Evening Express

I DR. BROWN'S COUGH BOTTLE Is composed of the purest of DRUGS, HOXEY, HOREHOUND, ANTSEBD, SQUILLS, IPECAC, CHLORODYNE, PAREGORIC, and WLU. FOR COUGHS & COLDS there,H0 lIKE T 1/ 2/9, and 4/6. JESSE WILLIAMS, 132, QUEEN-STREET, CARDIFF.

THE GLOUCESTER INCiDENT. Reflection on Cardiff Team REPUDIATED BY MR. D. R. GENT A Vigorous Protest. By J. L. WILLIAMS. (CAPTAIN OP CARDIFF FIRST XVJ. Saturday's letter in the 'Football Express" from Mr. Tom Mallett (W.R.U. referee) was rather amusing. He has f apparently rather misconstrued my contentions, and has tumbled to the conclusion that I am an advocate of the abolition of the "knock- on" rule. Of oourse, nothing is further from my thoughts. My assertion is that i that law is applied in the letter in some instances, and in the spirit in others, whereas consistency should be aimed at, and the rule always applied according to the spirit. Mr. Mallett objects to a man having a further chance of playing the ball after misfielding, evidently forgetting at the moment he wrote that a player is in every case—except where the ball is propelled forward by the hand-allowed to play on. Does he as a referee consider it reasonable that if through the merest chance the ball rolls from a player's hands one inch in the direction of his opponents' goal instead of towards his own line, his side should be called upon to give up anything from one to eighty yards of territory? The comparison with a catch at cricket is quite misplaced. Everyone admits the great difference between the two games is that in the one a mistake cannot be but very seldom rectified, whereas the other generally presents opportunities of mak- ing amends for some previous slip. The Gloucester Incident. No doubt many followers of the game in Wales, and especially those interested in the doings of the Cardiff team, were astounded to read the article in a London paper of Saturday last respecting a por- tion of the play in our match at Glou- cester on October 23. As the honour of the team, and particularly of myself as captain, is called into question, I may be permitted to give here the exact word- ing which appeared over the name of Mr. Lawrance Woodhouse, It is as fol- lows — A story of very questionable tactics (if the account be true) has been sent me by a Glou- cester correspondent. The incident related occurred in the Cardiff-Gloucester match at Gloucester last week. and, as I say, if the facts are quite correct-well. it reflects but little credit on Cardiff sportsmen. The facts of the case, as sent me by my correspondent are as followsCardiff were attacking inside the Gloucester 25. and the ball went over the touch-line, It was Cardiff's ball. As the Gloucester men had been beat- ing their opponents in line-out work, Car- diff, more often than not, took a scrum. In this case, it is alleged, there was the usual shout of Scrum Cardiii." and several of the Gloucester players prepared to form up. The ball, however, was sharply thrown in from touch, gathered by a Cardiff player, and sent out to the three-quarters, the move- ment ending in a try to Gibbs. Gent, the acting Gloucester captain, appealed, but the referee over-ruled him on the ground that he had no knowledge of the claim for a. scrum. The Cardiff captain, a wing three-quarter, who was or the opposite side of the field when the incident occurred, also disclaimed personal knowledge of the decision to have a scrum, and the point was accordingly allowed to stand. Of course, this i, a case where the referee was bound to allow the try if neither he nor the linesmen heard the cry of "Scrum." But should not the order have been given by the Cardiff skipper? Anyhow, if this actually occurred it is a "Greek" trick, and altogether unworthy of good sportsmen. I hope to hear there are mitigating circumstances. The only inference to be gathered from this is that Cardiff had pre-arranged to shout out Scrum when they had the option near their opponents' line, thus inducing the opposing forwards to close in for a scrimmage near the touch-line and then throw the ball out to the long line, where some Cardiff forwards would be standing unmarked. I No Shout of "Scrum, Cardiff. I In the first place, I may say there was no shout of "Scrum Cardiff." There were three Cardiff forwards and one Gloucester forward prepared to pack. The other I Cardiff forwards knew nothing of a scrum being formed, neither did W. L. Morgan, who threw the ball to the long line. The writer was not on the OPPD-I site side of the field, but close to the line-out, and when approached by the opposing captain and the referee, admitted a slight misunderstanding had apparently occurred, and pointed out that more of our own men than our opponents were thereby put out of action. Why did not Mr. Lawrance Woodhouse, who admittedly received his information second-hand, and at once based his judg- ment upon <the inaccuracies before ihiItJ, find out the facts of the incident before indulging in mud-slinging" of this order? The suggestion is that the Cardiff team practised a very shadY device to obtain a try. I cannot too strongly protest agaot such an accusation, which is entirely without any foundation in fact. It was a pleasure to read in the ssJIle journal of the 2nd inst. a refutation of these accusations from Mr. D. R. Gent, the Gloucester captain, written as it was with the true spirit of sportsmanship right through-in direct contrast to the article referred to. Mr. Gent regretted that such a misrepresentation sbould have arisen in anyone's mind, and repiid,- ated emphatically any such constructIOn as far as his side and himself were co;?~ cerned. His personal letter to me isBUffi I cïentguaranteethat our opponents at Gloucester look upon the matter in the proper light. He says:- The Teflecion upon your team is most were unanimous in con- •oemoing anY ide.t of trickery in the little incident. TV. me it seems quite absurd to attacn anylbi ng und -,rbanled to the inci- dent. U nfortuøately it is difficult to dissipate ideaB fornJed by readers from the first published account of any occurrence of this kind, and much harm is likely to be done to we character of Welsh football by suoh unfair and unsportsmanlike criticism ,s that indulged in by the writer alluded to, and unless a full denial is given to unfounded charges, the success of Welsh teams is likely to be ascribed to a cause happily- foreign to the sport.

PARSONS, who kept goal for last season, ha6 joined Cwm. ROYAL, who at centre half for Pen- gam, gives promise of making a. good player.

I THE WELSH-SUMMERS FIGHT. [SPECIAL PHOTO.—COPYRIGHT. JOHNNY SWMMERS ANDHIf3 LJTLLE BOY.

SUMMERS A "TYKE." Johnny Summers, writing to "Boxing" iSaYB :Jt is quite true that lam a. York- shiraman, and as you properly said in your paper last week, I have been so long asso- ciated with Canning Town that I never com, tradieted the report that I hailed from any. where else but the East End of London. My stay at Brighton has built me up wonder-

ASSOCIATION CODE Last Week's Cup Ties. PROFESSIONALS V AMATEURS AT TON PENTRE. usrr e. few quiet little jottings. Although the programme was a very fuill one, there was little of a very outstanding ma- ture when the items were 'revi??'ed. We have con- gfa?tttil?bed 0'u?rsel?es, with appropriate paits on one another's backs, when e, South Wales club has scored over an English; one. And now, to be justly fair, n2Ontlim must be made cf the vi'sdt of Salis- bury City to Aberdare. Aberdare have 'been doing go well that the victory of Salisbury, by the narrow margin of 3—2 (but a victory all the same) must have been quite unexpected. There may be explanations Aberda/re way, bu.t the City men. under any circumstances, aocomplish-ed a praiseworbty result, and have rightly earned the pleasurable reward which any club feels when Î-t wins an important match on foreign soil. The preliminary round for the Welsh Senior Cup provided tjhr-ee cr four games, and of the couples Ebbw Vale and Cwmparc were unable to settle the question of superiority. Whether the drawn game repre- sents the run of the play I do not know, nor does it matter. The clubs have to meett again, and the drawn game should benefit the gate at Owmparc. although the visit of Aberdare to Ton, lower down the valley, may counteract that. Cardiff City went to Merthyr. Perhaps the Oity at their best could hiardy hope for a win over Merthyr, although such things are possible, but coon after the etart the Citizens lost the services of Spencer Williams, and to play -with ten men against the strong Merthyr team was too big a 'handicap. Under the circumstances the defence must have done well to keep the ad'Vrse score so low as it was. The share of the gate would be very welcome to Mr. Wilson end his eammitee, whose gate income for home matches is the uncertain one .of the coLleoting box. Tretoarris continued their run of sucoe^s by going across the water and beating Radstock iby a very similar score to that of Barry District a. fortnight ago. There can be no doubt of Treharris's form so far this season, and it will necessarily soon become the ambition of all the local clubs to be able to claim a victory over the strong Whites. -==-- They have had many good seasons jt1 the past, but this promises to be one of to beSlt that Mr. Jack Lewis has had the pleaØlre to secretary for. The home clubs who h- to entertain. Trebarris in the Western League matobes-loml home clubs I meo-n especially—will be .marking that date aØ one, weather permitting, when the rh ticket sellers and treasurers will bfi^sy individuals. The playing success Of Tre- harris will be translated into benefit financially for the other members of the league. Cardiff Corinthians visited Ton pentre, with the result that their further <^rect interest in the Welsh Senior Cuip like this sentence, to a full stop. I didn't see the first quaater of an hour or so, lØ:t I Was told thait that was a period of lory even play. But, judging from what I did 9661 the issue of the game was never in doubt, and except for the unexpected, Ton Would run out easy winners. Which it was so. Of course, Ton filled so to speak, and much individual Work wa-s attempted and done, which, per!bØ'ps. wonld be missing- an a more strenuous But the Corinthians, though outclassed in weight and in experience, gave several to^yvements I of real good combined. pilay. And the individual effort of Tait, which rosult-ld in the Cardiffians' only g.(xj would stand favourable comparison with tJre tricky touches of Parry, Davies, and Rkkd- And there was always the feeling at the back of one's mind thtait the Ton backs ",øuld require to keep on the alert to prevent rtha-t one goal being increased. Although rather one-sided. iany from the score card, the game was 101 good one. Bumps were given, iand bumps we,r-e taken, and perhaps some of the ^ay,era would, naturally, have a bruise or t^° to gilory in, but, one or two Jittle trivial illcidents apart, it was what a football match was intended to be. and should be. What I mean .is, that had anyone who runs down footbaH as a brutal pastime productive of all that is bad and evil, .seen this match, be would have been compelled, by the evidence of his own eyes, to modify 'his views. But as I .am getting recognised as rathef cranky in this matter, my opinion may be useless. However, talie it or leave it, just as you pleaoo. With the Ton a.ttaoki? force in such merry mood it must be ?needed tha.t ?the Cardiff defence, especially the backs and goal-keeper, did well. Too three of them were on the ?Mght side, t? ,they put up t plucky and persistent d?"?- The Mt? -h-a?U (Evans), of Ton, struck ? ? heirlg the best of his line. W. Jones. ejt centre-half, did a lot of good work, as did J. Williams, but Jones did not seem to v3oa-k-o the best use of his opportunities. A ifraAf-back should bo as much an attacker, in the way of feeding his forwards, as he is a defender, and im the I former duty the centre-fo^ was rather läek- ing,. His hahit of "slcying" the ball some- what lessened the utility of his magnificent stopping work. One of the mre occasions on which he kept the toll on the ground was when he scored his goal, which was a beallty. I like to see a ha>ltf-<baek score. No ffeulit cam be fou-nd with Percivai in goal, and the backs, though good were nothing great. But possibly too watClhdog work of their half-backs made their work seem easier than it was. Jones's Midland experience should be useful when harder matches come along, but if I might give him a friendly hint^it is haldly complimentary ? h.s 'sk?PPer to take too much talking on h?lf. But t? ?y ? ? busing of mine, as 'it may be .the result of mutual arrangement. These little trientd,j Y -Lriti-eisms done with, let We again say that as a football match I quite enjoyed it. :prm the ropes its characteristic was tb? pleasaut feeling, though « that obtained from begin- ning to end. There were only about half- dozen free kicks through the game for questionable tactics, and even in those instances tfce offence seemed to be mutually fT'given. Tfh?e ref.epe? Mr. Bevies, had av«-y e?sy .ta?k. I s-bouM .j? P??'  ??'y rn?ch t??y with A league ? afraid that circumstances Sube S?t m? If it ds anything like la«t week^ game I ,ghell be Borry I've -,i -ed it. I was Par- ticu,lerly pl?ee-,ed to meet Mr. 1» £ • was one of 1hose who did so much for the club in the early vear« ?r v its way up f,rom a jUniOT st-atus. As ¡aJDJtici,  ««'<»• ? J?ior cup P!lXJVided Sor mh%ny very even games, so tbm+ in e i!IlstJan a re-IJlay af.er Tdrawn ra^mi is .???ry. pity J ki a vvnav because th<?e ?e-p?Q,? upset <tixtnr? lists iTi Bv a n  there was a, very exciting finish to ?? ?thdir v. Merthyr  in at?oh, ? ?rnera and such tb,i,ngs in the ?ast « minutes raised hopes that Brit.hdir mig¡ht ? pull the ??h out things Rrii^n Sf^ ^f lost ??- But 5-3 had to suffim K1+ the em<>ry of finiSh wdl1 foS?e?U???? ? ? ?"? ?" ^11 of the S?h<?!s' L^eues of C&MifF, Aberdare, &nd ]?arry K tern neina lot of time getting toother ^hfflV Kt elevens for the conmng K SS Shields Tou?a.ment. Ca?iS have thehmg Journey to Plymouth in fi?nt of tihem??ratb? ?l. ?? addiH.?1 incentive to the you;u,gmers, to get into the t?m?-a?d the Buooos'Sful one at Plymouth will meet the v????rry v" Aberdare. The ri^d ^+vy limit of fourteen years liIaIres it praotieaUy obli?tory that a new 01OTen must be chosen from that ?f last year. After the horrible wither <? October ?ne is thankful that 'l-t Saturday was a perfect football day, and mode one forget the dread- ful experienoe in ? P'??ure of the present. T tO-d'aY wÜl be just as kind, and the threatened impeaehment of our friend the moon can stand over for a time.

TREHERBERT OLD BOYS CLUB, 1909-10. I

FREDDY WELSH. Specially posed t100' the "Miirroir of ,L/iJfe," I from rwteoh, Iby ootsrtesy of tiie editor, we I ^pnrjdTKce the fblbw"n-, Ohamge of feet to make opening for the left. .I 4GOtting to close quarters for in-fighting. I TED DAVIES. the Senghenydd United full- back. was in grand form against the Car- dliff Lyndons. BAILIFFE, goalkeeper to Treharxis, totally eclipses all yet seen on the Treharrie enclosure. H. A. JAMES (Abertillery) is developing into a fine centre. He is quite young, and should have a bright future. It is stated on good authority that WILL MOCB.&AN, Treorky, will be seen in the during tbe pnxxmt wawn. J

"ROVER" NOT NEW. A "W.D." as "Flying Man." j By PERCY F. BUSH. I ,co 1. I COULD not help feeling that Mr. Soanso had not fulfilled his obligations to the full, so I hunted him up to obtain the I conclusion of his tale. He had got over his u Beri-beri," which, as everyone knows, is Welsh for" Sleeping- sickness, and was, as of yore, quite ready to talk. He began by exulting over the way in which the Cardiff team was captained in the earlier days. "Look at F. E. Hancock," said he, there was a captain for you! He just wouldn't allow drop goals. I remember him once, when Cardiff were playing Cirencester, at Cirencester, giving one of his players a terrible slating in the hear- ing of all those around for trying to drop a goal from a mark, when he (Hancock) had told him to place it for Hugh Hughes to kick." That player never tried to disobey orders again, I can tell you," concluded the old chap. No, I should think not," said I. Did he ever play again, by the way?" Oh, yes," came the reply, "Hancock was not the sort of man to bear malice; he was a very fine man in every way, and the player went on playing for a long time after that." "I see," said I; "I only asked because I couldn't help thinking that if a present- day player got lectured on the field he would no longer be included in the team —not because he couldn't get picked, perhaps, but because he wouldn't allow himself to be selected." This view of the case had evidently not struck my old friend before, but he let it pass without comment, and went on to talk about Hugh Hughes. We used to call him Sawdust Hughes, you know, Bush," he said, "because he was wont to carry a pocketful of sawdust on to the field, and whenever he was going to take a place-kick for goal he used to take out a little sawdust and put it on his toe. It may have been due to the sawdust or it may not, but he kicked a tremendous number of goals for Cardiff, and the more difficult the angle the more he used to enjoy kicking the goal. Oh, yes, he was a very fine kicker. He was a great full- back, too! In fact, I can remember only one better full-back in my experience. And who was that?" I inquired, for I felt that now a modern player was going )o i rite d to be praised. But I was disappointed, for he mentioned a man who was only a name to me. H. B. Tristram," he said. "He was the greatest full-back who ever wore studs, in my opinion." V I Another H. b. "Good gracious!" I cut in, "have you never heard of another H. B. Win- field to wit—and to whoo-did you know that Billy Bancroft played football? Has it escaped your notice that Tommy England used to hold the fort for New- port ? Did you ever hear Strand Jones's name breathed? What about T. M. Bar- low, D. H. Bowen, E. Roberts? What of-" Of course, he interrupted me just as I was getting near goal, and, fixing me with a stony stare, he simply remarked, I said full-backs!" know you did, you silly old auto- crat," I remarked; "and I was talking about full-backs, too, the finest full-backs football has ever known, and I didn't even mention Jack Bancroft because I knew you would never have seen him play. You're a fraud, sir; you are worse than a Once more he interrupted with, "D'vou feel better now, my hot-headed young friend? Because, if you do, I will tell you why Tristram was the greatest full- back who ever lived." "Go on, then," I answered, "for I am really anxious to know what sort of paragon you are going to make him out to have been. I have heard he used to kick very short and that he was very slow." Ah, my boy," said Mr. S., as though he hadn't heard a word I had said, "he was a fine player, a very fine player yes" —after the usual pause—"a very, very fine player!" I I knew there was no means of very fine I this statement, but held fast to my I tongue, and said nothing. Always Found Touch. I He never failed to find touch, and no I man ever got past him with the ball. He always tackled his man, and if he only gained ten yards with his kick some- times he always found touch "—this last very ponderously. "Well, I daresay he did," I couldn't help saying, "but I have seen 'Winky' find touch 50 or 60 yards down the field, and not only that, but-" We will now talk about three- quarters," Mr. Soanso went on, placidly, as though nothing had been said in response to his last rash assertion. Did you ever know of a three-quarter like W. D. Phillips?" Don't be a thistle-eater," I returned: W. D. Phillips was a forward, and you know it." "Yes, I know it." said the old sport, and he was a three-quarter, too. He was also a half-back, likewise a quarter back, and he played in all these posi- tions in season 1878-9, before you were born, my child. This season he played in every position except "flying-man" for Cardiff. By the way, what about your 'Rover' now? He is nothing but a poor imitation of the 'flying-man' who was played long before you youngsters ever saw a football, and yet they say he was imported by the New Zealanders. "By the way, again, what present-day player can boast of W. D. Phillips's Record. I j "He was vice-captain of Cardiff in I 11876-7, 1877-8, 1878-9, captain in 1879-80, 1880-81, vice-captain in 1881-2, captain in 1882-3, vice-captain in 1883-4 and 1884-5, and played in every position but one on the field." j It was a grand record, in very sooth, I and I couldn't help admiringly owning t that it was.. I think Mr. Soanso had only just thought of it, too, for he was as pleased as Punch about it, and rubbed it in by adding, "and he has been committee- man, or vice-president, or president of the club ever since, and is a vice-presi- dent now. So put that in your smike: and pofe it." (I hoped he was not going! to sleep again.) I inqui_ red, who "But seriously now," I inquired, "who do you consider was the best three-quar- ter of the old school ? Because, of course, we all look upon 'W. D.' as a forward. ) "Well." replied he, the Ancient One, "that is really a difficult question to answer, because I have seen such men as Stoddart. Gould. Christopherson, Pearson, Elliot, and' all the best, besides, of Scotland and Ireland." "But I really think that out of the whole lot Charley Arthur, the present Cardiff secretary, was about the best. He was a perfect terror, and no mis- take. There was not much of hirn-just. about the same size as you, my son, but lie was faster than most wings of to- day—he used to play centre, you know- he could dodge better than any man 1 have ever seen, either before or since, he could swerve as though he were made I of springs, tackle like a Gwyn Nicholls, kick like a 'Winky,' and was never I known to do a dirty trick on the field or off. Oh, he was a magnificent player." Talk About Raffles. He ruminated for a space, and then dreamily added, Talk about Raffles! He wasn't in it with Charley Arthur! Why for every man that you dodge now. my Bush, he used to dodge five, when he was playing." I couldn't help feeling squashed, because ever since I started playing foot- ball I have tried to emulate the feate I used to see Charley perform on the field. He used to be my hero! But this last remark made me feel that, as usual, L had failed. "Next to Charley," went on the old gentleman. "I should put Arthur Gould. But, perhaps, he comes under the head- ing of modern. Of course, 1 have been talking about centres up to now. As to wings, I should put the greatest of aU down to be Norman Biggs. By Jove! no match was too big for Norman; no man too big to tackle; no position too difficult to attempt to soore from. H8 was a marvellous place-kick, too, and what with one qualitj and another, I should say that he won as many matches for Cardiff and Wales, off his own bat, as any man who ever played. "By the way, I notice you have been putting my chats with you in the Express.' D'vou intend this to go in. Because if you do, I want half of wha you get for each article at once, and then you can ask your editor if he wants me to continue talking or not. I should like to tell you about other wings, also half-backs, and forwards, and a few- other things; but you ask your editor, and then come and see me on Monday. And now for half-shares." So I handed him over fourpence half- penny, and prepared me to see my editor.

I GWYN JONES, Aberavon llugby team, is a, rturdy young forward of great dash. I [FHJOTO, MOODY, ABEP-TVON. JAMES RAEDING, the handy man of Wlil- liaimetown Soooer XI., will fill any position a.t shortest, notice. fPHOTO, 0. S. EVANS, TONYPANDY. DICK BOOTH, of Wdilffiamsitown, is a fine for- ford im the open, and also puts his weight in the serum. He filled a vacancy in the hacks last Saturday, and by his doteroumed tebokiimg saved many a try.

Welshmen Up North. | WHY TEAM FOR COLONIES IS OPPOSED By OUR N.U. CORRESPONDENT HE game between the two, Welsh rivals, Merthyr and Ebbw Vale, was keenly fought, perhaps too keen, as two players came under the iban of the referee, end •were sent off. The result— a Victory for Merthyr- upsets the critics, as the Valians are considered the best of the Welsh Northern Union clubs. The homesters held the upper hand forward, and D. B. Davies led his men in fine style. The race for the first four iu the N.U. League promises to be a very close affair. Warrington and Hull Kingston Rovers are well in front for the first position, and on their present form will take a lot of beating. The N.U. lately has been seriously con- sidering re sending out a team to play in the Colonies. It is not surprising to hear that the project meets with considerable opposition, as clubs look to their own inte- rests first, and will not let any of their best and valuable players run the risk of being injured down under. Some of the N.U. clubs have paid very heavily for players, and they cannot afford to lose these players, hence the opposition. Wigan pawed their way to the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup by beating Broughton Rangers last Saturday. The gamer at the Central Park was not a great one, and the ball was not thrown about as it should be. Bert Jenkins was an absentee through injury, but his substitute—Green—played a fine game, and showed that he is a class three-quarter. His feeding of Lethym was perfect, and the least that can be said is that Jenkins was not missed in any way. Johnny Thomas, Ned Jones, and Howell Francis all played in their best form, the clever outfield play of Francis being a feature of the game. The Rangers gave one the impression of being a very moderate side only. Hogg, who I hear is on the transfer list, showed good form. Wigan were far too clever for the visitors. Jooes^ja win* thiee-Qaarter, who hails from Cardiff, after being dropped by the Bradford team has signed on for Halifax, and is likely to assist the Thrum Hall team in the three-quarter line. Why the Halifax club want his services it is difficult to understand. With a fair turn of speed, he has a lot to learn to become a capable footballer, and Northern Union critics are surprised. Warrington had a narrow win over Barrow at Cavendish Park last Saturday, only two points separating the teams. Barrow made a great effort to pull off the match, but the cleverness of the Wirepullers' backs told its tale. Jack Jenkins played a good 'game, and in the forwards O'Neill, the Cardiff forward, played a great game, and scored the visitors' last try by a splendid effort. Frank Shugars also shone, and his inclusion in the Lanca- shire County team to meet Yorkshire has caused rejoicing Warrington way. It has been a long-deferred honour, as for a real hard-working forward Shugars' superior would be very hard to find. Jim Davies scored Huddersfield's first try in their match against Huns lets at Fartown last Saturday, and he seemed to be the pivot of the Fartown team in attack. He, however, did not shine in defence, the vigorous rushes of the Hunslet six being, perhaps, too much for him. A gate of 20,000 witnessed the match, showing the great interest manifested in N.U. football Fartown way. They should come very near to winning the cup this time. Hull Kingston outplayed Bradford last Saturday at Craven-street, and the score should have been doubled. The Rovers' for- wards paved the way to victory by their dashing display, and on this season's form there is certainly no N.U. pack to equal them. Sandham and Spackman were ever to the fore. Dicky Hughes gave a fine display at half-back, and on his present form ranks as one of thbest half-backs playing. Phil Thomas turned out after a few weeks' absence, and played a good game. He and Dai Thomas made a dangerous left wing. Dai Thomas had the unique experience of having two tries disallowed, one of which was a brilliant effort. The referee ruled that the ball was not grounded properly. The Rovers are badly in need of a good stand- off half-back, and it is most unfortunate that Surman and Jimmy Barry are both on the injured list, as they would be of great ser- vice at the present juncture. Dakin, the ex- Coventry centre, broke an elbow bone while at practice, and, therefore, is not available. The form of Bradford did mat surprise anyone, the best on their side being Archie Rigg, the old Halifax player, who has shown the Thrum Hall club what a mistake it was to let him go. Will Eagers, the old Hunslet player, also played well at full-back, and his tackle of Dai Thomas in the latter portion of the game was great. Leigh, smarting from their defeat by Hull Kingston, defeated Salford in the second- round of the Lancashire Cup last Saturday. The game was a most thriUing one, fierce forward rushes being the order of the day. Combination among the backs was at a dis- count, and only a few individual bu were witnessed. Will Thomas, the Salford centre, made the bad mistake of passing on his own line. which resulted in a try for the Mather Lane club. John played a very inconsistent game a.t full-back for Salford, doing a few things in great style and being painfully weak in others. The game between York and Halifax, at Thrum Hall, was very keen, and the Thrum Hall club are very fortunate to enter the semi-final. The Minster team was very unfor- tunate tp lose after having all the better of the game. Burnhill played a grand game for them, his try being a fine effort. For a change, the blue and white backs were beaten by their opponents, and there was an element of luck about the tries recorded by the home wings. Williams lost a certain try by passing when he had only the York full back to beat. The visitors' play deserved better results, and with a little luck they would have put Ha-lifax out of the cup. Gomer Guan, the Keighley full-back, played a great game for his side in the cup-tie against Wakefield Trinity last Saturday. His fielding of the ball and judicious kicking were a feature of the game. The game-a draw of eight points each-was a typical cup-tie, and in the re-play on the Trinity Ground the Lawkholme-lane team has not much chance. The Belle Vue team is strongly fancied to win the cup. The cup-tie between Batley and their near neighbours, Dewsbury, proved to be a very thrilling game, and Dewsbury, although having all the better of the play, was unlucky to be beaten by the home team. Wattie Davies played a good game for the homesters, his experience fnd tact Ferv:n,- him in good stead when the visiting r- wards seemed to the Batley side. Will Davies scored two tries for Batley. but it required no effort to get them, as the way was clear to the visiting line. The Northern Unioft, after being in com- munication with a few Coventry gentlemen, .TO considering th". idea '.f sending two of the best Northern Union clubs to play a game in the Midland town. It is also rumoured that another prominent club in the Midlands is considering whether to come over or not.

[ Northern Union. I TREHERBERT. Treherbert's guarantee with Swansea (NOT- thern Union) failed to attract many spec- tators. The game was also a. poor one, but it was brightened nIP now and then by some -really fine movements by the home backs. Treherbert played the worst game of the season, Swansea beating theam for possession in the scrums. The new arrangement of the backs-Pmnedt in the centre and Tom Edwards on the- wing -w,orked well. When the backs did get the ball they showed some pretty combination. Things look at present as if Treherbert are going to lose two of their pro-minent players. One of the Northern teams has offered a. tempting sum for one, and a South Wales team is hankering after another. Stan. Bevam shows consistent form. He is certainly a strong candidate for his Welsh cap. The veteran Johnny Thomas stilt plays a, marvellous game. His weight is of untold advantage to Treherbert. The ex-schoolboys' team is meeting with better success than any other tea.m in Tre- herbert. Up to the present they have only, lost one point in the league table. Last season they went through without suffering a. defeat. A great longing is felt by the ex-schoolboy to try conclusions with the Athletics. When they met last season the game ended in a. draw. A charity match on Christmas Day 14 suggested.

CARDIFF INSTITUTES LEAGUE The competition with the Oardiff Insti- tutes' League is now becoming interesting. The University Settlement have gone to the top with 17 points for and 7 against. Against St. Saviour's they took the full six points a.t billiards, crib, and draughts. The Settlement men were quite at home on the small green cloth, and Benny Jones, their crack, ca.me off with a fine break of 44. Now that, they have Mr. Thom.a 's as organiser they fancy their chance against anyone in the league at billiards. Canton Parish Church, after a fortnight's rest, took the whole of the points irora Comet-street, the games being halliards, draughts, and shooting. So for the Can- ton-ians have only played two matches, and have ten points out of twelve, but they have yet to meet such good clubs as the City and Docks Temperance, both of whom are very strong this year. St. German's paid a visit to Ely Paper Mills, but only came away with two points, the Ely men winning at crib, while the points were shared at shooting and billiards. Cardiff City and Docks Temperance were unable to fix up a. suitable night for their meeting. Their meet.ing should be interest- ing. NEXT WEEK'S MATCHES. Docks Temperance v. St. German's. St. Saviour's v. Grange Tempera-nee. Canton Parish Church v. Cardiff City. Comet i?treet v. Grange Liberals. Ely Paper Works and University Settle, ment have byes. All matches aV the first-named institutes.

I "THE FUTURE IS BEFORE US." I All Association Football euthusiasts should ? read the reniax k*bie Arixto by Mr. George <? Mercer in the ? "WESTERN MAIL" | FOOTBALL ANNUAL v under the above entertaining title. <^P He writes in his moot breezy style of the develops -nt of the Soccer Code in South « Wales, a.nd makes the couMent prediction,  ? ? The f uture Is Before Us."   Th?? FmMtTe Lieta of aU the promInent V? M AMoo?tton aud B?by CJW* *M containd <^? ? In the Hand-book. ? BUY IT I PRICE ONE PENNY. 1

JELLINGS (.at Penarth) is considered to be one of the best forwards in Wales. Perhaps he has a "cap" in view. There, however, the chance is open. TOM MARDBN, one of the Senighenydd United forwards, is a very useful forward. He does his whaciR din the scrums, and is always with the ball in the open. CAERPHILLY HARRIERS' RUGBY CLUB, which was so successful last season, having lost only a couple of matches, has become defunct owinjg to inability to get a ground. JIM Whitchurch, has given evidence this season that centre three-quarter is his proper position. He is rapidly filling out, and should in time make an ideal centre. WILL HOLLAND, the Crumlin right wing, is a most promising forward. He is very speedy, and has a good command of the ball when on the run, and, a deadly shot he rarely misses the goal- B. J. HODSON, who has been playing on the wing for. London Welsh A, is a.rf ex-Cardiff journalist. Owing to a severe injury received at Coventry in October, he has determined to retire from the game. CHEESE, who turned out for Llanhilleth in the first round of the cup against Caerleou last Saturday, is a Gloucester City player' He was, undoubtedly, the pick of the ttio, and gave a steady performance throughout J. H. BAKER, who has scored a try in each of the two matches he has played for Taff's Well, is a stra/nger to South Wales. He has seetn service with some good teams in Eton- land. J. W. LEfWIS, Treorky-s centre three-quarter is a very heady player. Though young he has plenty of dash, and is dangerous near the line. Great expectations are heLd out for his future. CAERPHILLY is badly in need of a couple of weighty and speedy three-quarters. The preseant quartette is composed of experienced (Players, but as a. whole they are far too light for league matches. W. OGBORNE (rian. and trainer of the Rhyimney first fifteen) has since boy- hood been am ardent devotee of Rugger and in 1896 figured with distinction for the Old Efliymn<ey Stare. SAM DAVIES, who play half for Ystelytfera two seasons ago, is now one of the main, springs of the Llandito team. Sam is of the same stock as Llew. &nd George Davies, the old international. CHARLIE 'HODGES is proving a most useful man to the Abortillery team, showing good form anywhere and every. where. Against Bream" he was played at half (his old position), and he did capit- ally. DANNY LEWIS, Penygraig, ia improving. Every mlatch Tie seems to gain confidence, but he must not forget to watch his opponent. He should remember the Llwynyipia match. Treorky nearly did the trick last Saturday. IT IS A GREAT PITY to see etuch a. volueblo pJaryer as Dai Beynoii', the 01dha.m half, on the idle list, it ds .very improbable thart, he will ever return .North, and it would be an act of grace on the PQ-rt of Oldham to allow him a free transfer to Ebbw Vale. FRED DAVIES, Penarth, is playing in his old is Pla-,Vilg in hi, old position athaif, and is in as good form as ever. His partner last Saturday against Eteronport waa Regan, who did 80 well against Cardiff. The Devonport press spoke highly of their embivation. MR. D. J. EVANS, scribe of the Deri Football Club, having resigned the position owing to pressure of business, Mr. JAOK Elk,'ANS, ex-chairman of the Rhymney Valley Junior Rugby league, has been appointed in his place. MR. ALBERT WILLIAMS, vice-chairman of the Rhymney Valley Junior League, has been made chairman, and the selection is highly popular. IUt. JOE "WirtranLL, skippered Aber. tdleiry during the past few seasons, has been elected a life member of the Aber- tillery club, on the occasion of his retiring from the game. It ie an honour fully deserved by Mr. Winmill, who has done a great deal to improve the popular winter pastime in the Abertillery district. MR. JAOK EVANS, Deri. who resigned the chairmanship of the Rhymney Valley Junior League in -meq-.ce of business pressure, has been re-elected chairman of the Deri Juniors dub, with Mr. Albert Wil- liams as vice-chairman. Wditth suoh two ca.pa.ble and tactful workers at the helm, and an enterprising secretary in the person ot Mr. David J. Evans, matters should work out highly successful. RANDALL OWEN commenced, playing for junior teams when twelve years' old. His phboo ? betw-n the P«*«. and, although ^T 5tt- 6in? it takes a good shot to beat |™" He w?s goalie for Pontlottyn Mrs? &bout nve y«trs, and duri? that term the am had their ??t successful time. He baa received tempting offers for better of.a&s teams, but remains steadfast to his birthplace. Randall and a few other old shorts successfully engineered the formation of a. second division team this season. H. is  ? ??' ? ??' ??- He is ?'y to become custodian d&ring the season. ^^O^PB'ALL is practically a, "dead letter" up Dowiais way, owing to the extreme diffi- culty in securing a piece of ground as an <MMloao.re. The members of the Dowlais Soooer Club, who did excellently last season, have in the majority of eaft-s thrown in their lot with the Merthyr Town Associa- tion team, a.nd so form the nucelns of the I,e8erve eleven. A ffumber of very junior aid- disport themseJvee upon the Brynian, and these affect both codes. FOOTBALL is a game wno.se origin dates back to the Danish invasion of England. In the year 982 the citizens of Chester cap- tured a Dane, and, after beheading him, kicked his head about the city for sport, which proved so attractive that it was repeated whenever the head of an enemy could be got. In after times, as it was not possible always to obtain a man's head for the purpose of entertainment, the shoe- makers of the city were bound by their charter to provide "a baile of leather -]led & footboue ? 't?? Mjae of four shi11iæp ;9, L

I fully, and thanks to my sparring partners, and chiefly Barry Paul (Stepney) aind Charlie I Cooper (Lambeth), I am as fit as hands can  maike me ?? if I fail to win the champion-. r g.?? ?xt M<MK? I will '?? ? excuse, to offe'r. I ?ill win ?r lose on my merits. I know from ,,ports that W?lah is a good man, j 'and f?? his performances in America, as ?? ? this country, he is the best Mr. ¡ Bettinson could find to meet me, and I know how much depends upon the result."