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FOOTBALL CAMPAIGN OPENS.
FOOTBALL CAMPAIGN OPENS. [By "FORWARD."] Fixtures have been arranged, captains and other officials have been elected, and everything is in readiness for another season's campaign. Summer has been short-lived, and cricketers, as they make their reluctant exit, have to be content with the recollection of having snaked i spells of play between the showers during the past four months. They have reason for envying footballers that they can play in any weather and on any ground except that which is submerged or frost- bound, and that eight months out of the twelve are taken up by the winter game. There is no hope for a redress of this state of things until the seasons change, and there is no sign of that phenomenon yet awhile. From the first day of Sep-1 tember until too last day of April King Football reigns supreme, and his loyal Bubjects are to bs eountsd by the million. His vast kingdom is one upon which the sun never Gets, and it is steadily expand- ing as the years roll on. In another column will be found the elaboration of a suggestion to form an Imperial Football Parliament, and some of us may live to see what is to-day a Utopian ambition an actual reality. It is only a matter of momentary significance that the Welsh Union of this season has failed to see its way clear to send out a team to Australia in ilIIO. The fact rema ins that for the first time in football history Wales has been invited to do so by our kinsmen across the seas, and that invitation in itself justifies the oppor- tuneness of the "Evening Express" sug- gestion. What the season holds in store for the different clubs is the problem of greatest moment. Wh* is the outlook? Are things likely ttl pan out as they have been doing for generations—Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and Llanelly making the first bunch, with Neath, Pontypool, Abertillery, and Aberavon in more or less close attendance? That, in a nutshell, eeems to ue the prospect once again so far as one can peer into futurity. Cardiff will be under the leadership of a. popular skipper in J. L. Williams, who was well worthy of che honour of cap- taincy recently conferred upon him by a decisive majority of the members of the Cardiff club. Most of last season's players will turn out, and the outlook is brightened by the definite promise of Percy Bush to support his successor regu- larlv. Whether the Welsh Metropolitans will retain the championship is a matter upon which it is obviously too early to speculate. With such a born leader and brilliant player as Willie Trew in command once again, there is not much doubt about Swansea sustaining their wonderful record for consistency, and who knows that by the end of the season they will have regained those laurels which they surrendered to Cardiff through their memorable downfall, at Neatn. Trew will be able to lead a fine side into the field, especially if a couple of young three- quarters of the right stamp can ba found. The Swansea forwards have always been good, and they will be good again. T. H. Vile will be the proud skipper of the famous Usksiders, and his splendid services to the club have fully entitled him to the honour. With a fair share of luck, and the cordial support of his comrades, he stands a good sporting chance of rehabilitating the black and amber brigade in the enviable position they held for so many years among the leading clubs of the kingdom. He will have a lot of sturdy and speedy young forwards in front of him, and with J. P. Jones, D. P. Jones, and Melville Baker in his year, he will have something more than the nucleus of a really -powerful side. Llanelly will come up smiling with Jack Auckland as leader, and it counts heavily in his favour that there is not a more popular player wearing the scarlet jersey. Besides, he will have as his first lieutenant that sprightly youth, "Fisb- guard" Thomas,whose perennial keenness, to say nothing of his fitness, is the marvel of Rugby football. Room will have to be found in the team for a good many youngsters, and if they show the right aptitude for their work the side will hold its own with the usual reservation to spring an occasional surprise upon unsus- pecting opponents. Neath are confidently looking forward to another successful season under the captaincy of Frank Rees, but it is to be regretted that for reasons which are already well known they will not ha/e fixtures with Swansea or Llanelly. In our international engagements there is a fair prospect of winning the Triple Crown once more. England and Ireland will have to be met "away," but that will be counterbalanced by having the redoubtable Scotsmen as our guests. It will fall to the lot of Wales to enjoy the honour of playing the opening match on the new ground of the English Union at Twickenham. England, as may be easily imagined, will make a superhuman effort to win that match and thus break the long and monotonous sequence of her defeats at the hands of the Welshmen. There will be no Colonials over this season, but we shall have Continentals instead, and they will sport the tricolour ■>f France.
i Cardiff's Chances, i
Cardiff's Chances, i ROSY OUTLOOK BEFORE TH EMJ J. L. Will iams-Strategist. l [By PENDRAGON."] Champions of Welsh Rugbydom last season, Cardiff would seem to have a most excellent chance of again annexing the honour this ensuing winter. All last season's players are available, with possibly one important exception. That exception is W. L. Morgan, who, it is stated, is not umikely to take up his residenoe in London. Should Morgan leave his Aberdare home for the big village his departure would be quite a serious loss for the blue and blacks. Without a shadow of doubt. Willie Morgan showed a vast im- provement in form towards the end of last beacon, when, bar Owen and Vile, he was probably the best inside half in South Wales. Ho was, too, nicely acquainting himself with the peculiarities of Percy Bush, who, it is well-known, is not one of the easiest of out- side halves to play with. However, the Car- diff Clllb has always been fortunate in that the occasion h-ao invariably produced the man, and if W. L. Morgan goes, much though his departure will be regretted, there ki lit-tle doubt but that, another good ma?n will be found to fill his place. In<1ed. there is already talk of a prominent member f a leading Welsh club joining the hluo and blacks. In the past he has figured in tht third line, but n clever footballer can generally adapt himself to any position, and it lie. throws in big lot with t,he Metropolitans, then he may be given a trial a.t inside half. Then, again, there are many good judges of the 4ame who think that L. M Dyke, with lis rare capacity for standing ha.rd knocks, would make a brilliant inside half. He is certainly nippy enough for anything, and another factor in hiti favour i6 his fine judg- ment, in anticipating the moves of his oppo- nents. This would possibly make way in the centre for that promising young member of tho Ueserves team, Tom Evans, whom every- body believes is going to make a clinking three quarter. All the other backs who played last season are again at the service of the Cardiff Club, and, no doubt, should there ever be a shortage, the popular veteran, Gwyn Xioholls, who is never out of training, won't want a great deal of coaxing to turn out. He has lot none of his keenness, aiid but little of his suppleness, and there are thocrajids of Oar- difBan* who always delight to see him i'n the fid. H. B. Winfield. th-ouglh not one of the vounges't members of the team, will again be seen in his place, and so will the. other backs who performed regulariy last season, vii.. J. L. Will ranis (the highly-popular skoi, W. Spiller, R. A. Gihbs, and Percy BIEh, while if Rhys (Jabe's knee will stand it-and as he has played cracked all the sum- mer it probably wil. will take up hia poei- tion at left centre once again, and then we shall toee Gabe and Williams scoring tries in the old sweet way. Not one of the old for- wards will be found to have drop-ped out. Fred Smith has again been chosen vice- captain, and his amiable temperament will surely once more make him a success in that position. Then there will be John Brown. J. P. Casey, Jack Powell, J. Pugsley, D. Westacott, &c. However, it generally happens that one or two r:'«-.jng forwards are found each season, and mayhap some of the older hands will have to look to their laurels. I cannot conclude without a word or two of reference to the recent annual meeting of the Cardiff Club. The large number of people who thought that p-ercy Bush was going to be re-elected to the c.aptaincy were, of course, mistaken, but the result of the ballot, is not going to make the slightest difference to Peroy's loyalty to the club. lie is too good a ;;ort --a.i f that. Besides, the majority of members who voted for J. L. Williams only showed a natural human spirit in determin- ing that the honour should go round, much though they admired Percy as a. leader. But, whilst the club have lost a brilliant leader in P. P. Basil, thr0 is every reason to believe they have found another in 1. L. Williams. V.?10, l e,_ 7 Pc-hav: thts latter may not have quite the same magnetic personality a, his predecessor, but besides beir,g a clever player, J. L." is also a thinker. Thoroughness is his watch- word in all he does. Members of the Whit- church Cricket Team tell ol that same quality in the captaincy of the village cricket club. Before a match J. L." draws up a plan of the field, with his men (Stationed in certain -positions for certain balls, and every now and then Johnny is seen to covertly extract this small plan from his pocket and study it. He is the sort of stra'.o* i. t we wanted in Welsh football tcr a and who knows but that perhaps we have discovered a Von Moitke of the Rugger game? Anyhow, Cardiff spectators may look'for the development cf new manoeuvres.
I , S tic k i 11 9) T 0 Q…
S tic k i 11 9) T 0 Q e  ¡\ ? Sticking Together. SWANSEA CKIPFER OPTIMISTIC. Swansea look forward, and with substantial reasons, to anjthar su'cec^vul season. Prac- tically all last year's Jien are available, the only doubtful ones being Bryn Letvis at i three-quarter and Harry Hn.it at forward. l'be former is »tatc<i Lj have left for the uiiiveivlty, the latter received an irjury to his head la-it season, and is strongly ad "Üjod not ta i/nay again. With Jack Ban- croft at full-back, Tof L, and Phil Hopkin as three ot the quartette, Dick and Dick Jours at balf-L-'d-tk, aid Ivor Mor- iijma- 'he two Ha.vi€?s&, 1m' u ih¡,l;, and Hya.? as the i main ji.y of the irunt division, with a little j new b'nod s.experience may diotate, the all wflites ought not to have any serious The future li--t is a Itrong one. There are twenty home fixtures and thirteen away. Pleasing new featured are the inclusion of Cambridge a Edinburgh "Universities, whilst enojuiagvment will be given to two Welsh oiubs by fixtures with Pon.tardawe and .Mountain Ash. There are the usual fix- tares with all the principal Welsh teams, except Neath. Thero will be two little tours. in the first the tea,ill going- to Leicester and thence to Cambridge, whilst the Devon tour will take place right at the end of the season, Plymouth figuring laclt on the fixture list, vv. -f. Trew has Cllc-eillore been selected as captain. His popularity and h-is long an-d successful ton-ure of oflice mark him out as of ail men. mos; fitted for the leadership, i The team is actuated by the best spirit of camaraderie, and, as usual, the men are full of confidence. It is true, there are a few old lu.il,9 aaicn^ t them, a.nd it is greatly to i be hoped that the reason may bring out some fresh material, but that the men mentioned are all good enough for at least one season more, even in the best of company, is not doubted in the Western town. Trew, the .Swansea, captain, when eon by our representative wal- very cheery and opti- mistic. "We have nearly all our team stick. ing together," said be, "and, although I regret that 4ubrey Smith and Hunt are not likely to be with us. and I hear that Bryn Lewis, the brilliant ex-schoolboy, has gone away to Cambridge, I feel sure we ehall have a good &ea<-o.n. t' c shati stick together and do our beet—of that you may be sure." "And do as well as last eeason?" Perhaps go one better, with a little luck. At any rate, let us hope so. Things went a bit awkwardly for us once or twice last eeaaon. Fred Rees has been chosen- for the third successive season, a,s captain ot the Swansea Second Fifteen, who did so well towards the end of last season 'that, with many of their old men available, they are likely to make a better commencement this season than laet. Danygraig, the leading Swansea Rugby team playing outside St. Helen's, also appear to have cheerful prospects.
.Eager Usksiders. I
.Eager Usksiders. I "THE BRIGHTEST OF PROSPECTS." I "I think we are in for a very good season," i sarid the new captain of the Newport team, M r. T. H. Vile (or "Tommy," as he is familiarly styled). But it is as well to drop the tc-o famiLiar title of "Tommy," in view of tho fa&t that on Monday last Mr. Vile became a proud father. He is the parent of a bouncing baby-girl. By the way, someone has been asking how it is that in the case of Newport f<> 4,-ba-llens entering upon the respon- sihilities and joys of parentage some perver- sity of Fate decrees that they should have offspring of the_female rather than the male persuasion. Does it point to the fact that in the next generation suffragettes will have so far come into their own that they will I tjirn out the mere man even from the foot- ball field? But to return to the subject more imme- diateIy in hand. The captain and those who a.re responsible for the conduct of Newport's team agree that the prospect is ole of the brightest which the old Usksiders have ever had. It arises chiefly frum the fact that prac- tically all la6t season's players are available again. At the end o.f last season the standard cf play of the Newport clab was by com men consent of the very highest. It found expres- sion in the fact that the whole of the last nine matches (after February 27) were won; and this season the men are full of spirit and eagerness. Nowhere Was the improvement more pro- nounced than in the three-quarter line, which, after several seasons of caprice and weakness, was enormously strengthened by the inclusion of the two Joneses from Pon-ty- pool-D. P. and J. P. The bringing forward of F. W. Birt from full-Sack to three-quarter was also, for the most part, a, useful move. Now, if Newport ca,n keep together the team wbicl1 did .:10 well at the back end of last season, all will be well. It seems as though the present season will open with identically the same team, but, of course, as the winter comes and goes changes, from one cause and another, are bound to occur. There are always plenty of forwards. It is the same this season, but the Usksiders could do witih a, good deal oi weight. For the most part the reserves who will be called upon to take the place of these who drop out are on the light side of the cal. Beef is wanted! There has been a g/sod deal of individual practice during the past week, but some of the p!a.yers are still away on holiday. The ground, thanks to the attention of the veteran, John Butcher, ;s in excellent fettle. It will probably be in better condition in the coming season tha.n ever before. The grass has had a very gocd season's growth, and there i,3 avery likelihood o.f the sub-soil being more dry than in any previous winter. A word about the fixtures. They form probably the best and most attractive pro- gramme that Newport has had for at least a dozen or fifteen years. Five matches with Cardiff, four with Swan&ca, and the usual home-and -hiornis fixtures wi,t,h Pontypool, Penarlh, Neath, and Llanelly, and tingle giam-es with Aljcravon, (_w mo ran, ana tsrrn- mawr represent the South. Wales engage- ment-s. There o.re the 11dW..J hiome-ana-hotme fixtures with Blackh ath, Bristol, Leicester, Gloucester, Devonport Albion, and Plymouth, and single engagements with the Old Mer- chant Taylors. Cambridge University, Londou Welsh, Watsondans, Barbarians, London Har- lequins, and the Stade Francais (in. Paris). It is a wonderfully good programme. The team ought to field at the opening of the season as.. Stanley Wil- hams (who has been very properly appointed vice-captain); three-quarter backs, M. Baker, D. P. Jones, J. P. Janes, and F. W. Birt; half- backs, T. H. Vile and W. J. Martin; forwards, C. M. Pritchard, "Beddoe" Thomas, E. Jenkins, D. P. Waller, Dr. Smyth, H. Jarman, G. Staite, and J. E. C. Partridge, with H. J. Pritchard, A. E. Hockey, and J. Adams as first reserves.
Brynmawr. I
Brynmawr. I The players that secured the silver medals of the Moil mouth shire League last year are all available. The inual rumours as to removals have been in circulation, but it is not expected that there will be any defec- tions. The committee are not seeking for new players, but a man behind the oerum capable of opening up the gam-e would be distinctly useful. There is every promise of the existence of the same spirit of loyalty between players and committee, and both are looking forward to the opening of the season with "pleasure and confidence. The came officials are at the hea-d of affaire, and Jim Foley and Jack Roberts are captain and yice- captain respectively. Great th-ingg are expected from the Brynmawr pack, and it is greatly wished tha.t Jack Roberta should have the chance of showing his ability as an .l attacking centre rather than being eclntiuu- ally ajakins his own, work.
I Neath as Spry as Ever
I Neath as Spry as Ever I ALL BLACKS' UNPARDONABLE SIN. Everything points to Neath having a. very successful season (writes our oorrespondent). A capital list of fixtures hao been arra,iged. and all last season's players are at the dis- posal of the committee. A few oroakere feared that there would be a split over fhoe captaincy, but there was never any real darger of that, and the selection of young Frank Eees, the clever and versatile centre three-quarter, has given unbounded satisfac- tion. His selection, which, by-the-way. was I unanimous, will give abided security and make sure the retention of his services by tlw oLd club which gave him prominence. Never has the Neath club entered upon a ooalSon under more auspicious circumstances. The incubut3 of debt has vanished, for the £ 149 odd debit ha, been changed into a credit balance of £42. This is diatinctly encouraging, lor I remember the time when Jt7C0 would not have covered their liabilities.. Added to this satisfactory titate of things, we have, perhaps, the best "material" of any club in South Wales, or, for that matter, else- where—young and clever players, full of strength and stamina, and eager for the fray. Between twenty and thirty pdayers are at the disposal of the committee, and. there U every indication that the all blaoks will eclipse their exploits of last season. splendid though they were. Swansea and Llanelly have disappeared from the fixture list. No one regrets the absence of Llanelly, but that of Swansea, from a financial standpoint, at any rate, will mean a. big loss to the club. Well, it's Neath's -o?11 fault. They had no right to beat Swansea at the back end of last season. That, sir, is absolutely unpardonable. The all whites have given Neath's fixture to Pon tarda we. Neath h-ave given Swansea's fixture to Gloucester, and, in addition, new fixtures have been arranged with Coventry, Edinburgh University, an.1 Plymouth. Not such a bad deal for Neath after all, is it? However, there is not the slightest doubt that Llanelly and Swansea will be glad at no distant date of having the opportunity of re-arranging fixture? with the all blacks. Llanelly claim to hold the trump card with reference to the difficulty which they have attempted to rai-e over the cancellation of fixtures by Neath (writes a correspondent). But Nealli. unfortunately for the scarlets, hold the ace, which 1,3 the Welsh Football Union, who have consented to the step taken by the all blacks. Neath players have been so badly treated by Llanelly that the majority of them will not go there. This was proved last season when but a skeleton fifteen visited, the tin-pla'te town., and in declining to have anything more to do with the scarlets, the Neath club have the whole- haarted support of the players and their patrons. The Neath club will neither play nor compensate Llaneily.
AFTER THE PRACTICE.
AFTER THE PRACTICE.
I.Aberavon.i
I Aberavon. Prospects in Abera,von and Port Talbot. are very promieing, as, yi addition to the old players, then is much young and promiifing talent available. A junior team has been formed and affiliated to the Junior League Union. There are six clirbs in the league, viz.. St. Mary's (Aberavon), St. Theodore's, Port Talbot, Mansel Juniors, Excelsiors, and Steelworks, all 'having done remarkably well last season. Mr. Willie Thomas, who was re-elected cap- tain, has appointed Mr. E. Pugh vice-captain, and with two such enthusiastic footballers at the head of affairs everything should go well. Among the young talent which will be tried are—at three-quarter, Willie Davies (late of County Sohool), W. Jones (late St. Mary's), who will, together with Willie Thomas, the I captain, and Jimmy Donovan, make up the three-quarter line. That exceedingly promis- I ing young player, Dick Hughes, will again fill the full-back position. At present there is a slight difficulty about the outside half position, and -young Ivan Thomas, an ex- Aberystwyth College player, will be tried in thM position, having as his partner the old inside half, Tommy Thomas. There will be four or five changes in the forwards, which -will be replaced by some verv sturdy young juniors, si-ich as R. Williams and D. Williams (Excehsiors), WillieJ Ho pis ins (St. Joseph's), and Lewis Jenkins ( (St. Mary's). The committee are determined to give every [ opportunity and encouragement to local talent, and in this they will certainly meet; with the approbation of their supporters, j Practice has already started. The opoening match of tMe season will be on Saturday, September 11, with either the Cardiff team or Porthoawl. I
Abertillery's --Losses -d.I
Abertillery's Losses d. I For the p-ast few ,ea,s:o,w\, the AbertiliBry premier club has been in the happy position of having practically the same men avail- j able, and that fact account*, in a great measure, for. the succesbes during that ) period. Unfortunately, however, that satis- factory state of affairs does not prevail at the commencement of the present season, aa several of the olub's stalwarte ha-ve definitely ) decided to give up active participation in the game. Joo Winmtll (who for several seasons splendidly captained the team), Tom Dykes (one of the iinest forwards the club has ever produced), ^ionel Lewis (a brilliant front-r-aiiker), and -kionel Thomaa (the fleet-1 footed three-quarter) have all retired; while Will Hodges, who has rendered yeoman Ber- vice at in&ide half, will also probably not'I don the jersey again. t Still, there is no reason to despair, as | there are available Jim Webb (the Welsh for- ) wan d, who will captain the team), J. Blake-; more (who should re-gain his place in the Welsh front rank), Jack Webb, Willie. Powell, Joe Howells, and Tom Williams (for I ward?). Billy Bowen (the brilliant left wing), and Charlie Hodges, Joe Richardson, aruail Fred CoMes (backs). The nucleus of a splendid team is, therefore, at hand, and no I less than 60 names were received a week ago by Mr. Willie S. Harrison (the secretary) tor I the trial match. Little is actually known as I to "newcomers," 'the only apparent cer- tainty being Mr. T. Ileg. Jenkins, a finely- built forward, who last season played for I London Welsh. Mr. Jenkins is now residing I at Blaina. and is expected to reader good service to the 'Tillery team. There are a, number of local juniors who anxiously aspire to premier honours, and it is hoped that _1 ..L"1. _11 .J:Hl__ & "1,1-11 several cf them WIll display iorm wnicn win justify their inclusion. Once again it is to be deplored that there is no prospect of a second team, which is a heavy handicap. The Park piaying ground will again be used jointly by the Rugby and Soccer dubs, neither of which will, there- fore, be able to have second string; The club will again be managed by a capable and enthusiastic body of officials, with Mr. Lionel Thomas as chairman. A. particularly attractive fixture list has been arranged. No less than 39 matches are booked, and among the team to be met are Llanelly, Gloucester, De-vo-nport Albion, Pen- arth, Pontypool, Aberavon, and. Pill Harriers
IBridgend's Young SideI
I Bridgend's Young Side I Bridgend club started on its eight months' voyage to-day with every prospect of a suc- cessful passage. The team, which was got together at the beginning of last season, and on the whole did credit to the old club, 1* avaiJaole, nd will probably be altered \ery little. The men have the benefit of a sea- son's experience in combination, and, being mostly on the young side, should prove a. riper and more doughty lot to meet. A. heavy lot of forwards, with a good deal of ability, will be supported by splendid backs. Mr. Ben Gronow again captains the side, and the vice-captain is Mr. Gwilym Hopkins, brother of lat-t year's vice. 1 At the annual meeting Mr. Schofield was most hopeful as to the prospects, predicting I wins in three-quarters of the matches if only the team are true to themselves in turning out to train. Tlv Bridgend and District League promises to hare a successful season should not the Eight Hours Act interfere with the matches. The limit of 25 has been abolished, and thie should enable clubs in the smaller places to raise sides without dif&culty. A second division, with an aga limit of 21, is in course 1 of fc?Tna?MMi in place of the old: boys' ku?o-k- j [ out competition.
I _Pontypool Promising.
I Pontypool Promising. Oncie again there appears to be every pros- pect of the Pontypool Football Club enjoy- ing a succeesiful season, and altbough the constitution of the team is at present some- what doubtful there is no reason to antici- pate a falling off in strength or a lack of talent. There are several promising young players in the district, who will probably be given an opportunity of demonstrating their abilities, and the majority of la-st season's fifteen are again available. The honour of captaining the side has again been conferred upon Rees Thomas, who gained his Welsh ca,p last season, and in such a sterling forward as leader of the pack there should be no difficulty in getting and keeping together an. octette capable of holding its own against all-comers. During the summer, which must now be regarded from a football point of view as past, the work of draining the ground has been oompleted, and the club can now claim to possets one of the best enclosures in the county. A splendid, list of fixtures has been arranged, the opponents including Cardiff, Newport, Neath, Llanelly, Devonport Albion, Bristol, Bedford, Coventry, Glouceeter, Stroud, and j many other leading Welsh and English teams, and there appears to be no reason why the Eastern Valley c-houldnot rally loyally to the support of Pontypool during the ensuing season. The secretary of the club is Mr. C. Greening, Grotanomt, Conway-road, Pontypool, and the club colours red, white, and black fings.
I Pill -Harriers' Record.…
Pill Harriers' Record. Pill Harriers have two factors wnich should tell for suecess-in the coming season. They have practically the same team as last year available. Then there is the fact that they have a three. seasons' ground record. Mr. A. r'. &. Griitiths, tne hard-working secretary, has compiled an excellent fixture list, which is certainly better chan anything th.e Harriers have ever had. It includes Lianelly, Bridgend, Pontypool, Tredegar, Abertillery, and the regular league matches home and heme. Then there are singles with Neath, Devonport Albion, Plymouth, Paignton, Tor- quay Athletic, and a trip to France to meet a team of the Football Club de Lyon. A popular selection has been made by the appointment of Mr. W. Haley, the talented full-back, as oapt,ain, and he has selected Herbie Davies, that zealous forward, as his vice. Under their joint leadership a good record is almost assured. Tin) probable team will be:-Back, W. Haley (captain); three-quarter backs (selected from), D Wallace, W. Young, R. Ryan, E. I Seer, and M. ( asey; half-backs, W. Moses and A. X. Other; forwards, G. Travera, H. Davies, Yv \Vebi>, it. Wetter, P. Saunders, F. Hath- way, L. Trump, A. R. Williams, M. Mulcahy, and E. Lewis. It is rumoured that F. Cheshire, of Croas Keys, rm-i applied for a place in the team, and vill be given a trial. He should be with a little practice a useful successor to J. Saunders, who, it will be remembered, has joined ljeeds in the Northern Union. The Harriers' reserves are likely to be a very strong combination. Mr. T. Webber, who so successfully managed affairs for the Maindee Club a couple of seasons ago, has taken in hand the secretarial work, and has quite a large number of promising youths to back him up. The captain is A. Morgan, popularly known as "Fishy," with Jack Han- bury as vice. This team will be usefully served on the wing by Geo. Camkett, who comes out after a couple of seasons' rest. He has played i-sveral matches with the pre- miers, so that his ability is fairly well known.
I-"All's Well " at Penarth.-I
I "All's Well at Penarth. I I' The prospects 01 the Penarth Cllb are as good as they have been, for many seasons, and local enthusiasts are looking forward to a good season. Nearly all last season's I players are available, and in view of many I stit engagements are putting in plenty of practice. A strong list has been arranged, which in"'iud?s Cardiff, Newport, J?Ia?n?ty, ?B,arL-ar-iaikis, PonfL'?pooi, Trede?ar, Aberavon, Leic.?titcz,, 'vonport, &c. I W. H. Gunstone will captain the side, which he will wit,hout doubt lead on to many a victory. Eandall Dades. last season's out- side half, has gone North, but there will be no difficulty in finding a good substitute. The club will be without a grand stand for a while, the old structure having been des- troyed by fire recently. The colours of the I club are to be changed, but the new colour has not yet been selected. The club's funds I are on the right side, and with a good work- I ing committee Peuarth should see the beet of seasons.
I Llwynypia Looking UpI
I Llwynypia Looking Up I Liwynypia open their season under better I conditions than they have for many years I They will be able to start right away on I their new grounds, which is undoubtedly one of the finest enclosures in South Wales. The fixture list is improved, and includes Neath and Plymouth. The Glamorgan and Monmouth League match will take place on the Dewinton Grounds, Llwynypia. Since the Miners' Eight Hours Act has come into force the collieries stop work at two o'clock, which will allow for mid-week fixtures tak- ing place occasionally. Cardiff and Swansea who has promised a visit, should give them a fillip, and will add materially to the interest which the club is arousing in the district. Mr. Brychan Jones, who has been elected captain, lias played with the club for over five years, and is one of its founders. He is a very reliable player, and was top scorer I last season with seventeen tries. Arthur Williams, who played on the wing for Neath last season, will play in this three-quarters, while H. Piper (Llwynypia United) and Bailey (Caerphilly) will strengthen the front I ra.nk. Griff Eiohard will again turn out as full-back.
"Old Firm's " New Ground.…
"Old Firm's New Ground. Some difficulty has been experienced by the Glamorgan League champions—Mountain -Azli-regarding a ground on which to play during the oonumg season, but, fortunately, satisfactory terms have boen arranged between the club and the owners of the New Athletic Grounds at Mountain Ash. The New Athletic Grounds are, perhaps, the finest in Glamorgan. It is pleasing to note that all last reason's players are available, and there a.re alao several new players, the most notable being a centre from Northumberland. Last season Mountain Aish won the Glamorgan- shire League, and it looks as if they intend to maintain their record. Among others who intend to throw in their lot with the "Old Firm" are Watte, a forward from Aber- aman, who last season assisted Merthyr; Brown, a Cinderford forward, who last season assisted Blaina; and A. L. Watts, a wing three-quarter, who last season played for the Cardiff Reserves. The club has also been very fortunate in too selection of their chairman, Mr. Herbert George, solicitor, for there is no better sports- man in the Aberdare valley. Mr. George takes the keenest interest in football, and will prove of great assistance to the team. j The vice-chairman is Mr. A. Hill, while the captain is Mr. Thomas Sheppard and the vice- captain Mr. John Thomas, who for several years has been associated with the team.
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-' I Tredegar's Gloomy -Outlook.…
I Tredegar's Gloomy Outlook. I The prospects of Tredegar club are far from I rosy. Last Mason concluded with the team I low down in the Monmouthsihire League and a debt of about X95. Public interest showed a. marked falling off owing to the inferior play, and it was very doubtful up to a short time ago whether there would be a senior club in the town during the season now commencing. A very praiseworthy and determined effort, however. is being made by a few enthusiasts to keep the club going. They will have an uphill fight. Players of any class are sdarce. Sid Adams, the former Pill Harriers and New- port player, who .ba been a tower of strength to the team for three or four sea-I sons, has gone North, and he will be &ad[y mia?ed from the eentre. T. 8pillane, who was playing excellently at the end of I"t &eason, has had the misfortune to injure his hand at his work, and, as a result, his football career is ended. Several of the old forwards I, are retiring, and altogether there is an abso- lute dearth of capable men to fill the vacan- cies. The only probable three-quarters are W Onions aind Bryn Arthur: elven they a.re uncertain. Onions, who is, unquestionably, one of the most promising three-quarters in Monmouthshire, is stated to be desirous of joining a club of a higher status, and he will I probably participate in the trial games at Newport. He can be ill, afforded at present. Bryn Arthur, who gives indications of making a very skilful centre, is not at all a certain starter. Mog Be van, the clever inside half. will again assist his old club. He has been elected captain of the team. The only hope seems to be in filling the ranks from the three or four strong junior organisations in the district. For some reason the fixtures are kept secret from the public. The usual league engagements have been made. and it is understood that home and hom? fixtures have been made with Penarth and Bridg. water. Mr. D. J. Jones is the chairman of the committee, Mr. D. Wig-ley treasurer, and Mr. W. Barnes i-ecretary-
A KING AS PRESIDENT. I
A KING AS PRESIDENT. I I PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS. j I By PERCY F. BUSH. I The Cardiff Committee I dreamed a dream, and in that dream | methought I conversed with King Henry VIII., expressing the hope that he would take on the position of president of the Cardiff Club for a further term of three years. The members would be jolly glad, you know, your Majesty," said I, it I would give the club such a giddy prestige to have a King for its president, and all the players would welcome you h" '1 ,1 most Heartily to tne exalted position you ¡ held long ere you ascended the Throne. I The Merry Mon- arch of many wives slowly shook his august head. il Nay, my Percy, it cannot be," he replied, "I fain would act once more, but there are others wa i ting to carry on the work. The pest of president is one that should be held in turn by the club. The captaincy is different, and we can bestow that honour upon whoever we think best fitted for the post; but the presidency must needs go by turn. Some day even thou mayst become wise, Percival, and then, who knows, thou I mayst "e'en wear the presidential robe; I but I, I have sat at the judgment table for the last time as president of the I good old club! Committee meetings will no longer know me as chairman, and-" My dream went on. Methought (that's twice I've methunk now) I cut his sad tale short and left him, the while reflecting on what a splendid president he has proved himself to be. Such courtesy, grace, and tactful kind- ness has lie shown during his term of office, and so unmurmuringly has he filled the arduous position, that he ha3 endeared himself for ever to players and committeemen alike. And now that dream has matured, and for the next three years Mr. W. T. Morgan, good sportsman and sound judge of football, will preside over the destinies of the Cardiff Club, for all that he now is King. They did say that there would be other drastic changes in the personnel of the committee this coming season; but, although there is only one change, the time seems opportune for a brief description, but one which is, node the less, authentic, of an ordinary committee meeting of the Cardiff Club. These remarks may serve as a useful guide for little Johnny Williams, who will this year serve with the old members, inas- much as the said remarks will give him some sort of idea what to expect at such meetings. We gather round the table in Charley Sunshine Arthur's cosy, inner office, partly because it is The Most Comfy Room in town and par tly becauso it costs the club nothing. All the windows are tightly closed because football committeemen catch cold so quickly, and as everyone smokes in the room the various members of the committee gradually become lost to the view of their fellows, until all that can be seen is the hazy beam cast across the room from W.T. 's." cheery face like the beam from a lighthouse cutting through a Newfoundland dog-fog I mean—and the light from Billy Stani- forth's crimson socks. Some smoke shag and some smoke tobacco; some appear to be smoking rope; but whatever the material may be, the effect is the same: you come out with red-lidded eyes, and you walk about for the next- few days like a pink- eyed rabbit! First of all, Charley reads the "minutes": these are sometimes more like "hours," mostly when we have been particularly good-tempered the week before. It falls to Charley to do the reading, because the room belongs to him, I suppose. I can't think of any other reason; there are several of us who can read very nearly as well as Charley, the Imperturbable. Then the Chairman asks if anybody wants to quarrel with the "minutes," and then the fun begins. Willie Morgan's Laces. I observe," observes the Economist, "that it is entered there that Willie Morgan had a new pair of bootlaces. Was it really necessary that he should have them?" Well, he said he wanted them, so we naturally thought'he did," someone replies. Yes, but that won't do for me," says the Economist; "I want to know whether it was' necessary." Then they turn on the poor unoffend- ing captain, who is supposed to know about these things. Well," says this unlucky worm, there were only two tags and about three inches of very muddy lace left, and it looks so untidy, you know, so the house committee signed an order for a new pair. The order has been countersigned by the secretary, and when the finance committee have endorsed it, we are hoping that Willie will be able to look quite smart soon, wi  I c)e able 'to lohok e 3iue in the mean- un l ess, of course, he dies in the mean- time." The Economist grunts dissatisfied. "What about that application to run sports on the ground?" is the next question. We cannot potssibly entertain the idea," answers he of the Worried Coun- tenance. We, as an amateur club, cannot fairly grant the use of the ground for professional sports. It would not be fair to our members, and I am all for amateurism." So am I," says the Learned Medico, and the others being in harmony for once, W.M." carries his point. That Cork Trip. I "Now, what about that Cork trip?" I someone asks. A member told me to-day that he wants to thundering well know whether the money is to be spent on giving the players trips about." ) "The Cork match is a proper club match," is the answer to this outburst, and counts in the records as such. The trip was not arranged as an outing for the players. Oh, yes, I know Mr. so and so that the players make the money for the club, but it mustn't be spent on them all the same!" The questioner twirls his moustache— or part of it, a foot or so, anyhow—and is heard to mutter discontentedly, "Well, I want justice for the players, anyhow, and if I don't get it I demand it!" He resumes his seat, and the business goes on. Can't we have a window open?" pipes a rusty voice; but he is imme- diately sat on by half-a-dozen, and his voice is heard no more. Well, let's get on to picking the team. I don't want to be here all night," says one of the married ones; "I've got to get home before eleven." Then someone grunts in the gloom, and we know that the Sphinx-like Prince has not really gone to sleep. It appears that there is to be a little practice match at Newport on the fol- lowing Saturday, and the selecting of the team begins. It goes on fairly smoothly until the half-back position is discussed. "Now, who shall we have for inside half?" is asked, and W. M." gives the j answer. No Inside Half. I "TNe is no such thing as an I 'inside half,' he .objects; "if he M A. half-back he is a half-back, and there no inside or outside about it." This logic is unanswerable, for afte-I all a half-back CANNOT be anything but a half-back, sap the Alleged Wit of tlwS party suggests Jack Brown for the posi- tion, because he seems to fill the descrip-" tion. There is always a bit of a dog-fight about who the forwards shall be, but as we are in the lucky position of having eleven first-class ones to select from wa pick 'em all irrespective of place in tha list, and leave it to the captain to decide on Saturday." This is a grand way, because then we can all black- guard the captain to our heart's content, at the next meeting for leaving out tha wrong three. By the way, can any member explairf how it is that we have never had an unbroken record since 1892-3?" was the poser put by the Observant One. "I have just noticed in the annual report that in that season we drew five matched and won the rest," he went on, "so I thought I'd like to know whetheC the men don't train now or what." I expect it's "what" was the only reply to such a silly question, and that reply came from the one who was least expected to make it. And now, not wishing to expose any secrets—although there are none to l expose I will turn it up. I am very glad that I shall havd the pleasure of sitting once more, this season, on the Cardiff Com- mittee, for although everyone else in the room does his level best every meet- ing to snub me and sit on me, and although Cardiff Committeemen are always objects for grumbling at, yet these little weekly smoke-drying com- petitions are not the least pleasurable part of the football season by any manner of means. In conclusion, good luck to JohnnS Williams!
..... - - -==::::::::: IN…
-==: IN THE RHYMNEY VALLEY. I Matters in the Rhymney Valley are not4 quite so favourable as lovers of football would lite to see them just now, but it is to be hoped that many difficulties which present themselves will ere long be brushed away. While it is believtd that Ma-chen will have as good a team this season ae in the past, and that the new team at Bedwas, which has fbeen admitted into the Rhymney Valley Senior Rugby league, will make its If evident in the forthcoming encounters, it is to be regretted that the famous old castle town of Caerphilly should manifest so much apathy in the org-anisation of their team thic, year. In fact, many of those who used to take a keen interest in the welfare of the Caerphilly team have aimost given up hopes of seeing a combination there this year. It will be remembered that, inasmuch as Hihymney have been proclaimed champions of -the senior league for last season, Caer- philly will [have to meet Aberbargoed for the weoond position. The best teams in the league last season were Rhymney, Abcrbargoed, Caerphilly, and Ma«hen. This year it is difficult to forecast the position at Rhymney, but it is confidently felt that the oldest team in the valley (Aber- haroed) will make things hum this eeason, for they have most of their old players, including Frank Rees, Eddie Walters, Georgie Thomas, and Ridge, available, and they will not lack countenance, for the generous Coiln- eillor W. B. Lloyd, Bargoed, ie president, Meissrs. W. J. Ellis and E. Jones secretaries, and Mr. D. Morgan, the Greyhound, treasurer. Bargoed again will go strong this year, for their old iplayers are available, and many applications have been made for places in the team. This team has Councillor D. 8. Jones as president, Doctors Reid and Dan Thomae, J.P., as vioe-preeideiits. and Mr. E. Northcott w secretary. The M'Donnell Field, which is in close :proximity to the head- quarters of the club, has been secured by the Metropolitans, and, taking everything into consideration, this team ought to do well this seaeon, especially if they are favoured with a little more luok than last season, when players were continually indisposed. Inasmuch as Fleur-de-Lis and Pontlottyn teams are defunct, a few of the existing teams can avail themselves of the opportunity of securing some of that rare talent which was demonstrated last season in the teame na.med. The two teams at Rhymney, it is said, will fee strengthened by the Pontlottyn -players. while those who did duty for the "Flower" last year will find their way into the ranks of Bedwas, Bargoed, and Aberbargo&d. The amalgamation of both leagues ought to operate towards the production of better football in the valley this season, though the standard of last season in the i-enior division of the league was not lower than Cha-t of the average Rhondda senior teams. Junior football is expected to assert itseif this season in the valley, where there are quite a host <yf good combinations for the second division of the league •» • NirfiTs t)REAfq I A MID SVJt1MER NICHTS DRE.AM ?orAM c'wwu?sr<??<wra?<Lt. FaLivwen.}
I MERTHYR GOING GREAT GUNS.
I MERTHYR GOING GREAT GUNS. Except in so fair as it may be represented by the old Thursday Ctob, senior amateur 1 Rugby football this season will be dead a-t j Merthyr, and 6-oooer and the Northern Union code will hold the field. Considerable jealousy exists between the town Association club and the .Northern Union club, and each is making a d'»termined effort for supremacy in puiblio favour. Since ku?t year penydtaiiren j Park, on which the Association men will again play, has undergone considerable aUe- rations. The ground has been extended, and terraced seats have been constructed at the npiper end, which will provide accommoda- tion for about 6,000 people, so that in future all g-ainels may be without subject- ing 6ip.ecta.tors to the slightest discomfort. For a first year's club the Boocerifces in 19C8 achieved a lHy mar-vellous record, but they hope this sea4K>n to do better still, although they are taJiing on opponents of t much heavier calibre. They have joined the Southern League (eecond division.) and the Western League, and they are competing ,"Or the South Wail.8,3 Cup and the Welsh Senior Cup. Several of last season's players have aga.in signed on, including W. Davies, Wootton, Broniloy, D. W. Davies, and Pem- iberton, and ainonig the newcomers, who have all acquired high reputation for their proiwei&s, are Daw (Bradford City), Weight- man (Workingtcn). Churchill (Portsmouth), Kelly (Suuderiand), Houshall (Stoke), Whit- taker (Manchester City), Ta.it (Acoringto-n), Toward (Sunderland), the Brothers Hamp- to-a, arid Baker, of Rogers>ton<e. A very fin-e list of fixtures has been arranged, and some of the best teame in the country will be seen in the park, included in the categoa-y being Crystal Palace, Northannpton, MillwaAl Quewn's Park Rangers, Bristol City, and Alian- ohester City. The hold that Soccer has taken upon the Merthyr people, despite its recent importa- tion, is exemplified fry the fact tha.t this seaaom ta, reserve team has. been formed, with a roll of over 40 players. They have joined the Glamorgan league (second division), a.nd have entered the competition for the South Wales Junior Cup. and they anticipate a most successful season. A large ijumber of outside players have expressed their willing- ness to assist, and, aó the team will be tnabled to call upon any members 01 the first eiieven who may be die en gaged, it follows that the play will be of a very hhrll order, and the matches, therefore, well worth eeeirg.
GLAMORGAN LEAGUE I
GLAMORGAN LEAGUE I The old Rhymney Valley League, under ita new and comprehensive title, bids fair (writes a Rhymney correspondent) to break past records, numerical] y and in standard of c.lu'be. Ton Pent re, Merthyr Town, and Aber- dare have entered a higher sphere, but it is a. moot point if the following six clubs who comprise the first division are not on a par wi,t,h the last-named, viz.: Treharris, Mardy, Owmpark, Barry, Owm, and Eb.bw VaJe. The entries for the second division iTJdud Jj?a?tM-ada?h. A.?rd'ar? R?aervea, Merthyr Reserves, Brithdir, Gilfaoh, Tre- harris Reserves, Nelson, Pontlottyn. Tre- hafod, T re lew is, Now Tredegar, and Troedy- 'rhiw. the cream of second-class Soccer in South Wales. The championship of this division, held over from last season, will be decided on September 11 at Cwm, Troedyrhiw meeting the home club, a repetition of last season's Junior Cup Final. In the third division sixteen, clubs have been accepted, viz.Troedrhiwfuwch, Cwmbach, Brithdir, Reserves, Aberaman Windsors, Troedyrhiw Reserves, Gilfaoh Reaerves, Treleav is Reserves, New Tredegar Thistles, Ystrad Mynaoh, Aberaman Wamderers, Perotrebaoh, Pen gam, Trehairrit* Rovers, Pontlottyn Southend, Trehiarris Albion s, and Dowlals. It is intended to provide a shield for this division. The first and second divisions have silver eups as trophies.
NEW YNYSYBWL TEAM. I
NEW YNYSYBWL TEAM. I I A,Assoc.ia.t,ion team has been formed in connection with the English Congregational Athletic Club, Ynysybwl. Mr. Entil Lewis has been cho&en captain, Mr. Edgar Lewis vic-e~oa.ptaiii, Mr. William Jones treasurer, and Mr. Owilyim (lower secretary. The secre- tary is, without a doubt, the finest Soccer player in the district, and he regards the prospects of the new team as very encourag- ing. The members are all young play ere of promise.
BRYNMA WRWEDNESDA Y TEAM I
BRYNMA WRWEDNESDA Y TEAM I The officers o.f the Brynimia'wr Soccer Clu'b for the comiiiig season areChairman, Mr. Barter; captain and secretary, Mr. Grose; treasurer, Mr. E. C. Salisbury (Capitgl and Counties Bank); oommittee, Meess. T. W. Smith, Wilkes, Albert Davies, and Thomas. Wednesday was the day selected for pJay. and an effort will be ma,de to secure the Brymmawr Rugby Ground, "lie team are confidently anticipating a. comfortable ca,rear.
MONMOUTHSHIRE LEAGUE. I
MONMOUTHSHIRE LEAGUE. I The prospects of this enterprising body are I even brighter than la.st season. A first and second team will this seacon play on the ¡ Tr,c,dega,r Recreation Ground, and Treharris have .promised them a visit with their full ¡ .league team to open the Eaason. Owh.:r to a dMp'ute re short time, la.Pt y?r's ara.b divi- sion has yet to be decided, and Ebbw Vale will meet Ca?rl&on to MttJe this important point in a few WOOkd' time at Ehbw Vale. Mr. Torn Kenwyn, the hon. secretary, will have an aswietant in Mr. Worthington, Cwm, the work having inoreaojed enormoaisily.
[No title]
SWEET 'BERDARE'S CAPTURE1
SWEET 'BERDARE'S CAPTURE 1 The Abordaro Town club are evidently in I luck's way. They have already secured some fine players for the coming eeason, and have signed on J. Leonard, who played for Ply- mouth. Argyle last season. He can shape well either at inside or centre. The team has been entered in the Western League (Division 1.), and also the Southern League (Class B). while it has been decided to run a second team, which will be attached to the Gla- morgan Lea,gue (Division II.). The club has been turned into a limited liability company. Mr. W. Caswalion Joues will again discharge the duties of secretary, and Mr. Eli Lucas will be treasurer. The eervices of a number of players from some of the crack Bnglieh teams have been, obtained.
Barry District's Chances.…
Barry District's Chances. I Taken altogether there seome, every pro- speot of a successful season a.t Barry. Most of the principal clubs have held their annual meetings., and things are beginning to show signs of life. Although the local Northern Union club haE not been revived, nor so far the Rugby team, there is every indication that, 00 far as the Soccer teams are con- cerned, the season will be at least ail eventt-Ltl and successful as in previous years. A prac- tioe match has. taken place in connection with Barry District, and there are good s'gns of a strong- eleven turning out. The District fixtures include matches with Bris- tol City, Bath City, Bristol Rovers, Jfcc. Junior football also takes a prominent place, every school in the district being affiliated to the Barry Schools' Leagtie, in- cluding Penarth and Cogan, and cup and medals are again offered to the top teame. liarry District Reserves are not running a. team this season, but the Albions have arranged home matches whenever the Dis- t,ric,t ground is available, and it is not unlikely that there will be a struggle for mpremacy in Soccer between the pick of the Barry league and the Cardiff League later iyt the season.
Cwmpark Study Rivais. I
Cwmpark Study Rivais. I Cwmparc are making every effort to main- tain their position, and have considerably strengthened their team, in view of the improvement made in the ranks of their old rivals., Ton, Mardy, and Merthyr. The teafm's name has been altered to Cwmparc and Treorky United. New men include T. Mitchell (Wrexham), J.ns (Everton Re- serves), R. Peake (Leighton), George Jones (Saltmead), and Thoman (Barry District). The old players retained are H. Jones (goal), J. Par ton, and J. Hughes. A trial is to be given to Leverett, of Oxford. The club ha", again entered the South Wales Cup and league competitions and Glamorgan (Rhym- ney) League and the Welsh Cup. They are airfo hoping to join the Western League. Tha omciils am:-lT. Prosser (general secretary), albe.? Thomas (nnanti&l secretary), J. Wil- liams (treasurer), and T. Herbert (chairman cf committee). Dr. J. R,. Armstrong, who. has supported the club so well, has been re- elected president. Improvements are being carried out at the playing ground—the TaG Field.
Good Results Expected.1
Good Results Expected. 1 Treharris Reserves, formally Treharris I Juniors, winners of the Rhymney Valley League (Division Ill, last season, have been promoted to the second division of the Glamorgan League. They will be repre- sented by a strong side, and good results are again expected.
TON TAKES THE LEAD. -11
TON TAKES THE LEAD. 11 Ton Pentre, the famous Rhondda p> Sc-ccer team, are taking the lead this season in introducing better claes football by enter. ing the Western and Southern Leagues, a.nd. having regard to the gratifying- success which has attended their efforts during the pa" couple of seasons, they axe fully justified in taking f-uch a, venture. The moet not")e dctiievemenit last year was their victory over Merthyr in the final for the South Wales Cup, and they were also runners-up in the South Wales League competition. The finan- cial success was root all thait could be do. sired, the gates, towards the end of the season being materially affected by bad weather. The Western and Southern League fixtures this veair should prove attractive, and it is confidently anticipated that the club's many! supporters will mlly nound theanand thereby place the finances on a sound basis. Mr \V. ('hillingitou has been re-eleoted hon. secre- tary, Mr, Dan Eynon hon. treasurer, MT. Tern Williams (manager of the Tynybedw Colliery) chairman of the oommittee, and Mr. E,(igia,r Ball president. Amongst the new players signed 011 are Percival. of Wrexham (goal); Claude Williams, Weymouth (right wing); Thompson, jun., international, London, (centre forward), and J. Jones, Wrexham (at back. Last years players retained are Coleman (goal), Curtis (back), Hugh Williams. Will Jones, and J. Williams (half-backs), T. Roberts, T. Davies, E. Parry, T. Reed. Joe Edwards, and H. Fyfe (forwards). The selection of Fyfe as captain is a popular one. Ton are not playing this season in the this season in the South Wales League or the Glamorg&n (Rhymney Valley) League.
Tredegar -Takes -Up -Soccer.____I
Tredegar Takes Up Soccer. I The Soccer code is likely to find a home a$ Tredegar, and* from all appearances the soil will prove congenial. The club is in good hands, the committee being influential and energetic, and all enthusiastic Soccerites. Mr. L. D. Whitehcad is the president. Mr. E. C. Jones cha.n'm.s?, Mr. F. E. P?weU treasurer and Messrs. R. E. Spoors and W. J. Daviea joint secretaries. The olub is fortunate in having such a well-known and popular devotee of Soccer as Mr. F. E. Powell, who is chairman of tibe Monmouthshire Association League, and a member of the National Selec- tion Committee of the Welsh Council. The club has entered the Monmouthshire League. and is an entrant for the South Wales Senior Cup Competition. The supporters of the Club are enthusiastic over the prospects of the team from a playing standpoint. Among the likely players are E. C. Jones, formerly of Boiton, and who played for Treharris several times last season. He is an assistant master on the staff o.f the Tredegar County School. Jones's position is centre forward, and he had 'been chosen captain. Others Are A. J. Gimblett (Swansea), Edgar Davies (late of Abergavenny, who figured in the Bury team last season), Tom Forest (Newport), watley (Worcefter). H. H. Maxted, D. Brown (Tre- degar), Gilbert Powell, S. Morris, H. Fry (Bristol), Crardo-n Ma.gness (Pontlottyn), and Clarke (Blaina). A reserve team is also being run. and has entered for the, South Wades Junior Cup and league competitions.
|Revival at Ebbw Vale..
Revival at Ebbw Vale.. Ebbw Vale has decided to run a. first-class Association team. There was a time when the Valians were one of the best teaims in South Wales, and in one season. they won the South Wales Cup, the league champion- ship, the Hereford Cup, and the Leominster Charity Oup. The ground difficulty always been a course of anxiety, and during the past two seasons the club has been very much handicapped as a result. However, they are now able to share with the Northern Union club the Bridge End Field. The teajn engaged in a practice match last Saturday, when the Ebbw Vale United proved sturdy opponents. It was plea.sing to find that the old players were in strong force, and some of them, particularly Tagg and Whitoombe, showed up mc 1 prominently. Pettican, the well-known Aberdare player, also turned out, and he will prove a valuable addition to the side. The engagements already arranged are heavy, as they embrace the Welsh Cup, South Wales Cup, South Wales League, Gla-morgan League, and the Monmouthshire League. Strong hopes are entertained that J. Gorman, the Welsh champion sprinter, will te in goal. He is not new to Associa/tioai. foot- ball, and the Valians will not suffer in that respect if he can be prevailed upon to don the jersey.
! Treharris Better Than Ever.
Treharris Better Than Ever. f reharris have good prospects. The trial match of last Saturclav was the best ever witnessed in the locality, two. good elevens being fielded. The committee consider they ihave the smartest and best team they ever had, and anticipate a successful season. The team will compete in the Western league (Division I.), Glamorgan League (Division I )» Welsh Senior Cup, and the South Wales Senior Cup.
Pengam Turns to Soccer.
Pengam Turns to Soccer. For the first time in the history of Pengam. an A&iociation club has been formed in the town, and sucoess seems assured. Lat season's Rug-by ground has been secured, aild it has been decided to join the third division of the Glamorgan League. Mr. J. Boyland is hon. eeoretiaory, and Mr. Dan Crew skin-era the players, 1.. )