Evening Express

The Wetsh Leagues. '¿t- C. AND D.R.U. School and Ex-Schooiboy Rugger. I By "SPOKES."] Aberdare and District: Started at Last. The following olubs were represented at the general meeting held at the Tiger Hotel: Aberaman, Mountain Ash Juniors, Owm- aman. Merthyr Juniors, Plymouth Institute, and Oefn. It was decided to hold a trial match a.t Merthyr, if possible, in order that & team may be selected to meet the Mon- mouthshire Valley League in the inter-league championship. The latter game will take place at Crumlin. For the pcut five or six years Cwmaman bas beeu a Soccer ISttronghold. It its, there- fore, gratifying- to note that a. Hugger olub has at last been formed there. With such "n enthusiast as D. Gurwen Davies to lead them. they will make a bold bid for ure. The c.,ah has selected the right person as secretary in Alt. 1.. 1 nomas. With ibel help of Mr. E. J gees and a strong com- <mM?e, there M every prospect of the carry- = code flourishing in the district. The Aberaman Gymnasium is forging Mead. W hen, the baoka have a little experi- ence the side will be a. good one. The Merthyr Juniors have now settled matters regarding tberr playing pitch. They iiave to pay the large cram of ,r.12 for its use. With no "gate" money, it is a severe struggle to keep the team together. However, the energetic secretary, jrir. Leonard, backed up by a strong committee, are making heroic Biforts- to keep the amateur code alive in the Ateortbyr dietriot. The Cefn twim is a new side to league foot- bail. but the display at Aberaman last Set- arday, when they met and defeated a strong scratch team by a goal to nil, stamps tnem as a very fine organisation. The half-backs a&d three-quarters combine finely, but the forwards want some coaching in packin-, and beeling-th(- foundation of a good pack is there. Mountain Ash Juniors are already getting a shelf made for the cup and medals. The way they waltzed round Aberaman by over M paints hints that the shelf wiii probably required. It wiiii be a grim struggle when Merthyr J undoes are met. I have not had the pleasure of witnessing ;¡b& Institute iieserves play yet. From an tccouirt of one who has, it appears that, kit ho ugh on the smaii side, the team is a. fine me_ It is satisfactory that the late chairman .t the league, Mr. E. T. Paj-fttt, has been 4eoted on the committee of the Mountain tsh club. A closer bond of friendship ot-em the Old Firm and the Juniors should e the outcome. The inter-league team will be chosen next reek. Six to eight olube will constitute the old toys' -league now being formed. Bridgend and District. Both the leading teams of the league came crcfppers last Saturday. Tne game at Brid- gend between the teeonds and the Infants of Blaengarrw was a red-hot surprite. The infante actually got whacked by half a score of points. With the exception of the last ten minutes, the eeconds were throughout on top, The winners have been greatly streng- thened by the inclusion of Walter Hockings, last season's skipper of the 'Quins, and Dai Hopkin, a younger brother of Jenkin Hopkin, cf the premiers. The pack is second to none in the league, Bert Hopgood (the beet op of the sixtee n j, W. Quinian, F. Bradahaw, and Biddies heing the pick. At half W. Cooke and Dai Hopkin combined nicely, and the latter worried his opponents by cfevef touch-kicking, whilst at three- quarter W. Hockings and H. Giles were great in attack. Skipper Jenkins in his new role ft? full-baok (fid well. Blaengarw were overfed from the "feeding bottle," and it was hinted there was an epidemic of "Quineey." They were best served by their forwards, who played with rane dash, H. Pritchard (a certainty for inter-league honours), Morris, and Llewellyn baing the best, while at half W. Tucker was the best half of the four. Hopkins and Thomas made great efforts in the quartette, but found the defence perfect. Ginger" Jones was still on the injured list, but his substitute, Morgans, performed satisfactorily at full back. Although the defeat was humiliating- to the Infants, who fully anti- cipated an easy victory, they took t.heir drubbing like the sportsmen they are—in a sporting way. The other surprise was Gilfach Goch t". Kiantymoei Excelsiors. GilLi on their own little tatrp are a difficult side to beat, but their victory of 9 to 3 points is a vast improvement on past form. The game was too keen, and, unfortunately, Referee Tom Jones found it necessary to send two of t}ilifi's fonvardS and one Excel to the touchline for refrigerating purposes. Tom Hares. Ike Bd wards, Cox, and Sammy Evans, of the ups, played with rare skill. R. White was the best half, and S. Jones wac. easily the beet three on the tklhi8 two tries weg,e brillian-t. J. M. Jones, Groves, and "Quinsey" did well. E. Johnson showed im- proved form as full-back. Excels were best represented by Edwin Moees. H. John, Webber, and Law- rence in the front rank. Captain Davies strove manfully at half. Evans Phillips, and Bowden of the other backs did well. The Riders of Cefn journeyed to Natrty- iDoel to meet the Townie-, and a defeat of 17 points needs a little explana- tion The Riders were minns three good ups anri Cook :tt three-quarter. It was a brilliant game which the home team played. ar-d I co not think that the presence of these players would have made much ditference. On their own pitch the town club is really great. Jack Chileott is easily the best for- ward in the league. Jack Davies, Glyn Palmer, and -T. Thomas are also rare good *un«. J. "E. Boobyer is a clever half, and at three-quarter Adrian Lloyd and Coles are a formidable pair Perkins at back knows where the touch tine is. The Riders did not show their usual degdn3. They were best represented by George Butcher, Watkins, Hold, and Smith -)< the ups. George Watkins by his olean, clever play at half became a great favourite. Had Morgan, too, did capitally. The threes were poor. Maesteg Rangers succeeded in defeating the newly-formed C'aerau United by twelve points. The La mi s held their own well until late in the g-irne, when the superior finesse and stamina of the Rangers told its taile ajrci the shearing commenced. I might i state that Caerau has been a red-hot Soccer district, and at the present moment that game is unknown in the district. Is not thfa proof of the value of the league? 'The United are sare to make a gocd side after a few games together. Their forwards are all workers, notably C. Jones, Healey, Griffiths, and Benjamin. The best of the hacks are Captain Walters, Hanniford, fcdwards, and Davies. 1 The Rangers are still strengthening their side, and great hopes are entertained (at Maasteg, of course), that they will be the champions. Rhymney Valley Juniors. I The trial match at Rhymney on Monday Iras a failure, as neither the North nor South ) team turned out as selected. The talent war* j pocr The only possible course is to hold t another trial with representative s Another drawback was the really wretched etate of the ground. Of the players. Parry, of Rhyt!ln, wa" the best three-quarter on tohf e Mfle fnll-baok positMn lies between the custodians of Deri and Bodwaa when the team is hn. The 80utfu halves were the smarter. Of tht f?r?-ards, DaIlimor, of i AbfrtrMwr. was the pick. Edwards, the 13?edwm forward, had to play on the wta?; the refore, he had n? chance to show Ms merit. The rext trial match—to give satis-! fsw>tion—should be played at either Bargoed 08* Abei-bargced. The victory of Aberbargoed over Deri by ft try was a rainful surpriee to Deri. They must thajik their stars it was not a league maU-h. Rhymney Seconds' defeat of the scarlets by the 1 "narrow -.ftargin of S points vioveo l the »c%rlets to be a, good side, for thegeconcis are decidedly strong. A little explana-tirn of the Abertridwr v. Bedwag game at Aber on November 7 would clear a lot of disputes (write3 "waBjte"), The whistler was a man from Aber, who admitted he !t control of the players. At the interval nothing had been scorcd. Aftoer ten minutes' play in the second moiety Ray- wog-d s.ined a good try, and the referee im- mediately stopped further plav, 36 it was so dark. It was a friendly, and I cannot I mrderotand all t,:J CJl"cwing over the "e arcw v same teams "victo-y." Ta.t Saturday the same teams met aguin, and a good light allowed a good game to take place. Bedwae avenged their try defeat by romping home winners by 1 goa.l'. 4 trip- to 7-il. But for the Blackness of two players the score woald have beo heavier. firtHihe other harad, Abertrklwr state that bat Yor their anxiety not to dtsa/ppoint Keidwas. they ivonid have afcwndr.ned Saulr- days game. Se'ra.l players (writes "Aber") fa»i.led to make the journey, and the "snfcs." were indifferent players. Hay ward. Brown, and Matthews were the best of the fifteen. Johnny AVilliams defended gallantly. Although all the clabs respect Mr. D. W. Manning for his work as one of the founders and promoters of the leasrue, Abertridwr, Deri, Merthyr. and Bed was hold that he has adonted the right oourse in resigning the secretaryship, as business prevents his attendance at the majority of the league meetings. C. & D. R. U. I The union has been a<sked to send oter a tearn dnrin- the Christmas hodidia-ys to pJay Cork Ctonstituiion u.nd lamkdown (Limerick). Providing the guarantees are satisfactory. the tour will be undertaken. Gt':inWW'n'3 new management is thorough. Determined to lose nothing throusrn inquiry, the City of Bricks' men, sug- «r«»ted that their match with Canton at the I fig end of last season should not becounted a lu-s-vu-P game, as full time wae not played. S-jmebow or other, the case remained undecided last season, and, therefore, on 'LI.ef'OOY the union had to rule that Canton receive the points owing to Grange leaving the firid two minutes before time. .,2We anxiety is doe to the foot thai certain

A Cripple Champion. WONDERFUL NEWPORT ATHLETE I Cycli8t.Swimmer,Wrestler, & Footballer I Mr. W. W. Francis, the champion cripple athlete, has now returned to his native town (Newport) after his recent accident at Potney Bridge, London, which has previously been reported in these columns. His accident is sure to handicap him, aAthorogh he has many times held the whistle in local foot- ball matches, and may be seen m this capacity again. During his career he has displayed an enthusiasm in athletics which would have been worthy of a round man. Mr. Francis I was born In Newport in 1886. whioh makes him 22 years of age. He has been A Cripple from Birthi suffering from paralysis of the right side of the body from the hip down, and particularl-y does this affect the lower portion of the righ-t leg which is a.imcet without any muscle. The cripple has followed athletics from a very early age with a keenness which could hardly be surpassed in one of sound ghysique. Lt was in"'th.e football season of 13-4 that he took an aotive part in athletics, when he played as a forward for the Newport Thurs- day Juniors, a Rugby team. In the fol- lowing year he took up swimming, and when the football season came round again played for Pill United, Llanfreohfa, and Newport Juniors. Then in the season 1906-7 ho took uip the organising of a Thursday team (the United Services), of which he was vice captain. Coi-ftinoing during the summer months his swimming, he was in 1906 captain of the Newport Forward Movement Water Polo team, and as their custodian rendered yeoman service. The next swimming season saw him captain of the Newport Y.M.C.A., Water Polo team, and his ambitions were realised by having the horlouir to capta4n an invincible club. The teame year he won the Newport Swimming Club's championship firora scratch. He also assisted the Newport Police i at water polo. He holds A Certificate for Life-Saving, a?d has been instrameaw *m saving m0t'81 than oce person from drowning. L  S the football. e?aMt t9a1 be pht?a? "between the sticks" for the Newport Thurs- day A.F.O. 'l'h.- career of this versatile young athlete had been closely wataiuxl by Sergeant- iilt:>tr u.c tor A. Stevenson, R.F.A., who is a miiatary gymnastic instructor at Portland, and he kindly offered to train Franoie to see if he could lower the record for tne athletic mile. In April of this year he took this ma Her up seriously, and accepted Mr, Stevenson's invitation for coaching. After some hard training1 the plucky cripple went across to ijt/.faat, and created a sensation in the Irish city by covering the course in the marvellous time of luinin. ldsec., and beating the previous record, created by J. Barns, of London ?ho, by the way, htM the advantage of two sound legs) by 2mm. 32f«: This competition comprises a. mile, equa1 pM'ts of which have to be cycled (on an omkiary roadster bicycle), ran. w?Lke(L sculled, and swoon. At'ter this achievement the Ne-wportonian met with a wonderful reception from aU classes. Be them threw out a challenge to any cripple athlete in Ireland, but failed to get an o-ppoonent. In addation to these branches of sport, he had. under Mr. Stevenson, gone in for a good deal of wrestling practice, a.nd, desiring to test his powers in this direction, he chal- lenged Toon Wallace, of Cork. for the Met. Oraeco-Roman Wrestling Championship of iroialnd. This contest took place in London on July 23, at the West End Gymnasium, where, much to t.he surprise of tne I-arge gathering of spec- tators. aiter a hard struggle the cripple van- quished hM opponent by two falls to nil, th? first fall being'in 4m-in. 27sec„ "d the eexxmd ti,?-st fa.11 b!ein i?ing thus .ho?de the distin- gmdhed honour of bedog the only cripp? athlete t?at has ever htM a. record or a chatQipionahip. Yet eager in his queet for records, be en.tered and easily won a cycle race over two iniles oi tho London-Brighton road, con- fined to cripples. Elated by his success, he wrestled and drew with J. Harris, the light- weight ohaanpion of London. Francis is of aID. extrefnelv jovial disposi- tion, is a. baritone soloist, having won several prizes in oompeti ti ve festivals, and is also an elocutionist and comedian. He is well built, lOst. in weight, stands 5ft. 94,4-n., chest 42in., calf of sound leg 15in.. calf of defective leg ,7in. waist 37in,, biceips 14in„ amd neck 16m.

SKITTLE NOTES I [By "FLOORER."] I For two months have the Bute Docks held undisputed sway in the local world of skittles, but this week they found their Waterloo, Barry Holton doing the needful for the Dockers, and on their own alley, too. For this important encounter both teams were at full strength, and some excellent rolling was seen, the Holton winning by 11 pins. Their victory levels uip matters, the Bute Docks now leading the Hokon by two points, with the Holton a m-a-tch in hand. Following thg. lead of Cardiff, there is every probability of a league being formed in Pontypridd next season. That good old sportsman, Dai Williams, of t;he Greyhound, has formed a strong club at his pláQe. and his example wül. no doubt, be followed by a few more of the Pontypridd sports. Here's success to their future. NEXT WEEK'S MATCHES AND REFEREES. NOVEMBER 23. Penarth Docks v. Central Liberals.—Referee appointed by Penarth Plymouth. Bute Docks v. Cardiff City.—Clyde. Four Elms v. Greyhounds.—Roath Liberals. Royal Oak T. Holton (Barry). —Greyhounds. Oddfellows v. Penarth Flymouth.^Central Liberals. Clyde v. Roath Liberals.—Maimdy. Aber& L'. Irish Institute v. New Park Liberals.— Maindy. Barry Centrals v. Mu-.eu-m.-King William IV. King William IV. v. Canton Conservatives. -Da,rry Centrals. NOVEMBER 25. Penarth Plymouth v. Olyde.-Plenerth Docks. Greyhounds v. Royal Oak.—Canton Conser- vatives. Cardiff City v. Four Elms.—Central Liberals. NOVEMBER 26. Holton (Barry) v. Oddfellc;rvs.-King Wil- liam IV. Maindy v. Penarth Dock.—Museum. New Park Liberals v. Barry Centrals.-Cur- diff City. Plymouth Rocks v. Irish Institute.—Bute Docks. NOVEMBER 27. Roath Liberals v. Canton Conservatives- Now Park Liberals. Central Liberals v. Bate Docks.—Cardiff City. iYLuaeum v. King William IV.-Irish Insti- tute. AU matches played on the alley of the iire,t-nax,e,d olub. LAST NIGHT'S MATCHES I C RDIFIF DISTJ&ICT LEAGUE. Maindy—F. atcckdoa, 20 H033 Llewellyn, 21; B. Picken, i9; oK. Bearoe, 27; F. Carder, 31; T. WUXins, 27; J. Mitts, 23; A. Doiison, 26; G. f isher, 24; W. \YUkLn.->, Cl; J. Blake, 25; T. Taylor, 2S—total, 292. *CeutraJ Liberal— R. (iilveui, 25; C. Lovaring, 25; F. Bradford, 21; J. Murray, 18; A. Butlajid, 21; G. Ions, 2i; G. Jones, 27; Y. ltichinga, 30; W. Hopkins, 113; J. CraiQBer, 28; H. Hunord, 25; J. Turner, 20- 1 total, 232. "Penarth Plymouth—L. James, 33; iE. Hayward, 29; H. Draper, 31; J. 26; H. HarpeU, 23; J. H. Crates, 32; M. Stowers, 33; J. Tritohard, 23; W. Davies, 39; H. Aiberiey, 33; C. Brownlow, 30; W. James, 30-Aotal, 362. Royal Oak—G. Fletcher, 32; W. CoIMns, 25; J. piiillips, 3; A. HowWl, 31; J. HaMyard, 25; A. Saunders, 30; D. L. Evaus, 28; H. Saunders, 31; A- Dyne, 35; M. Sullock, 28; E. J. Wiiaie, 20; A. Webber, U-toW, 351. Balfour Club (Neison)—C. Jones (captain), 18; R. Andrews, 18; H. Da.y, 14; M. Andrews, 1'7; E. Hard- wig, 16; J. Edmunds, 16; E. Jonos, 9; J. Barnes, 14; D. Lewie, 14; W. Williams, 17; E. Price, 11; T. William, 12; G. Bishop, 16—total, 192. Councillor Evans's Abercynon Team—D. Harris, 15; Bob Scott, 21; J. Bajidell, 15; T. Howells, 16; J. Prosstr, 9; J. Williams, IS; J. Vickery, 15; D. Morgan, 12; W. Evans (captain), 16; D- Hunt, 11; F. Evans, 15; T. Gay, 10; W. Da-vies, 18—total, 191. Caatoa Conservative-H. Lloyd, 24; T. Davis, 20; I. Sell wood, 28; J. H-ine3, 24; J. Stitlman, 25; W. Davis, 28; R. Tudor, 20; W. Llewellyn, 27; w. Hazell, 29; H. Davis, 22; W. Boy, 20; W. John, 24- total, 269. Barry Central-W. Saunders, 25; G. Bell, 26; C. Dunning, 24; C. Seiby, 23; T. Tonkins, 23; \V. Parry, 21; T. Williams, 21; J. Trought, 26; A Poarce, 21; W. Crane, 28; T. Trought, 21; c. Hawkes, 22-totai, too. Irish Institute—P. Collins, 28; D. Davies, 28; J. pegloW, 35; J. Casey, 23; W. Fenton, 23; T. Kelly, 26; M.. Sullivan. 27; W. Brown, 22; J. Dwyer, SI; W. Clw^g, 20; D. Murphy, 25; M- Sweeny, ?:1-tot;al, 317. •.Museum—W. Sullivan, 28; J. Brien. 24; J. Shftban, 27; P. Sullivan, 24; i J. Sullivan, 27; W- John, 21; T Doherty, il; D. Ryan., 27; J. Sullivan, 2+; 11. > 2&?-8.-Blmtræ,a 86—totals3W,

ASSOCIATION CODE. I Mardy's Success m Welsh Cup. A HELP TO THE GAME. I My threat to include the laws of the game in the "to be continued next week" style, hcua brought me, as yet, no grumbles. The firdends who have troubled to write have expressed cordial approval. I now this week giy-&- LAW 2. The duration of the game shall be ninety minutes, unless otherwise mutually agreed' upon. The wiibners of the toss shall have t?e option of kick?ff or choice of goals. The game sha-U be commenced by & place- kick from the centre of the field of pJay in the diMOtLon of the opponents' goal-line; the opponents shall not a?p.proa?h within ten yards of the ball tru-til it is kicked off, nor shall any player on either side pass the centre of the ground in the direction of his opponents' goal until the 00.11 is kicked off. (Decision of the International Board:—If this law is not complied with, the kick-off must be taken over again.) History has repeated itself in the Welsh Cup comipetitdon. Last year it was Merthyr Vale wiho upset the usual calculations in the cup-tie with Aberdare. This year Treharris experienced the strain on their sportsman- ship by having to see Mardy win. The sports- manship stood the som-ewha-t unexpected strain, and Mardy entered the second round with but few denying that they had earned their success on the afternoon's play. The margin of goals wae not great, but the simple fact that Niardy won should soothe the dis- appointed ones of Cwnuparc, who would re-call the hollow defeat in the preliminary round. After ail. there is some consolation in being beaten by the olub which could go to Treharris and there defeat the whites. I da-a not see the match, and, in fact, I have not yet had a chance to see Trenarris this season, but I have made Mardyf's acquaint- ance, and I cannot say that last week's result exactly startles me. The Rhondd.a team were strong from front to rear; tho attacking department could score goals, and the derience couiid prevent opponents from scoring, and the team gave one the impres- sion that, in cup-ties especially, their chances of winning would not be less than those of lo&ing. Parsing over the disappointment which must surely exist Treharris way, the result of the cup-tie cannort, but do an immense amount od good to the code in the Rhondda Vadkys. It is incidents like this that attract and focus interest and enthusiasm. Except- ing the rise of Ttom.Pentre last year, the two chief clubs from an honour's point of view have of late years been Aberdare and Tre- ha.rris. They could generally expect to be top dogs in any fight where local clubs formed, the opposition. It may be this feel- ing tha.t prompted Treharris to seek addi- tional attractions for their growing number of followers, by going to the Western League for more matches. In a sense, Treharris and Aberdare may be said to have advanced too quickly. Their very success told against them in their local home Ingagememts from a gate- attracting outlook. The result was a. fore- gone conclusion except when they met each other 6r Newport a couple of years ago. But the other local clubs have been gradually advancing to the same standard. Laist year Ten Pent re. And now this year Mardy have made their reputation as a team certain to attract at Treharris. And at Aber- dare, too, next month. when the second round is played, one can safely forecast a scene of enthusiasm,, and a big orowd, drawn by the uncertainty of tbe result, although the odds are somewhat in favour of Aberdare, who will be playing at home. It will be a fine cup match. Mr. Secretary Rees, of the Camerons, Mahee me to modify my reference to the win of Penarth Pariah Church over his olub. But the fact remains that the Penarth Club did beat the Gardiffians. It appears that at the last moment, so to speak, Fmday night, the venuo of the game was changed from Cardiff to Penarth, chiefly with the praiseworthy intention of doing the Camerons' neighbours, the Splott Weeleyana, who waIlltoo a groullIl for a league match, a good turn. Through this last moment change of arrangements, the Camerons went to Pena.rth short of Norton, Aitken, Btactanore, Holly, Oldfield, and Sproud, a pretty good nuicleus, I most adroit, of the wniai. Cameron team. Mr. Bees still has "faith in the Camerons putfing forth a. good show for the remainder of the se:1SOn., as otn* oxaly other loss this season was s za Barrv ifiard", I sincerely hope that Friend Rces's optimism will be rea-lieed. If any club deeorvee success it is the Came- rons, with all those who keep on year after vear without a nrxvate ground. But how easy it is for a biassed scribe like myself to get into hot water. Next Saturday the competition for the South Wales Senior Cup will begin in earnest, although one or two Off the games may be pla.yed to-day. A very interesting of matches has been provided by the draw, and when Ton Pentre amd Treharris, who were granted exemption as last year's finalists come in. the competition for 1908-9 will be in no way inferior to those of years gone by. The only game in the first round was that between Milford and Mer- thys, which resulted in a drawn game when played in Pembrokeshire. The re-PlaY last Saturday ended in an easy win for M?rtoy? who were b good ,ring mood, but the gate fell short of what the vmtore had Mpected. The Met' eluJb ÍB n1JlW' doing better in results, and may yet be&_mo?Tij? the su.rpri6e ma.kers. For a llrst': Mnrthyr have stood up to obetMlea and han- dicaps which would have oau?ed many organisations to give up gbœt. The losw of the Barracks Fi. eld trom ? play-] ing ground point of v?whMbe? ? ser!*W I Mow to m?ny Cardiff clu. bmh eemor and jun.ior. of )Mth codes. It ? .W be ho?d that ?m??r. ithh?ldine of permits 18 but tem- ?he porary; and if not this season, that next year ma.y this fine fleM again being ueed for games like foot.ba.ll. which &fter all, do cer- tainly not tend towards that physical deterioration of wMáh M much M wntten. Ton Pentre and Mardy met again in a friendly game-both being out of the Welsh cup—and an enjo^able *ame was provided for those spectator w?hoat?nded. The result—a draw-was ft M-t?factory ending, and the clubs took t? ? op-P?rtumty to re- a?nge the pla.yers from the usual form of Hning up. The news ? Mardy s euroere was well received, for it' wooldharo Wn vrw appointing to the aaP<? of RJ?on •SocTOr if the three le?ading dubs in the vaHeys had succumb? m the Brst round. To give the juniors a paragraph, I may remind any who are interested that the OardHf Schools' League enterta-ine UM Barry T?ue nxt Saturday m e_,du!l' for the &bglÜ:h &ch<?s ^naiienge »niew. Barry after the big win over Aberdare be?? a ?ni?ht a?o. are li?y? pin their hope@? on the ??ame team which did e? well on that occasion, and in that r-P-t will he.- one advantage over the ycnmg Cardiffians. But Cardiff the last four years has done well that every endeavour wall be put forth to qualify for the next round. Anyhow, the game is &Ireadv attract-ing Pleesurable anti- cipatiom. based on pnft experiences, and an enjoyable afternoon js assured to a.H who care to stroll to the Newport-road ground. Tho^e neighbouring clubs, Bedlmog and New Tredegar, put trp an interesting match in the junior cup comP^tion, with honours even at the finish. This wmpetitaon is now in full awi?. M? ?bo? half the olnbe which in fu?ll awl,-M, fallen bv the way. The ?pht oom>l?p n- looking for?? to the third round con?m some ane Junolor oTg>a.nootions, and it wM?d be a hard matter to say which of them will be the fortunate two to compete t'h. final later on.

WHO'S WHO IN SOCCR. "Soc^errte'' is. unt6rtunatel7. laid up, and I hie ia^resJtLD-g- con-trib^10*1' Who," must stand over tiU next week.

SOCCERITE'S" LEAGUE FORECAST. PROBABLE RESULTS OF MATCHES I PLAYED SATURIDAY. NOVEJIBER 28 th. DIVISION !• •Chelsea v. Woolwich Areneal. -Liverpool v. Manchester City. •feuuiderland: v. Notts L-ounty- Notts Forest T. Newcastle u noted. •Astcvn Villa v. Bristol City. -Sheftield United v. Proton North End. Bury v. Midd-lesborough. •Blackburn .H.otver B v..ue:ice:rter Fosse. Bradford City v. FIvem-WIL* Manchester United v. Sheffield Wednesday. DIVISION III. Barneley v. Fiilham- Blackpool T. We-t liromwioh Altoaon. •Cheeterfield Town v. ^tookport. -Ua.ptoll Orient v. Bradlord- Derby County v. Birmingham. Gloesop v. Bolton Wanderers." .Hull Ciity v. Gainsborough Trinity. "Leeds City v. Burnley. •OMham Athletic v. VVowee. Totwmiiam Hotspur v. Grimsby. SOUTHERN LEAGUE. Coventry v. Brighton." Sou-thend v. Crytital Palaoe., "Millwall v. Brentford. Now Brompton V. Luton. "Northampton v. Swibdoin- "Exeter v. Portsmouth. "Watford v. Leyton. .Norwich City v. Southam.p«ton. Reading v. Plymouth Argyle. .Bristol Rovers v. West Ham. Played on the ground of the first-named club. Asterisk denotes probable winner. Draws left open.

WELSH TEAM FORECAST. Gwynfl" sends the following forecast of the Welsh team to play the Wallabies:— Back, H. B. Winfleld (Cardiff); three-quarter b, W. Trew (Swansea) and Frank Reee (Nea.th) (centres) and R. Gibbe. (Cardiff) and Phil Hopkins (Swansea) (wings); half-backs, j P. F. bush iCardiffi and Shon Evans (Neath); forwards, Tom Evans and James Wattsi (LLanelly), J. Brown (Cardiff), Ivor Morgan (Sweamm), Tmvem (PiH Barriem), Mtcbsxd okmvort), Bdgar Mmean (gwanam). «nd HAYWAOXK

I LLWYNYPIA RESERVES RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB I

Air Rifle Notes. [By "BULL'S EYE."] Cardiff and District League I My anticipations, which I have expressed in these columns more than onoe this season, that the competition for the trophies would prove a fight right to the finish, are being borne out week by week, and, though one olub still retains an .unbeaten certificate, I am fadrly oonfid-einit that the commencement of the second haM fixtures will find a fairly even top of the league table, with the final I-stle remaining to be fought out that half by at least half a dozen teadns. As matters now stand, the Duke of York have a clean sheet for ten matches fired, but they have to meet the Alberts and Atlas. If I thought they could survive these two encounters I would immediately plump for them as the 1908-9 league ahamrpdons. But not only has one to taxe into consideration the meetings of these three teams with each other during the next. mouth, for there still remain the A del phis, Victorias, and Lhe Engineers. All three are still very much in the ruinnlng, in loot, tne Engineers shoukt be j>^ -reast a couple of points better off ti-cr L?ey &re. 'Ihe whoie oi me kx teams mentioned are beating 060 every time out,, ilild were is every pi ospeut of plenty ed wen and exciting luM?nes ere t?e c"m,i>ic 11,ip is decided, it may be-vlle never knows—unat the issue will be ielit. in doubt rignt until tne filial series of weeiuy matonee. ix suoh. snouild prove to be the case, it will be a rare battle royal between the Atlas and Alberts. The Albert-kd-elphi provided the match of the week. Ihe Aoelptti, with the exception oi Tom -Daneer, wno has removed to ivier- thyr, are much the same strength as latA- I Year, but, though the Alberts came out top wxi-en tuey met tile Lookers last April, in the semi-final of the Itewar cihiieui. Tommy's lot, are a full point a man better. If my memory eox-ves me right, the Alberts have only o-iiioe been uooelr 360 this season. 'Last year it was just onoe or twice they r eached tnis figurewilereao the Adelphi were never getting under it. The Atoerta have been returning the best scores of the two this season, and when I predicted a win for them on Wednesday I ddd with every confi- dence of their ability to gather points. How- ever, fate was against the Alberts and your very humble, for a mishap right on the last man fairly gave the matoh to the Ad-eiphi. I eay "fairly gave" because I do not think that, good shot as he is, Willie Wells could not concede two points to Fred Hill in &even shots. As was only to be expected, the Atlas were never fully extended, by the Stays, but, despite their easy win, they scored well, finishing 369—335. Edgar Pritchard, Lages, and Harry Withers were right on top of their form, and each shot clean 33'e. 'Ihe Stags were hardly so consistent as is their wont. Tibbies was their only 30111al11. The Lansdowne have, indeed. fallen on eviL Even though they were not at full strength, they had a team out that should do better than 331. Jack Fnainoe and the veteran Bob Batten were the only men to do themselves justice, 'l!he Engineers won just how they liked, the pick of a good lot being Sam Ballet (32), and four 31's by Hortioe, Griffiths, Milner, and Lane. A vast improvement has been seen lately in the quality of the Tudors, and this week the strong Victorias found tha.t they had nothin.g muoh in han-d at the finish. Kineey's boys made an excellent start, and, abided by a fine 34 by Oram, they were five up at the fifth man. Prior, who went 011 next, how- ever, to-ok the advantage, dropping seven to Bill Millar, and from this point on to the finish tne Vies. were always in front, finally winning a good bout by nine points. It was pleasing to eee Con. Hopkins, la-te of the Canadians, ret,urn to his old form. Shooting against a by Veysey, the old "colt" finished » perfect 34. Bravo, York! Triers every time, they have at last been rewarded, and gathered a. wel- oewtto couple of points at the expense of the City. The loeere did not show their usual foffim, but the victory of the Daieies was by a. substantial margin. Splotlands nearly brought off the sarpnse m the season. They were pitted against a strong Splott Conservative teaon, and at the twelfth -nlqtn were two op. "Ianto," however, came to his side's rescue, and, beating Lloyd by four, pulled the match out of the fire for the Cons. G. Rees, for the losers, with 33, wa.s the hiheet scorer of the evening.  At the fortnightly meeting of the Cardiff and Distrirct League held on Friday at the Atlas Hotel, ihe dTa-w for the ftrst round of the Dewar Cup Competition, which will be fired off on Monday, December 7, resulted as follows:— Stags v. Llanbradach; Splott Cons. v. York; Cardiff Olty v. Victorias; Llansdowne v. Alberts; Tudors v. Duke of York; Adelphi I v. Splottlands; Oaks v. Atlas; and Engineers 1 a bye. All matches take place on the range o.f .t.n.e first-named club. Cardiff LicensedLVictuallers' League. I A perfect undemanding has yet to be arrived at between tne clu-bis in tne Carditt' uic-fcnieed Victuallers' League, and a more. sporting and haimoniouei feeling must pre vail if the league's welfare is to be assured. Matters were looking. none. too rosy midet. the weaker teams until the league committee I took the hint given them through these I columns, and decided at their Last week a meeting to at once go forward with the [ arrangements for the competition of the > trophies other than the l?.?ae challenge oup. lm'rneIlL 'e sa?t,,tactP? I with the lower placed clui. who now have a chance of placing a few wim? to their credit. I refer here to tne Chambers' Handicap. No sooner than this diniculty has been got over than the committee are faced with another. A most serious comp-?mt will come before them on Wednesday. lt ? a Known fact that the keenest of rivalry exists between the Stuarts and the Barbarians. These teams mot for the first time this season on the Barbarians' range. The Stuarts are un-I beaten, and for this match they had their strongest twelve out, in order to preserve their oleam sheet. Both teams were at their beat in the fi-rgt half, the Barbs, holding a lead here of three. With another two couples having gone the course, the Barbs, lead was reduced to a, point. Here a most unseemly scene arose, one of the Stmrtal men so far forgetting himself that matters nearly came to Wows. In short, the facts a.re as follow: For some reason or another, whether it was tlhat his side were behind and the Barbs, looiked likely winners, I do not know, but at this stage, Christenoon, who is one of the Stuarts best shots, took upon himself to go. up and dispute and interfere with the Barbs marker. Persuasion was of no avail with ¡ Ciiristemson, and the longer the argument continued the more heated thangs became, OhricAenson at last loeing his head entirely and wanting to settle the match other than the way it should be. When peace was restored the match juas continued, th«Stuarts eventually winniong by The Bar- barians are justly indignant with the Stuarts, and contend that the action off Cluristeneon was responsible for losing the matoh. They intend bringing the matter before the league committee on Wednesday. The incident has aroused much indigntition in the league, and the feeling is very bitter ageanst the Stuarts. As the matter has yet to come before the league, I will not tri. week deal further with it. In other matches the Queens returned the fine More of 362. beati.ig Bells by 28. The Canton men are now at their best, and will take some beating. Rare stackers in a tight match, the champions will find they have all their work cut out to take the points when the teams meet. The Anchors gained a 40 point win over the Weetgates, whoee latest discovery is bardpy a success. Five miseries, an outer, and an immer-tot-ad, 6-i8 not much good for league shooting. The Modras were well up with 363, trouncing the Burnhiams by 34. The Bristol and South Wales gained full. points from the Mouddorts, and the Napiers beat a ten man Roath team. Merthyr Notes. I The MJB.T.S* visiit to the Alberts, Cardiff, was most enjoyable to the visitors, who were defeated by a margin of three points. They found the Alberts a splendid lot of boys, and ask me to thank them for the hospitality shown. The Merthyr boys hope to return the compliment when the As visit them. This week's league fixtures, although pro- viding no surprises, have shown, I think, the best week a snooting, since the commence- ment of the present season. Aberfan had another win over Mardy, and are still the only unbeaten teiaon in the league. Scores: 368—358. For the winners (jiODon shot in fine style, making 34. Dan is showing most consistent form this season. The Merthyr Conservatives, with a score of 380 in their shootover, top the week's aggre- gate, Thome, '10m Evans, Chapman, and janes getting 33 eaoh. The Lambs gave the M.E.T.'s a. fright. On the latter's range the match appeared a pinch for them, but they got the points by a margin of two only, and included in the Lambs' score was a 25. Wilson (last man), with 32. certainly saved them the match. Dick Lee and Fred MiLlward got 33 each for the Lambe. Bravo, Laailbdi A welcome redi- vivus. The Macks., in their shootover. made 369- a fair score. Congratulations to J. James (2), who in this shoot made the coveted 35. Charlie Gwynme ateo did well with 33. The Volunteers v. Pentrebach should have proved an exciting finish, but the Volun.teers finished very badly, and the Pentre bach boys wan. For the winners, Goldsworthy shot well for 31, his effort certainly being worth more. Andrews and M Jsaily (the popular sergeant) were the Volunteers' best. These two shots are showing good form for the Volunteers; but what's the matter wtb some of the others? The Beea showed surpri.si.ngl.y i. mproved, form, making 361 against the Premiers' 3Ul (eleven men). Their best was Griffiths (32). The Premiers should certainly try and fix up a full team for away matches. This week's form all round shows a decided general improvement. May is continue. 1 Rhondda. ) The match, Fioneera v. Ton Conservatives, was looked forward to by both teams with the keenest interest, as apart for the shoot- ing, the meeting is always a source of enjoy- ment. to both c-lube. As regards the shooting the Conservatives, as a whole, should have dome better. Twenty-five s. 26 s, and 27 s are not good enough.. The Pioneers shot oonsastently. T. Davies (33), H. H. Biggs and J. Williams (32) were the beet off the Pioneers. J.2 Butler, E. HunzeliL, G. Mitchell, and J. Davies, 32 each, were top for the Conservatives. LAST NIGHT'S MATCHES I CARDIFF UCESSED YXOTOALLERS' LEAGUE. Barbari *Stag and Hounds. G. Field .4 5 4 45 4 4—50 L. Harris ..5434 5 55-31 B. Lewis .4 4S 5 4 5 4—27 J Haberiield 4 4 5 3 4 5 4-29 A. Wiggins .3 34 3 4 4 5-24 J. Emes .5 3 4 5 4 5 4,-W E. Jones .2353333-22 C. Melsome 3 3 4 3 5 5 5-28 T. Davies ..4 3 4 4 4 4 4—27 H. Martin ..3434445—27 A. Allison ..4 5 5 5 4 4 5—30 J. Gibbon ..4 2 4 5 3 5-27 F. Prosser ..3 4 5 4 4 4 4-28 T. Jones .2 5 4 4 5 4 4—23 Hepenstall ..3 4 4 5 4 4 5-23 U. Gibbon .3 4 4 5 4 4 4-28 T. Wade .5 4 4 4 5 5 4—31 F Trev'then 3 3 4 3 3 4 4-24 W. Watts .3 4 4 & 5 5 4-30 H Trev'then 45 4 5 3 4 5-30 B Hurford ..44 5 4 45 4—30 H. Heeley ..3 4 2 4 4 4 4-25 R. Stain .4 4 4 5 4 5 "1 F. Hulin ..2 4 3 4 3 3 4-r23 Total 339 Total 330 .Rover. Bell. Humphries ..4 4 4 5 4 4 4-29 Ð. White .4 4 5 4 4 4 4-29 Fedliiigham .4 3 4 4 5 4 3—27 Applegate -.4 4 4 5 4 4 5-30 T. Venables .4 33 43 4 3—24 J. NichoUe .3 3 4 3 4 5 4—26 W. Payne .3 3 5 4 4 5 4—28 E. Howells 4 a 4 5 4 o 4—il "indoor 5 3 4 4 5 5 4—30 W. Mai tell .4 4 43 4 4 4—27 D. Davies .4 5 3 4 5 4 4-29 J. Stuart ..43 4 44 3 4—26 J. Pring.5532334-25 W. Hore .454 4 5 53—30 1". S. HiU ..4 3 5 5 5 3 3—28 Fitzgerald ..3 5 4 4 4 3 5—28 P. James .5 4 4 4 3 4 3—27 P. Harries ..5 4 5 3 5 4 4-30 R. W. Hill ..455 4 5 53—31 M. Streeter 4 4 5 4 5 5 5-32 T. Sellars .5 5 5 4 5 5 5-34 W. Bant .44 4 5344—28 S. Evans .5 4 4 5 4 6 5—32 W Reynolds 4455444-261 Total 344 Total 345 *Moira—A. Plummer, 29; S. Evans, 29; R. H. Jones, 30; W. Addis, 26; T. O'Leary, 29; W. Taylor, 25; E. Underbill, a9; A. Young, 25; J. Harrington, 29; H. Prlckett, 28; J. Wilcox, 31; G. Bidd, 2f,-totai, 336. Eastern-A. Culley, 28; C. Ward, 24; A. Earnett, 28; E. Sliamonda, 27; F. James, 09; W. Davies, 3Q; T. Lerway, 23; B. Bryce, 23; C. Pritchard, 18; B. Lerway, 33; W. Hall, 14; J. Hees, ltâ1. 298. •-Moulder—R. John, 29; J. DriU" 29; A. Tawnei, 22; D. THnner, 30; E. Taylor, 27; A. Gardiner, 23; B?. OhidMy. 24; F. J<HtB, 30; Q. Goddard, 26; W. ?E. ODh. id7,ey, 26; H. Tanher, 28; A. Edwards, 2&— total, 322. ,BurnliaM-W. Mills, 28; H. John, 26; A. Twinny, 28; W. Saunders, 24; W. Williams, 21; G. Richards, 29; R. Rees, 27; P. Mapledoran, 23; P. Donovan, 22; W. Murphy, 26; C. Fenton, 22; G. Whitworth, 28- total, 304. •Queen's—F. Harrison, 30; W. Jteddick, 27; J. Army- tage, 31; F. Bussell, 29; E. P. Herbert, 25; B. Webber, 20; R. Clinch., VJ; W. Creedy, 28; W. Cheek, 32; W. Morris, 25; G. Dymock, 31; ,> Webber, .)1-toto,il, 546. I Bristol and South Wales—G. Eylott, 27; F. Farr, 51; I A. Hood, 27; W. Hbs, 31; W. Jacobs, 26; n. N'lcholls 28; D. Wood, 27; E. Brown, 29; L. Lewis, 27; H. Cox, 29; 8: Nicholls, 25; J. Williams, 27— total, 334. Stu,trts -C. Christian, 29;' C. Carde, 33; C. Dilloa, S9; J. Sandiford, 32; J. Buhr, 31; D. Williamson, 32; E. Madley, 32; W. Morgan, 30; H. Carpenter, 29; J. Snowball, 30; J. Ward, 32; S. Sp^ckman, 29— total, 368 Admiral Napier.—B. Tamplin, 30 :T Rowlands, 29; J. Spillane, 27; E. Lloyd, 28; H. 'Fletcher, 33; J. John, 20; B Preece, 26; S. Virgin, 25; J. P. Dyer, 30; J. Wallatts, 34; E* J. Moore, 9; D. Merchant, 2c>-total 327. CARDIFF ASSOCIATION LEAGUE. Hannah-street Cong. -St. German's. E. Turner .2 4 4 5 4 5 4—28 F. Gleeson..335545 5-30 A. Forfar .5 5 5 4 4 3 5—31 W. James ..44 5 3 34-5-28 R. Leyshon .34 5 4 3 4 3—28 E. Taylor .4 34344 4—26 S. W ickham 5,45'4 554-32 M. Sherrin 3 5 3 4 3 4 3—25 A. Leyshon 5443424-26 Westlake .2 4 4 3 5 45—25 T. Gill .3443434-25 A. Coles .5 4 4 3 3 3 2—24 E. Fowler -.5 5 3 3 4 4 4-28, A. Cattel .4 3 3 3 4 4 5—26 F. Westlake 4 4 4 3 4 5 3-27 W. Phelps -.3 6 5 4 4 4 4-29 H. Richards 5 4 5 4 4 5 4-31 E. Jewell .5 5 5 5 4 5 4-33 F. Bannister 4 3 3 4 3 5 4-26 E. Diggory .4 3 4 5 4 4 4-28 J. Dimond .5 3 4 5 4 4 5—30 W. Jewell ..3 4 4 55 3 4—28 G. Davies .45544 45—31 T. Glass 3445344-25 Total 341 Total 327 RHONDDA VALLEY LEAGUE. 1 Woodfleld. *Hibor,?. H Alexander 3 3 4 4 4 4 4—26 P. Power .3 5 3 4 4 3 3—25 J. Venn.5454444-30 W. Elston .4 4 3 3 4 4 3—25 D. Owens .5 4 4 5 4 5 &-32 P. Coughlin 4344554-29 T. Davies ..3 5 4 4 3 5 3—25 G. Thomas .4 4 5 4 3 4 4-28 H. Boord .3 3^4 4 4 5—27 F. Davies ..3 3 4 3 44 5—26 J. Griffiths .5 3 5 4 4 4 5-30 B. Kelly .3545455-31 E. Hamlin ..4 35 5 3 5 3—26 E Baynham 455 544 4—31 G Hockaday 4 5 4 5 4 5 3-30 H CottereU 3 3 4 5 4 4 3-!6 S. Driffield ..4 5 4 4 3 4 5-27 L. Jones .4 5 4 4 3 3 4-27 E. Loney .544 3 55 4—30 E. Elston ..045 4 4 33—23 F. Back .4 4 4 3 5 5 5-28 Geo. Ford ..5 4 42 4 55—29 J. Loney 5 5 5 5 4 5-32 W. O'Brien .5 3 5 5 4 4 3-29 Total 343 Total 329 -Globe. I I SociaL R. Edwards 5 5 4 3 5 5 5-32 E. Fletcher 4 5 5 5 5 5 4-33 G. Woods.4 5 4 4 5 5.4-31 S. Stock .5 4 2 4 2 5 5-27 T. Keefe 4454455-31 A. Harding 4355223-24 I J. Williams 4 4 4 6 4 4 4-29 D. Moses ..3 543 4 4 5—28 J. Bessant ..4 3 5 4 5 3 4—28 D. Howells .4 454 4 4 5-30 A. Bessant .4 4 453 4 3—27 O. Price .4 5 5 4 3 3 4—28 Millward 343435 4-26 A. Derrick .5 4 4 4 4 55-31 S. Evans 4 5 4 3 5 5 5—29 A. Vicarage 3 5 4 4 4 4 4-28 D. Evans ■3 4 5 3 5 3 5—28 W Leebrook 4 4 3,5 4 4 4-28 P. Counsell .4 4 54455—31 F. Wall .4-5 4 4 3 3 3—26 A. Davies ..635455 5-32 T. Beaton ..443 635 5—29 xi. Bessant .4 5 5 5 4 4 5—3,2 T. Whitney 4 4 5 4 4 5 5-31 Total 356 Total 343 -Miskin. Ferndale Band. G. Lee 5 54 4544—31 W. Gregory 3 4 4 2 4 3 4-24 J. Drare .5 6 4 4 4 4 "0 J. Flicker ..4 4 4.4 4 5 4-29 T. Davies t.3 4 4 4 5 4 5-29 C. Cox .4 4 2 4 5 3 3-25 J. Jones • 4 54 455 5—32 F. Bail 4 445364—29 A. Griffiths .6 6 4 4 5 5 6-33 F Langdon 3 4 4 4 4 6 4-28 W. Tyler .4 4 4 4 4 4-29 A. Miller,.5 33 5 44 4-28 F. Owen .555 4 5 5 3—32 W. Pearce .4 5 4 4 4 5 4-30 J. Way 5 4 5 4 5 4 5—32 J. Williams 4 4 4 5 4 4 3-28 T. Lewis.5354445-30 T. Rowland 4 3 4 3 4 5 5-28 E. Thomas .4 44 555 4—31 G. J. Evans 5 5 5 4 454-32 W. Boyce .5 5 5 4 5 5 5-34 E. Price .5 4533 45—29 G. Padfield .5 4 53 54 4—30 G. Clifford .445 545 4—31 Total 373 Total 341 TotaJ 373 TotaJ. 341 zaogan:h. ¡ee, &;Vl,. {. 3nICJ: 1nrray, 30; J. Davies, 31; J. Picton, 30; D. E. W ¡¡iam, 9; W.. Thomas, 28; J. Williams, 32-tot&l, 360. Ton Conservative.—J. Butler, 32; B. Seldon, 27; J. Thome, 26: J. EL Doe, 25; E. Huzzell, 32; W. Grimt-hs. M; H. Moore 26; G. Mitchell, 32; J. Da?.es, K; J. :ll,Mrt. ke:'Ii¡3e. Austin, C&— total, 348.

Miniature Rifle Notes. I By -22 I The announcement In the Western Mail** on Monday last of the gifts of cups and cash for competition by members of the Welsh Miniature Rifle Association clubs has caused great interest, and, judging by the number of inquiries received, there is much specula, tion aa to the conditions. The following will, therefore, be of interest to in tending competitors. With a view of making the competition as comprehensive possible, the executive council decided that each of the six league divisions should be a?ked to organise a competition for the members ?? the clubs in each league. An entrance fee of lis. will be charged, which, will he paid to the Welsh Miniature Rifle Association. The top four competitors of each league will shoot in the final at a place and on a date I fixed by the executive council of the Welsh Mr. W. PBEVOST, Treasurer of the Newport Club. One of the! veterans and strongeot supporters of minia- ture rifle shooting in the kingdom. For many years he was sergeant-major of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. Miniature Rifle Association—probably at the Welsh meeting. There will thus be 24 com- petitors in the final, and ea-ch league divi- sion will be equal y represented. The winner of the final will take two cups, viz., one valued at Y,10 and a smaller one valued 331 10s. Each of the other competitors in the final will also receive a cash prize. A similar competition will be promoted next year, and, should the same competitor again win the final, he will become the abso- lute owner of the large cup and vv",L return the smaller cup. Should; however, anorther competitor win the final in the second year, the first winner w 111 return the large cup and become the absolute owner of the small cup. The winner of the final each year is thus; assured of winning outright a silver cup. In' addition the donor of the cups has also given1 £ i> in cash The Welsh Miniature Ritle Asao-1 ciation hope to add at least £5 to this, and thus every competitor in the final will receive. cash prises ranging from zEl to 5s. Such a competition should prove a big, attraction, as the executive have carefully guarded against all the prizes going to any; one district. i Four of the league divisions, viz., Ea6t Men-: mouth, West Monmouth, Cardiff District, and the' Wesrtern League, ha.ve requested the Welsh Miniature Rifle Association to holdj the competition in their districts in prefer- ence to the leagues doing so. Providing the leagues mentioned will! guarantee to ehoot inter-league matches at! Maesteg and Newport on December '26, the Welsh. Minia.ture Rifle Association will run competitive meetings at these places at the same time, when also the cup competitions; for each of the four leag-u-es will also bet held. Tlhe Mid-Glamorgan and Breconohire, Leagues will probably organise their own competition. The Walsh Miniature Rifle Association are, extremely fortun.ate in having the choice ofi two such 6ites as Maesteg and Mountain Ash offer to provide for the Welsh meeting, 1909. Each town is in the centre of a big popula- I tion, and is surrounded by a number of clubs. The additional information asked; for from each club will enable the council of the association to decide the matter at i their next meeting. A new principle, and one that should prove; immensely popular, has been approved by the executive council of the Welsh Miniature Rifle Association. It is to the effect that at future open com- petitive meetings in the kingdom the associa- tion will select a team to represent the asso- ¡ ciation in the team competitions. The, expenses for this will be borne by the asso- ciatioh, who will also take any prizes won by the teams. Members of the teams may, however, enter for individul competitions j at t,he meetinga for their own benefit. The eeheune will be helpful to a number of good shots in Wales who cannot afford to pay the expenses of attending the crack meetings.

I SERGEANT F. C. JOHN (Newport). I Sergeant F. C. John, of B Company (New- port) 1st Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment, has brought off a popular win by seourins for this year the Niohol Cap, which is the championship prize of the sergeants Off the battalion. This is a handsome trophy which is much coveted. 'rhe aehievemnt is all the more popular from the fact that Sergeant John is a transfer from the now defunct 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Bor- derers, which had up to the birth of the now Territorial scheme four companies in Newport, as was shown by the great ovation he got on Thursday last when the cup was handed over to him. Sergeant John, who joined the old 4th in 1900 during the Boer war fever, has ever been a kee,n, shot, and has several times won the primcipial prize in that battalion, He was I Promoted sergeant in ,1906, and on the pa«b mg of tlhe Volunteer movement transferred to the 1st Battalion Monmouthshire itegi- ment, retaining his rank. He attributes his success to consistent practice and a study of the rifle.

BILLIARDS. -0 8.-CANNONS TO LEAVE AN IN-OFF I (CO^YRIG-HT). t [By RISO LEVI ] I Diagram 554 shows a position wherein the only stroke to play is a very thin cannon off the white. Owing, however, to the cue ball being in such close proximity to the white the camion is quite an easy stroke. Here again, by playing a gentle stroke, position for an in-off from the white can be left to continue with. A gentle thin stroke wiU only move the object white an inch or two, and thrus it is bound to remain well situated for an in-off. Provided that the cue ball takes the red ball h,alf-badl-or fullet--on the sid* away from the top cushion. — Diagram 554.—A gentle thin ball-to-ball cannon to leave ain in-off fixxm the white. In the diagram the balls are so situated that a cannon on to the outside of the red or even full on to it, even though it only slightly moved the white, could only leave position for a forcing or screw in-off from the white, but by getting on to the inside of the red-that is, on to the side away from the cushion-the cue ball will travel a little farther into the open, and in this way the in-off that should follow will be rendered much less difficult, and may even be made quite a simple stroke. When, on the other hand, the position of the cue ball and the object white is such that a cannon full on to the red, made by a stroke which only slightly moves the white, can only leave a thin in-off to continue with, the cannon must be played in such a way that the white is moved some little distance, This is, of course, easily effected by using a little more pace. An alternate way of getting good position for the in-off, when a gentle cannon full 00 to the red can only leave a very thin in-off, is by playing the cannon very gently on to the outside of the red, 80 that the cue ball, after reaching this ball, may travel towards tin cushion. Diagram 555 shows a variation of the posi tion illustrated on Diagram 554. The situa. tion of the object balls is very similar as regards the nature of the cannon, but tlw stroke is down the table instead of across it, and the cue ball is outside the object whitA, and the pocket instead of being between them. Here, again, a gentle stroke, which hardly moves the white and which causes the cue ball to cannon pretty full on to the red, will leave good position for an in-off from the white. Diagram 555.—A thin cannon taking the red on the inside to leave an in-off from the white. Should the position be such that a gentle stroke, which hardly moves the white, and which causes the cue ball to cannon full on to the red, will only leave position for a very wide in-off from the white, the red ball. instead of being tauten full, must be taamn on the outside, and in this way the in-off from the white which should follow will be lets wide than it would otherwise have been, and may even be a simple half-ball stroke. A slightly faster stroke which still causes the cue ball to cannon full on to the ed. but which moves the object white more than the g.ent!1\} stroke does, will also often brime about the same result. Sometimes a combination of the two methods may be advantageously employed. When the position is such that, however slightly the object white may be moved, ib full or nearly lull contact with the red caa c-nly leave a narrow iu-off from the white, the red must be taken on the inside, for by taking the red on the inside the cue ball wiU travel towards the side cushion, and this will cause the subsequent in-off from the white to be ksis narrow than it would other wise have been, even when it does not miake 14 quite a simple stroke. Diagram 556 shows a position for a thin bail-to-ball cannon. A ge-ntle stroke which causes the cue ball to cannon full, or nearly full. on to the object white will generally leave position for a centre-pocket in-off from the white, though when the contact ie not quite full, the centre pocket into which the in-off must be played, will depend upon, whether the red has been taken to the right or to the left. When the cannon is played, with gentle strength, position for an in-off from the white will very often be left, even though this ball may be taken much lee* than half-ball. Diagram 556.—A thin ball-to-ball cannon. Red on the spot; object white on the central line of the table and abmt 12 inches above the centre pockets. Oue ball 7 inches from the top cushion and 29i inohes from the side cuahion. Position may be left for a centre-pocket in-off from the white. A thin contact will hardly move the white. and thus the cue ball will come to rest at a point lower down the tahle-t.bat is nearer to I)aulk--than the white, often to leave quite a.n easy stroke for the centre pocket. Even should the in-off, which is left, require quite a thin stroke, such a stroke will not be a very difficult one, for, in the first place, the cue ball will not be far from the white, and secondly, the in-off will be into a very, open pocket. Mr. Levi's, articles appear every Saturday in the "Evening Express." No. 1 of this series appeared on October 3. ♦Merthyr—J. Jeremiah, 206; A. F. Berry, 200; G. Phillips, 203; B. Jones, 200; J. Atkins, 200; B. Keen, 200; A. Jones, 200; A. P. Morgan, 200--total, 1,600. Mountain -kisli-G. Williams, 82; G. Brown, 97; W. Brown, 146; D. Hughes, 102; J. Price, 96; Si. Harris, 127; D. Johnson, 157'; D. J. Davies, 86--total, 885. Garndlffafth—Fred Richards, 100; EL Arthur, 60; J. Harris, 100; W. West, 61; P. Owen, 100; G. Jeffries, 72; S. Tovey, 100; E. James, 100; T. Cookham, 98- total, 791. .Varteg-T. James, 73; C. Thomaa, 100; J. Orchard, 81; J. Davies, 100; F. Collard, 72; Jos. Daviess, 100; W. Britton, 81; F. Langford, 76; G. Cullimore, 100- total, 762.

RUMMER HOTEL, DUKE-STREET, CARDITT. First-class Billiard Table. Our Annual Professional Billiud Tournament commenoes Monday, Jan, 4, 1909. Vatu?ie prizes. Enkies close Nov. 25,—Fmi p?rtiot- laro from G. Matthews, Proprietor. e5929

DRAUGHTS. -Mountain Ash-D. Williams (captain), 1 i i polnfe; T Bowen, 14 4; B. James, 1 1 1 1; 8. Msnsall, 1 Li J. Williams. 1; W. Owen, ill; W, Morgan, 4 1 i to jj. Evans, 111; H. White, i 1-total, 20., PenThiooibe-D. Daniels (caDtuin), 1 & 1 points E. V. Richards, & 1; G. East, 0; T. Bemmett, 1 1 ¡ Davies, 111; J. Roberts, It; J. Sullivan, i i J; & Green, 1; J. Robinson, 1 1 J-tYtal, 15..

BLAEXAU GWEXT LILYWHITES RUGBY FOOT6 RALL CLUB require Home and Home Fixtures; average age, 14.-Apply Gwilym Watklns, Tydanywal, CwmtiUery, Mon e1601424 GRANGE BARBARIANS R.F.C. (Third Division C. and D. League) require Fixtures with' good Junior Teams <m the following dates:—Xmas Day, Jan. 23. Feb. 6, 20, 27; guarantees preferred.—J. Evans, See. retary, 41, Stoughton-street, Grange. e626 CBBIGlAU AND CROESFAEN RUGBY FOOT- BALL CLUB require Fixtures (home and away) with Junior Clubs fof Saturdays.-Apply F. Savage Heastaff, Pontyclun. 81561425 AttGOED n. R.F.C. want Home and Home Matchet with Junior Teams; average age, 17.-Apply, for datea, to A. J. Buns ton, Hon. Sec. 61516d21 SWANSEA V. CARDIFF, Oirdtff Arms Park, Satinv day. Nov»nj.bar 2let. Kick-alt at Threft o'clock. e5742 Printed and published by Thomaa Jones for the pro. prietors, at 68a, St. Mary-street, in the City ot Car- diff; by James Norman, Castle-street, Swansea; by R. G. Williams, Glebeland-street, Merthyr Tydvil; all the shop of Mr. Wesley Williams, Bridgend-An in the County of Glamorgan; by Jabee Thomaa, 22, High-street, Newport; at the shop of Mr. J. P. Caflrey, Monmouth—both in the County of Moik mouth; at the shop of Mr. David John, Llanedy, in the County of Carmarthen; and at the omcee 01 Mr. T. A. Davies, The Bulwark, Breooo, 111 tttf County of Brecknock. SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 31. M.

clubs question the right of Oantcm to be ciatiseii the runners-up 111 last season's com- peticion. The runi.ers-up are to meet C,al'<Li.lf jiea*r\<;Bi this te-u.-ioii. vVliy niyt decide the question mer the Canton v. Maokintcea hxture—if it has not already been ioertltxi- a.ii.d hm^h up ail controversy ? Adiam.^aowu sprung surprise Last Saituiday by maiking a pointieee dxaw with Ganc-oli. Tne iota of a point lew=ens cou- sidcably the rosy chances of tne mediae sailing towards the Dervishes. j Graiigetown maintained their improved, form by drawing with a strengxnentd VV niitr ell uroh side at tne village. C. joiies played as a "JUM." lor Grange. iiooijiiy stajrted their league engagements uy defeating Oardfiff Rovers by a penalty g->a.l and a txy to nil. Tile Wamaerers were three times over Cardiff 'yuins' line. 'lhe 'Quine had the previous night heid their annual dance, &j their lack of energy on tne fieiu its explained. By the way, two players, one from tcwh cduu, ueorge and WooaacoU, weie ordered off by the referee for rough play. Strangely, the incident wts unnoticed t)y either clubs secretary, and tney knew nouuiig of it until the referee at the conclusion as&ed tor the names of the pdiayers. neither piayer win appear in the next four league gained. Mr. Briiey, the reieree in tne »t. l'anI's Y. Grange Harriers' match, states that the Siaiae two lui^^ieo ^cwre time by the park keeper. The referee adds: "It was a real sfportaig game, and a pleasure to leiieiree n:. i aiii to note iiio iriendiy spirit which apparently ie spreading among the junior clubs. In keeping with the conduct of the players-, St. Paui's, although only a try in arrears, consented to the league pomta joins to the Harriers. Grange jjjfititute Wtre in hot water recently, so it is only fair to state that a.11 tI1ot:r opponents lacu Saturday ->yeaik highly of players and crowd. It was a glorious game, fought out in splendid spirit (says the G<arth hou. tteorecary). liravo! Taff Juniors feel sore over the fact that they have jct been awarded the league poi'its for their win over the Centrals. The game (according to the referee) only lasted fifty minutes, and the late start was due to the Centrals' tail collapsing whilst being taken to the ground The committee's decision to declare the match null and void was not unanimous. By the way, will this decision affect the broken two --4e?ns' record? LlandafF North's claim for league points and expenses against Canton Crescents failed because the Cresoenfca fulfilled the rule which requires notice to be given before two p.m. The Crescents were, on the whole, to be sympathised with, tOT they failed to obtain a ground permit through another club using their name. W. Mixllett, the ex-Oa.nton 'Quins' player, applied to have his case re-openued. It will te remembered that Mulldtt was declared a senior player-thraagh playing for the Wan- derers after securing a transfer. The player has been referted to the higher oourt of appeal—the Union of Welsh Leagues. The game between Penairth Thistles and Canton Rovers lasted but fifteen minutes eaoh way. The 'l'hffitk. blaove the fiovere, whilst the latter put the fault on the Taff Varie Railway Oompa.ny, for the late arrival of one train and the absence of accommodation in two others Secretary Betts has under- taken to got an admission c-f thef*e fasts from the Taff Vale Railway. If he fails the league points viLl next week be awarded Penarth Thistles. Canton has secured the services of another police-constable (as a player). p.C. Tom Williams joins the Dervish pack from Briton Ferry. Cardiff Rovers are or. the strengthening cqlre. Cox, of the 'Quins; Bartlett, of the Wanderers; and Donovan, of -,t. Peter's, will form cne-fifth of a hot side. The team to meet the Swansea District League will probably be chosen on Tuesday next. r Canton Harlequins, who top the second leat-tbe table, lost their record last Saturday, up to the defeat at Caerphilly, their line had not even been crossed. Skipper Oram, Tom Saxby, Jack Thney, E. Marphy, J. ljcwis, T Gibbon, and W. Hoyers helped the record to disappear by not playing. The 'Quins have played four league games, won three, and drawn one, scoring 27 points to a venalty goal. .Monmouthshire. I Pontnewydd and Cwmbran still appear satisfied with their positions at the bottom of the league. Neither club has yet won a match. Cwmbran are record hunting, for, although 68 points have been scored against them, not a single score has been made for. Let's have a penalty goal or a try to level matters up, Cwm. A oorresponde:it suggests that the only way is for the two clubs to combine. In his estimation the limited dis- trict is only capable of supporting properly one league club. Although Blaenavon were down 9 points against Abertillery, the score flatters ,the champions. A draw would have been a fair result. Blaenavon were a hit slack right at the opening of the game in allow- ing Francis to make a simple oponing for Bowen to score. Tredegar won handsomely against Cwm- bran, but their display was not satisfying. The game was very poor, and the only re- de-eming feature was the fine play of Onions. Blauia. s narrow defeat at Cross Keys was not unexpccteu when it became known that Blaina were without Williams and Law, of the backs. Swansea Schoolboys I Or.ce again plenty of excitement and good play was provided by the Swansea School- boys on the famous "Rec." last Saturday. The inea of playing all the matches on one gl on Ild is worth while copying by those towns able to do so. Why cannot all the Cardiff matches be played on the Sophia. Gardens? Of course, Penarth and Cogan schools could be excepted. Several promircut players were absent on account of the inter-town match with Aber- avwn, wntM was, however, abandoned. The Industrial Schoolboys were in scoririg spirit, and deieated Terrace-road by lio points. The winners' forwards heeled well, and some fine paesing bouts were witnessed. Biynmill, although they made a try draw with Danygraig, were the better side. Their back play was supeiior to that #hown by Danygraig. A very even game resulted be- tween Manselton and St. Helen's, and a, pointless draw was a just result. A feature of the guane was the improved back play of Manselton. Brynhyfryd played jn-t a "wee bit" better than Dyfa^ty, and gained a try victo.ry. It was the best of the games played on the I Rec. National and Higher Grade engaged in a friendly, and although the latter fielded i a very weak side they were only beaten by ¡ a drop goal. Nationals' forwards showed improvement. I Newport Schoolboys. I A couple of deeply-congested games re- I euiud last Saturday. In the Alexandra alnd: St. Michael's match Foley played grandly for the Saints, besidec dropping a fine penalty goal. Stewart ored a try, which was converted, and this g-iye Alexandra the victory by 2 points. Hoods, Thoma«, and! Hathaway perfumed well for the winners. A splendidly contested game between Main- dee and Crindau rightly ended in matters beinj equal-no scoring. Maindee had 1 slightly tho better of the second half, as I Crindau did in the first. Rhondda Ex-Schoolboys. I The future of the amateur code in the Rhondda rests with this league. Judging by the success achieved so far, that future sbou!d be satisfactory. To-day all ten league clutbe open the point- hunting competition. There are five league matches. Last Sa^prday's games were all of a high standard'. Blight and open, and not wholly confined to the forwards, is a description which applies to all the games. This is due in no small measure to the advice of Mr. Gamlin, who has pressed on each club the necessity of redeeming the Rhondda's foot- ball fame by making football attractive with back play. The ga.me at Abercynon with Ely Rovers was a fine one. The Rovers won by a try scored by the left wing, J. Jones, after some giand passing. Ely Rovers, who hail from Williamstown. have a splendid hon sec., who insists upon his side turning out to time. Penygraig White Rocks v. Treorchy Old Boys was a. pointless draw. Players who deserve special mention are George Ervans f (right centre). Jestyn Thomas (halD, and Vaughan. Harry Harris &Bd Willie Thomas were the moet conspicuous for the h..= Hwynypia Old Boys at home sed in defeating Bloemlydach in an open game by a try. < IOld Boys' Leagues and Clubs. I The Union of Welsh Junior Leagues holds a special meeting at Cardiff this evening in I connection with the formation of leagues composed of ex-schoolboys as players. The Bedwas Old Boys club is likely to be a, strong one. Over 30 players are available, I and practice matches have already been I pla.ycd. The Aberdare and District Leagn,e will com- mence operations with eight clubs. I Rhymney Valley Seniors. In • the Bargoeid v. Rhymney match, the latter fielded a full team, whilst the former experimented by trying some recruits and in the alteration of the places of others. The experiment worked well in the second half, but M' V ickers's second try broke the heart of Barjrced, and then only one team was in it. Ford's and Howa.rd's tries were capital. In the n:ne matches p-Layed, Rhymney has now made 67 ro-ints to nil. Red hot! Flfiur-de-Lijs hr.ve now played their first league game, and their form in beating Pont- lottyn-a strong side—was a great surprise. Pontlottyn were at home, too, but were again without their captain at centre, Lewis Thomas. Stephen E. Phillips is still at the Cottage Hospital. A speedy recovery. I Rhymney Valley Old Boys. I It is anticipated that quite a dozen teams i will participate in the new league. Well done! I Bridgend District Schoolboys. I The Bridgend Council School on Saturday were home to Cefn team. Mr. Tom Matthews, the old Bridgend Premier skipper, held the whietle. In the first half the Cefn eight heeled finely. Caswell, the Welsh interna- tional half, with the trickinese that gained him his cap last season, raised the hopes of Cefn hy scoring. Bridgend's play underwent a transformation after Hamilton Lloyd's fine run. Really fine back play and passing resulted in Gordon, Drake, Gardner, and Evana scoring tries, and Bridgend won a great game by 12 points to 3. Caswoll is as gocd as last season. He could not be better, so it ie a certainty that he will gain his second Welsh cap. Othcrr Cefn lads who shone were Dariee ] and Richarde. The Penybont pack were well led by Gardner, Gronow, Hardwicke, and Sturdy, the last-named being very prominent in tackling. The three-quarters showed a real know- ledge of the passing game, and praise should be bestowed on Drake, the right wing, for his determination in going for the line. Rhondda Valleys. Tylorstown's win over Pontypridd United by 10 points to 3 shows that laet eeaeon's champions have rœovered their true form. The Uniwd deserve honour for the way they supplied the be^t of their players to the premier club. If this had not been done, 1 Pontypridd would not have been, able to have carried out their match with Cardiff Mackintosh. Good sporting spirit, United! Lewis-Merthyr, as usual, found Cambrian Bova an attractive fixture from the gate point Of view. The result-a, Pointless draw— j was a fair indication of merit. There are plenty of class players in the league this fteawt. and, therefore, great care should be taken in the selection of the inter- league fifteen. C,ambrian Boys have a great, inside half. Dimas Rangers are improving, aB their win over Abercynon proves. Three hundred sup-porter* made the journey with the undefeated Cilfvn-ydd team to Ynysybwl, and Ynysybwl had a record gate, It was a regular old-time league game, fast and full of exciting moments. First half found the record holders only a drop goa,l ahead. The Bulls added to the excite- ment by almost scoring before Oilfynydd put the issue beyond doubt by adding a try. It was, indeed, a splendid game, and Gafynydd, I who have nr-t been beaten for eighteen months, deserve the support of the large band of enthusiasts. All the representatives were pleaeeod to see the secretary, Mr. C. R. Everson, well and in his place again a.t Monday's league meeting. The talk of the week has been. Who will win a-t Ystrad? Great preparations for the match. I Sirhowy Valley. I Georgetown were engaged with the Welsh Hills on Saturday last in a league encounter, I fi. the Pop boys secured the victory by 8 points to 3. Welsh Ifill3 keep on securing league points, and will have a good look in at the finish. Hibernians disappointed the Monmouth- shire junior champions, Cwmcarn, by failing to make the journey. What's the matter, Hibe? Ynysddu had for their visitors Tredegar United, who came with a strong team, and dcli)ated the city fifteen by 8 points to 3. Cwm Stars and Troedrhiwgwair met in a league match, and after a hard game the Troed boys won by 3 points. Argoed United, Hibernians, and Welsh Hilis a.re running nock and n-eck in the league. This should cau-se more excitement than there to be at present. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. r E. Halewmd (Aberdare).—Your queTy reached me too ivw this w-k to reply to definitely. There is a difference of opinion among the old players, which I want settled accurately before replying. "W. P." (Cardiff).—As soon as possible. "Assistant Secretary" (Canton 'Quins).—The appeal should have been sent direct to the Union secretary. It was handed to him. •' E. W." (Maestoz).-IIaceteg won by a goal to a try. A. Williams did not play in the match.

A,Wrsychan seems now to be surmounting the difficulty they have been labouring under. plans ha.ve received the district | council's approval for the wid,&niDa- tid extending the range. A full 25 yards range is obtained, with at least six yards behind the firing point, which will make it one of the be6t indoor ranges in Wales. Mr. F. A. Smith, who has done so much in the past, has now given a challenge cup W be competed for, and increased imtei'?at win, no doubt, follow.  snooting for the first monthly spoon has been very keen, no less than thirteen pos- sibies being put on, the winner, O. Saxon, putting on four. The following are the scores out of a possible 400. :-0. Saxon 400, H. J. Thomas 398, O. Price 397, J. Minchin 597, W. D. Lewis 393, H. Miller 391. W. Thomas oyi, h. T. Daniel 390, and A. E. Morton 390. Uak ehoul? have visited Abensychan last Friday week. but owing to the Gain railing to raise a team for the same night the journey was not undertaken. dhepstow visited Abersycham last Saturday, and, having heard that the 'stJUte boys were i hot ewff, they found it only too true, the hocmeateris putting on the record score of 794 out of a possible 800 in a shoulder-to-ehoulder JZMUtoh. Rhayader—E. P. Mcrgim, 98; A. Collud, 96; W. R. Wood, 94; S. Price, 95; J. Jones, 96; M. Lloyd, 96; Worthm?, 96; Jenkins, 99—total, 772. NewbrMge-on-Wve—H. J. Barnard, 99; H. Daven- I perot, 99; R. RoL#rts, 88; J. Hulbert, 91; W. D&vies, ?98; G. Albert, 98; R. Charlton, 90; B. Jackson, 00- 'Ø. Bhayadar—E. P. M<ngam. 98; JenUm, 94; Collerd, 98; Hoyd, 96; Price, 97; J. Jooea, 96; Wood, 94; Worthing, 98-total, 771. BtUlth-road—St?aas, 91; WHHama, 94; Jeffcott, 87; 1? Retards, 94; M. WillWm, 80; J. B. FenMee, 91; C, 1?<? ? ? Wmia.me.m.. i