Evening Express

Cardiff's Chances, j ROSY OUTLOOK BEFORE THEM J. L. Williams-Strategist. I [By PENDRAGON."] Champions of Welsh Rugbydom last season, Cardiff would seem to hare a most excellent chance of again ennexing-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 unlikely to take up his residence 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 eeason, when, ba.r Chven and Vile, he was probably the best inside half in South Wales. lie was, too, nicely acquainting himself with the peculiarities of Percy Bash, who, it is well-known, is not one of the easiest of out- side halves to play with. However, the Car- diff Club has always been fortunate in that the occasion has invariably produced the ma,n, and if W. L. Morgan goes, much though his departure will be regretted, there is little doubt but that another good man will be found to Jill. his place. Indeed, there ie already talk of a prominent member of a leading Welsh club joining the blue and blacks. In the past he has figured in the third line, but a clever footballer can generally adapt himself to any position, and if he throws in bis lot with the 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 his favour is 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 the Beserves team, Tom Evans, whom every- body believes is going to make a clinking three-quarter. All the other backs who played last reason are again at the service of the Cardiff Club, and, no doubt, should there ever be a fchortage, the popular veteran, Gwyn Nioholls, who is never out of training, won't want a great daal of coaxing to turn out. He has lei-t none of his keenness, and but Littl h,ils suppleness, and there are thousands YO'ar diflttans who always delight to see him in the field. H. B. Winfield. thougth not one of the youngest members of the team, will again be seen in his place, and so will the other backa who performed regularly last 9eason, viz., J. L. Williams (the highly-popular skipper), W. Spiller, R. A. Gibbs, and Percy Ba-h, while if Rhys Gabe's knee will stand it-and as he has pLayed cricket all the sum- mer it probably willMbe will talse up his posi- r tion at left centre once again, and then we shall Gabe and Williams scoring tries in the old sweet way. Not one of the old for- wards, will be found to have dropped out. Fred kmith has again been chosen ice- captain, and his amiable temperament will surely once more make him a success in that position. Then there will be John Brown, J. P. Ca.-ev, Jack Powell, J. Pugsiey, D. Westac-ctt, &c. However, it generally happens that one or two rit-ing forwards are found each season, and mayhap eome of the older bauds will have to look to their laurels. I pannoi conclude without a word or two of reference to the recent annual meeting of the Cardiff Ciub. The largevnumber of people who thought that Percy Bush was going to be re-elected to the captaincy 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. He is too good a ;jcr-t;-nan for that. Besides, the majority of 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. B'lh, there is every reason to believe they have found another in J. L. \illi?n3. Pe:ha;:s the latter may not have quite the same magnetic personality an his predecessor, but, besides being a clever player, "J. L." is also a thinker. Thoroughness is his watch- word in all he dees. Members of the Whit- church Cricket Team tell of 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 bails, and every now and then Johnny is seen to covertly extract this small plan from his pocket and study it. He is the iort of stralo.-i we hive wanted in Welsh football fcr a i- 3 'no, and who knowi- but that perhaps we have ¡' discovered a Von Moltke of the Bugger game? Anyhow, Cardiff spectators may look for the development of new manœUyre3.

Sticking Together. SWANSEA tKIPFER OPTIMISTIC. Swansea look foiward, and with substantial reasons, to another eoceec-cfal sclafju. Prac- tica-ily all last year's men are available, the only doubtful ones being Bryn Lewis at three-quarter an:l Harry Hu.it at forward. The former is wiated to have left for the umver-ity, whilst. the latter received an injury to his head last season, and is strongly advised net to piay again. With Jack Ban- croft at fuli-battli, Trew, Toft, a,iid Phil Hopkin as three of the quartette, Lack Owen and Dick Jones at baii-oack, a.d Ivor Mor- gan, liay.vard, D. J. Thomas, the two ixt.vies.esj, l-se iv ilHa.ms, and tij a.ms a,s the lxiainutay of the front division, with a little new bleed a?, experience eg ay dictate, the all white.3 ought not to have any serious mdiaivinigs. The fixture 1ifit is a strong one. There are twenty horro fixtures and thirteen away. Pleasing new features are the inclusion of Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities, whilst encouragement will be given to two Welsh clubs by fixtures with Pontardawe and Mountain Ash. There are the usual fix- tures with all the principal Welsh teams, except Neath. There will be two little tours, in the flicst 'tie team going to Leicester and thence to Cambridge, whilst the Devon tour will take place right at the end of the season, Plymouth figuring last on the fixture list. vV. J. Trew has once more been (selected as captain. His popularity and his long and successful tenure ooffice mark him out as e £ all men most fitted for the leadership. The team is actuated by th^best spirit of camaraderie, and, as usual, the men are full of confide nee. It is true, there are a few old 'hps a.mong~.t- them, and it is greatly to be hoped that the season may bring out some fresh material, but that the men mentioned are all ;;ood enough for at least one season more, even in the best of company, is not doubted i.n the Western town. Trew, the Swan-soa captain, when seen by our representative war; very cheery and opti- mistic. "We have nearly all our team stick- ing together," said he. "and, although I regret that Aubrey Smith and Hunt are not likely to be with us, and I hear that Bryn Lewis, the .brilliant ex-school boy, has gone away to Cambridge, I feel sure we shall have a, good seai-aia. \'e shall stick together and do our best—of that you may be sure." "And do as well as last season ?" "P,erhaps go one better, with a little luck. At any rate, let us hope so. Things went a bit avvkwa-rdly for us once or twice last, season." Fred Bees has been chosen for the third successive season as captain of 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 last. Danygraig, the leading Swansea Rugby team I playing outside St. Helen's, also appear to have cheerful prospects.

Eager Usksiders, I "THE BRIGHTEST OF PROSPECTS." j "I think we are in for a very good season," said the new captain of the Newport team, Mr. T. H. Vile (or "Tommy," as he is familiarly srtyled). But it is as well to drop the too familiar title of "Tommy," in view of the fact that on Monda-y last Mr. Vile became a proud father. He is the parent of a bouncing baby-girl. By the way, someone ha.s been asking how it is that in the ca&e of Newport fotot.ballers entering upon the respon- eiibilities and joys of parentage some perver- sity of Fate decrees that they should have offspring of the female rather t-han 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 turn out the mere man even from the foot- ball field ? But to return to the subject more imme- diately in hand. The captain and those who are responsible for the conduct of Newport's team agree that the prospect is one of the brightest which the old Usksiders have ever had. It arises chiefly from the fact that prac- tically all last season's players are available again. At the end of last season the standard of play of the Newport club was by common 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 {1fl of spirit and eagerness. Nowhere was tha improvement more pro- nounced than in the three-quarter line, which, after several seasons of caprice a,nd weakness, was enormously strengthened by the inclusion of the two Joneses from Ponty- poo,l-D. P. and J. P. The bringing forward of F. W. Birt from full-back to three-quarter was also, for the most part, a useful move. Now, if Newport can keep together the team which did so weLl at the back end of last 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 bcund to occur. There are always plenty of forwards. It is the same this season, but the Usksiders could do with a, good deal of weight. For the most part the reserves who will be called upon to take the place of those who drop out are on the light side of the scale. Beef is wanted! There has been a g.ood deal of individuial practice during the past week, but some of the players are still away on holiday. The ground, thatn-ks to the attention of the veteran, John Butcher, is in excelleritt fettle. It will prc-bably be in better condit,ion in the earning season than ever before. The grass lias had a very good season's growth, and there 18 every likelihood of the sub-soil fcjeirig 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 fcr at least a dozen or fifteen years. Five matches with Cardiff, four with Swansea, and the usual home-and-bome fixtures with Pontypool, Penarth, Neath, and Llanelly, and single games with, Aberavon, Cwmbran, and Bryn- inawr represent the South Wales engage- ments. There are t,he usual hiO«me-and-home fixtures with Blackhoath, Bristol, Leicester, Gloucester, Devonport Albion, and Plymouth, and single enga-gements with the Old Mer- chant Taylors, Cambridge University, London Welsh, Watsonians, Barbarians, L-ondan Har- lequins, and the Stade Francai-s (in Paris). It is a. wonderfully good programme. The team ought to field at the opening of the season as f.allo.ws :—Ba.ck. Stanley Wil- the season a3 follows liams (who- has been very properly appointed vice-captaki); three-quarter backs, M. Baker, D. P. Jones, J. P. Jone-s, 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. Pritchayd, A. E. Hockey, and J. Adams as first reserves.

Brynmawr. The players that secured the silver medals of the Monmouthshire league last year are all available. The usual rumours as to removals have been in circulation, but it is not expected that there will be any defec- tions The conimitte-e are not seeking for new players, but a man behind the morlim ca,pa,ble of opening up the gam-e would be distinctly useful. There is e,very 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 game officials arc at the head of affaire, and Jim (Foley and Jack Roberta arc captain and vioe- daotain respectively. Great things are expected from tie Brynmawr paok, and it is greatly wished that Jaok Roberts should have l the chance of lowing his ability as an attacking centre ra.ther than being continu- ailf majang his own work.

Neath as Spry as Ever ALL BLACKS' UNPARDONABLE SIN. Everything points to Neath having a very successful season (writes our correspondent). A capital list of fixtures haa been arranged, and all laet season's players are at the dis- posal of the committee. A few croakers feared that there would be a split over fhe captaincy, but there waa never any real darger cf that, and the selection of young Frank Rees, the clever and versatile centre three-quarter, has given unbounded satisfac- tion. His selection, which, by-the-way, wa,3 unanimous, will give added security and make sure the retention of his services by tke old club which gave him prominence. Never ha,3 the Neath club entered upon a season under more auspicious oircumetatices. The incubus of debt has vanished, for the .;1;.149 odd debit ha.s been changed into a credit balance of £ 42. This is distinctly encouraging, tor I remember the time when £ 7CC would not have oovered their liabilities. Added to this satisfactory state of things, We have, perhaps, the best "material" of any club in South Wales, or, for that matter, else- whore—young and clever players, full of strength and stamina, and eager for the fray. Between twenty and thirty players are at the disposal of the committee, and there i^ every indication that the all blacks 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 Lianelly, but that of Swansea, from a financial standpoint, at any rate, will mean a, big loss to the club. Well. it's Neath's own fault. They had no right to teat Swansea at the back end of last season. That, sir, is absolutely unpardonable. The all whites have given Neath's fixture to Pontardawe. Neath have given Swansea's fixture to Gloucester, and, in addition, new fixtures have been arranged with Coventry, Edinburgh University, and 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 dat-e of having the opportunity of re-arranging fixtures with the all blacks. Llanelly claim to hold the trump card with reference to the difficulty which they have attempted to raise over the cancellation, of fixtures by Neath (writes a correspondent). But ^featli, unfortunately for the scarlets, hold the ace, which is the Welsh Football Union, who have consented to the step taken by the all blacks. Neath players have been co badly treated by Llanelly that, tha majority of them will not go there. 'This was proved last season when but a skeleton ftfteein visited the tin-plate town., and in declining to have anything more to do with th3 scarlets, the Neath club have the whole- hearted support of the players and their patrons. The Neath cluJ) will neither play nor compensate Lianelly.

AFTER THE PRACTICE.

Aberavon. I Prospects in Aberavon and Port Talbot, are very promising, as, in addition to the old players, there is much young and promiinng talent available. A junior team has been j formed and affiliated tp the Junior League Union. There are six clubs 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, w-bo was re-elected cap- tain, has appointed Mr. E. Pugh vicocaplain, 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 i County School), W. Jones (late St. Mary's), who will, together with Willie Thomas, the captain, and Jimmy Donovan, make up' the j three-quarter line. That exceedingly promis- 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- Aberyetwyth College player, will bt 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 very sturdy young juniors, such as R. Williams and D. Williams (Excelisiora), Willie" Hopkins (St. Joseph's), and Lewis Jenkins, (St. Mary's). The committee are determined to give every opportunity and oenoouragement to local talent, and in this they will certainly meet with the approbation of their supporters. Practice has already started. The opening match of the eeason will be on Saturday, September 11, with either the Cardiff team or Porthcawl. j

Abertillery's Losses I For the pat few seasons the Abertillery j premier club ha& been in the happy position of having practically the same meji avail- able. ana that fact accounts, in a great. measure. for the successes during that j period. Unfortunately, however, that satis factory state of affairs does not prevail at the commencement of the present season, as several of the club's stalwarts have definitely decided to give up active participation in the game. Joe VVinmill (who tor several seasons splendidly captained the team), Tom Dykes (one of the finest forwards the club has ever produced), Lionel Lewis (a brilliant i trunt-ranker), and Lionel Thomas (the fleet- j footed three-quarter) have all retired; while Will Hodges, who has rendered yeoman tter- j vice at inside half, will also probably not don the jersey again. Still, there is no reason to despair, as there are available Jim Webb (the Welsh for- j waird, who will captain the team), J. Blake- j more (who should re-gain his place in the; Welsh front rank), Jack Webb, Willie Powell, Joe Hovvells, and Tom Williams (for. 1 wards), Billy Bcwen (the. brilliant left wing), and Oharlie Hodges, Joe Richardson, and Fred Co ate s (backs). The nucleus of a splendid team is, therefore, at hand, and no lesa than 50 names were received a week ago by Mir. Willie S. Harrison (the secretary) for the trial match. Little is actually known as to "newcomers," the only apparent cer- tainty being Mr. T. Reg. Jenkins. a finely- built forward, who last season played foir London Wfelsh. Mr. Jenkins is now residing at Blalna, and is expected to render good service to the 'Tillery team. There are a number of local juniors who anxiously aspire to premier honours, and it is hoped that several of them will display form which will iustify their inclusion. Once again it is to be deplored that there is no prospect oi a second team, which is a heavy handicap. The Park playing ground will again be used jointly by the Rugby and Soccer clubs, neither of which wiU, there- fore, be able to have second strings. The club will again be managed by a ca/pa.ble and enthusiastic body of officials, with Mr. Lionei Thomas as chairman. A particularly attractive fixture list has been arranged. No less than 39 matches are' booked, and a,mong the teams to be met are Llanelly, Gloucester, Devonport Albion, Pen- arth, Pontypool, Aberavon, and Pill Harriers

I Bridgend's Young Side Bridgend olqb started on its eight months' voyage to-day with every prospect of a suc- cessful passage. The team, which was got together at t'he beginning of last season, and on the whole did credit to the old club, io available, and will probably be altered very | little. The men have the benefit of a sea-I son's experience in combination, and, being mostly on the young side, should prove al riper and more doughty lot to meet. A heavy lot of forwards, with a good deal of ability, will be supported by splendid ba.cks. Mr. Ben Gronow again captains the side, and the vice-captain is Mr. Gwilym Hopkins, brother of la."t year's vice. At thfe annual meeting Mr. Schofield was most hopeful as to the prospects, (predicting wins in three-quarters of the matches if only the team are true to themselves in turning out to train. T!b„- Bridgend and Bistrict League promiaes to have a successful season should not the I Eight Hours Act interfere with the matches. The age limit of 25 has been abolished, and thie should enable clubs in the smaller piacea to raise sides without difficulty. A second division, with an age limit of 21, i-s in course of formatim in place of the old boys' kuo- out competition.

I Pontypool- Promising. Once again there appears to be every pros- pect of the Pontypool Football Club enjoy- ing a. successful season, and although the constitution of the team is at present some- what doubtful there is no reason to antici- pate a falliinig 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 last season's fifteen are again available. The honour of captaining the side has a?ain been conferred upon Rees Thomas, who gained his Welsh cap 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. Curing the summer, which must now be regarded from a football point of view as past, the work of draining the ground has been completed, and the ciub can now claim to possess one of the best enclosures in the county. A splendid list of fixtures has been arranged, the opponents including Cardiff, Newport, Neath, Lianelly, Devonport Albion, Bristol, Bedford, Coventry, Gloucester, Stroud, and many other leading Welsh and English teams, and there appears to be no reason why the Eastern Valley should not rally loyally to the support of Pontypool during the ensuing season. The secretary of the club is Mr. C. Greening, Grcsmont, Conway-road, Pontypool, and the club colours red, white, and black rings.

Pill Harriers' Record. I Pill Harriers have two factors wliich should toeli for successJin the coming season. They have praotically the game team as last year available. Then there is the fact that they have a three seasons' ground record. Mr. A. r'. S. Gritriths, the hard-working secretary, has compiled an excellent fixture list, which is certainly better than anything the Harriers have ever had. It includes Lianelly, bridgeiui, 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 captain, and he has selected Herbie Davies, that zealous forward, as his vice. Under their joint leadership a good record is almost assured. The probable team will be :-Back, W. Haley (captain); three-quarter backs (selected from), D Wallace, W. Young, R. Ryan. E. Seer, and M. Casey; half-backs, W. Moses and A. N. Other; forwards, G. Travers, H. Davies, Webb, H. Wetter, P. Saunders, F. Hath- way, L. Trump, A. R. Williams, M. Muloahy, and E. Lewis. It is rumoured tha,t F. Cheshire, of Cross Keys, harf applied fo'r a place in the team, and v ill be given a xrial. He should be with a little practice a useful successor to J. Saunders, who, it will be remembered, has joined ijeeds 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, a.nd haq quite a large number of promising youths to back him up. The captain is A. Morgan, i>opularly known as "Fishy," with Jack Han- bury as vice. Tnis team will be usefully served on the wing by Geo. Cankett, who cornea out after a couple of seasons' rest. He has played several matches with the pre- miers, so that his ability is fairly well known.

"All's Well" at Penarth. I The prospects ol the Penarth Club are as I good as they have been for many seasons, and local enthusiasts are looking forward to a good season. Nearly all last season's players are available, and in view of many stiff engagements are putting in plenty of practice. A strong list has been arranged, which includes Cardiff, Newport, Llanelly, Barbarians, Porwtvpool, Tredegar, Aheravon, Leicester, Coventry. Gloucester, Devonport, &c, W. H. Gunstone will captain the side, which he will without doubt lead on to many a victory. Randall Davies, last season's out- side half, has gone North, but there will be ii? diiHca?ty in nndin? 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 club are to be changed, but the new colour has not yet been selected. The club's funds I are on th3 right ?;de, and with a good work- ing committee Penarth should see the best of seasons.

Llwynypia Looking Up I Llwynypia open their season under better I conditions than they have for many years I They will be able to start right away on 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, has played with the club for over five years, and is one of its founders. He is a very reliable player, and was top scorer last season with seventeen tries. Arthur Williams, who played on the wing for Neath last seta,son, will play in the three-quarters, while H. Piper (Llwynypia Unitoo) end Bailey (Oaer.phiilly) will strengthen the front I rank. Griff Richard, will again turn out as full-back.

[ "Old Firm's" New Ground. I I Some difficulty has .been experienced by the I Glamorgan Lea;ue champions-Mountain Ash—regarding a ground on which to play during the coming season, but, fortunately, satisfactory terms have been 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 season's players are available, and there are alfto several new players, the most notable being a centre from Northumberland. Last se-ason Mountain Ash 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 forwa,rd 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. I The club has also been very fortunate in the 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. 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.

I STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. FSnal scare:—Warrington, nil; Leigh, nil. Final: Cardiff Corinthians, Z goals; fttist Church (Weston-super-Mare), 2. Half-time: Pontlottyn, 2 goal; Cwmbaeli, 1. Half-time.—Pontypool, nil; Risca, nil. Crumlin Re-es, nil; Abergavenny, nil. Ebbw Vale v. Treherbert (Northern Union) -utch was postponed to-day. ENGLIcH LEAGUE MATCHES. Sunderland, 2; Preston Xorth End, 1. Derby County, 5; Burnley, 3. Blackpool. 2; Wolverhampton Wan., 0, ,tpckp.c,i-t. 0; F ill ham, 2. Hell City, 3": Leeds City 1 f.-helsfa 2: Liverpool 1 Woolwich Arsenal 0; Sheffield United 0 Blackburn Rovers 2; Newcastle United 0 SOUTHERN LEAGUE. Brentford. 0; Brighton, 0. Bristol Rovers, 4; Portsmouth, 0. Country, 1; Palace, 1. Croydon, 2; Exeter, 1. Leyt-on, 2; Northampton, 1. Reading, 0; Luton. 1. Southampton, 1; Mill wall, 0. < Plymouth, 1; Brompton, 0. XOT, 1; West Ham, 3. fO.1tIloJ),d, 1, ?«?4.«'K,t -'?<??A. a. ?. .JjQ1), ?. 3 ??, C?o? 2 £ exbro, 4; BradfATd City, 2. Gainsborough, 1; Sheffield Wednesday, 4. Grimsby, 2; Lincoln, 0. teeds City, 1; Hull City, 0. Castleford, 1; Leicester, 1. "Kotherham County, 2; Notts CbUlitY, l. Dortcaster, ,1; Benaby, l. Sheffield United, 6; Rotherh-rn Town, 1. Bai'n.=lej>\ 4; Worktop, 0. Chesterfield, 2; Bradford, 0. Bridgwater Albion, lopts.; Pontypridd, nil. Toh Pentre, 7; Kinswood Rovers, 2. Mr lludson:s. Tea-in 17pts; Bream Spts 1.Iy,u-.tI.to. :i M f' i <

Tredegar's Gloomy Outlook. I The piwpects of Tredegar club a.re far from rosy. Last season concluded with the team d .c, M.. g low down in the Monmouthshire League and a debt of about JE95. 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 scarce. Sid Adams, the former Pill Harriers and New- port player, who has been a tower of strength to the team for three or four sea- sons, has gone North, and he will be sadly miseed from the centre. T. Spillane, who wae playing excellently at the end of last season, has had the misfortune to injure has hand at his work, and, as a result, his football career is ended. Several of the old forwards are retiring, and altogether there is an abso- lute dearth of capa.ble men to fill the vacan- cies. The only probable three-quarters are W. Onions and Bryn Arthur: even they are 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 probably participate in the trial g'ames 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 Bevan, 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 'home fixtures have been made with Penarth and Bridg. water. Mr. D. J. Jones is the chairman of the committee, Mr. D. Wigley treasurer, and Mr. W. Barnes (secretary.

I PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS, I I By PERCY F. BUSH. 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 would give the club such a giddy prestige to have a King for its president, and all the players would welcome you most heartily to the exalted position you held long ere you ascended the Throne. The Merry Mon- arch of many wives s 1 o w 1 y shook his august head. "Nay, my Percy, it cannot be," he replied, "I fain would act once more, but there are others w a 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 mayst e'en wear the presidential robe; but I, I have sat at the judgment table for the last time as president of the good old club! Committee meetings will no longer know me as chairman, j and- My dream went on. Methought (that's twice I've "mctbunk 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 he shown during his term of office, and so unmurmuringly has he filled the arduous position, that he has 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, none 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 sueh meetings. t We gather round the table in Charley' Sunshine Arthur's cosy, inner office, partly because it is The Most Comfy Room in town Mid partly because it costs the club nothing. All the windows are tightly closed because football cojjtmitteemen 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, unless, 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 possibly 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. "Now, what about that Cork trip?" 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. I 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 answer. No Inside Half. I There is no such thing as an ( 'inside half, he objects; "if he ir A half-back he is a half-back, and therein no 'inside' or 'outside' about it." This logic is unanswerable, for afteig, all a half-back CANNOT be anything but a halfrback, so the Alleged Wit of thfll party suggests Jack Brown for the pom* 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 the list, and leave it to the captain to decide on Saturday." This is a grand way, because then we can all blaek- guard the captain to our heart's content at the next meeting for leaving out that wrong three. By the way, can any member explairt how it is that we have never had an unbroken record since 1892-3?" was tha poser put by the Observant One. I have just noticed in the annual report that in that season we drew five matches and won the rest," "he went on, so I thought I'd like to know whether 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 ta expose I will' turn it tip. 1 am very glad that I shall have 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 Johimjl Williams!

IN THE RHYMNEY VALLEY. I Matters in the Rhymney Valley are not quite so favourable as lovers of football would like 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 believed that Machen will have as good a team, this season ae in the past, ,and that the new team at Bedwas, which has (been admitted into the Rhymney Valley Senior Rugby League, will make itself evident in the forthcoming encounters, it is to be regretted that the famous old castle town of Caerphilly should manifest so muoh aipathy in the organisation of their team this year. In fact, many of those who used to take a keen interest in the welfare of the Caerphilly team have almost given up hopes of seeing a combination there this year. It j will be remembered that, inasmuch as Rihyraney have been proclaimed champions of the senior league for last season, Caer- philly will ttiave to meet Aberbargoed tfor the eeoond position. The best teams in the league last season I were Rhymney, Aberbargoed. Caerphilly, and Machen. This year it is difficult to forecast. the position at RhyWey, but it is confidently I felt tJ1,a;t the oldest team in the valley (Aber- bargoed) will make things hum this season. for they have most of their old players, including Frank Rees. Eddie Walters, Georgie Thomas, and Ridge, available, and they will not lack oountenanoe, for the generous Coun- cillor W. B. Lloyd. Bargoed, is president, I Messrs. W. J. Ellis and E. Jones secretaries, and Mr. D. Morgan, the Greyhound, treasurer. I Bargoed again will go trong this year, for I their old flayers are available, and many applications have been made for places in ? the team. This team has Councillor D. S. Jones as president, Dootors Reid and Dan Thomas, J.P., as vioe-presidemts, and Mr. E. 'I Northcott as secretary. The M'Donnell Field, which is in olooe 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 season, especially if 'they are favoured with a little more 'luck Ithan last season, when I players were continually indisposed. Inasmuch as -Fleur-debis and Pontlottyn I teams are defunct, a, few of the existing teams can avail t-hidmselves of the opportunity of ,seouring some of that rare talent which was demonstrated last season in the teams named. The two teams at Rhymney, it is said, will be strengthened by the Pontlottyn players, while those who did duty for the "Flower" last year will feud their way into the ranks of Bedwas, Bargoed, and Aberbargoed. 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 tenior division of the league was not lower than that of the average Rhondda Eenior teams. Junior football is expected to assert itself this season in the valley, where there are quite a host of good combinations for the eecond division of the league n A MID SUMMER NICHTS C)R £ Afl I jOP Art ENTHUSIASTIC. fooT&ALL -.I-

ASSOCIATION. MERTHYR GOING GREAT GUNS. Except in so far as it may be represented by the old Thursday Club, senior amotou r Rugby foot.ba!i this season will be dead at Mertihyr, and Soccer and the Northern Union code. will ihold the field. Considerable jealousy exists between the town Association club and the JVoirtherini Union club, and each is making a determined effort for supremacy in public favour. ttdnice last year Penydarren Park, on which the Association men will again play, has undergone considerable alte- rations. The ground has been extended, and terrac.ed seats have been constructed at the upper end, which will provide accommoda- tion for about 6,000 people, so that in future all ga-mee may be witnessed without subject- ing fcipectators to the slightest discomfort. For a first year's club the Boccerites in 1903 achieved a really marvellous record, but they hope this season to do better still, although they are taking on opponents etf a much heavier calibre. They have joined the Southern League (second division) and the Western League, and they are competing for j the South Wales Cup and the Welsh Seiiior Cup. Several of last season's player6 have again signed on, including W. Davies, Wooitton, Bi-onidey, D. W. Davies. and Pem- iberton, and among the newcomers, who ha/ve all acquired hig'h reputation for their prowess, are Da.w (Bradford City), Weight- man (Workington), Gburchiil (Portemouth), Kelly (-Sunderland), Houshall (Stoke), Whit- taker (Manchester City), Tait (A ear ing ton), Toward (Sunidfri^nd), the Brothers Hamp- ton and Baker, of Rogerstone. A very fine list of fixtures has been arranged, and some of the best teams in the country will be seen in the park, included in the category being Crystal Palace, Northampton, Millwall. Queen's Park Rangers, Bristol City, and Man- chester City. The hold that Soccer h-ais taken upon the Merthyr people, despite its recent importa- tion:, is exemplified by the fact tha.t this season a reserve team has been formed, with a roll of over 40 players. They have joined the Glamorgan Lea-gue (second division), and have entered the competition for the South Wales Junior Cup, and they anticipate a most successful season. A large number of outside players have expressed their willing- ness to assist, a.nd, as the team will be enabled to call upon any members 01 the first eleven who may be disengaged, it follows that the play will be of a very hign order, and the matches, therefore, well worth I eeeirg.

GLAMORGAN LEAGUE I The old, Rhymney Valley League under its new a.nd comprehensive title, bids fair (writes a Rhymney correspondent) to break past records, numerically ajid in standard of clubs. Ton Pentre, Mertihyr Town, and Aber- dare have entered a higher sphere, but. it is a moot point it the following six clubs who comprise the first division a.re not on a par with the last-named, viz.: Trehaxris, Mardy, Owinpark, Barry, Cwm, and Eb.bw Vale. The entrie-s for the second division include Llaflbradooh, Aberdare Reserves, Merthyr Reserves, Brith-dir, Gilfaeh, Tre- harris Reserves, Nelson, Pontlottyn, Tre- hafod, Trelewis. New Tredegar, and Troedy- Tihiw, the cream of second-class Boecer in South Wales. The championship of this division,. held over from last season, will be dfeedded on September 11 at Cwm. Troedyrhiw meeting the home club, a repetition of last season's Junior Cup Final. In the third division sixteen cluibs ha.ve been acce-pte-d, viz.:—Troed-rhiwfuwch, Cwnibach, Brithdir, Reserves, Aberaman. Windsors, Troedyrhiw Reserves, Gilfach Ite,??-ves, TTeIe?'iB R8erv, New Tredegar Thistles, Y?trad Mynach? Pen gam', Aberaman Wamderers, Penttrebaoh' Southend, Treh arris Rovers, Pontlottyn S,Q.uthend. Treharris Albioms, and Dow la-is. It is intended to provide a shield for this division. The first and second, divisions have silver cups as trophies.

I NEW YNYSYBWL TEAM. I An Association team has been formeid in eormnection with the English Congregational Athletic Club, Ynysybwl. Mr. Evan Lewis has been chosen captain, Mr. Edgar Lewis vice-captain, Mr. William Jones treasurer, and Mr. Gwilyim Co weir secretary. The secre- tary is, without a doubt, the finest &oer tary is, in the district, a.nd he regards the prospects of the new team as very encourag- ing. The members are all young players of promise.

BRYNMAVV, R WEDNESDAY TEAM t The officers of the Brynmawr Soccer Club for the coming season a,re. :-Ohairman, Mr. Barter; captain a.nd secretary, Mr. Grose; treasurer, Mr. E. C. Salisbury (Capital and Counties Bank); committee, Messs. T. W. Smith, Wilkes, Albert Davies, and Thomas. Wednesday was the day selected for play. and an effort will be made to secure the Brynfmawr Rugby Ground. The teum are confidently anticipating a comfortable career.

I -MONMOUTHSHIRE -LEAGUE.  The prospects of this enterprising body are even brighter thoan last ea<son. A first and second team will this season play on the Tredega,r Recreation Ground, and Treharris have .promised them & visit with their full ,I.easrue team to o-p-en the season. Owri.sr to a dispute re short time, last year's first divi- sion has yet to be decided, and Ebbw Vale will meet Cacrloon to settle this important point in a few weeks' time at Ebbw Vale. Mr. T'olrn Kenwyn, the secretary, will have an assistant in Mr. Worthington, Cwm, the work having increased enormously.

SWEET 'BERDARE'S CAPTURE The Aberdare Town club are evidently in Luck's way. They have already secured some fine playeirs for the coming æa60Il, 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 League (Division II.). The club has been turned into a limited liability company. Mr. W. Caswallon Jones will again disoharge the Quties of secretory, and Mr. Eli Lucas will be treasurer. The services of a number of players from some of the crack English teams have been obtained.

Barry District's Chances. I Taken altogether there seeme. every pro- spect of a successful season at Ba.rry. Most of the principal clubs have held their ann ual meetings, and things are beginning to s-ho\V signs of life. Although the local Northern Union club hw not been revived, nor so far the Rugby team, there is every indication that, so far as the Soccer teams are con- cerned, the season will be at least as eventful and successful as in previous years. A prac- tioe match has taken place in connection with Barry District, and there are good algns of a strong eleven turning out. The District fbdm.res include matches with Bris- tol City, Bath City, Bristol Rovers, Ac. Junior football aA6o takes a prominent place, every school in the district being i aHiliiated to the Barry Schools' League, in- cluding Penarth and Gogan, and cup and medals are a.gain offered to the top teams. Barry District Reserves are not running a, team this season, but the Albions have arranged home matches whenever the Dis- trict ground iB available, and it is not unlikely that there will be a struggle for supremacy in Socoer between the pick of the Barry League a.nd the Cardiff, -League later in the eeason. V-

Cwmpark Study Rivals. I Cwmparc are making every extort 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 team's name has, been altered to Cwmparc and Treorky United. New men include .T. Mitchell (Wrexham), Jevons (Everton Ae' serves), R. Peake (Leighton), George Jones (Saltmead), and Thoman (Barry District). The old players retained are H. Jones (goal), J. Parton, and J. Hughes. A trial is to be given to Leverett, of Oxford. The club has again entered the South Wales Cup and league competitions and Glamorgan (Rhym- ney) League and the Welsh Cup. They are also hoping to join the Western League. The officials are:— If. Prosser (general secretary), Jack Thomas (financial secretary), J. WiL- liams (treasurer), and T. Herbert (chairman cf committee). Dr. J. R. Armstrong, who has supported the club so well, has been ile- elected president. Improvements are being earned out at the playing ground-the Taff Field.

Good Results Expected. I Treharris Reserves, formally Treharris Juniors, winners of the Rhymney Valley League (Divisiorb IIn 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. Ton Pentre, the faimous Rhoudda premier Soccer team, .%re taking the lead this season in introdacinrg better class -football by ente ing the Western and Southern Leagues, a.nd. having regard to the gratifying success which has attended their efforts during the past couple of seae-ons. they are fully justified in taking such a venture. The most notable achievement last year was their victory over Merthyr in the final for the South Wales Cup, and they were also runners-u.p in the South Wales Leugue competition. The finan- cial sviocess was not all that could be de- sired, the gates towards the end of the reason being, materially affected by bad weather. i The Western and Sou,t,hern League fixtures this year should prove attractive, and it is confidently anticipated that the club's manyt supporters will rally round them and thereby place the finances on a sound basis. Mr W. Chillingtou has been re-elected hon. more. tary, Mr. Dan Bynon hon. treasurer, Mr. Tom Williams (manager of the Tynybedw Colliery) chairman of the committee, and Mr. Bdgiar Hlall president. Amongst the new players signed on are PeroivaJ, of Wrexham (goal); Claude Williams, Weymouth (right wing); Thoanpgoott, jun., international, London (centre forward), and J. Jones, Wrexham (at back. Laet years players retained are Coleman (goal), Curtis (back), Hugh Williams, WiU 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 South Wales League or the Glamorgan (Rhymney Valley) League.

Tredegar Takes Up Soccer. The boecer code is likely to find A home at 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. Whitehead is the pret-idtent. Mr. E. CL Jonee chairmgji, Mr. F. E. Powell treasurer and Messrs. R. E. Spoors and W. J. Baviea joint secretaries. The olub is fortunate in baving such a well-known and popular devotee of Soccer as Mr. F. E. Powell, who is chairman of the Monmouthshire Associaltion 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 Competitiort. The supporters of the clutb are enthusiastic over the prospects of the team from a playing standpoint. Among the likely players are E. O. Jones, formerly of Bolton, and who played for Treharrie several times last season. He is an assistant master oji the staff of the Tredegar County School. Jones's position is centre forward, and he haa 'been chosen captain. Others aro A. J. Gimblett (Swansea), Edgar, Davies (late of Abergavenny, who figured in the Bury team last season) Tom Forest (Newport), Watley (Worcester), H. H. Maxted, D. Brown (Tre- degar), Gilbert Powell, S. Morris, H. Fry (Bristol). Gordon Magness (Pontlottyn). and Clarke (Blaina). A reserve team is also being run, and has entered for the So.uth Walee Junior Oup and league competitions.

Revival at Ebbw Vale. Ebbw Vale has decided to run a first-claws Association team. There was a time when the Valiant were one of the best teams in South Wales, and in one season they won the South Wales Cup, the league champion- ship, the Hereford Cup, and the Leominster Charity Cup. The ground difficulty has 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 team engaged in a practice match last Saturday, when the Ebbw Vale United proved sturdy opponents. It was pleasing to and th-at the old players were in strong force, and some of them, particularly Tagg and Whit-combe, showed up meet 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, Glamorgan League, and the Monmouthshire I-ieague. Strong hopes are entertained that J. Gorman, the Welsh champion sprinter, will he in goal. He is not new to Association, foot- ball, and the Valians will not suffer in that respect if he can be preva.iled upon to don the jersey.

Treharris Better Than Ever. Trehlarris have good prospects. The trial match of last Saturday 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 (DivisaonM.), Welsh Senior Cup, and the South Wales Senior Cup.

Pengam Turns to Soccer. For the first time in the history of Pengam. an Association club has been formed in the town, and sucoess seems assured. Last season's Rugby ground has been secured, and it has been decided to join the third divii-ion of the Glamorg.an League. Mr. J. Royland is hon. secretory, and Mr. Dan Crew skippers the players. #