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AROUND THE CLUBS.

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AROUND THE CLUBS. THE WELSH LEAGUES t C. AND D. R.U. I "THE OUTLOOK." I School and Ex-School Boys. I [BY SPOKES."] A LOOK ROUND. NEWPORT BRIGHTER. At last the leagues are in working' order, and it is possible to size up accurately the strength of league football in the various districts. The West of Llanelly League has made such rapid strides and done so much to popularise the game in a part of the country where the winter sport was dead so long, that we may confidently look to thie part, of the country ere long to produce players and clubs of note in Welsh Rugger. In the Swansea district there is a remark- a-ble revival in league football, and in point of club memhe-rship Swansea district now ranks second only to Cardiff. The new league at Aberavon and Port Talbot com- menceti its initial season .Infantile troubles are likely, but with a. little doctoring in the shape of physic from the money-bags of the Welsh Union a robust league is sure to result. bringing much benefit to the local senior clubs. Neath and District, excellently officered. did so well last season that thirs season they intend also studying the youngsters in addition. It will not be the fault of Neath if the "old boys" are not brought up in the path of Rugger. Cardiff, with its fifty odd clubs, is stronger than ever. With over 1,4C0 citizeiie playing the game, what a glorious opportunity Cardiff Keserves' committee have to transplant a few lads to their cwu preserves and coach them on for the premier club. Why, Cardiff, with its huge reserve of material ought to be easily the Welsh champions for seasons to oome-if they are not, the fault liee with the selectors. Later intelligence somewhat brightens the forebodings concerning the future of the c-arrying code at Newport. The little band of enthusiasts, headed by Messrs. A. E. Vale, J. E. Webb, and A..T. W. James, have -I am glad to be able to report, succeeded in re-I vising interest, and the league will run again, as usual, this reason. 'The following tlubs have entered: -P<)ntymister Juniors, St. Michael's, Machen Stars, Maindee Excelsiors, Christchurch F.C., Machen Old Boys, Com- mercial Juniors, and Christchurch Old Boys. Hurrah! Financial assistance ie now required to remove the existing debt. The Monmouthshire Valleys League will pursue the even tenour of its ways—there V no great advance and no retrogression, but I hardly think- the play of the leading slnbs in this league is as strong as it was last season. The Rhymney Valley League, with its adopted child—the junior league—is going strong. Rhymaey Valley, with its huge la,t,on,t supplies of coal, its enterprising inhabi- tants is bound to play a great part in the prosperity of Wales. In its games, therefore, the Rhymney Valley is the valley of the future. Although Soccer is strongly in evi- dence, the carrying code is making real pro- gress. The league has the advantage of really pattern officials in Reea Jones ("the old slave"), Llewellyn (the ideal chairman), a,nd E. P. Northcote (who looks after the Old Boys' clubs. Pontypridd District is a new league, but it has made itself so popular that it should become this season the Pontypridd and Rbondda League. A new name is certainly wanted, for the popularity of the manage- ment has extended miles, if not leagues, beyond the narrow confines of Coalopolis. Messrs. Will Gamlin and W. Potter should be proud men. The Aberdare and Merthyr League has worked under disadvantages, but the extension of the area should brighten up matters—even to the satisfaction of that hard-to-please individual. Secretary Rees. Bridgend and District league has go-ne ahead far fastei* than enthusiastic Tom Bennett, the hard-working secretary, even anticipated. Football in the district is looking up, and is played and supported in such a manner that Bridgend, -Iaesteg, Tondu, and other centres ought in tITe future to make far better nyhtB against Swansea than "T. D.'s"pets did last Saturday. The Sirhowy Valley pLt eague is a dead letter. The league, by its curious decisions, is unwept and unhonoured in its grave. UNION OF WELSH LEAGUEI. The monthly meeting of the Union of Welsh Leagues will take place at Cardiff on Saturday next. Business is important. Fore- most will figure the long-standing dispute regarding the cha mpionship of the Mon- mouthshire Valleys League remitted by the Welsh Football Union. The matter has been dealt with before, a nd the Welsh Football Union asked for an immediatk- settlement. I do not anticipate tho matter will take long. The Welsh Football Union has decided that the Monmouthshire League has a perfect right to decide what clubs they will accept as members ot' their league. This is up against the Valleys league, but, after all, it is pure logic. The Welsh Football Union allows rightly home rule in league affairs. Bather t-han further trouble the W.F.U. with the matter, it would be preferable if the Union of Leagues tried to convince the Monmouthshire league. Itore good would result than by an appeal to an outside body. IMTHVUASM IN PONTYPBIDD DISTRICT. Altogether, Rugby matters are lively in Pontypridd and district. A well-attended, meeting of the Pontypridd District League was the result of the gathering at the Ivor Arms Hotel. Mr. T. R. Thomas, of Ynysy- bwl, made an ideal chairman. The enthu- siasm which was shown by those present speaks well fcr this new body. ,It is interest- ing to note that representatives were present from Ynysybwl, Cilfynydd, Mountain Ash Juniors, Rhydfelin, Treforest, Taff's Well, Ferndale, Llwynypia, and Abercynon. Many more drubs have applied for membership. The Pontypridd District League will play the Cardiff and District League on Monday, October 18, at Ponstypridd. On Monday weok the Coalopolis league will play Cilfynydtl, as a trial preliminary to selecting the side to meet- Cardiff. Now, boys, get in rttle, and let us become champions of the Welsh. Union of Junior Leagues. Ynysybwl entertained. Dinas in a friendly at home last Saturday. The former deserved their victory. They are a smart lot again this season. Other clubs beware! Cilfynydd were at home to Abercynon, and deserved their win. The first half was very even, but on resuming after the interval Cil showed their superiority. Will club representatives make an effort to turn up to meetings in time? Then, again, an effort should be mad3 to work smoothly. Fixtures for the I-,ague have been arranged with Penygraig, Treorky, and Mountain Ash. It is to be hoped that Pontypridd senior club will follow suit. The .League is bound to do the club a great amount of good. A better understanding with the town club would be more to the 6etisfaction of all oon- 1 cerned. 1 6ARDIFF AND DISTRICT RUOBY UNION. The Cardiff Football Club has been asked to increase the matciies between the Reserves and the local clubs. It is hoped to secure at lea^t two additional matches. The membership of the Union is now over half-a-century of clubs. Ad,msdown, Lyn- dens, Pentyreh, Taff's Well, Tciigwynlais, and Cardiff We&t were admitted on Pmesday. The number not taking part in cup matches is i&n all. I am afraid that the chairmanship of the Union is on the way to become a permanency. i hardly care to count up the long number of years I have sat in the arnj-ohair, or of my "hardy annual" protests against re-elec- tion. It is kind; but I think the honour ought to go round, and also that I havo earned the right of a little rest from a. posi- tion which means much anxiety and some little work. However, as the members won't agTee, Spoles will have to continue his tenancy of the arm-ahair, and for another 'f3IOn listen to mild reproofs from the o-ou-?, pant of the arm-chair at home. The referees' society is to be taken under the wing of the Union. I fully anticipate that the result will be materially beneficial to the clubs. Messrs. W. J. Hart. G. W. Diek. G. Smith, and D. Williams are to meet the whistlers. Grangetown's latest recruit is Jules Forgue, > a- young Frenchman, who has played for Bordeaux. He has great. pace, and will strengthen the Bricklayers. Docks Temperance Institute, a new team, Joast Saturday drew with the s-enior lea-guers, Birchgrove. The Dockssmen a,re determined to gain a good reputation for sport. Despite depletions, Caniton made a. great show against Llwynypda. The Dervishes were beaten by a dropped goal, popped over by Griff Richards from the half-way line. Romilly were without Conway and half a dozen stalwarts at Tredegar. The Laughing Ones were weak in tackling—quite a novelty. Both their tries were the outoome of meri. torious back play. Garth drew a record crowd to Taff's Well, a-ad were brilliant in all phases of play. They deserved their score of two goals two tries. Harvey romped over with two tries. Vice-skipper Buffett was over twice. For the losers George Anthony was the choice until he was injured The list of club changes is a long one, due to this being the first o-coasion this sear 300 for transfers to be considered. The list is as follows:— W. E. Cornish (Grange) to Cardiff Thistles. P. CaUaghan. and J. Kenefig (St. Paul's) and H. Goodfellow and H. Hurst (Canton United) to Wanderers. M. Wa;tkins (St. Peter's) to Central Quins, P. Harris (Grange) to Docks. E. Boucher (Cardiff 'Quins) to Rumney A.C. A. Chriatenson (Windsors) to Grange. &. Sutherland CQutne.) to Canton. J. C. Jenkins (Canton povem) to West End. J. Brookman (ex-captain, Canton) to Wanaewia, W. Smart (United) to Cardiff Welsh. T. Boberte (Mackintosh) to Gartit. WOMW I?risk "udoinz), James lgh (Llandaff City), ta.?-?N? J^JalSr &? t ? .Ca** (St. Paul's), Bert Coles (Grange Barbarians) and W. H. Mullett, J. Milte, and J. A.' Belmont (Canton) tso Cardiff West End. All clubs in. Cardiff and district except the Old Monktonians and Lutons are members of the Union. Canton league .trouble is, over, and they will carry out league matches with ail senior clubs. Whitchurch show little improvement on last season's form. They found Cardiff West far too hot on Saturday, especially in goal- kicking. I Grange-town took on Cardiff Barbarians as a preliminary canter, and the latter proved they are already fit, and made a draw. Sciut Bricklayers were palpably out of condition, and the team will need revision before it is up to its usual strength. Messrs. Barren and Ford realise this. Canton Wanderers were provided a good game by the local Institute. The latter have the making of a real clase f eide-, and a bright future can safely be pre- dicted. Ba.rry Parade, a team of young players. have for a couple of seasons kept amateurism a.live in Barry. This season they posers a clever lot of backs. Taff Juniors were beaten last Saturday by 16 points. t Cardiff 'Quins, believing that Dinas Powis were at sixes and sevens this season, antici- pated a walk-over, but 'twas the other way about. The villagers have seldom had a more capable side, and the Quins have 1 hardly yet got over their surprise. MEETING OF UNION OF LEAGUES. The monthly meeting of the Union of Welsh Lea,gues will take, place at Cardiff on Satur- day next. Figuring on the agenda is the dis- pute concerning the championship of the Monmouthshire Valleys League-a matter INvhich the Welsh Union ask to be "decided uon B.?aIIy. I LEAGUE'S OVERLAPPING. The conference between the Rhondda Valleys, Rhcndda Old Boys. Aberdare and District, and the Pontypridd District leagues ( called to map out the areas of these tour leases, was not attended by the Bhondda ) Senior League through the failure so far of that league to re-organiee their competition. The Union of Welsh leagues will be asked to sanction the following proposals:- (1) That the Rhondda Old Boys League be allowed to organise two leagne competi- tions, the junior composed of players with an age limit of seventeen years and the senior with an age limit of twenty. (2) That the Aberdare and District League be allowed to extend its territory from Aberdare to Cefn Coed and from Penrhiwceiber to Hirwain. (3) That the Pontypridd and District League control the competition in the dis- tricts not covered in the second proposal. Of course, if these proposals meet with the approval of the junior union it means that whilst the Rhoindda Valley League is snuffed out the Pontypridd and District league will gain a very large amount of territory, and will really become., th?Rhondda League as well. An official of the Pontypridd District League writes as follows on th& proposals:— Dear "Spokes,"—I think it is unwise to suggest that the Pontypridd League should take over the Rhondda League. There are quite enough clubs? in the valiey to form a league independently, for there are the folloCtng:—Dinas, Trebanog, Lewis-Merthvr (resurrected <iguin), TyloJstown (re-organised), Williamstown, Fern- dale, and Llwyirypia, with other! It would have been preferable for the. Aboitiare district to amalga- mate with Pontypridd, for I hesr Mountain Ash Juniors are going to join the Pontypridd League. If the proposals made at the conference are carried, I ffeat that before the season is out the usual discontent among Rhondda clubs (which I know so well) will break out, and there will be a split in the camp, which, possibly, may wreck the now healthy and vigorous Pontypridd District League.—I am. Src., OFFICIAL. I Other letters on the «une topic reach me from the Aberdare District. Summarised, they do not -speak hopefully of the prospects of the Aberdare and District League, one writer stating that not more th a trio of club; are likely to carry out fixtures in this league." I suggest an immediate Tncetinz of the Rhondda clubs to decide whether they are anxious to keep their league alive or not. Of course, such a meeting should be held before the Union of Welsh Leagues meet on Saturday next. PONTYPRIDD DISTRICT LEAGUE. Monday next is the latest date that clu,be can be accepted in the league. Clubs de- siring to join should s-end representatives on that evening to the head-quarters, Ivor Arms Hotel, Pontypridd, at seven p.m. sharp. RHONDDA DISTRICT OLD BOYS. Additional clubs have joined, viz., Tre- banog, Treherbert Ex-Schoolboys, Pengraig Lads, and Ferndale Lads. The membership is now very large. No clubs will be accepted after Monday next, so those wishing to join should attend at Coole's Reetaurant, Porth, ort that evening. The time is seven p.m. It would be a good thing for the Rugby code if the senior clubs would hand over their grounds when not wanted for home matches to the Old Boys' clubs. It is no u.se for the Welsh Union to spend money in promoting the game amongst the youngsters really to ultimately benefit the senior clubs —if the senior olubs are not wise enough to do their share by removing the present diffi- culty over playing grounds. Llwyinypia is in want of a around, and a. similar difficulty is handicapping Penygraig Lads. Will the two senior clubs in these towns come to the rescue? In the knock-out competition, RhydMa-n journeyed to Clymtch Vale, but the contest ended with scores level. A re-tplay must take place to decide which shall figure in the final. Cilfynydd could not play Treorky last Saturday owing to a difficulty over the ground. CLEVER CILFYNYDD. For -real class back play I have not seen for a long time a cleverer lot than Cilfynydd Harlequins. For two seasons the side won the Rhondda League championship, and last season carried off the Pontypridd' Dictriot Union competition without a defeat. On Saturday Cilfynydd opened their season as cleverly as ever by wailoping, Abercynon by eleven points. When will the club receive the medals due from. the Rhondda League? Congratulations to Mr. W. J. Rosser, the club president, upon being elected president of the Pontypridd Uiiion. Much of the club's success is due to the kind help of Mr. Llewellyn Mitchell. LEAGUES AS COUNTY COURTS. During the past week I have come across two cases in which players' transfers have been, objected to on the grounds that they owed money to their old ciluibs. I am glad tiha,t the leagues instantly overruled the ob. jections and granted both players their- transfers. My own opinion is that had the cases come before the Welsh Football Union something would have been heard by the clubs concerning tbe professional la.w. Any- way, the Cardiff and District R-ugbry Union have decided that dubs paying debts for players, or lending players money, shall be in future drastically dealt with. Oth-er or- ,ga-n.i--ations wou I'd do well to follow suit. Of c<>UTse. no objection can be taken to clubs reporting the non-payment of subscriptions or the withholding of club property. WESTERN VALLEYS OLD BOYS. The competition which proved so successful last season is to be carried on again-this in reply to two correspondents, dabs wish- ing to participate in league games should apply to Mr. A. Powell, 11, Argyle-street, Abertillery. at once. AFTER CYCLING RECORDS. Mr. J. Davies, of Tredegar, who for many seasons has been one of the chief promoters of junior football in the Sirhowy Valley, intends attacking the Welsh 100 miles un- paged record of 5h. 48min„ now held by A. Cobner, of Cardiff. In addition, the veteran has his eye on the London to Brighton ana back record, and the gold medal offered to the first rider to cover 100 miles on this road has been preparing for some time, anu during the pact summer, with a companion, spent some weeks studying Southern roads. He is one of the vory best road-riders wo have had in Wales, and, with a little lUCK, should bag a couple of these records. Cyclists willing to help on the road might ,c,amm-unicate with Mr. Davies at Coronation I Villa, Tredegar. RHYMNEY VALLEY OLD BOYS. I The Baj-goed Old Boys Club has decided to become affiliated to the Rhymney Valley Oid Boys' League. The officials elected are:- President, Mr. E. Bl«ayton (chairman), Mr. W. Williaans treasurer, and M1r. Bert Walters secretary. No meeting was held in connection with the Old Boys' League on Saturday last, as only three clubs put in an appearance. Surely. Bedwas will run a team, after win- ning the medals. Where's energetic "C. W."? Foohriw will run an old boys' olub if a ground can be sjeenred. GLAMORGANSHIRE. I League doings are Hat. Things may liven mP. but the oompetition is only a shadow of its past as far as excitement runs. Liwynypia had the beet of the first half with Canton, but in the second portion on-ly Canton was in the hunt. A few of the "lscee- bead" forwards must go-only three out of the eight scrimmaa-ged last Saturday. Try (Home new ones. Griff Richards in two matches has kicked seven goals. Cardiff Whartons' visit to Mr. Hadyn Jones's team next Wednesday is causing great eomimotdou. RHYMNEY VALLEY SENIORS. I Aberbargoed and Caerphilly opened the league season by competing last Saturday at the Cheeeetown for the run/ners-up medals of last season. It was an evenly-contested game, and played in the be&t of spirit all through. Aberbargoed started very strongly, a id looked a.11 over a winning team. Tom "Wil- liams hpd the Hne at his mercy, but; unfor- tunately, stumbled, and, therefore, a rosy ohornce was lest. Thcr& wa.3 no score at half- time. On change of ends Caerphilly became aggressive. Porter burst through with a try, a.Dd Caerphilly just wen. George Thomas and Ned Rees got their team o-ut of difficul- ties on several occasions by good kicking. Reddick, for the homesters, was as safe as* a. house. The iorwarde were evenly matched. Rhymney Firsts journeyed en thejr initial long journey toO Bream, and were defeated by 14 points to 3. The gaime was not such a one-sided one as the score points out. Machen were visitors to Blaina, and by the fcore tihe homesters must have had rather an ea.sy time. Bargoed held a trial match, which resulted in the Proibaoleis wLn-:J:ing by six points to three. Many of last season's players did not turn up. W. H. Morgan, Roberts, and Car- penter were the pick of the upo; Roberts, Cobin,s, and Ricketts of the backs. BRIDGEND AND DISTRICT. I In connection with the above the season J was started in fine style, but in the majority of cases visiting teajns were victorious, much to the surprise of home clubs. Ala e.t cg Rangers journeyed to Ponty- cymmer, and defeated the homesters on their I favourite Spion. Kop by 5 points to 3. The result fairly staggered the home pa.r-ti,a,n¡;, who, in vilw of the way Han. Sec. Tom Jones has been strengthening the side, anticipated a sort of soft thing. The game was an excellent one to watch, play being fast, open, and full of exciting in- cidents. Air. George Evans, of Gil.'ach Goch, made an efficient whistler. Although defeated, the homesters will soon settle down to the big things expected of them. The full back position is capably filled by Eai Boots. Bert Feiven 4ave a brilliant dis- play in the centre, and Lloyd, apart from the mistake he made when the Rangers scored, did well on the wing. Tommy Leidke, as scrum half, did well. but was not suffi- ciently served with the ball by his for- wards; consequently, his partner, "E. J." was not a.bde to shine. The forwards are beefy enough, but they must learn the art of heel- ing quickly. The Rangers are to be congratu- lated on their performance, and look like h" aving a successful season. line Innocents ;frc.m lianharran jour- llh* Innoceri;, ,s i r c ?- neyed to LlarjgyRwyd to meet Tom Davies's pets, and won by eight points to four. A couple of smart tries were scored before the home side realised what had hapipened. The second half was fa-r advanced when the inimitable Reggie Hanson dropped a pretty goal that reminded one of the only "P.F.B." A feature of the game was trie excellent full- back play on bo-h sides.. tDai Jenkins and J. ShellibLer were the beat of the threes, but J. Evans is to be congratulated ca the way he adapted himself to,his new position on the wing. His try was a smart one. Tich Barkle and Baker were an ideal pair of halves, and Pascce, Bowden, North, and the "redoubtable Chen" played well in front. The best of the "Old Parish" was Bob, at back, Tom Cusee and Llew Evans in the three-quarters, whilst Reg. Hanson was easily, the best of the halves. Captain Jack Hanson tried to do too much on his own. Hopkins, Ackerman, Casey, and Daggworked ha-rd in the forwards. Bettws United, the team of "talents," railed down to. Bridgend, to meet Mr. Scho- fleld's second teamers. Much to his surprise, his pets were defeated by five points to three. The team from the little village on the hill are evidently going to have a good season. A better lot of "sports" it is hard to find. Good luck to them! Hon. sec. Will Richards is one who is not afraid of work. The game wa,s a very, keen one, and Referee T. J. Job had a handful to..manage. The Secotrds-were very much upset by having an alleged fair try disallowed. They need not despair, for they have a very smart side of youngsters, Who will yet create a few surprises. Captain Bert Rljrg-ood is very keen, and D. Daviea, Brown and John support him well in. the forwards. The halves corrld be improved upon. "Rrus^ian" Thomas and Biai Marks are smart in the "threes." Perhaps, the full back position could be strengthened by play- ing Tommy Pennell there, and patting "Barney" in his right position at three-quar- ter. Amongst the villagers Archie Burgess, Richards, Skinner, and Dacey were ?he pick Richards, look*? like a fine pack. Pnlhn, Wil- liams, Richmond, and Bailey are all good in the backs. The latter is a valuable acquisi- tion to his side. (out and home) under fh-e- hours. Mr. Davies The Riders of Cefn had the little Infants from- B'.aenga.rw as. visitors. Considering that th^ lat'ie.rw?r? weakly Teipre?eotCtL. Cefn can- not by any means be said to have shown championship form by scraping home victors by a try. This score was cleverly obtained by George Butcher. The Riders fielded their strongest side, but the form shewn will not brine? them gold medals. There was one pleasing feature I about them, and that was that they have a smart outside half in young Berto. He should receive a further trial. "T.A." wa-squite-,pleased.with the display given by his Infante.. It is to be hoped that Dick Phillips and Co. will rally round him, and make the season a highly successful one. i Does anyone know whether the Nanty- ffyllon team has arrived at Gilfacfr Goch y)et? They were seen in the neighbourhood of Tondu refreshing themselves, but whether they reached their destination safely has not yet transpired. The league champions, Nantymoel, are to be congratulated on runnxpg Treorchy to five points; and at Treorchy, too! ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "Player" (CarditT).-Dea-It with in notes. A. Powell (Abertillery).-Thanks. An appli- cation to Mr. John would probably meet the case. "Official" (-Rhondds).-No; although an official of the Union, I am at all times pre- pared to criticise the decisions of the majo- rity and express my own opinions or YOUTS. Do not think that because I am an official that I blindly follow. The members know toll well that I hold the position eolely on the understanding tha.t I am absolutely inde- pendent, and am at liberty to give vent to those opinions in this journal, "C. H." (Cardiff).-Sorry, but am not enthu- eiastic enough to aot as chairman of your "smoker." There are others seeking fame.

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