jarvis (English  Second Row:-JeSrey J?a? (,UitmdriladDd,), Hora"c?e Ul- (W-b-)- P-. MOrTiN.(PIYMouth'Ax?-71e), F,. P?slie (Aberystwlyth),. .Bottom Row:-A. Hod&kixusoaa.{ £ kra;tlxajnpto4i), C. Moxean (Chirk)* .Bottom B<'w:—A. Hod?kin6on?ao'a:t.hajni)toM),C.arotg'M(Chirk)< ,,?& 

OHIIOK JAMES, the burly Abertillery centre, is undoubtedly one of the finest defensive players in Wales. W. H. DAVIEiS (Garnvac-h) is an excellent forward. He is particularly good in the T^aeout, and is a good serimmager. He brought off a couple of good dribbles against Nantyglo last Saturday. T. JAMBS, the mew Oinderford full-back, who has been filling the -vTacaacy caused by the injury to C. Meek at Abertillery, has shown capital form, kicking a splendid length and displaying ooolnests and resource when bar depressed. T. MUTFORD, who has played several good games for the Cardiff Riverside Association Club. is the well-known Cardiff Harlequins ba.eeballer. He ishowed promise last summer of becoming one of the finest base- bad! exponents in South Wales. W. HARJPUR (GarnvAch) made his first re-appearance siince his Taice with Horace Parsons, the Brynmawr wing. He was the most conspicious of the forwards against Nantyglo, and has lost none of his ability as a footballer. WLLL GORE (Garnmch) is a promising young centre. His fort is kicking, and he finds touch well. He can take a pass splendidly, and always beats his man before parting with the ball. It is con- jectured that the Blain-a. club have set longing eyes upon him. PEROT BUSH says the reason he has con- sented to referee the match, between, the Cardiff and Swansea Pressmen on the Harlequins' Ground. Newport-road, Cardiff, on Good Friday afternoon, is to find out where the scribblers get their notions of Rugby football from. MR. BEN LEWIS, of Pontypridd, besides being one of the best W.R.U. referees, is a vocalist of repute. On Good Friday Mr. Lewis will take one of the chief lparts in the performance of the "Prodigal Son" at the Splott-road Baptist Chapel. He will surely Keep the ball roiling. J. O. HIRST, who will referee the Association match between the "Evening Express" and the Palace Theatre, Cardiff, at the Harlequins' Ground, on Good Friday, is the Cardiff, GkvSiorg'am County, and ex- Lancasihire 1-eague cricketer. He. is also an old footballer, and baa pitayed for such well-known organisations as Burslem, Port Vule, and Bishop Auckland. FRANK WOODL3 played as extra back for Cardiff Reserves against Gloucester Seconds laet Saturday, but, needless to say, he did not shine so refulgently in that position as he does in his accustomed position, of oustodian. It was Frank's Arst game since he wc.3 injured while playing for the premiers at Neath on February 8, when both he and Percy Bush were injured, and Cardiff were beaten by a goal to a try. R. T. GABE, the Cardiff captain, is, naturally, very much disappointed that he is unable to create a record for a, blue and black skipper by playing in every match for his club during his season of captaincy. He would ha.ve done so but for his unfortunate accident last Saturday- His knee is swollen tremendously, and further partici- pation in the game this season is quite out of the question.

ARTHUR HUDSOX the Gloucester and English wing three-quarter back, has just started business in Gloucester, having- for a partner Dun-can M Gregor, the New Zealand professional footballer. The players are carrying on a s'port- outfitting business under the style of Hudson and M'Gre^or, international sports outfitters. Hudson ihad hitherto hcld au appointment under the Midland Railway at the company's Gloucester offices. JOE WARD, the Cardiff Reserves forward, performed a daring fea-t. at Gloucester last Saturday. The Gloucester Seconds' for- wards were rushing at a great pace fo'r the visitors' goal, and a try seemed inevitable, when Ward plunged on the ball right at, their feet, a.nd only a few yards from the line. Joe had to be taken to Wcueoter Infirmary after that, but he "topped a certain try. Thank goodness he was not seriously hurt. TOM EVANS, a centre three-quarter, was one of the payers who struck the fancy of s'ome 901(>d judges in Thursday's scratch match on the Cardiff Arms Park. He is an articled pupil to Messrs. Veall and ¡&tilt, architecœ, Cardiff, Mr. J. A. Sant himself having been one of the best of the Cardiff forwards twenty years ago. Evans, who is only dgbteen years of age, is a st,urdilybuili youth w?tha.n?pM.rent football future before him. He is a TM?th-e of Penned ?a played for Bridgend ay?inst Swun? early in the su, when he PdOTed Quite a tJlOrn S &: side of ?;?. Trew ?? ? ??y