Evening Express

AROUND THE ClUBSj I The Welsh Leagues. C. AND D.R.U. RHQHDDA LEAGUE PROVES ITS VALUE. [By "SPOKES."] I- Monday's Great Game The inter-league championship of Wales match, -which takes place a.t Caerphilly on Monday next, will be a great struggle. Both the finalists, the Cardiff and District Rugby "Union aiii the Rhymney Valley League, are represented by capital fifteens. Neither has left anything to chance, for thorough train- ing has been incidted on. Ma.y the cham- pionship go to the beater side, and may there be a bumping gate is the desire of all interested in junior lootb^i:. By tne way, all the piajers are within the age limit of 25 years. Western va lIeys-A Competition I Decided. The cluos have net yet commenced their serious league fixtures. 'iaat strong organi- sation, Biaenau Irvvent, met Ciotss Keys Reserves. A stiff battle ended. in victory going to Gwent by J. "Huff" Poweil'a try. The winners were minus seferal of their cracks, whilst the Keys were also disorganised, by absentees. Dai Itames and. J. Wtt were the pick of the Gross backs. Fctr Gwent, Tom Morris, L. Parson, Fred Coates* and "Buff" were in fine fet.t.i. On Monday Garnvach fulfilled the re-play league mateit with Brynmawr Reserves at Blaina. The match, decided the champion- ship of lôl."Í season's league. Brynmawr won by a. converted goal to a penalty g-oal. GaTII- vach were the better side, a,nd had hard luck on several occasions. Those desiring to ait at the referees' exa-mi- nation, to be oold shortly at OrlHnÜIl, should send their names in at once to Mr. A. Powell, 11, Argyle-street. Abertilicry. The examina- tion is confined to the Western Valley. At the next meeting of the leacue Victoria (Ebbw Vale will apply for membership of the league. As t,he team comes from one of the strong-holds of Northern Unionism., I trust that the other clubs will accept them. Bridgend and District. I The most interesting event in connection with the league daring the wt-ek was the presentation of golo medals to last season's champions, Bridgend Quins. It took place a.t headquarters, the York Hotel. It did one good, and reminded many old foesils, like myself, of the eld dayn to see Mr. S. H. Stockwood present. Its going back many years to recollect Mr. Stock wood as the skipper of Bridgend in the days of the old Welsh Challenge Cup ties. One of the best sportsmen in the town, lie made an admir- able 3peech when handing out the memen- toes given by the league. Said the veteran: I cannot understand certain uncommon yood peonle being so hoctiie to the game in this district. I sincerely trust that all interested in the game-players in part-icuiar- will show no hostility to these ■cxitics. Show them on and off the field that the game is not what they make it out to be. With his usuta-I jovial ability, 1fr. T. D. Bchoheid iW'.F.U.) pressed, whilst speeches worthy ot the occasion were made by Mr. Tom Jones (vice-chairman ot the league) and Mr. Albert Evans ((iilfaeh Uoch;, in reference to the oi eXlilpoper Stocfywbod. It. was a great evening. Ail the old cinM a.re lying low and watch- ing events. My tip came true, for the boid champions, Bridgend 'Quins, came an awful cropper last Saturday, when they journeyed up the Garw Valley to meet BLaeugarw. The roungsters actually won by six points to ihree. The excuse that the 'Quins were poorly represented won't hold water, for the Infanta' win was solely due to their ckver play. Witth Morris, Carpenter, Reeves, and "Pintsey" in tip-top form, Blaengarw ups are hot. Howells, at half, is a lad who should earn fame. 'ihe strength of the quar- tette io in oomibination, for Phillips, Jajncs, and the new wing combine finely. "Ginger," at full back, was nerrcr at fault. Nawty-moel Excelsiors had am outing to Iianharran, and won by a dropped goal to a try. Don't argue, my friends, at Llan- toarran that a dropped goal is of greater value than a try-it would be unsaf eto do on. At half Llew. Griffiths, the smiling one, was the cleverest player on the field. His drop goal was of the "Bush brand." T'ne forwards have a capable leadoer in Ted Cooper. John, Poole, and Lawrence are cdever piayers. Llannarran has got some 33>3-lly "fine players, and all the team needs is to settle down. Ijast Saturday the players showed too much individualism; they should try and make the game attractive by unity. ,Perhaps, Capta-in Sam Barkle, who is a Jjrainy scrum half, will take the tip. Kindly do not let hio colle-agues on the W.R.C. know that the tit-bit of the evening &t the presentation was the rendering of "Dear Old Pals" by Mr. T. D. Sehotield. T. D. confessed that, like Charley's Aunt, be njeant to keep the song running, for it was the only one he really knew. Still, the tegiala.t,o,r',g "Ailv,-r tenor voice" kept all Bridgend awake—spellbound, of course. What I rs were shed! tit-hymney Valley. I Interest in league affairs has been little I during the week-owing w the great struggle for tne Welsh cna,mpionstiip, which takes place at Ca-erpniiiy ou Monday. The Rhymney Valley team to do dutfy on Monday id stronger than tue side whioll then did duty. Oardiffians, however, fed that the age limit has hit them hard, and are not too optimistic. It will be a. battle royal- quite an international for tile Rhymney walley. By the special request of many who desire "to witness the gauie, the start has been delayed until five o'clock, lhere is sure to be a. record gate on the Caerphilly ground. Rhondda Valley. In ita first season the league proved that ite methods were second to none. Take, for instance, its management of dispates, tne production of senior players, the fostering 0.1 old beys' Rugger, and the energy of its hard- working committee, neao-ed by sue-A workers as Mr. C. R. Everson, the hon. sec., and Mr. Will Ga.ruliu, the chairman. Proof of the vaiue of the league is not "wanting. Penygraig have be neb ted this eea»i>n t>y Griihtna at back. J. N. Jones, C. Jones, and J. Hughes at three-quarter, Mit- chell and Lewis at hait-back, and Bennett, Bena-nt., and Howelus i- the forwards. Then, again, Pontypridd have recruited Tommy Janes and R. E. Thomas in the rear division. Forward the same club has obtained Dai Lewis, H. Sen veils, Bob Meara, D. Wilde, and G. Wilkins. la Dai Lewis we have a lad who will yet wear an international cap. Llwynypia United have procured good additions in H. Goodwin, J. Benjamin, and T. Moore. The Dark 'Oss-es of Ynysbwl Village visited the ancient city of Dinas to meet tne I Rangers, the Yo-ung 'Uns. After some Alpine exercise the ground was found. It was evi- dently the site of a.n ancient sea. Boggy everywhere except one corner, where round etones were plentiful. After a close struggle the Dark won by five points to tour. Great interest was taken in the meeting of Yatrad (junior league) and Llwynypi-j, or league) at Liiwynypda, as the juniors bad defeated Iiwynypia United by 2 tries to 1. It was a good game, brimful of sparkling movements. With a little luck the ,Yptrad lads would have altered the result. The monthly meeting of the league will be held at Porth on Monday, when several important matters will be clea.it with. Ali clubs are requested to pay their entrance, subscription, and guarantee inoiiey on that date, and also to note that the league time lor kicking-off for October is 4 p.m. aA the I latest. I am glad to chronicle the faot that TyJwratown have succeedtid in obtaining last season's ground, and win open the season to-day by meeting the much-fancied Ystrad brig-ade, in a league encounter. The application, of Cilfynydd 'Quins to play A. lievan (iate of Pontypridd) has been refused. Pentre United have sought permits for Idris Evans, Jack Miles, E. Curtis, and J. Gulliford. The two Ia<#t-named have been Allowed to play. Cardiff & District Rugby Union I The weekly meeting's work on Tuesday was chieliy to select the team to represent the Union in the final for the Welsh Cham- pienship. The age-linxit prevented the selec- tion of Hube Harding, Bed does, and three others of the side wh.i<-h did so well againdt the Cardiff team a fortnight ago. There is poneiderable confidence felt, however, that the side selected will return from Caerphilly on Monday with the champioiwhip. Talking of rough play causes me to insert part of a letter from Mr. H. T. Townsend, who was secretary of Roath Hornets, and a capable referee some seasons ago. Mr. Townsend writes; I was an interested spectator of the Cardiff 'Quins v. St. Peters game last Saturday at Spkrtt Park—the stronghold of Soccer. It was- an admirable game, not one player even appealed, to the referee, excellent feeling prevailed, arwl fcotn sids played honest ppoating Rugger. I mast emy that local Rugger has made a vast improvement during the past few seasons— since the days of the ear-nibbling incident ob Roath Park." Mr. Townseixl fnrtlier -tates that he hopes to organise a eiub equally as hot as the Hornets, "but not ro ferocious." My lieutenant, speaking of the St. Peter's v. Cardiff 'Quins game, writes that it did not reach a very high standard of play. It is to early yet, but the large crowd heartily enjoyed the good spirit prevailing among the players. St. Peter's front rp.rk carried a few passengers. This is, no doubt, due to the fact that loyalty has called out a nam- ber of old 'uns. This is praiseworthy, but the interests of the club would be better øerved by the introduction, of some young JAo(yd. Selfi.-vhncK.s on tho part of their out- side half a.it-o let them down. The 'Quins were best served at forward. There is every prospect that the Grange-1 town club will yet JX" seen in the field this season. The meeting called by the Union at Orange resulted in several of the players cf that district promising to aesist the Brick- layers if the club commenced matches at an early date. There was quite a rally, and the selection of Skipper Monks as leader was enthusiastic. itomilly -jclajm. however, to be very:, badly.

BUDDING ATHLETES AND TRAINERS. SOME ROATH i PARK PRIZE-WINNERS- k MR. GRAY. B.A., Headmaster Roath Park. Hon. Sec. Prize Fund. MR. J. GRIFFITHS. Trainer of Dispatch, and 9-nrintg. MR. S. AUCKLAND, Chairman Rugby Football Schools Union, 1908. MR. L. HARKER. Trainer of Tug^of-wnr, Hurdles, and High Jumps. T. JOXES. 11t. 220 yards (scratch', 1ft 100 yard3 (13-151. 1st Hurdles, 2nd High Jump, and 3rd 100 yards (scratch). HAROLD JONES, 1st Sack (12-15), 9th 100 yards (12-13), and 14th 220 yards <—13V Last week we gave photos (specially talren for the "Evening Express") of Grange boys who distinguished themselves at the Cardiff Schools Rugby Union Sports. To- day we give photos (also specially taken) of some of the Roath. Park boys and of leaders in the schools sports who have taught the young athletic idea. W. COLEMAN, 2nd 100 yards (11—12), 2nd 220 yards (-13). R. OATES, 3rd Half-mile. NORMAN KIRBY, 1st 100 yards (11—12) and 5th E20 yards (—13). CRAB. ORAM, 1st 100 yards (9-10). ALP. JAMES, 1st 100 yards (scratch). J. GRAY, 1st Sack (-12). G. HINTON, 1st Obstacle and 2nd Three-legged. R. PRYOR, 2nd 100 yards (12-13). T. EVA-NS, 2nd Sack (—12i\ REG. GRAY, 2nd Sack (12-15). S. HYNF>. 3rd Football.

M.R. j. p. KENT (Secr-etairy Mid-Rlionclda Northern Union Team ) Mr. J. P. Kont, secretary of the Mid- Rhond'da Northern Union Olub., is a good aM-round spnrt, and assists o?c?-y movement that cofcitiributec? to healthy p?hysric- exe)«is?. To him may in a great- measure be attri- buted the success of the Mid-R.hondida Ar.hletic Grounds, one of the best equipped enclcisures in South Wales. Had this ground not been available it, would have been quite -out- of the question to Ktait a Noithern U!r;,ion coim.bination, the other grounid.s in the densely popul,ated centre of the Rhondda heiIltg too small to make the game a payable undertaking. For three years Mr. Kent has acted as sports secre- tary, and the numerous eyelinig and other events held have, wither permitting, tarried I out satisfactorily. He has done much in many ways to promote m.uscular culture men in a district where he has resided for sthe' past 37 years. Otlheir schemes elaiuiinig puiblic I appri- ciation lin whi-oh Mr. Kemp has ta^cn an active and prominent initeresit are the swimming ba.tiha connected with the Giiacmorga.n (LIIN-ynypia) Collieries, and the workmen's InstiUUe, in whicli he has Ixen a eotnwtain't worker for many years, helpdnig in every -way mental development. He is rt,bk, flr-,tt president of the W.e16h Nor- thern UnioD, for South Wales, and means to ma:k t,he Northern code go," a.nd his inrxfeau.-itible etnengy, eombiiried wnth tact and good judgment, leaves no ooúht-" no poSiiible, iproba.ble doubt whatever "-tha-t he will in tlheu lit be a.m.ply rewarded for his self-imposed I-ab-our a.3 a spol-tenian.

J. N. JONES, Mid-Rhondda N.U. Club. J. N. Jones, Trealaw, commenced his foot- ball career with the Trebanog team, where he earned distinction as a try-getter. The Penygraig Club were not long in enlisting his services, and for s,efveral years be figured, [Photo, Williams and Williams. in their quartette at centre and wing. lie has now thrown in his let with the Mid- Rhondda professional club, and has done well in -all the matches played- He is well- built, and turns the scale at 11m., is always in strict training, and, consequently, is._ a«lways in good form.

ASSOCIATION CODE. The Rhondda Puzzle. I EXPLANATION FROM BARRY. I It is pleasing to see that a Referee Society has been formed at Newport, or perhaps I tihtould &ay that the eld Newport society has been re-formed, with an energetic set of officers in command. I cannot take up space to repeat, w hat I 9twd osi tlhe question of referee eooieitaes two or three weeks ago, but this move at Newport is a decided step in the right direction, and if all registered referees in the district will co-operate there sihould not be any douibts as to its success. I have been taWn to task in a friendly way by a oorreisponden't, who does not wish his letter to be published, about my remarks on the necessity of having registered referees in a..i matcbes. But 1 can refer to one or two oif hvs paimis. "Wily are itigiaiervd l',)!Bl""l'lS n-eces^ary for the good, conduct 'of tine game?" I do not ku-cw that I have over eaid that they are necessaiy. My argument was that they are desirable. And the whole trend ot 1Or..J;t,UdH legislation ot vo-c'jay is along that lina. AH other things being tiniau, it is fair to awamc tJiat it is Ociuior in ali wuys. for a i tyibteied oihcial to 00 in caa.-itje oi a &i.me. In kuvwiouso 01 the game and its laws the un-xegiftered man may oe quite the equul ox tiie owier referee, luiut tiie Zc^l. of 1 ,-Il"'l,t ;iL'lOU 1" )3(,):lue guarauite ¡..1<ČlII.4., > J Ü .IJ\L- uikjmw taiat ^ar aeaiar referee dues know' wna.t he prot et we^ ,viy xriend a.teo goes on to txiy, "Your aigument ;1.11 stems oased on the i<iea tn.at piayers are rogues, and caniaot 'play the unites tiieie is a 'pouceman on tne natch." Well, it I ma start 011 with Uia-L, idea, I may <.l:i well say )JO, mat it is not bastd on my genera.! exi>eii,»nce.. Oilly a fortiiugat ago I saw games ün Roath yarK wiur '.vinicli no one Ov.1-ld liixi laull, ami in my own r^feiet.uig cxpciifuce uu'« IS one particular gíme wfiidh I ?'it--n oad to mind. £ >ojne years ago, on uie old 'iralianis ground at 1 ntia hCW wn«svlv ,11 a match between 'i'raharris ami CJarilnf Albion, ainl uu.iing the wnoie game tnere no single occretsdon for the awiarxi'ing of. a free kick for any mil"r^ngement, except one or two jt..i Ld.nette "i oll-t5..Uc. .tt. via- a game without a free kick. So that all piayers are not in need of a "policeman. E I sUH stwk to my original contention, tnat im thefs cays of kHm com.peutioa>ts it 18 meat uev-tira-jKie tnat logisuxv^cl reieiecs snoudd be cruicd upon. I will leave it at that, with the to reieree societies that k,v a ljjiic productive ot aiatument one might be found here. ueai' Mr. Mercer,—While reading the Foot- ball "Express" on Saturday nignt 1 came across talus heading, "Cardiff City's Brilliant Opening." I must coniess at once 1 had a go.xi laugh, as I was sure you were not aware of the tact. that f<.<r th-e first ten minutes of tne fiv-ime -buiti-Y only played seven men- three of them reserves—and this was wiicn the City two goals. So you see, it was not a representative side of barry District, linthernioie, the i-eferee appointed did not turn up, and, although a Barry man took chartre of the whistle, his display was wretched, and the people were leaving the field Quite disgusted, 1 noticed also you refer to a miid shock. That shock has yet to come. I am afraid when Barry ULstriit visit Cardiff it will be a terrible shock. I am proud of my team., and am rewarded after seventeen years' struggle in this district to uphold At-soc'.xtion. On form wiere does Cardiff City come in? Just look at this:- Kingswocd Rovers 5—0, Trcharria (away) 2—2, C'wm.parc (away) 3-0, Paulton Rovers 5-1, Welton Rovers (?.way) 3--2 and their defeat by Barry Dock Albions on Saturday. Your notes I look forward to every week and quite admire them, and hepe you will be a.ble to ?c,Dntin,ue to write th<jm—shall I say?—till we see first-class football in. Muth Wales. I am proud to say, although we have Northern Up.ion Rugby here, our gates are better than last yea r, and we bid well to have a good fEan. Our ebb tide is beginning to flow gently. Now, I hope you will pardon me for troubling" you with this, as I thought other clubs should know that we were on.'y playing a reserve team and could not get the, men from work on a Monday. Hope to see you when. we play Bristo-l City or the Rivers, and I I will guarantee you will see football as it 1 should be played.—I aiu, &4, W. J. HCOD. Far wa.s it from a-ny intention of mine to belittle District or to magnify Cardiff Gity at the District's expanse, i accep„ M v. li'x>d's statement that several of the Dis- trict's reoo«:!ti«cd starB cou.id not turn out, but tha.t is generally the. experience of any c/ub whieii m not wholly professional lor matches ,Lher than Sa.?ru.ay one^. Poc-sibiy, the (ity team had some re?efte?. 1 d&ut? Know. But the plain fact remains that in ?a league Sxture as Payed the points went to the visitors. Whether the re?uil. stands as a kague result is no concern of mine. But I suppose that oot,11 teaino must admit that they played their best team* available on the particular evening. It is one of the vital p-r.'«tapk» of a league con-tovt that t.he clubs mu field their bejt elevens, ana during my connection, .seaoK/rs bacjs, witil the South Wales League a club was liable to a fine not exceeaing £ 2 if the explanation wa. not eatisJactory for falling to play, its "tilit eitiength." If the District did play a reiserve team, it was, according to Friend Hood's letter, their strongest at the time. vV ith the full tulxiay team no one could expect other than a win for Barry. As i have alieady eaid, no one is peisoiiially more pleased to see Barry's rnagnificeiit .sitam, thian 1 am, and 1 will repeat that I trust that this will turn out to oe Barry's record season—only a fitting reward w?i worked for during ?o ?in,a'ay y?ar?-. But Cardiff City are equally dcl'ving of a share of Fortune's fair snu??. They, too, have had a. rough road to travel in t.h? p'a?t. and that win will do them more good thau it will do Barry harm. Certainly, I will avail myeeLf soon of the invitation to fee Barry play, and I hope then to meet my o.d friend Walter Hood. My last week's querist "J. J. c. Dukes. town," has. another question concerning off- side in a playerown half.—"A" is standing w..th one foot in this own h .a-If and the other foot in his opponent's half, a.nd is in an off-side position when tihe ball is last played by one of his own side. lie receives the ball from one of his own side, wiho is behind him. Should he be given offside?"—Another pretty problem. Is "A" in his own half or J- he not? Forgetful of any "official" de- o si.oni, IoN us, loork at it for a mon)ellit in the liyite-cf similar positioaw. Taike t he touch-line It one foot were over it the player would be penalised for an illega-I tllrow-in. Take the penalty kick. There is a line there. Would this half-and-half portion be in accordance with the .meaning of the law ? Take a runner on his mark. There, I understand, no por. tion of tms body, hands or feet, must touch the ground in front of the line. And it is a line wbic,h divides one half of the football field from the ot,h,er. My own personal view of the question is tha-t "A," if he were not.1 in his opponent's half, wa.s not strictly, according to the instances I have quoted, within his own half. As a. referee, I should oori.si.Vor that "A" was trying to be a little "smart," and he would have no cause of com-plaint if the referee were as "smart" a.3 himself. But in ordinary cases, where the ee.n>tre line is often so indistinct as to be invisible, a few in one? one way or the otJypr would not bother the ordinary referee in this panticula.r problem. The triangular struggle in the Rhondda Valleys ha- taken on fresh interest by the victory of Ma.rdy over Cwinrparc. The de. feated club had the satisfaction to receive a hondscme addition to its finances, and this gilding of the pill was, doubtless, greatly appreciated. We are in for some merry matches in the Rhondda. On this -form Mardy should win to-day. Aberdare are fast regaining the form and reputation which was theirs when they were twice finalists for the Welsh Cup. Their displays agrainst City Resenes at Bristol and Rovers Reserves last Saturday at Aberdarb appear to have given every satisfaction to tiheir numerous supporters, and if success means any tiling, there should be some record attendances at the Athletic Grounds before the sea. on ends. Treharris, too, a/re going merrily along, beating Ton Pentre and Aberdare both at ■home, although in both games it was only by the margin of a single goal that victory was won.. Niertbyr and blan,bradnoh played a goal-less dra>w, though whether this result satisfied their respective supporters I cannot say. Barry Dock Albion brought off a credit- a-ble win against Cardiff City, and avenged their neighbours, the District. At to-night's meeting of the South Wales Association I rather expect the draw for. the Junior Cup is on the agenda, seeing that a preliminary round is booked for next Satur- day, October 10, and the &rat round proper on or before October 31. If not a record, the number of entries is very near it. •

SOUTH WALES LEAGUE — WHO'S WHO! [By SOCCERITE."] Number 2.-CWMPARC. T. HERBERT (chairman of strong com- mittee).—Has one arm, but rules with more power than many with two. Genial— always at hand rea-dy to assist. H. G. PROSSER (secretary).—Engaged in teaching profession. Been connected with too club over twelve years. Pioneer of Soccer code in Cwmparc. W. EVANS (trainer).—Appointed this season. Veritable strong man. Pugilistic proclivi- ties. Visiting teams, please note. OOAL: H. JONES (local).—Plays splendid -ame-agiie -,cannot be beaten by a, long snot. At times acrobatic. Saves many times by doing the "splits" between the sticks. FULL BACKS:- LEW H. NASH.-G-ood reputation Played with Cardiff and Newport clul-xs. Clever at" ju- jitsu. Can wrestle as well as play football. SID HANDLEY (BMlth Wells .—Must put in better work, or may be dropped in league matches. URIAS THOMAS.-Yotrn-L, Owmparc peda- gogue. Well built. Good pace. WiU develop into "class" player. HALF-BAOKS R. OWEN (R-aa-bon).-Wallts plenty of prac- tice. League xaatohes- will prove his worth. U. >

I WELSH NORTHERN UNION TEAM, t 1-I •" r v V v Defeated England, 1907-08, at Tonypandy. TOP ROW: T. Rttnabam, Rnddick, D. Jones, D. B. Davies, Samndiers, and Buckler. SEOON'D ROW: D. Thomas, B. Jenikins, P. Thomas (captain), L. Treiuarne, and 0. JenMns. [Photo, L. liadd. THIRD RO\Y: J. Thomas and Rhys Rees. [Photo, L. Ladd.

League Forecasts. I PROBABLE RESULTS OF MATCHES I PLAYED OCTOBER 10. DIVISION 1. I •Blackburn Rovers v. N ottA Forest. '1 Bradford City v. Aston Villa* •Chelsea v. Sunderland, *Everton Y. Bury. Leicester Fosse v. Livenpool* "Manchester United v. Sheffield United. "Newcastle United v. Preston N. End Notts County v. Middlesbrough* Sheffield Wednesday v. Bristol City •Wfoolwich Arsena] Y. Manchester Ci.ty. DIVISION II. *Birmingham v. Wolverhampton Wan'rs. -Bla.ckpool v. Tottenham Hotspurs. Bolton Wanderers v. Fulham. "Cbo,'iterfield. v. Barnslev. Derby County v. Hull City* •Grimsby Town v. Burn ley. ♦Stockport County v. Clapton Orient. •West Bromwich Albion v. Oldham Athletic Played on ground of first-named. Asterisk denotes probable winners. Draws left open.

I — Air Rif?e Notes. [By "BULL'S EYE."] The arduous season of league shooting has now commenced in earnest, and during the week opening matches have been iircd in the Merthyr, Rhondda, and Cardiff Association Leagues, wnilst next week the licensed Vic- tuallers, Barry, and Bridgend open. out. Cardiff and District League. A capital -week's shooting has been seen in the Co-rdilr and District -League—one that lully bears out trie very line opinion that 1 have formed of the capabilities of tne various clubs this season, rour scores 01 over oo0 were returned, the Adelphi with 369 heading the list. As I anticipated in my forecast, they nad none too easy a run. in their Lkjua against the Oaks. Tiie latter have a strong tweive this year, and thougyh they failed to take poims irom the As on Weaaesaa>, tnt j were by no means disgiiaced. In the firtt half some excellent snooting was seen kill both sides, and, greatly to the surprise of the Adeipnis, taey found tnerns-enves. down at the interval. After did. Hicks, with a nicely-placed ol, nad dropped a couple to A '1119111<1-8 -tillS, by tne way, cuing tne uoui de plume which conceals the identity oî, per- liap's, the best shot in the raniks of the licensed victuallers' last year—Harding, Poweil, and 1hn Barry all beat their men, and put the Oaks ahead, the half-time score being called 189—188 in favour of the Oakiteo. Upon resuming, tiie Adelphi, through Howe and Applbet, gained the lead, and with the Brothers Wells finisiiing in great style witii 33 and 31. they registered 3b9 as against the 369 of the Oaks. Ratii scores would have been better thau this but for failures on the part of Morgan and Green for their respective sides. Allowing for these, it was a great match, and one well worth watching. VV. Powell, of the Oaks, gained first honours with a lovely 34, just missing the possible on his fifth shot, when he got a four close ill, whilst Din Barry and Harding were also well up with 32s. On the winners' side four 33's by A. Thomas, L. Borinetti, Tommy Howe, and W. Weils were top scores. Though good scores were returned, the Vic- torias-Alberts match was a wee bit disap- pointing. Both sides had failures where least expected. Still, the 24 men engaged averaged dead 30, and this must be taken as showing good material behind the gun. i, As regards the match, it was a grim light right the way through, the Victorias taking the lead and holding it, running out winners il by a couple o? ,ointe. For once Fred Hill failed to pull the match off. Left last man, wHÜ one t-o pick up off Tommy Flook, he could only reach 30, as against Fiook s 31. Edwards wa? in great form for the Alberts, and Lis shooting deserved a point better than 33. He received able assistance from Tom Jones and Dick Sawyer with 32s. Ivor Hollyman and Llew. Dickens had an off night, the former i finishing up a very mediocre display with a ] deuce. Thp winners shot consistently, their best scores being 33 by A. lllitl1 and 32s by W. Millar and W. Baker. The Duke of York were not hard pressed against plottland, gallllng- an eas ywin by 45 point*. The iosers are newcomers to league shooting, and are, to be congratulated Oil their early efforts. They have a couple; of fine shots in T. Ward and J. Mayo. rfhe winners with 368 run the Adelphi close for! the week's honour list. Jack Millar gave Lis 1 average sheet a good lift up with a sound 34, while eight other's of the team reached ) 30 and over. The "genial Arthu/r" has got a nice team round him this year. The Engineers failed to re-produce their Atla<8 form against the York, and where tlJ.>y looked for au easy run home they fyund un- expected opposition. The teams were level at half-time, with 172 all, but at the eighth man the York suffered a severe reverse, which, undoubtedly, cost them the ma ten, Benjamin dropping 11 to Williams. It was hard luck both for his Fide and for Teu- jamin that he could not have had a little practice prior to the miatch. It was his fi; st! shoot since la-st season, and try' as he would, hp could not get the measure of his ride. This gain by Williams enabled the Engineers to win by 8. The best bout of the match I was that between A. Brunt and A. Moon. Both men kept ringing the chimes. Brunt finally by getting the better of it with "3 against 32. Though they have already shot a number of friendly matches prior to the opeYiirig of league shooting, Splott Conservatives have 'not put on any ecore approa-chjng their total against the Stags in their second -league match. Without any man shewing brilliance, they ran up 367, the highest score being 32 by the old veteran Dick Lewis. The Conser- vative's were most consistent right through. Starting off with four 31's, they had a 30 and a 32. In the second half they had i'e more 30's and over, Power with 28 being the only man who failed to get out of the twenties. It was a. great shoot, and though not the highest scoring match, it is their best league performance since the cluj\) was formed. The Stags might have done better than 342. Severa.l of the tkain were off-oolour, an4 Llewellyn also let his side down badly with a 23. Welsh and Bargcry carried off the honours for their side with 33s. Bargery, in particular, shot well, and it was pure nervousness that robbed him of the possible. He opened out with bulls for his first six shots, (all clean)— r.o paint required—then or, his last he dropped to the "mag" line. Better luck next time, Bargery. The Tudors put np a very poor show against Cardiff City, and were lucky to win. They shot badly, Prior a.nd Hirst being the I only 30 men. The Citizens improved on their I opening match, and ere long will be gains well with t.he best. B. Wilson got in a nice ) effort which realised 33. ) This Week's Best Scores: Team: Adelphi 369, Duke of lork 363, and Splott Conservatives 367. Individual: J. Millar (Duke of York) and W. Powell (Oaks)—34; A. Smith (Victorias*, E. Edwards (Alberts), A. Brunt and F. Wil- liams (Oddfellows), A. Thomas ,L. Borinetti, T. Howe, and W. Wilis (Adelphi), B. Wilson (Cardiff City), and B. Welsh and Bargery (Stags)—33. The league fixtoica not yet being ou.1:t; I append a list of matches for -dZ';dJ next. In each ca.æ the match takes place QU the range of the first-named cluh:- I Engineers v. victorias. I Atias Y. York. Alberts y. Splottlacds. Dnke of York v. Oaks. Adelphi v. Uambradaeh. Stags v. Tudors. Larwdowne v. Splott Conservatives. Cardiff City, bye. Cardiff Licensed Victuallers. The Cardiff Licensed Victuallers' League open their season's programme on Monday Wit-n tme following list oi matches:— Baroarians v. Napiiers. A. O. i^s. v. Anglesea, Anenors T. Bells. W er-tgates v. Bristol and South Wales. Stag and Hounds v. isurniiame. y. Rovers v. Moira. Queens y. Mouideire. All matches take piace on the range of the first-named cwub. Lord Roberts and Air Rifles. < Writing in the Daily Mail" this week, Lord, KuoOCert.3 draws public attention to ohooiting as a apart admirably suited lor (and vviiioti he recommends) working men s ciute througnout the 'country, lie describes it as a import in which, in order to excel, a mau must have complete mastery over hand and eye; so much so, indeed, ttilit no sport is more conducive to temperance. of Madiy clubs nave ample space tor a range ot xuiecu to twenty-nve yaxas, and in these cases a miniature range cotua be nxed. Vniere no such lečg't.11 of range can ))t ooutined, Lord Robert argue- Hi, favour ot tne standard air rule, wiiicii he says pro- vides a&soiuto accuracy at tue standard distance of eight yards and ten yards. Deal- ing witn tho rilie, Lord Roberts pays: "The air-rifle of to-day is t a toy. It is a weapon ot precision, and a man can. really learn to shoot with it. "-Uie air-ride La- two advantages over the small-bore rilie tor cluill use: it is not so noisy and its ammunition is so cheap as to be within the reach of all, a most important consideina,tiC'n from the point of view of the working man. Rdfie shooting has this lurtiher advantage over maoy t>port«, that a club, in order to arrange eovspetitions, kieod l'-ot go to the expense of sonding its team to its opponents' range. Post matches can be arranged, in» which the opponent sides send each other marked targets to be fired at on the home range. Itni., system enables ciubts to choo-e o.;»poinents of their own calibre from ail over England." Lord Roberts continues — "Rilie stiiootang has -tiso its patriotic side. By becoming an expert rifie shot, a man JS at least doing ijomctinng towards rendering huriwij.i able to defend his country, and it is constantly found that air and miniature rifle shooting i* all incentive to enlistment in the Terr-itotial Army, lor after thooting at short ranges with success, the longer ranges that are open to that Army have special attractions to tihe rilie milii, Merthyr Notes. The Merthyr and District Lea-guo season commenced last Tuesday. Tins season the league is comprised of thirteen clubs, as peason, but the procipeets ot a, isuccestiful season are "Very encouraginig. Unfortunately, a number of clubs fast sea- son existed in name only, but it is hoped that fc-ue.h will not be the case this season. It is confidently expected that a dozen clubs will go "right through." This week's matches resulted as follow:- Gordon Lanmox. 363 -Ai.E.T 362 Aberfan 357 Bees 3,35 Mardy 349 Pentrebach 327 Ma?kf! 343 J?m.bs 334 Merthyr Cons. 352 Premiers 324 Harpists 345; Cowbridge faued to turn up. The pick of the matches was the meeting of those old rivals, the Gordons and the M.E.Ts. The match will lonig be remem- bered by t-liose who saw it. Tiie excitement was simply intense. Wilso/ for the Elec- trics, made a fine effort to win. the match, but the Gordons came out on tcp by one Point. The honours of the match should certainly go to young Lewis, who, when the Gordons were three down, put on a fine 34, beating his man by four points and giving •his> club the load. For the losers F. Colley did well with 33. The Merthyr Conservative Club, which is practically comprised of most of the members of last season's famous Lambs Club, easily defeated the Premiers, but 352 won't do for them. Rowe was their top man with 33. The other matched tarned pretty well as antici- pated. Although Fcoring generally was low, it is too early to criticise the form of the clubs.

RHOXDDA VALLEYS LEAGUE. Pioneers. *Social Athletic. L. Rees .4 3 5 3 2 4 3—24 E. Fletcher 5-1 5 5 3 4 4—30. O. Thomas 5555544-33 T. Beaton ..4 3 5 4 4 3 3-26 T. Bavics ..5 5 4 4 5 4 5—32 I)..Evans ..3 3 5 3 3 3 4—24 W. Thomas 4 5 5 3 3 5 5—30 D.0 2 4 5 3 5 3-22 } 'liJt; 1 ¡ ¡ t= A. :J¡¡r"f ¡ t=g I H. H. Biggs 5 3 5 3 4 4 4-28 D. HoweJls 4 3 5 4 4 3 3-261 J. Mnrra' ..4 5 5 5 4 4 5—32 T. Dawwn 4 3 4 4 5 4 5-2 A.?or?an..5455445—50 F. Wall .4 4 4 4 2 4 4—26 J. Breeze ..45433 5 327 G. Boss .5 3 4 4 4 3 3—26 W. Scott 4 4 4 4 5 5 4—30 NV. ,brook 4 3 4 3 4 3 4—25 Mair.waring 5 3 4 3 5 4 4—23 A. Derrick ..544423 -I—?5 J. Woods 5 5 4 5 S 3 5—32 T. Whitney 4 4 5 5 5 3 5 Total 355 Total. 518 Globe (PontvprMd). «IIibe:nian Institute. J. Bessant ..4.4 2 5 4 3 4-26 P. Cochlyn 3 4 4 4 3 5 4-27 J. Williams 5 2 4 4 3 4 4-26 P. Power..5 3 5 5 5 4 5-32 G. Woods ..5 4 5 4 3 4 5—30 G. Ford .4 2 4 3 4 3 0—20 T. Hampton 4 4 4 5 5 4 4—39 E. Elston ..4 3 0 3 4 4 2—20 A. BesKUtt 5 4 2 5 3 4 4—27 1%3 4 3 3 5 2 4-24 T. Woods ..4 3 5 3 5 4 4—28 B. Kelly .45 4 4 3 5 4-??9 'i1;d" ¡ := G. Thomas n n t= E. Millard ..302 2224-15 M. Plielan .3 5 4 2 3 3 3-23 P. Coimsoll 5 4 3 4 3 4 5-28 T. M'Oithy 4 2 2 4 3 2 4-21 A. Davies ..0 4 4 3 4 3 3—21 M. Mooio ..5 3 3 2 0 2 4—19 R. Edwards 3 4 3 3 4 3 4—24 J. Broods ..3 5 2 3 2 3 3-21 It. fjessau^ 4 4 4 5 5 4 4-30 i1. iserroni ..5 3 5 3 3 3 3—25 Total. 316 TQ1.il¡. 287 Woodfields. *Ferndalo Band. J. Venn .4545544-31 J. Williams 3454445-20 D. 0 7 In 4 4 4 4 5 4 4—29 E. Price 5 4 4 5 5 4 3—30 Hockaday .4 4 4 5 4 4 3—28 J. Dicker ..554454 4—31 J. Ferry 4 3 4 5 4 4 4—28 T. Rowlands 4 4 3 5 5 4 5-?10 S. Driffield 4 4 4 5 4 4 4—29 M. L. )!eca 4 5 5 4 5 4 4-31 E. Loney ..4444445—29 A. Miller ..4444555-31 J. Griffiths 4 4 5 4 3 3 3—26 W. Pearce ..5 5 3 4 3 5 4—29 W. Ho?e ..5 4 4 5 4 4 3-29 H. Brides ..2344:4 5—25 F Back .444454 4—29 J. Staples ..3 4 4 4 4 3 3—25 E. H?mlin ..5 4 5 5 4 4 4—31 W. Gregory 4 4 4 3 4 4 5-23 )1. R Evans 5 4 5 3 5 5 4—31 E. J. Evans 4 4 5 4 5 3 4—23 J. Loney .4 4 4 4 4 4 5—29 G. Clifford ..4 4 5 4 4 4 5—30 Total 349 Total. 346 •Miskin—VV. S. Fell (captain), 28; J. Davies, 28; J. Dare, 33; A. D. Griffiths, 33; G. Lee, 30; J. N. Jones, 31; F, Owen, 32; T. Davies, 29; 1. Edmunds, 33; E. ¥j;or'"OH,v2 i. Boye, 35; G..P?meld, 32—tota),370. Fei ndalo Coiis.-E. Hone, 28; G. Taylor, 23; VV. Brown, 29; M. Dirett, 2T; H. Palmer, 26; lL Clarke, 20; F. Locke, 29; J. Kilminster, 21; D. J. Jones, 26; ?trt)Ht)- 24; ?. T,?omas, 27; V?. Bead (captain), 26- VVntkins, Hovaltr-D. L. Davies, 31; D. Davies, 31; T. D. Jones, 27; C. Coombes, 31; G. Webber, 28; W. Thomas, 28; D. Thomas, 29; Win. Roberts, 32; John Blow, 30; F. Thomas, 28; E. Owen, 23; T. Roberts, 30--total, 353. *Uwynypia—J. Butler, 32; T. Seldon, 32; J. H. Doe, 30; T. Thorne, 27; J. Davies, 29; A. Day, 28; Hy. Moore, 31; Geo. Mitchell, 31; J. Hull, 29; W. Atistin, 29; E. T. Parker, 26; R. Pugh. 12-total, 336. CARDIFF AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. "Punarth P.S.A.—W. J. Thomas, 29; H. Smith, 30; E. J. Pickford, 28; E. Marks, 32; S. Chick, 23; C. Walker, 30; E. Ryan, 33; 11. J. Lovcll, 32; W. Youde, 2G; J. Williams, 31; J.' C. Walker, 31; R Isabell, 30— total, 355. St. gne5-A. Aris, 20; W. 'Morgan, 28; F. Aymes, 2'7; E. Towneena, 32; C. How.rd, 31; W. II. Davies, 31; W. Howard, 29; W. Stokes, 33; N. Thomas, 23; F. Gosling, 25; G. Yendell, 33; E. Bowyer, 28— total, 352. NEWPORT LEAGUE. .,Stearn Noket-F. J. Ferrets, 33; A. Embrey, 30; S. Newick, 30; -I. Jones, 31; \Y. Llewellyn, 31; F. J. 29; P. Horton, 29; A. Ilorton, 26; 3. Harris (sen.), 28— 2?; il flotton, total, 330. St. Julian's—J. E. Clarke, 28; H. Resdon, 22; L. Walker, 26; W. Jones, 26; S. Taylor, 21; W. Knight, 27; E. J. Tuck, 29; W. Francis, 23; G. Williams, 31; A. J. Wood, 25; W. Couibeer, 27; J. Rowiell, 28- total, 313. ( I- RIEX DLY. Stuarts. C. Christis'n 5 5 4 5 5 5 5-34 C. Wade 4 53 5 445-30 15. Spackman 4 4 4 5 4 5 3-29 H. Matthews 4 4 4 5 4 4 4-29 T. Wellings 5445444-30 B. Harrison 5 4 4554 "1 J. Bulir .5444554-31 C. Wiggins- 4 4 5 3 4 3 3—26 W. Lester ..5 5 4 4 4 5 5—32 Y. Coates ..5 4 4 4 4 4 5-30 J. Raybpuld 55.,5 5 4 5 5—34 F. Prosser .4 5 3 4 3 4 3-26 G. Ward.4 5 4 4 545-31 A. Wiggins 4 5 5 4 5 3 5-31 C. Dilloa .4 4 5 4 4 5 a—31 W. Ma wer ..4 4 5 5 4 3 5—30 Williamson ..5 5 4 4 5 4 5-32 D. Brvant ..4 5 5 4 4 5 5-32 S. Wilkins..4 445554-31 W. Watts ..3 4 4 4 4 5 5—29 j Fergurson ..5 5 4 4 4 4 4—30 E. L.wi ..5445455-32 J. Griffiths ..5 5 5 4 5 5 5-34 T. Dnvies ..3 4 3 3 5 5 4—27 Total. 379 Total. 353 j Denotes home team.

ANSWERS TO ORRESPONDENTS. I J. M'Kirn (Cardiff).-Pleaso write on one, side of th? paper only.. Regular R?a?ar."—Cairdiffs wlouts aze black and blue. .R'h)omxMLa&t?"—<R. J. DfMmd.

By '22 I After to-night's meeting of the Welsh Ml.niiature Ititic Association league match will commence. It will be interesting to compare the con- stit.utio'ii of tHe new executive council (elected to-iiiight) with that of last season. If, as is suggested, a number of now leagues a.re formed, it is unlikely that each league will ba-ve two representatives on the council as la/sit year. If, however, the leagues a-re as last year, the South Glamorgan. League and Mid-Gi'aanongan League will need other nomi- ll-a.t.io:u3. as (Wiiitcliureii) and G. Lewis (Pontypridd) are ex-oflioio memhers of the council by virtue cf holding their oftiees as chairman and vice-chairman respectively of the association. ihe War Office has advised the Welsh Miniature Rifle Association that, whilst the War Office accepts the responsibility of advising ¡.H3 to the structural safety of the jiaitjigt's, and alio precautionary measures regarding ace-ess to any areas, spaces, roads, or paths, whether in front of th? targets or behind t.hem, where danger may be appre- hended, the ultimate responsibility for the S1a.,d precautionary measures, as well as the entire responsibility for discipline, care, and 'skill at the firing point, and for all other matters connected with the use of the range, must real with the owners aaid users of the range. The open meeting promoted by the Bris.tol Ctlub was fairly well attended by competitors fro in South Wales, as well as from London and Derby. The entries amounted to 433, and thfoe, doubtless, would have been con- siderably increased had not the competitions been limited to open sights. No less thaii 23 team entries were received, and this con- tracts strongly wit,h the meagre support given to team shoots in South Wales, alfliouigh the number of local clubs is con- Hidona.bly more than in the Bristol district. Captain B. R. Lambert made a most efficient ch ,-ef range officer, and visitors thoroughly dm toyed the complete ;1,rr¡.¡ong>emf"nt$ made. 'I*he Army Council ha.s juet issued instruc- tioiit4 for the construction of 220 ranges, and South Wales clubs will be interested to learn tli at one instruction is: No one shaH be allowed to fire beyond 25yds. who is not, in the opinion of some- one competent to judge, sufficiently skilled to justify his ooing allowed to fire at longer -raaig--s. The Society of Miniature Rifle Glubs intend arranging competitions for pistols at its open meetings in future. It has been suggested that the Society of

A CARDIFF LADY SHOT. Cardiff can boast of having the youngest international lady shot in the United King- dom. She is Miss L. Jones, daughter of the genial host of the Railway Hotel, Canal Wharf, and although Miss Jones only com- menced shooting twelve months ago, she MISS L. JOiNES (17), Railway Hotel, Canal Wharf, Cardiff, became so efficient with the rifle that at the end of last season she was selected to repre- sent Gail-ant Little Wales against New South Wales. Miss Jones fully justified her selec- tion, scoring 49 out of a possible 50. Miss Jones is an attractive Welsh girl of only seventeen summers, and she should certainly gain distinction in the shooting world in the future. Miniature Rifle Cluh-y should be asiked to send the English international team for the Weieh meeting next siuminer, a.nd Whit-Mon- day and the two following days were men- tioned as the most suitable dates. It is hardly likely that theee dates will be adinered to now, as the London Society inform me that they intend holding an open m,cetin,g at Buxton on those dates. Tiiey give this early notice "in the hope that no other rifle meeting will be arranged for the o;¡am.e dates." Although many military mem. wiU not acknowledge it, there is not the least doubt that m.inia.ture line shooting is not only a fine practice for long range shots, but a real help to these who are unable to take up loag range practice. The Sirhowy Club is the latest local club to prove this. The local Territorial force at Sirhowy, in con- tract to those a.t other places in South Wales, allow civilians to shoot on the long ranges, and in a recent medal competition at 200yde. and 500yds. Mesare. Coombes and Baines put on the respective totals of 64 and 58, whilst the average scores made were lower tnan them. Messrs. B. F. Stockhaim (TJsk), who figured so prominently in the prize-list at Penally, D. E. Lewis and A. Ho v. ells (Mountain Ash), could also beatr testimony as to the value of miniature rifle practice for long range shooting. G. D. Taylor, of Newport and St. ulian's Clubs, keeps up his record otf succesi-es at the weekly s.hcotinig competitions at the Franco-British Exhibition, and he has now won over forty prizes. in. kind. His latest succcsecs arc first prize (400-day clock) in the competition a.t stationary target with a slCore of 97. and third prize (rose bowl) with ten hits at the sportsman's target.

SKITTLES. [By FLOORER."] The formation of tne Cardiff wKit-tie League two years ago has raised the good old game of skittles from the low level to which it had fallen of a public-house game to a standard which could O!nlly be dreamt of in the wildest dreams of imagination. Not only has, the league elevated and given a tone to the game. but by strict enforcement of rules and the stepping in at once should anything occur which might be detrimental to the game, it has increased its following, and this year in point of membership the league is stronger than ever. Twenty clubs have atliliat-ed, and the season opens on Mon- day next. The following is a list of next week's matches and. rc--f-rees:- Oct. 5.-rour Elms v. Cylde. Referee appointed by New Park IAbtrals. Oct. 5.—Bute Dock v. Canton Conservatives. Referee, Irish Institute. Oct. 5.—Royal Oak v. Greyhounds. Referee, Grephounds. Oct. 5.—Greyhounds Y. Barry Centrals. Re- feree, Penarth Plymouth. Oct. 5.—Central Liberals v. Plymouth Rocks. Refceree, Cardiff City. Oct. 5.-Penarth Dock v. Museum. Referee, Barry I-Iolton. Oct. 5.—Maindy v. New Park Liberals. Re- feree. Central Liberals. Oct. 5.—'King William IV. v. Barry .Holton. Referee, Muiseum. Oct. 6.-Rloath Liberals v. Penarth Plymouth. Referee, Barry Centrals. Oct. 6.—Cardiff City v. Irish Institute. Re- feree, Roath Liberals. All matches played on the alley 6f the first- named club. ROYAL ALBERTS V. IRISH INSTITUTE. At the Irish Institute on Monday at 8.30. Alberts (selected1 from)—D. Greenwood, J. Watkins, Ted Davies. J. Jones, W. Lewis, I. Morgan, Tal. Robinson, A. Stone, J. Moon, R. J. BfriTid, Dan Morgan, J. Coughiin, Tom Davies, A. Day, Ji mMlorxisey, and E. Jen- kins,

WESTERN MAIL FOOTBALL ANNUAL, 1908-9. ONE PENNY. SOLO 8Y ALL NEWSAURNTG. printed and publibed by Tbouuw J- for tb» Im Srietors at 66a, St. Mary-"reet. In the City of C?f- dia; by James Korman, caatle-etreel, !!w; IL G. Williams, Glebeland-strect, Merthyr Tydfll; at the shop of Mr. Wesley Williams. Btdgend-&U is the County of Glamorgan by .la.b8z Thotnu, 22, 11i. reet. Newport; at the abop of Mr. 1. P. C4LErey, Monmouth-beth In the County of Moamouth; at «he .bop of Mr. D&vJd John, LlanoUy. in the CotwM of Carmarthen; &ad at tbo oCcet of At. T..? Danes, Tho' Ðu1wat.t. m Um Cottati ?" Brecknock. &A.TUJmAY. -ooronœ 1Ø.

off for piayers. At one time it was deemed almost impossible to organise the Philoso- phers for this season. In its loth year it is strange that a, ceoitra.1 cuib shomd nave been in such diificulties over players. vb,(, trouble, sayti Secretary Hart, was tided over by tile inclusion of a number of Grange player in Komiily's ra.n\it>. The Romihy secretary, therefore, fears that if Grange "swims" his ciub will suffer severely. Several old Northern players have thrown in their lot with Adam-Ciov-n. E. S. Hill, H. Elston, F. Elstoai. and S. Jones have joined the iiew club; whilst G. Elliott, Grey, a/Hi Ahearne, of Roath, have aiso been transferred. Tlie Roath Adults were wrongfully reported as defunct. T'ne reverse i- tne ca.,o, for the club is nourishing, a.nd the players are 80 gratified at their doings that they have changed the name of the club to Car- ditf Eaetern. W. A. Symone has changed from St. Michael's to Cardiff Barbarians, and W. White from Adults to Gr?ngf Windsors. Other transfers aU&wed are F. M'Carthy and (?on. Hurly. St. Peter's to Carditf 'Qu?- P. D(), Canton H?v?rs, and C. ?t&n'ntc?d. p. Harris, J. Barrett, and P. Rowlee, of, St. Michael's, to Cardiff Rovers. A. J. Bla.ke, T?a to Windsors; Alf. Christea?'n, ?et.a? to Windsors; L. Attey, Mackintosh to 'i'u-itNen; J. Barry and W. Qoopey, Hibernians to St. P?ul'?; J. Da-ns- eombe, Cardiff Barbarians to Grange Insti- tute; J. Howl's and J..MohiUe, Canton 'Quins to Wanderers; A. Burtord a?d W. Coombs, Fruiterers to Gr?ti?e Harriers, a.nd Charles Guinea, Adults to 'Quins. At the request Of the hon. treasurer of the Union, who desired to be relieved of &o-mc ¡ of the work entailed by the office, Mr. R. W. John was unanimously appointed assis- tant treasurer. Canton 'Quins ■ added to their reputation by drawing with Chepstow at Chepstow. The feature of the match was the grand kicking of full-back Jack Davey. Of the rest, one aiid all played so finely that it would f be unfair to s.itgie any out. The 'Quins each wore a band of crape owing to the sudden death of the mother of Willia a.nd Walter Mullett, two of the side's best players. Aberdare and District. I Xo league matches were played last Satur- day; friendlies held sway. A meeting of the league will be held on Thursday next at the Tiger Inn. Aberaman Gymnasium Club has secured t.ho services of H. Mills, who last year cap- tained the Cynon Stars, the winners of the league championship. As most of the OyTn's side are new to the Rugby code. Mills is just ttie sort of leader required. I hear tha.t it is the intention, of the Moun- tain Ash club to run a junior team in this league, who will be allowed to play on the Old Firm's ground. Difficulties in obtaining land are great at prog?nt. This acfou?ts for Mcrthyr Reserves' late start. Will some one give a helping hand, for the Reserves are far too good a side to disband? I Merthyr Juiiior3 arc going very strong, but they should IJoaY great attention to training. Sirhowy Valley. I Sirhowy Valley. Friendly matches were the order last [Saturday. Troedrhiwgwair journeyed to Cilfynydd to play the champions of the; Rhondda League, and returned beaten by :4l points. Hibernians r4n over to Blackwood, and uphold their great reputation by a try to nil. It wa, a short, but interesting game. Tl;e winning try. scored by Connelly, was the result of a arc open.irg by Phi Hips. j United and Georgetown, met at Lloyd's Park on Monday, and the former won. by 3 tries. Last Saturday Welsh Hills notched, a brace of league points at the ex:x<n.=o of George- town. The Pop Boys gained the ?'rdict by great ki-ks. On? drop??d goal amd two penalties being the score. Northern Unionistsns" Amateurs'' In the Sirhowy Valtey 1?-a?ue it M asserted that one of the clubs oa Mondaiy t! played three Northern Union men. It appears that the Kib?rnians yisitd Sirhowv on M?n?a.y. The home dub had a diaiculty in getting a t-f?m together^ but ev,entu?Lify, got a'scrntch ?id? ont, wh?ch the Hibennang beat by a try. The Hibernians ha.ve-ro- bably owing to their many successes—ma/n.y "friends," and it is asserted that some of these intend reporting the fact to the Welsh Football Union that the Hibernians played against, three men from Ebbw Vale. Even if the charge be corrcct—it is denied by Sirhowy—the Hibernians cannot be found the lmet fp.ult with, for they fully thought that all their opponents were amateurs, if the charge be true, Sirhowy only are to fatorrr*" Scissors Club -1 A meeting cf the Welsh section of the Football Scissors club was held at Cardiff on Saturday last. Mr. A. W. Swash (Worshipful Referee) presided. Greetings were torwarded to the Worthy Grand Master (Bro. T. H. Fitohett) and the Worthy Scribe (J. C. Cooper) (Leicester). Clrie candidate only was deemed worthy of mmhershjp. B? E. joli? ) was cxcTi?d atteudame as he had ini&laid iI bis regalia. Spokelets. I Cardiff Res-erves sruffered from de. eat at I iN, c, t hovviig to fielding a very weak side. Two "aufce" in the back division. I The Her-dy and Maefrteg game was a fine talking, competition. Tlie Hendy sitipper was ordered off, but he was not chief orator. Treorky scored a "try" against Caerphilly 76 feet over the goal line. Were there no inches? Was the foot rujo right? Penygraig want r. goal-kicker. Eight triefs arid no gcal. Ph4,w! No club deserved the grant of £20 from t'h" Welsh Football I'nion more than Croc- l Key,. The strike of 1905-6 seiriously crippled the finances. l strad led Lb-ynypia by a try at Ban time. Quavtetie work of a fine &t:.?e altered? this in tb cond moiety. B. Jon? show? great speed. Goodwin injured his knee. Will be out of the field for a couple of weeks. Llwynypia farxy the chances of Mos Evans (centre), E. Phillips aid D. Mead (half-backs), and T. Mithan, E. W. Welsh, and J. Hannocott (forwards) for county honours this season.. Mansel Victoria (Port Talbot) opened tJieir season by defeating the "giant" Steci- workers by six points. D-an Tobin led his pack finely. Dick Hughes lacked splendid-y. and gained a great penalty goal. Fox .Madden was the try-getter. Schools Hugger iviems. This month will see league matches- in full I Tno Welsh Schools' Urion divided their available balance among the various needy leashes. Cardiff ended last season wit-h Lll in hand. Monstrously rich compared with most of the other leagues. Risca, Bridgend, and Neath had adverse balances. The Neath league has been disbanded. Scottish teachers are anxious for a boys international with WaJ-M. Tho Scotch senior Union, however, are averse to national matches. Congratulations to Mr. A. W. Swaf-th 011 his unanimous re-elect ion as Chairman of the Union. His health is now completely restored.  .Mr. K E. Ba.il?y defeated Mr. Evan John for the vice-chair by a single vote. Ninety-five schools play Rugby under the auspices ot the Welsh Schools' Union. Eaoh of the Swansea schools play 22 matches per season. Cardiff follows with 14 matches, Risca played B. Newport 8. Caerphilly 9, Ponty- pridd 10. Bridgend 10. Maesteg 9, Aberavon 10, and Llanelly 8. A minimum should be fixed. At least a dozen games should be played by each school. The Schools' Union has about 40 vice-pre- sidents. Why not revise the list? The Welsrh Schools' Rugby Union propose to issue a handbook containing rules and each affiliated league's fixtures. Skewen headed the Neath league from its birth to its untimely decease. The champions are anxious to continue playinig the game, and have asked Swansea to accept them. Upper W«iptern Valleys School League has affiliated with the Welsh Schools' Ruby Union. The league has 1Jie school teams. The English international trial match takes place at Coventry on March 6. International at Leicester, April 10. Next season's international li,as been fixed for Cardiff. Cardiff Schools' Union got into working order last evening. I Fixtures wera arranged, and match oom- mitt.eo selected. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. I E. Lewis (Cardiff).—No; he was never in the riinnilig for selection in the Welsh boys' team. "Referee" (Biaenavon).—On your own statement of the facts your ruling was incorrect. A scrum should have beem. ordered, but yon wrongly allowed a try. A. R. S. (Newport).—The name under the photo is incorrect.

G. HEMMINGS (of Bristol).-Third season with Cwm.pa.rc. Good dribbler, and very clover a.t feeding forwards. The right man in the right place. JACOB EDWARDS.— Midget left half. Knows the game well. TED M. EVANS (local).—Dropped off form recently. Has the making of a good player. Will "come on" again. FORWARDS — W. J. EDWARDS.—Right win-g. Pace fast. Can shoot well. Will bclicfit with expe- rience. J. PARTON (Oxford City).-Comes to Cwmparc wit,h great record. Can adopt himself to any game. 'Much is expected of him. T. HUGHES (Aberystwyth).—Expected to do good work. Fast shot. Will neip to swell goal average. DAN PRICE (local).—Good, strong shot. Plays crcdita.oly. Keeps game lively. MjBERT DAVIES (Oswestry .—Latest capture. Expected to play to "Dicky" Jones as inside left to advantage. "DiiOKY" JONES.—•Diminutive, scintillating left wing forward. Cleverest in the Rhoaidda in that position. Worth watching. "MERRY ANDREW" (A. Jories).-Is Cwm- panc's most appreciative spectator. Screeches like a 14 h.-p. s.te,a,m engine syren. No match complete without Andrew. P.C. FUDGE.—Always on the line. Carries a cane instead of flag. "Touches" the boys who tre.spa.ss OIl field of play. When Cwm- parc scores t.he genial constable wedrs a sinile difficult to come off.