Evening Express

THE LOOSE HEAD." j NEW LAW DEMANDED] FARCICAL SCRIMMAGING I CONDEMNED. By J. L. WILLIAMS. (CAPTAIN CARDIFF FIRST XV.). For several seasons now" much has Deen written, and many wordy discus- sions engaged in, respecting what is generally referred to as the "loose head" in forward play. Latterly more has been said in. its denunciation than in its praise, as spectators, referees, and even players themselves have persuaded themselves beyond question that at the present moment it is one of the greatest factors likely to decrease the popularity of the Rugby game. Although it is a phase of play that has been regularly in- dulged in in the packs of four first class clubs for many seasons past, numbers of spectators, at any rate, are still ignorant of its significance, and one often hears the questions: What is meant by the loose head," and "Why do the forwards continually break up the scrimmages in- stead of packing tightly as in the old days." I would not care to wager that every I player in a pack of forwards is aware of the real reason why the loose head is so sought after by his side, and what constitutes the supposed benefit of its possession. Perhaps an attempt at an explanation of the object in view, and the means employed to secure it, may serve to enlighten many onlookers who have vainly racked their brains for a sensible solution to one or both of thel above questions, and so allow them to I find some excuse (albeit quite an insuf- ficient one) for the lamentable and. often- times fruitless waste of energy displayed by our front rankers in forcing the scrum almost from one side of the field to the other. It is obvious that when three men are pitted against a like number in scrim-1 mage formation each side has a man i overlapping on either side, or in other words a loose head." Our usual scrum formation is 3—3—2, and the ball is deemed to be in the "scrum only after it has passed two men composing it, which is equivalent to stating that as far as heeling is concerned the two men nearest the side at which the ball is put in are "out of the hunt." In the accompanying; diagram, with I men formed up as there indicated, and the ball being thrown in from X, the J man C and his opponent 3 are both use- less for getting the ball-the man legally allowed to touch it first being B—thus side Z having the loose head on the side, on which the ball enters (always the object aimed at) has a distinct advan- tage in the prospect of securing posses- sion. The leader of Y pack, or his observant half-back, promptly recognises this, and gives the word "man up on the left"; at once No. 8 breaks away from. the rear and takes Cu* p a position alongside. No. 3 locks in C. thereby secures the loose head," and gains for his side the. better, opportunity of first touching the ball. Recognising his side is outflanked, H (of Z pack) rushes to the fore on the right hand of C to regain the lost ad- vantage. Y pack then repeat the first manoeuvre, and No. 7 goes to the left of No. 8, only to find that his opponent G advances to H's right to lock him in- and ho on until the whole eight men are lined up in I One. Very Irregular Row Ion either side, as shown in diagram 2; j that is, assuming men 1, 2 and 3 of pack Y and men A, B, and C of Z pack retain their positions, which is rarely the case, because these men, as soon as the pres- sure from behind ceases, break away and form up on the side nearest X, thereby starting the "scrum" on its little journey across the field. While all this shuffling is in progress, the ball is in the half-back's hands. So persistent has been the movement of legs that no opportunity for putting it in has occurred, or if it has cropped up it has been when the opposing side has had the loose head," and would, therefore, according to the usual deduction (which is frequently falsified), get possession. The Referee, Meantime, I has been helplessly looking on, and all the backs behind the scrimmage wearing 11 disgusted and sorrowful countenance, and the spectators have not been enjoy- ing the fun. In this process the for- wards have been working fairly hard. True, they .have pushed very littlei and have been continually ready to get up and change positions, but by persistent shuffling they have been expending much energy and exhausting their strength, and reaped no ultimate benefit. Happilv, many are beginning to realise IL.1 "scrapp i ng, the futility of all this "scrapping," and are determined (in spite of the ad- vantage of the loose head") to resort once more to honest pushing and heeling. But is it not time that such farcical so-called scrimmaging should be made impossible and a rule introduced debarring more than three men from being in the front row of a pack-the defending side to be allowed the loose head if desired ? This may appear like copying the laws of the professional game, but has a change in rules governing play any bear- ing whatever upon amateur or profes- sional status? Of course, captains may come to an understanding in the matter before starting the game, but to get it put into force throughout a match is another matter. That some remedy by law for this undoubted evil should be speedily introduced is the earnest desire of all having the interest of the game at heart —players and spectators alike.

WILL DAVIES, Pontlottyn First Rugby team, is a forward of the right stamp. He stands [I%o,t% Wiiliiama amd Williams. 5ft. Oin., and tarns the eoade at lgat. folib. Jie wdxug:, .i« the- Bhynmey Valley, and bis briiLiaDtt runs are well worth seeing. He is a fearless tackier, and his lacking savours of aowmd judgment. A feature of his play is drop- kicking, and seldom he TTMBaea the mark. He commenced his football c&Teer about two seasons ago, and has rece-.ved offers from other clubs, but so far he has declined. Will is only fcwerrty years of see.

Congratulations to BOB LLOYD. Ponty pool, on his debut as a Moromoatflishire County baJf. Higher honours, no dbuirt, await him.

FRANX THOMAS (Rhymney) htM striven, in and out of saaeon, to further the progress of the Rugby game. This season, owing to I I 7- I EPhofco, WiNiams Rod'- WMSMM the softl à6 was-appointed vtee-oharnBair of the Rhymney new town dob, and was selected as one of the delegates to meet the Welsh Union sob-committee. Besides devoting considerable attention to the locaa- club, Frank has passed his Welsh Union I Referees' Erammatioji, and frequently I officiates im the local league matches. i T. J. HIBBS is hon. secretary &-<h00rt  ¡ AthteHr. and n, d the ???t sports in t? '13 1 ( I Hhondda. Mr. Hibbe has been the means of reviving amateurism at Treherbert, and throa-gri his work there are two amateur oixube in the town ti¡; season.

7KLILMY TjEWIS. thja season'a captain of that I I '"jSe-hot" Soceer combination—Barry Dock j Albion,s-hag -been. a, prominent figure on the football field since quite a little nipper. It was with Cadoxton schoolboys he first wore footballers' outfit, and as a youngster he gave promise of developing j into a capable forward. He waa sorely [I mmissed when he removed to Holton School, for which team he did yeoman service. His next move was to the county school, end I on finishing his studies he turned oat for the Intermediate Old Boys. Since that time Tommy has played for the Albions, Barry District, the Old Boye, and Cardiff Ooitaerons in their invincible season. He is not new to the position of a leader, having skippered the Intermediate Old Boys for too successive seasons. For the Albions he occupied the inside right berth. Well GPfcoto>r H. H. Desrfiee, ifltwrysawryttx. I macIte, mozlflB an*} scientific, be possesses, those qualities which make a footballer. Ger0smanly in his own tactics, Tommy I can, nevertbeleea, stand a rough and I tumble. He never shoots without it.btmgs.

i I Mr. A. DAUNTON, captain Brorry Hockey j Second Eleven, has only been associated?! I with hockey for three seasons, a.nd this will be the second year ho has led the I [Photo, C. Neefoitt, Barry Dock. second eleven. Previous to hockey Daunton was a.n .enthusiastic Soocerplayer, assisting the Barry County School team, and after- wards the now defunct Barry Railway Offices team. Standing 5ft Sin., aged 27, apd weighing just about 9st., Daunton is of Meal.,build for a centre half-back, which place he occupies on the field in a manner that reflects great credit on himself. In private life he is voted on all sides to be a jolly good sort," and is exceedingly popu- lar with all whom he comes into contact.

Mr. F. W. OIiAEK, oaptarn of Barry Hockey First Eleven, Í8 26 years old. ain-d stands 6ft. lOin. "Pied," as he is popularly known among his fcllow-clubitog aud friends, is not built on a massive scale, but is a com- position of muscle and wirinees, ideal for a forward. He has been, one of the mosi ardent and enterprising memlbers of the Barry Olub ever since its formation, seven years ago, and in the field has always Lehate. Qaeem -Btod&oe, Caroffiff. oewttpied the poaJKiofn of right- wing" in "She ( forward line, art. which place he how tow eqraads in South Wales, as maary wbo have had to "mart" Mm can testify to their edrmw. In pri?a?e 1iIæ F?ed is of quiet but genial dispoa?on, and M popular mmong his large circle of acquaintances off the hockey field as he-is amongst the team he "skippers" on the fieM

CARDIFF CENTRALS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, 190940. I WINNERS OF LE.WUE AND- CUP (.c. AND D..RU.), UN-DEFEATED IN,:LEL\GU:&AND.-cup-:M1tTcHEa. WINNERS OF LEAGUE AND CUP (C. AND D.R.U.), UNDEFEATED IN LEAGUE- ANDt-CUPlSfftTCHES. I 1. TOP HOW J- 11-beT7 C. Beady, J. Leysbon, W. Slamin, amd W. M'lntyre. I. I' SECOND BOW? T.. H. WmMMns W. MiIL*an,.A- Cody D. Hin'Sh, D. Crofninv and-J.Cocfe. 'mY?T) BOW: ? GTia'n. E. Brooke, N. Swa-iD?b?. ? ?naa (captain), D. 0:ConncH?H'M?oa?am?. J. BKH?a?-mnd W: 0)?a? Oardiff the winraerB of the Ijeagno I a.nd Outp, 1908-9 (Cardiff and District Rugby Union.) have opeaed their season in fine fashion, loetog- to Penarth Seconds by 51 poiirta, after haviisg much the better otr t.b.e J ntt, 'wimndng acgarnst Barry. Pa.red,D at Barry 3 points. The Centrals tiias eeason have a few senior ,f,06tba,lllt,rs ill, tlbair retiks, a-nd it has been said, tiD.ey have only played two matches, by different foJiLowers of the game dJ!:Jt. etSF r iass team 00 t?aciM?. D. OTteron-edl is < I rt,a,.in of tbe side, with E. Bro?kes his vice. II This season the mean to 'u?phod? their record if PossiVIe? having loat omiy three majohes in two e&naane.

ENGLISH. REVIVAL. I ROSY RUGBY PROSPECTS OF l THE SAXONS. By PENDRAGON." I All the signs and portents indicate to a glorious revival in English Rugby foot- ball this winter. From every quarter reports come of the establishment of new clubs, but far more interesting from the standpoint of people who live in South Wales is the knowledge-the undoubted knowledge-that the premier English Rugby clubs are much stronger than they have been for many seasons. Leicester are a great side this year, and I shall be very pleasantly surprised if any of our Welsh clubs win on the Welford-road enclosure during this present winter. Devonport Albion again are exceptionally strong, and, judging by the existing out- look, there is little prospect of even the best of the Welsh sides defeating the Albi-on on the Rectory Field. Even poor old Blackheath, the one- time "club of all the talents," have now a clinking good team, and it is asserted that Cardiff and Newport when they go up to town to play the 'Heathens are not going to have such easy journeys as they have on the majority of occasions I during the past fourteen or fifteen years. Then, again, we had Gloucester beating Swansea last Saturday, an onimous warn- ing to other Welsh clubs who visit the Kingsholm enclosure. Furthermore, both the great Universities have powerful teams-Oxford particularly in the backs and Cambridge particularly in the for- wards. Also Richmond and the London Harlequins are much stronger than usual, but the best club in all the four countries this year, I believe, will be Leicester. Of the Midlanders I one hears the most optimistic reports. I They are, without equivocation, said to I be truly a great side. Already the Mid- land Counties are urged to select the ,whole Leicester back division as thev stand for the championship engagements. 'I Jupt consider the men for a moment. At full-back there is E. J. Jackett, surely one of the best. As a third line they I have Percy Lawrie, Kenneth Wood, F. N. Tarr, and A. D. Heard. IS ?7c?ld.? in Wales possesses a stronger set of "threes" than those. Percy Lawrie is as good a wing as there is in Great Britain at the present time, Kenneth Wood is sound and reliable in the centre, and F. N. Tarr, who played against Wales last year, is always clever and even brilliant on his day, whilst A. D. Heard, the ex- Bedfordian. is the speediest wing of the! period, a grand tackier, and a rapidly- improving footballer. Then J. R. Wat- son and G. W. Wood are quite a good pair of half-backs, who, if not equal to our own "dancing Dicks," or Percy Bush and David, are always trustworthy, and work well with their threes. Forward Leicester are represented by a sturdy lot I from the giant, J. C. Burdett, to the 1 men of lesser height, but just as great keenness. If it be thought that I dwell too much on the merits of Leicester it is because I believe the Midlanders are going to be the best club side in Great Britain this season, with Devonport Albion quite likely to follow them as the I next best. By the way, what a wonderful game, and what a struggle, that will be on tile Rectory Feld, Devonport, on the last Saturday of this montn, when the Mid- 1 landers and the Devonians meet for the first time this season. It will not only be A Combat of Titans, but the game will serve as an index to the prospects of the leading Welsh clubs against the two powerful Saxon organisa- tions later on. It is interesting to note that Leicester meet the three chief Welsh clubs on the three succeeding Saturdays. Cardiff aiTd Swansea play at Leicester on November 6 and 13 respectively, while the Mid- landers travel o Newport on November 20. What a trio of contests that will be! South Walians will have no great hopes of either tile Hue and blacks or the all whites winning at the Welford- road enclosure, but they will be disap- pointed if Newport, with the advantage of ground, are not successful. It is a long lane that has no turning, and with English club football so thoroughly good this season, it will not be surprising if the Saxons at last accomplish some- thing really noteworthy in the interna- tional tourney. We have actually to go back eighteen years since England last won the international championship. That is a long period, and no doubt the other three countries would not begrudge her the acquisition of the Mythical Triple Crown this winter. It was in 1898 at Black- heath that England last defeated Wales, although the wearers of the rose man- aged to effect a draw at Leic"??ter in 1904. Not since then till last year at Cardiff had the Saxons given Wales a really good game, and then the Welsh- men had all the best of the luck in get- ting home by a goal and a try to nothing. All things consdered, then, it is time poor old England had a turn, and Welsh Rugger men will be the first to congratulate our nearest kinsmen if at the end of the present winter they are found to have won the international tourney for 1909-10. Certainly everything points to the prospective success of England. All her leading clubs and both 'Varsities are strong. What more could she desire? At all events, if a fair measure of success be not attained it will be due to the blundering of the selection committee more than anything else.

Battling Nelson Protests ACAINST FRED WELSH'S STATEMENT "Battling" Nelson, who signs himself "Light-weight champion of the world," writing to the Football Express" from New York City under date September 23, says:— Enclosed fhpping, supposed to be written by Freddie Welsh about Abe Attell beating me [the clipping is from Fred Welsh's article pn "My Greatest Fight," which appeared in the Foot- bail Express of Sept. 4] is very much false, and should be corrected. Of course, I don't care whether it is or not, as it is possibly done, purposely to boast Welsh in his home. He is a nice fellow and fair fighter, but to boast his own game should at least lay off of say- ing he beat a man phat beat the cham- pion when it is wiong. All I will say in response is I'm cham- pion, and have beaten every light- weight of prominence in the world who dared take a chance-"that's a plenty. As for Welsh, he is a very clever boy, but who of any fighters did he ever knock out? Who did I knock? Read my record, attd see- who I haven't knocked out. If I haven't knocked them out it is because I couldn't get them into a ring—not any fault of mine. Under separate cover find autograph copy of life battles and career of Battling" Nelson, written by myself. I have given every fighter as much credIt. as I possibly could, as my motto is,) "If you can't boost don't knock." I have always found it best.

FRED REES, the popular full-back, has been elected captain of the Swansea Seconds for the third time. Learnt his football with the old St. Allan's team, a very smart junior combination, which won the cham- pionship of the second division of the Swansea and District Leag-ue. It is note- [Photo^ J«K?k Sewis, Swansea. I worthy that in that aeaeom the Alhasna oxtr had their line crossed twice, whlist they performed a. Temarkaflble feat by defeating1 the then champions of the test division (Dasnygradgr) by a try to nil. 'In the «eaeon 1.907-8 (cha-nrpioea season) Freddy assisted the Swansea. (premiers on more than fourteen occasions, and in one match, a;t Gloucester, had the honour of scoring: the only try for Swansea, and several thnee Assisted last season. One of his best per- forman-ces was at IMbnoovery for the Swansea Seconds, when he was responsible I far nine out of twdw points, scoring a try, a dfopped goal, and a converted goal. On Saturday last, for Swansea First v. District, LeaJgne. he converted seven, tries out of eight atTempte.

ALF. YOUNG, known in the football-arena. u I "Shink"* Young, plays inside half for Cwm- [Bbortsv T. J^K«rs!oie, ^BesetJo^opeisMare. carai. «ndiAa- -one*af the in the valleys, considering his w-erght he. twrns <tbe-8caiJes at 12s £

J. FRA-NCIS, Merthyr Jnaiors, is-one of the ibest scrimanagetrs in the team. ^.•GRIFFITHS, a. popular Merthyr'otrwsard, is* to reeeivea trfei on the wroig- IHMY DOwauet the >cSe?fer TiSery left wimg. Ihas-.a .&ne»xBCSBxl fbr-vanoty mokbw. "CHICK JA.34SSS, TrBery's powerful centre, lacks speed. JDOBT, am '"Ov«rooat,ieomintf Xrom-Pontlottyn la6t-45eAaxda«. H. JONES, ?<erthyr Juniors, proved himself the fastest man in the team last Saturday. TOld: 7A. YLOR, Biaina Association, was the only player in form last Saturday. X BLACKWELL, Biaina, is one of their best forwards. Ile played well last season, and has benefi^ ted by experience. WILL LEWIS, one of the Abertillery for- wards, has been selected as reserve for tile Monmoutihshipe team. JIM WiEBE. captain of the Ahertillery team, is a brainy forward, and has been taught a deal by George Tiravers. HARRY WILLIAUS. the Blaina wing, has scored a few excellent tries already. Near the line he takes a lot of stopping. T. WATKINS, Mertturr Junk»rs' vice-capt-im. reminds one of Gwyn Nicholls by the way he burets through the opposing centres. WILtLXAMS, Merthyr Juniors' on-Hiant centre, signalised his debut on Saturday 1-t by sooring a try in regtrtar Bosh fashion. ^55 BP-OTHERS HERBE.BT and W. JAiCES, th" On" at half and the other in the for- ward Kme, are an in-Raluable brace to the, Dioas Powis Rmgty combination. COOK, the weH-korwro Gloucester fnil back, Has joined Abertillery. Only a. few weeks &go Cook gave a fine display for Gloucester acainst the Abertillerjrite^ WILL JAMES, the horly forward of the Deri Juniors. COI'!ltin;ui!S to play a dashing game, Will has recently joined the ranis of the Benedicts. JIIIZ" D&iNjjO is doing ftne work for Biaena^ Gwent behind the scrum. At half- back he is reaily sptendod, and as a centre three-quarter he i. takes somw beatkw. 'p- JENKINS is the most. eousKtest forward, m the Merthyr Junior pack. He has been le-eloc:ted treaaurer. Wili he be again tap' scorer this season? T, SDDroNDS Biaina, was prevented from: playing last Saturday, being umable tor work at the colliery. Heods one of toe best-forwards, amd was badly missed. ALR. .who played -such a rattling' good game last Saturday. 16 a product of toe now defunct Treherbert Junior League. The Dixon wae stopped repeatedly by him during the first half, but he wore him wa near the end. Francis's .try was cleverly got. TOM LSSISiiTN, who figured in the Tre- lle-rbert team befcce he flitted North, played a great game against his compatriots laet He opened the scoring with two tries, and had a hand in many of the others. He is still a very tricky player. His dwubling and sucrvrag amazed several of the home players. T. D. DA-VLE8, although he has retired frosi football, is still much admired by the-Old- 1 ham. team, for whom- he once played. Tom has been at TrdwteH rince last week, owing to iltness, alDd most of the team called to sympathiM with hfim. A. speedy recoveryt is>every^ody's wieh. ■ A POSTPC«SffKD beaoiog the fbOfendaer oom- momcajtion wae received by the Merthyr T-Owla seca-etaaTP last week. The writer is still at iaxge:- "K^llyiand." Dear youT committee done a-njrthiHig "Towards" getting a "Nugent" yet ? If you want an agent I wouldn't mind being the "Fisher" for you, as it "Wootton" do to have a "Wightmaji" on the job. I keow a good man who lives on the "Church hill" that wocM phy for you as an aoxatau;i-? Swt, far "How- sbaJT" I know if 7<m will c-mome me?— Y?n-s. ?.e.. Yëom-s. &e,. HOW DE "DAW." I P S.—Glad to see y<m a,re playing (Max) ] Pemberton. He is TeaU7 ? g?od "Cbaa:k-I man.

WHY M YM 00 MXIH ? WHY DID YOU GO NORTH? I PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS. I By PERCY F. BUSH. Reg. Jones {Late Tredegar and Pontypool) I I I Dear Reg.Reading of your con- tinued great exploits this season re- I called you to memory, and made one feel what a tremendous pity it was that you should have gone up North when you did. I suppose you thought there was but small chance of getting your "Kap" in Wales, because there were so many older and more experienced players awaiting I their turn to play for Wales, and that is. perhaps, the reason that you so sud- denly decided to exchange from the fifteen a-siders to the faster,. but less scientific thirteen a-siders. But there is no doubt at all that you would some day have received your reward, as a matter of fact, for even if you had had to wait ten years you could have afforded the time, for it was no £ until 1886 that you were born, and ten years from the time you played your first game as captain of Tredegar United would have brought you to the beginning of the best part of a footballer's career. You were captain of the aforemen- tioned United, perhaps I should add, in 1904-5. Previous to this some eight years you had played for the best of the junior teams of Tredegar; in fact, you I were one of the bright, shining stars at the tender age of ten. Even then you used to bewilder your juvenile opponents by the rapidity and variety oft your movements, and, although I hadn't the pleasure of seeing them then '(the move- ments, I mean), I have since heard them described as being similar in style to those of a flea on a hot plate, and if any- thing can be imagined more baffling than that I should like to know what it is. Your position on the field was half- back, and outside half at that, which makes it all the more certain that you must be chock-full of half-back skill. I don't mean because you played half-back down here, but because you have been I So Conspicuously Successful up North in that position, where half- back play is very different to our con- ception of it. I cannot remember off- hand any other half-back who has migrated from Wales and made such an exceptionally -mod fist of the Northern Union game. Well, to go back to the scene of your former triumphs. You left Tredegar in the summer after the winter in which you captained Tredegar United and came to Cardiff. This was 1905, and in Septem- ber of this year the trial match of the Cardiff Clul; partook of the nature of Firsts versus Reserves. You were selected for the Reserves, and I remem- ber that I was your opponent. You — played a thundering good game, and, inter alia, scored a great try, besides stopping me scoring a few. You were after this match picked for the Reserves for a time, but before you had iiad a chance of playing behind the Firsts forwards business took you back I to the town of your birth, and for Trede- I gar you turned out for the remainder of the season. By the end of the season you had climbed to a perch which no other Trede- gar half-back had ever reached, namely, that reserved for the top scorer of the team. Next season Pontypool wanted a half-back, and you were the one lighted upon. During Season 1906-7, then, you disported yourself in Pontv's ranks, and it was no mean achievement to score seventeen tries for them during the season, especially when one remembers that there were players like Ponty Jones behind you, and" Ponty" had established a Welsh record the season before by scoring 52 of the very best in his I- Own Unbeatable Style. Going to Pontypool did you no harm, I by the way, for you came under the eye of the County Committee, and were selected for Monmouthshire against Gla- morgan on October 27. In this match- your first really big one, perhaps-you played a tremendously good game, so that this was -not your first and last county game by any means. I have often wondered how it is that Pontypool half- backs always rise to big occasions. There was your own case, for instance; you always played splendid games'in your big matches, and the bigger the ma teh thp better you played. Then look at Lloyd and Prosser. I have seen them play several times, always in big games, and always well. Perhaps there is something in Pontypool air. like there is in Swansea, which is extra good for half-backs. Whatever it is, Ponty always seem to be able to discover a good half directly they want one. Your next county match was against Yorkshire, and the number of times vou stopped those burly, rushing forward s of the Korth Country men and prevented them becoming dangerous will never be forgotten. Th?y were dangerous enough to you, though, Reg., my boy, for after I the game there was scarcely a square inch of you that I Wasn't Bruised and Hacked. Next came what was to you something in the nature of your first international, namely, Monmouthshire versus South of Ireland. In this match you excelled yourself. Time and again you were off like a flash directly you got the ball from your inside half and time and again your side scored or nearly scored from these efforts of yours. You got two beauties quite on your own by dodging through v. la Johnny Williams, and hardly getting itouched. I have always fancied that it I was your quickness in getting off the j mark which made you such a dangerous customer. It really means a lot to an outside half, and in your case your oppo- nents were generally quite unaware that it was possible to start before you had got through them and were in full chaise for the line. Your last county game was once more against the burly Yorkshiremen on March 25. 1907, and you finshed up your Monmouthshire career by giving as polished an exhibition as one could wish. It must not be supposed that you were neglecting club footer during this time, for you had gradually established your reputation of being one of the most "look- afterable men near the line in WSies," and when you listened to the twittering of the Northern oof-bird, you left Ponty in the pool of despond, for your loss seemed greater than they could bear. That they have survived it is a matter of history and of congratulation to those who have worked so hard to make Ponty- pool what it now is—a first-class team able to give any side a good game, and most of them a whacking. And you have goile on improving, too,. and. as you are now but 23 years old, we shall hear of you for many years to come, and, although you didn't stop down here to get your Welsh "Kap." you will cer- tainly earn and get it up there. I Very sincerely yours,

I Welshmen Up North. I I By OWt N.U. COPTRIESPONORMY- I The large nambef of Wigan supporters had a great shock when their favourites we^re beaten by Leigh at Central Park laiSt Satur- day. The match is always regarded as the Derby Day, as the teams are near neigh- bours. Ned Jones came in for Ean-dall Davies, who is not giving- satisfaction at Wigai-i, and played a. faa-riy good jame, and the defeat cannot be la-id at his door. Dot Jenkkia did not show his usual form, and by misfielding the ball gave away a try. The Wi-gan backs are far below last season's form, and some new blood will have to be intro- duced to keep up the reputation of the Cen- tral Park Club. The Wigam Club. who aje one of the best Northern Union clubs in finance, ean afford to lay out a lot of money for new players, but where is the class experienced players to be found, as nothing but the best will be at Central Park. It is common knowledge at Wigan that they have eyes on a prominent win, player of a Yorkshire club and would like his transfer. Something will have to be done to satisfy the Wiganers, as a defeat at home is not relished and not to be tolerated with the club's supporters. As before stated in these rotes, the Wiganii must wake up if they intertid to keep up their reputation in Northern Union football. Widnes surprised the critios by beating Ebbw Yale on their own ground. It was fully expected the Valians would defeat the Ijancashire team, who are but a moderate j side. Chick Jenkins was the star a-rtist on the home side, and apparently Hull made a mistake Ln. not playing him, as they could do with a few good three-quarters in the Boulevard team at present. Oldham sho wed Trelierbeft the art of ecor- irrg tries in their match at Treherbert last Saturday. Tom Llewellyn wa.s in Tine form against his old comrades, and scored, a few tries. Bvideatiy the homesters have a. lot to 1earn to compete with the Northern Union t?mm, and they geoemIy mMl the Northern Union teame too fast for them. Framcisi scored a fine try for th? home team, but the forwards were completely ontpla?ed by the Oldham front rankem. Gomer GuTm pJay?d his œua2 go? game I for Keighbey against Hull at the BoWevard last Sa&UTd'tcy, and his powerful kicks were' of gTeat service to his side. He hardlyl seems as nimble as of yore, and will have j need to train some of his superfluous flesh off to come into the form ihe showed for Brarffcmd, where he ramted As one of the best Northern Union fallbacks. I Merthyjr did well -at-Swinton last Saturday, J.

THE REFEREE WHO RE FEREE'DI

MMMfV VALR (M. U.) EWw V-alle failed to capture two points at the-expense of Widoes.ftitSaturday. although they had much the better of the. game throughout. Their baeks tet them n. Untess-the Valians can pat .up a better flgbt against Northern teams than they did last Saturday, their position in the league, will not be a very dignified one. Christison, the new m-.sn.-and Da-i Wiiiiftms,- made a splendid impression, and. wiU no dowbt tirrA permanent places in the Ebbw VaAe team. Forwards are plentiful, but such is not ttoe.case with the backs. It is unfortu- nate that Dai Bexnon, the brilliant Oldham half. (Mlmot assist his home team. He has no intention of goiug back to Oldham, yet the latter club will not aUow him to assist Ebbw Vale without the payment of JESC. It is hoped that Oliver Burgham win he able to reeirme ptety shortly. His-»sef wees are- badly lJfe«bd. Ebbw Vale played a.Btuoh iroppoved game., mgm-i -Oldham. and deserved to-dawWte the* points

I., MENTHYN. I Altho?eh Merthyr led by & siog? p<>intJ only at brlt-tm% &Dd aBiahed up by bemc i j beaten by Swinton, the score standing at 14 points to 7, there was little to choose between. the clubs after all. It was an admittedly t poor exhibitMQ. both sides falling far below it?eiy best, but the Hon<wbo WPe q??t? [meek, mild, and n,??nferoedous in their methods, juct about deserved to win. It wM, however, a most indifferent display to watch,! &nd none Otf the pa.rt.iUI crowned them- selves with glory. A week hence and Runcorn, who have yet to lose a match, holding the honoured position at the top of the League table, are due to Pay a visit to the Rhydycar Ground. 1%e fixture should prove particularly interesting, a.nd be a big "draw," moire especially as Merthyr did not meet them last season. The injuries to Tom Thomas, WyndttMwn Davies, Ned Rees, Francis Jones, and Vaughan have seriously handicapped the club in the early stI- and prevented the full strength being seen out. There are several stiff engagements to fulfil ir. the near future, and the pick of the basket" will be required for these stern contests.

TiFtsmzftsziNT. The spectators were delighted with the game betweeai Trehenbert and Oldham. The Northerners' attacking powers were great. Oldham held the advantage in every department. Their fo.1"wa.rds were too heavy for Treherbert's diminutive pair, aind their three-quarters were speedier, and combined in a masterly way, whi'Lst Wood at full-back was exceedingly fine. reherbert were weak at fUUnbaclf amd right wing. These wea? pcimts We?e Mtt?csiSed when they loeit Drinc&n just a?ter half-time. D. J. who has lately signed on, would do well at fuM-back. amd Richard Jenkins could capably fill the position of wing. Welsh players up North have done much in the teaching of the passing game. Old- ham's pawing was quite up to anything that cam be seen in Wales to-day. It was of such a hiigh sta-ndard that- their eighrt tries were scored by their three-quarters. The Oldba,m players greatly admired the staying powers of the Treherbert team. It was marvellous how bawl amy working men could eome straight from their work and keep going for eighty minutes," was what they said. Tnefoerbant's defence during tibe first half was much admired, and it looked as if the score wcTOld be kairt dawn. Framcis and J. Rees. although on the pmaM side, broug-ht their burly opponents down in fine style. the end of the second half mopt of the pliayemB made the mistake of going high iwrtead. of low. This pro-wed costly. Two points in the Old Bc-ys League were gained by Drnas at the expense of Traherbert A.tJhletJcs. The Athletics registered the first score through Culverbouse, but afterwards Datmas port on eight points. Ddm'ae played the kic-amd-1'U game. aad at t?mes unmeassary vi?tmr wa? used. 11,? herbert played much cleaner and better class football, but it did not suit the conditions.

I CWMPARC TRIO. I I OEOROTJ JON33S, Cwimqjano and Treorky I United, inside left, is a very succeutal-1 I eoorer. He is apeedy, tricky, and a good shot. "n.T '1-' DICKY JOtnst> pfeys left balf with conepd^ etlOQB Buccese. Although small, be tackles unerringly and ie dangerous with long shots. iACK HUGHES, captain and outside right, j tall and speedy, eweels in patting in centres. Has figured with great success on t-he raving bftck.

rFR-ANK' TJfcSWELL played his last match for I Deri last Saturday against Bedwas. He has I been csqptored by the once rearowned Maeay- cwmnner Clob. Frank has occupied the position of custodian for-several seasons in the Deri ranks, and has invariably oenne off witb high honours. He, aJeo, has iomari the rauAs-otf tihe Benedicts. The DERI JUNIORS team have been admitted into the senior division of the Ithymnev Valley Rugby League. With more unison I in the back division they should develop into a first-class team. ALBERT JAMES TIMMIXS (left back. Tre- ¡ harris) is a very smart back. a very "keen tackier, and a huge kicker. He hails from West Bromwich, and started his iootball with Churchfield (West Bromwich) in the Birmingham and District Central League in Season 1902-3. In 1904 he was secured by Halesowen, who were runners-up in the Walsall League in Season 1905-6. The follow- ing season-190&7--be was captured by Tre- hairis, who were then the best of South Wales teams, winners of the South Wales Senior Cup. winners of the South Wales T,L-ague (Division II-th.e latt-er competition was won with a good reoord, losing only one poiat, and that- by making a draw with Mardy. at Igardy-and were third in the Western League table. leaving Treharris for West Bromwich in Season 19C7-8, he secured his junior international cap, and played left half-back for England against Scotland at the Hawthorns, West Brom- wich. England won by 4 goals to nil. The same season his team—West Bromwich Albiolw-wore finalists in the Staffordshire CuP and fourth in the English Leagno (Division II), and last season they had hard lines in not being promoted to Division I.. losing by a decimal place in goal average. Timmins is a young man of athletic build. He is 22 years of age, stands 5ft. 8in., and [Pbotioi, Dan Osfboarae, Trefcarais. turns the scale at 109t. 81b. Wdth George fenart they make the beet pair of full- i backs playing in-South Wales this season.

[Photo. J. W. Pewell. Penygraig. TOM GRIFFITHS II (Hon. Secretary Cambnam Lads).

CARDIFF BOXRURGKS. who, it will be remembered, were suspended by the Welsh Football Union for playing a Sunday match in France, terminated their period of sus- pension last week. Another tour in France has been arranged, but there will be no &mday fixture.

— .J Besides the Fixture Lists of all the # Prowieeiu Bugby and Association Club, liie ? WESTERN mAiL,, 1 I FOOTBALL ANNUAL | ? ocnt?iBa a gMief of Brilliant Artier.  ? Mr. PeK-y Bush writes of "Whv F(>otbaliezs S Lo?e Pootba." v! S Mx, ?' '?.S'*? expa"tes upon "My Most ? MemoraMe G?me." (? ? Mr. Ge-Te Mercer hM. an article ea Ule W ? Aaswiation G?mp, headed, "Tbe Futa?e A Is Before TJe." I! A fwtbw a?tnest tetnaartitM?tC?tc? ? ? ?pe?e by & waB-tmowE afMMiM&ite. m <* be' l'e'VeGdf, the gammu of the 6\K"MSI! O N. past twenty Year,. ac ¡'y the SWaD88ll, the <Ar Il: BUY IT: BUY ITS BUY IT! j| | PRICE ONE PENNY. |

«and on the game did 'not deserve to lose. The -forwards played a great game, and with a few good backs would have won the match. A few three-quarters and the Merthyr team would have to be reckoned with by the best Northern Union teams. H. Rees aeems to be improving, as his try showed him to be a very smart player. Reg. Jones is not giving satisfaction to the Leeds club's rapport ens, arud he. must need find his form soon to keep his place in the team. He doesn't bring off those powerful bursts of his which was a feature of his -play last season, and he seems to have lost -some of hie pace. Northern Union football is gaining headway in Leeds, as & gate of 20.000 assembled at Parkside to witness the Leeds v. Hunslet encounter. Young, at full- back for the Headingley team, did not seem so reliaMe as usual, but, on the whole, did not give much away. Biggs, the old Briton Ferry forward, in the Leeds pack was adanoa- ished by the referee for his tactics. Birgs is one of those forwards who should go far in Northern Union football, as he is splen- didly built and can last with the beet of them. The match between Halifax and Broughton Rangers at Wheaters Field last Saturday J only served to show what a weak side the Rangers a.re this season-but a shadow of thetr former team. Claude James and Rud- dick proved to be the beat men on their side, and if their efforts were properly backed up, the score might easily be reversed. W. J. "Williams showed up very well for the Thrum Hall team, and showed more resource than usual. His three tries were Tery smartly got, but Barr, his opponent, was great at hamding-off, and Williams failed to hold him in check. Throughout Williams played a good game, one of the best he has shown for the Thrum Hall Club. Batley had an easy journey against Roch- dale Hornets at Mount PleQ4sant last Satur- day, and ran up a. big score. Bevan mena, ftsed bis appearance in the team by scoring a fine try by a swerving run. Will Davies scored two tries, in which he showed great speed. an?cl pen?r?Iy, hM display ?M better than recent ones. Wattie DaTies w, -ttz Wattie of otd, as tricky and resourceful as ever; adroneed years do not affect him, and although be ptays in all positions, be always gives a sound display. A good display was witneseed between the Warrington and Saiford teams at Wiiders- pool last Saturday. Generally, the Reds put up a good figh-t eA Wilderspool, and have more victories than losses to their credit. John, at full back, after giving a great display for Salford, was unfortunate enough to make a mistake, which the Warrington men were quick enough to take, a.nd which turned the tide in their favour. The little full back is to be consoled with, as he was really perfect in every other of his movements in the game. Jack Jenkins did fine work for Warrington st half-back, his speed serving htm in good stead. O'Niell and Thomas were, as usual. the picK 01 x.ne iorwarns. uni nees piayeaa his usual bustling game, bat his ardour led him to be spoken to by the referee. Willie Thomas and Sid Adams did their part man- fully, and showed fine defence. Salford are ma-king strong efforts to secure the cervices of Dai Thornae, the Halifax wing, who has a great reputation Balford way Ilhil. Thomas scored the ftrst try for HuB Kingston Rovers against B ram ley at Barley Mow last Saturday, and showed that his rest had done him good. The Rovers bad &U-tlieir work cut out to beat the Barley Mow team, who sae very awkward to beat at home. urman. the Rovers half, is reported to be barfly injuiwL