Evening Express

LLWYNYPtA. l The "Llwynypia supporters were g-real-ly dis- appointed with Pontypridd in crying off the league-fixture on the latter's ground last! Saturday. Representatives of the Llwynypia team ybitd Pontypridd and examined the ground, and found it not only playable but in excellent condition. Llwynypia- are in j good form this season, and hope to earn j oif the league trophy. and hope to carri Y. NEWPORT. barometer of public interest. is rising rapidly at Newport in the doings or tn, .New- pcit team, which has now for a full month an uninterrupted series oi home fixtures, including th-j^e ior tne Curistrnas holidays, wmcft are or the usual attractive character. The match with a'wansea last -Saturday found the high-water cf interest, 'i hough the WllHl was nearly a gale, and was driving a stinging tall ot ram and sleet, it was one of cue biggest "gates that Newport has had for a gouu many seasons, AS to the game itself, tnai has meen (teait with at ooasiderablvs k-ngth and in various ways. is was irom eooie 1J()llll6 oi view a great game, aali one whicn will be romem Derail ior a by p^ayvrs spectators. The players will remember it ior the soreness wiiiC-i tiiey felt axter it was ever. The wonder arises how Beddce Thomas and UlCiiy Owen felt atter :rvu ii;.i! ioviti^ one anotaer as they UKI. KH-.ha.rti appears to have a knack.o. letting go with his ieet when he rinds himself downed by an opponent apd held of course, if his heels, clattering down pretty hard, catch a man on the slims or the ankiCj !t is not very ni.e?.???t. and s?cp piay?r.) hav? snch an objection to treatment oi that sort that they do no. hesitate to get their own back wh?:i The convenient oppor- tunity occurs. Whether this was t:;e case between Boddoe Thomas and Owen last Saturday probably only those two can say with exactness, but it looked like it to some oi the spectators. Probably Ernie Jenkins 11a" neTer played a finer gatno in any match tor Newport. He seemed fairly to revel in all the thick cf the fray, and was seen doing open work both with his fee-t and his hands in the most approved fashion. It is not often that Jenkins had been seen to such advantage. Another forward who has not very often been in the limelight, viz., Harry Uzzell, also distinguished himself. He had a knack of jumping into the line cf forwards when the ball was being thrown in t'rern touch, and thereby not only getting the ball sometimes himself, but inspiring other forwards to go into the fray in just the scire resolute fashion. After the match there was qnite a big show of Newport colours—black and amber—about the streets in ties, modifiers, and rosettes. It is doubtful v.-hcthrr been sveh a big snow for a dozen ycau. c. Although the pill Re-serves, in common with a good many other teams, have occasionally had to blame the passing of the Eight Hours Act for late starts in their icatche- tne habit seems to have grown upon them, for without any obvious reason they have kept their visiting opponents waiting. La-si Satur- day it is to be hoped will be the climax for this bad habit. They were playing Tredegar Hibernians, and the visitors had tc wait in the dressing-room for little short c* an hoar until the nome team, could be completed iVarely this tan be remedied, and should be without deiay. When they did get to business both teams played a good open sorr. the Reserves winning by 2 tries to nil, both of which were sccrcd by CarkaU. It is pleasing to see that the Reserves pack has taken kindly to the recent mild reproach as to their scrum formation. Their heeling and packing last Saturday was a great improvement, with the result that they got the ball from flve out of six scrims, and it was only the stubborn defence of the Tredegar organisation (which is well known) that kept the score so low. Roberts took the position of inside half for the first time this season for the Reserves, and made a very good pivot. It was, indeed, his clever work in this position which played an important part in the victory. The form of the Reserves certainly seems to be returning to that displayed in the early part oi the season, and with a con- tinuance of this form they will have a far better chance of maintaining the position they now hold, viz., top of the second division in the Monmouthshire Valleys League.

DINAS. Dinai were unfortunate on Saturday at Tonyrefaii, only a poor team turning cut. After having the best of the game, they failed to take the opportunities ottered them, and had to return home with honours even. On the day's form Dinas deserved to win, the forwards completely beating the home pack, but at the critical moment things seemed to go wrong. Snuggy created a good impression in his new role of oentre, and wiiilst he was good in defence he was not all that could be desired in attack. Ned Howells was on the top of his form, and was always a ithorn in the side of the homesters. Amount the forwards Will Rees and W eaver, both of whom are picked for the inter-league, were the most prominent. The Stars were at home to Trebancg, and were successful by a try to nil. On the day's play they deserved their victory. The for- wards on a heavy ground played a dashing game, and were complete masters of the situation. The backs, owing to the wet ball, were not up to their usual standard, but a high position in the league ladder is assured, for the homesters.

GILFACH COCH. Gilfacth GoClh journeyed to NantyffyUon on Saturday with a disorganised team, and suc- ceeded in making a draw. There was no occasion for the hostile demonstration I against Mr. J. Bennett, the referee. The. j action of the home spectators ought to be brought betot-e the league and. drastic measures taken. The game was chiefly confined to the for- wards, wao made the game quite attractive until s oue of the home torwards was oide-red oif for using bad language to the reieiee. From now on tne game oeeame rough, and some ot the tactics were not abone board. The Old Boys were at home to Bry nee thin on Saturday, and ior the whole of tne game piayed fourteen men, as tne premiers had taken some of tdiefl- team to Nantyitylion, let, in spite of tins, the game eriuei in a draw of a try each. Not a single member deserves mention, as the game was 01 a kick- and-rush style, and no attempt was made to open out the p-Lay.

LONDON WELSH. ? The London vveusn, though emerging iro-m the struggle at Bedford cn 6aturaay last easily enough, oan bear witness that Bedford 1-ark team is a very fine one..No other club has piled up eleven points agadnc-t the Wels-n defence. For the next half the season the Welsh have rosier prospects, as "Hailey" Davie-s. the Dark Blue and n «is>h international ti'.il-bacK, and Ben Davies, the Swansea forward, who was selected for the Welsh Trial match, will be available for London Wekh maociies. Tne latter is about to join the Aietro'polit.au Police force, while the former has been appointed a master at the Merchant Taylors' School. T. K. Jenkins, wi.o has accepted a mastership in North West London, has already resumed his place in the pack. After the Christinas holidays R. Lloyd ho.pea to re-join his London cam-patriots..

BARRY. This Soccer stronghold is being rapidly I stormed by Rugby enfchusios-ts. Last season the Parade was the only amateur Rugby team in t-he district, but now there are sev-eral others. The Parade are running a second string, and they have so far been successful. The Teachers Club is a most premising organisation, and with practice they should do well. A fifteen has also been formed in connection with the local Y.M.C.A. Although suffering defeat in their initial encounter with the Teachers, this team has so far progressed as to be able to play the <.• £ -•#1 Li?doMs to apojUtl:3 draw last z?,t. d y. Besides these teams, Barry County School are also playing the Rugger code.

NEWBRIDGE. Newbridge .accomplished a go -'d prform-I ance in defeating Blaenau C?went last Satur- anc& itide'fea?ing Blaecau Gwent la?t Hatu.r- day, a-nd thera is no gainsaying that the Newbwdgeites are an improving team- Their play has been most consistent, but in a good ma.ny instances fortune has not. smiled upon them. At present the team is under a cloud owing to the strike pending in the district, a.nd as a result the finances are in a low state.

NOT DAVID AND GOLIATH. NEWPORT SCALPER: Oblige yon-with the greatest of pleasure, old man. I'm anxious jl to~ increase iny cojlection. UnecMUifuered Newport beat Bristol today. j

??ESSi j Ui-i: Telcgralns. ■ 1 AND THE LABOr. IlCK £ T. lh.. Litllb:t ,]1 Millers' ch-ruled that in future all candidates put I iorwaid oy the association must run in •-on n.ection with the Labour party. The ■ •Mn- will affect Me«*r*. ,J(ohn Wilson. M.P. for Mid-Dnrham; John Johnson. MP. for f'at,,=,hHj(l; and .T. W, Taylor M.P. for j ter-le-«*reet; mid Mr. House, the candidate I for Bishop Auckland, at the forthcc-niio# j fireneral eio-ci^n, ) ■ Pen-arth rnjttÎ Collefre, 10 pointsurdi 3f<m- desv-ri.pts, 3. I Garth, nil: Whitchurch, nil. Taff's Well, ril. Morgautown, 2. I V I » I

I NEATH. I I Almost the sole topic of conversation a.t Neath during, the past week has been the victory of Neath over Cardiff. Matters political have had to take a back seat. Few, if any, really believed that the all blacks would return from the Welsh Metropolis a victorious side. There was nothing fluky about the all blacks' win, and they were the better side. The fact is, if they had obtained a clear margin of 6 points no injustice would have been done to the home side. The principal factor in Neath's gucoeee was the g-reat game played by the forwards. They starte-d like a winning pack, and they kept up a hot pace right to the finish. Rarely, if ever, had the Cardiff forwards been -so badly beaten, for they were out- classed in every phase of the play. Added to their misfortune, Ca-rdifr were badly served at inside half, and they are not likely to meet with any great sucews until they get a better man than Morgan. The latter was not in the same street as "Shon" Evans, who with Bush many would like to see performing behind the Welsh pack. The other outstanding feature in the play of the victors was the magnificent display given by Edwards at h rull-back. He showed superb judgment in placing himself for the ball. in fielding, and kicking. He was always there when wanted, and he never made a mistake during the whole of the game. After such an exhibition the Welsh executive can hardly ignore him, for neither Bancroft, the elder, nor H. B. Winfield eves played finer football at their beet. And what will the executive do in connec- tion with the forwards? Surely, a pack which played ducks and drakes with Cardiff ehonld be considered when the international selec- tions are made.

QILFACH COOH. Gilfach Goch fully deserved, their win at home on Saturday as^inst Pontycymmer. True, the victory was by the odd goal in five, yet the homesters were by far the best team. The play of the brothers Poole (Watt, A If, and Will) was a treat to witnem. Alf perhaps was the most conspicuous. His two goals were well obtained. Watt kept the froot line always on the go, so that, in spite of the h?avy ound, the same waa I de &tt-r"- th"e. NiekLe a? M?t 6" wiU?MM at inside right were a too prtmteent. tat the palm must be given to the brothers Poole.

ABERAVON. [ Aberavon sustained their fifth successive I defeat at Maesteg last Saturday, the Llynvi men emerging victorious by a converted goal to a try. After the Avonites' splendid show at Neath on the previous Saturday, everyone expected a victory at Maes teg, but the Hynvyitee displayed surprising form, and quite deserved their two points victory. It was the old tale of being beaten for- ward. The 'Avon scrimmagers took things too easy, with the result that the home pacK heeled oftener and gave their backs more chances. Will Jones was greatly missed from the 'Avon pack. For the first dozen or so scrums Aberavon heeled well, but after this they feil away miserably. It may be mentioned that two old Abera yon warriors turned out for Maestrg. They were Jack Luke at forward, and "Cash" Llewellyn at three-quarter. Both gave a good display. The game was a poor exhibition of foot- ball, and the only passing efforts were brought off by Aberavon, and from one of these resulted the only try, scored by Pugh. Ma.esteg have to thank their forwards for their score It came about in this fashion. Aeron Rees fielded in a strong forward rush, and when near the line was confronted by three of the 'Avon back. After a moment's hesitation, he was literally pushed over the line, and Preece added the winning points. Pugh's try, just before the final, -as a beauty, and it was here that Aberavon expe- rienced the hardest of luck in not equalising. ill Jones took the shot at goal from a difficult angle. His kick was well-directed, but the ball struck the right upright and bounced back. Then. again, Arthur James and W. J. Davies hesitated when they had beaten the deffence and had the line at their mercy, but their thoughtlessness allowed their oppo- nents to stop the movement. Dick Hughes at full-back again played a rattling good game. Had he been absent there is no knowing what would have llap- pened. He saved his side re;:oatedly, his defence being the chief feature oi the game. Aberavon were unfortunate in losing Jim Donovan in the second half. Jimmy hurt his ankle in a scramble, which necessitated his retirement for the rest of the game. Aberavon's try was scored with fourteen men playing. Willie Thomas and Willie Davies were the pick cf the 'Avon quartette. There was a vast improvement in Tom Thomas's play at half. Pugh was the outstanding player in the forwards, and was well backed up by W. J. Davies, Ivor Jones, and Rees Richards. Many Aberavon folk wondered why W. J. Davies was not included in the trial game at Cardiff. Bill is a sturdy a.nd versatile for- ward, and is just the sta-mp that Wales requires at present.

PONTARDAWE. Mountain Ash at Po-ntardawe last Saturday defeated the homesters by 6 points to 5. This was a sui-prise for Pontardawe, and the Old Fiirm have the honour oi being the only second-claas- team to defeat Pontardawe on their own ground for two seasons. On one occasion Alec Williams, one of the home forwardis, Was completely covered with water, amd for a moment out of sight. Jenkins, the home full-back, displayed fine touch-finding, and the experiment of Stan. Davies as outside half proved successful. The second string made a pointless draw with Ammanford. The two wings, Rees and ¡ Branfill, did some useful work. Of the for- wards W. Morgan, A. Evan,, and S. J. Wil- liams were the pick,

YSTALYFERA. I istaiyfera reversed their recent spell of misfortune, and asserted their superiority over Ammanford by a converted goal to nil. Yatalyfera were the better side in all depart- ments The Seconds figure fourth in the Swansea League, second division. In the league oonteets they have the following record:- Played 7. won 2. drawn 3. lost 2. The only sides they need fear are Hamilton and Gorseinon. Cwmtwrch are leaders of the first division, and so far are unbeaten. Ystalyfera County School were trounced by Gowerton County School Boys at St. Helen's. Swansea, last Saturday by 5 tries to nil. The Gowerton team, which included a number of pupil teachers, was far too heavy for the Swansea Valley boys. Ystradgynlais County School have an un- beaten record in the county school tourna- ment, winning two and drawing one match. The only other undefeated side is Neath County School, with whom Ystradgynlais drew at home. Their captain (Ernest Williams) scored five out of six tries against Port Talbot, and ha. the making of a fine footballer, being a strong runner and a fine kick.

LOST IN PONTYPOOL. I ANOTHER TRAGEDY. I Bad fate of a gentleman who tried to I "Bridge-wo,ter," but couldn't. YSTALYFEPtA. I Ystalyfera failed to survive the second round for the Swa-nsea, Senior Cup, though they were at home for the tie with Pont- ardawe. It was a very keen game in the first half, when both tea-me scored a goal. In the second moiety, however, the superior weight and experience of Pontardawe gave them the lead of 3 goals, which was the margin of victory.

B .41 Raffles THE MYSTERIOUS ONE! Now Preparing ——— for Another Chase. WHERE ? Watch this space for the announce- ment. I £25 I For His Capture.

ir w > r THE FOOTBALL PEEP-SHOW. R ),

CRUMLIN. The Crumlin and Liantnrntani gam.c was one of the best exhibitions of Soccer given in the viaduct town this season. The visi- ters, a Newport- and District League team, were short. of a few of their regular players, but the substitutes put up an excellent fight, especially the goalie, w.ho saved brilliantly. The teams crossed over on even terms, bnt in the second moiety t-h-e homesters got through on four occasion*. Reddiford had a quiet time in goal, being well" covered by the baoks. Cox and Humphreys, who weTe as safe as banks. The halves, Rees, Buck- ingham, and White, played a very even game, the latter being most prominent in the finer phases. Holland in the front rank was irre- sistible, and his speedy run- up the touch- line always spelt dangeT. His first goal was a beauty. Willis James, the captain and veteran Rugbyiite, scored a couple of nice goals, and Bra.mmer made a welcome re-appearance in the team. Jenkins' goal was obtained from a brilliant run from half-way. It was a down- righ,t fine effort. The real cauce of the visitors' heavy defe,at was their weakness at half and full- back. The middle men especiaily were in- capable of dealing properly with the opposing forwards. It was a pleasant gaime, and such exhibitions will greatly promote the growth of Soccer in the neighbourhood.

GLAMORGAN LEAGUE. At lengt/h there are some hopes of com- pleting last season's first division tourney, the appeal by the league to the Welsh Asso- ciation respecting the Ton Plentre v. Tre- harris match on Easter Monday last being very rightly upheld. Further, the decision very wisely pro'vides for future contingencies in similar cases. In- this reason's se,nio,r (division, Mardy appear to hold a substantial lead, having only dropped one point to Barry, aJ.though probably ere the season is much further advanced Treharris will challenge the R'honddaiteis for supremacy. At one period Pontlottyn appeared to have a good chance o,f making matters warm in the second division, bu,t lately they have fallen away from grace, as witness their downfalls at New Tredegar and Brrt-hdir, the latter club giving their best extuoition this season. The main feature of the third division is the series of excellent performances lately accomplished bv Troedrliiwfuwch. Indeed, on matches played they are only a point behind the leaders, while it may be noted by their opponents that they have not dropped a point since October 2, when Troedyrhrw Reserves snatched a surprise victory.

MARDY. Miardy Albions, who are goang strong for I the championship of the Rhondda League, have. a remarkable home record. Not only l do they hold an unbeaten certificate, but not a single goal has been, scored against them, while t,hey have registered no legs than 27 goals against their opponents. Two more points were netted by the premiers last Saturday at the expense of Barry Dock Alb ions. On their present, form it is difficult to see who is to challenge their supremacy in the South »»ales League. Perhaps Mr. Proeser, of Cvvinpark, could offer a suggestion. Whait was more satisfactory even than the handsome victory was the perfectly ha,r- monious work of the forwards. The trio of inside forwards have not been surpassed in merit, if. indeed, equalled, by any three who have played for the homestera. The Albions were more decimvely beaten than even the score suggests, though S-l is sufficiently wide as a margin. It is a pity that something could not be done to widen the ground- It is far too limited for a good exposition of the oocc-er ma me When couyerging an the goal, the players are in each other's way, and co-nse- quently many a. splendid opportunity is lost.

MERTKYR. Metrthyr Town have been going great guns" of late. Ten goals for and one against, also four league points, is no,t bad business for the last two matches. The match with Burton had been ea,ge,rly anticipated, but "0.11, what a day. The 800 spectators deserve the Victoria Cross for braving the elements. Such a crowd on such a fearful day prove* the ever-mcr easing popularity of the Soccer code. Merthy.T were superior at all points of the game, and won deservedly by 4-1. The home forwards were in fine fOirm, and Leonard, in particular, pleased the crowd. La-at Saturday the hitherto undefeated Welto,ni.ans were woefully whacked to the tune of 6 goals to nil. Far this match Merthyr were represented as last Thursday, with the exception that Chapman resumed at fit-1-ha ok. Again the. whole team gave a fine display, the work of the forwards, ably backed up by splendid half-back play, being a feature. Chapman and Wight man were like rocks, and the goal soared by "Sammy was a beauty. Chapman tried, hard to do ditto in the second half, but the goalkeeper just malnagoo to save. Fisher deserves special mention in the front rank, but all the forwards were great. The Reserves brought off a fine perform- ance by defeating Nelson on the ground in the second round of the juniotr cup. They deserve every praise for this per- formance, as there are not many clubs who can beat Nelson at Nelson. All the team played a sound game, and their victory was well deserved. Bravo, Reserves!

EBBW VALE. So far this season the E:bhw Vale club have not met witih great success, but their win on Saturday last leads one to believe that there are brighter days in store. They have been successful in procuring the services of a very good forward in the person of J. Thomas, who has played for Middlesbrough Reserves, and has also assisted the firsts on one or two occasions. He is a fine, bustling forward, and should prove a great boon to the side.

TREHARRIS. The Treharris premier teaim paid a visit to Poulton last Saturday, under the auspices of the Western League. Poulton always prove a warm side on their own ground, and have only suffered defeat once this season Treharris did splendidly in securing two points by a clear two-goal victory. Treharris played up the slope and faced a 1 stiff breeze in the first half, and kept their opponents out admirably. In the seoond half, with the advantage of the slope and breeze. they netted the two goals. Barlow making certain with a penalty encouraged his side, and Phillips, after several attempts, scored from a corner-kick. The sloppy state of the ground prevented any good football, as the players were often ankle-deep in the mud. Treharris are going remarkably well in the Western League, having only lost one point, j and that with Bristol Rovers, at home, early in the season. Treharris Reserves were away last Satur- day with High Grow (Ro«eretoa«) io 4 cup- tie.

-< ASSOCIATION CODE. Important Area Settled HERE AND THERE AMONGST THE CLUBS. indefinite matter hag" now been made clear. Both the Football Associaion of Wales .and the South Wales Association know future. It's a question of area. The Southern Asso- where they are ior the ct-ation has in the past exercised its jurisdiction over the six Sou-thsrn counties. But convenience in Wales is very much more a matter of rail- way facilities than of county boundaries, and a )qt'<? district to Lie iorth of bre?on hm.? i ?b:en practically isolated ff- iom tt-h.e headquarters oi the South W"aier, otia- tioin, although nominally in its a.ta. It was a specie3 of no man's land. In t,hi, raid-Wales district there are clubs which have figured prominently in seasons gone by in the South Wales Senior Cup com- petition. Clubs like Bauta, Llandiitidol Wells, Rhayader. And in passing it may be ^.called that Aberystwyth is th,e only club which has in the same season pulled off the double event—'the South Walcs Senioi- Cup and the Football Association of Wales fe-emai Cup. But the travelling .arrangements hav« generally prohibited these clubs fiom being annual competitors. And especially in recent years this has forced itoolf to the front. A fortnight ago a conference of three delegates of each of the two Associations met at Hereford, alnd it was unanimously agreed that the boundary should be a straight line across the map. It may be an arbitrary line, but all divisions are. There are always persons very near- that line who think that it might have be.en drawn some- where else. The result of the conference has been con- firmd by the two Associations, ?nctno? ?.r the fut.j?-'Th.e area of the South Wajes and Monmouthshire Footba.11 Association is Monmouthshire and that part of Wales which j is to the south of the straight line drawn between the towns of Cardigan and Here-, ford." This gets rid of t,hat vagueness, and although the south has relinquished wnat supervision it had over some three or four. good clubs, all concerned stand to gain by; the clearness of the agreement, Before I leave this topic let me emphasise the point, t,hat the whole buainess was on the initiative of the South Wale3 Association. Ine annual, meeting last April (or May) first tackled thel question, but instead of drawing a line there and then the suggestion of a conference met with unanimous favour. Its result I have now outlined. My remarks, last week were not expected to plea.se my Treharris friends. They were not intended to. Nor to please Ton Pent re. the Glamorgan League. The matter of pleasing or offend ng aaiy particular club never entered my mind. I distinctly laid it down at the beginning that I was giving my own opinions, and because I had the audrtcity to give thorn, without indulging in offensive personalities, surely that does not make me a criminal. My views may be wrong, in fact, the recent decision makes them so but that does not prove that I am a rogue O* course, I may be. If I am only to write tMngs which are certain to please everybody, then I am a square peg in a round hole. Let us be straightforward. If we differ—we.il, what of it? In post seasons the Cardiff Schools' League team has been manufacturing e, very creditable record in the English Shield matches. Surely last Saturday's fin-c win of 4-1 at Plymouth must rank amongst i the best of the items. For the first time. since these inter-town ties were entered upon I found myself, to my regret, unable to aooompoany the party. It's a big journey for lads to be called upon to make previous to playing a ha.rd game, A casual glance at the map is rather deceiving, but work it out in railway mileage and it would be exactly equal to a Jour-n-ey from Cardiff to Notting- ham, Manchester, Or Liverpool. A trip to London would be small in comparison. This was the third yea.r for the lads of the two towns to meet, and to Plymouth's surprise—natural surprise, considering that the absence of a first-class Cardiff Soccer club would mislead them, as it does othels, as to the vitality of the code in South Wales —as I was saying, to Plymouth's surprise they have lost each year. Apart from the aoore, thre was no doubting the superiority DRIVER VILE: If these animals WILL get in our wa, they must take the conse- quences. Full speed ahead! I of the visitors, and the spectators weire forced to admit it. On the small side, the I Caraiff lads made a well-balanced combina- j tion, and the score shows that the attack and tho defence were equally reliable. I might, if I would, enter into details of the game as they have reached me, but on second thoughts I will reserve my space this week, and try to get down to Barry when the j Plymouth, winners play the next round. Any- how, if my congratulations are worth any- j thing I wiHin§'!y accord them to the': selection trio, Messrs. Sb&rpe. Evans, and trio, Messrs. Shei-p 6,Od gambe y a Riohardts. It should be a good game at Barry, for they won their first tie by a somewhxt similar score. With the approach of Christmas one begins to think of the year's international games. t This season the England and the Ireland matches are in Wales, whilst the Scotland and the amateur England are away. It is' generally understood that the Irishmen prefer the Football Association of Wales to I select a venue in North Wales, as a matter of convenience to them, 00 that there is a rosy prospect that the council may deter- mine that the England game may fitly be I given to South Wales. Personally, I have no leanings either way, but remembering the record success of t,he last one in South I Wales, I should not be at all surprised if II our rivals from across the "dyke" are seen in South Wales on. Much 14. Last week's junior cup-tiea prwided some I first-class games, and the absence of drawn games is r. thing for con-sratuiation. A drawn game in a cup-tie is generally a bit of nuisance, as it tends to upset pre- II arranged fixture lists. Mond Nickel Wcrkc ccontinued their winning c?repr by beating Tredsga.r. p. club which is in its first season, bu t n?ne the 'e?s .enterprising for that. The matchES with Ccaan in the previous round were very di.?ppointin? to Tredegar, and their junior cup exrc-icnees have beer, a tra.in <?n?he otHciaJs' enthusiasm. But now, to Mond b? the honours. Mond chea!d do well. Barry West End made the journey to Pera- ¡ broke Dad, tl). play the Royal Uarr^son .Art'l- lery, and, despite the fact that five or six I I I :1'r. J. H. CAVILL I j (Hon. secretary Monmouthshire Rugby F.C.). I: — hours we're spent in travelling, the Barry players, who are, by the way, having a grand season, gave s. line display, and easily bea.t the soldiers by 6—0. With a previous win over Duikeatown in the first round by 5—1, the West Enders promise to be there or there- abouts when the end of the competition is with us. Thair win last Saturday and that olf the Cardiff lads at Piymouth ma.ke a very good pair. The South Wales Borderers overcame Owm by a good margin, but Monmouthshire 6till has four good representatives in Abertillery, Yntysddu. Caerleo.n, alud High Cross Stars. The final may yet be, as was the cage last yea.r,-o, kind of junior county match, as three counties are still interested in the competition. With the exception of Ton Pentre, who experienced a defeat at Bristol City, our local Western League eiubs again added to their Points. Merthyr have fairly out-played Wei ton, if the score 6—0 is any indication of the ran of the game. Treharris also did well to beat Paulton. The two Christmas matches between Treharris and Merthyr p.romit-e to be the tit-bits of the month, although to- day's Welsh Cup-tie at Merthyr. with Ton Ilenitre as visitors, is of supreme impoiance. not only to both oluibs but to ail invested in seiior doings. Barry District and Cwmparc provided an even game at the Bnttrillfc\ and, considering the excellent record of the Rhondda club, Barry's win of 2-1 is satisfactory, although, as they weire playing at home, the Barry men would doubtless have anticipated a victory. The draw for the next rounds of the local oup,s wa.6 to have been, made last Saturday, but pressure of business, or lack of time, occasioned its postponement. The secrets o.f t,he hat will probably be revealed to-night. The paitki" are all sure to be good o-nes- they cannot be otherwise with the excellent clubs left in, senior and ju,nic,r, and the choice of gTound will be the most important factor. ) TON PENTRE. I In spite of the severe defeat of the Rhondda boys a.t Bristol last Saturday they may claim to have played fairly good football under the ) most unfavourable circumstances. The game itself was of the kick-and-rush order, with a few instances of combination I when a dry patch was reaehed. I In goal Percival did brilliant work, altho-u,gh defeated on fo. occasions, some of his saves being loudly applauded. Jones and Russell at back worked like Trojans, Pursell, if anything, being- saf-ar in his kicking. The three halves, J. Williams, H. Williams, t and A. Evans, although they put in all they knew and played on the top of their form, had to acknowledge themselves outclassed by the Bristolians. Roberts and Parry were the best of the forwards, the former particularly I having hard luck in not scoring in the first half, after a brilliant individual effort. The heavy ground severely handicapped the two light inside forwards, and the centre was obviously not in good form, palpably suffering from a severe chill, and it was also unfortunate that Curtis. althotigh present at the match, was unavailable from the same cause. I Of the Bristolians, the forward line were exceptionally strong, and if oq their visit to Ton it is a dry day, then let t?e home team look to its laurels.

TO-DAY'S PLAY ift3 POINTS TO NIL Cardiff's Great Victory OVER "TEAM OF ALL TALENTS" Welsh Three-quarters' Magni- ficent Passing. By « PENDRAGON." Much rain has fallen in. London during the present week. It, rained last night, and it rained this morning, but the Rectory Field at Blackheath by reason of its gra.velly subsoil has quick drying qualities, a,iid, as a conse- quence, the turf this afternoon for the first match of the season between Cardiff and Blackheath was not at all in a bad condition. Of course, the surface was soft and a bit slippery, but the going was not really heavy, A good many years have passed since the "Club of all the Tale-nts" last defeated the vVchh Metropolitans, for it was away back in 1895 that the last victory was recorded in favour of the Heathens, and eighteen seasons have waxed and waned since the Blue and Blacks had to ory second fiddle on the Car- diff Arms Park Altcgethe,r 34 .matches have been played between the cltibs. of which Cardiff have won 26 and lost seven, leaving one drawn game. here have been 437 points scored by the Welshmen against 188 by the Londoners. SEEING THE SIGHTS. -is usual the CardifQans journeyed up to town 011 Friday afternoon, and they spent a very interesting evening at the Lyric Theatre, where they saw Mr. Lewis Waller in "Sir Walter Raleigh." This morning the old stagers in the team took the younger men round to isee some of the sights of the Metropolis. There was if general feeling of regret when it was found that J. L. Williams, the popular captain, was unable tu make the journey to town through business pressure, and it was fortunate that ""? capable substitute as T. J. Evans was available. D. Westacott was also am absentee from the Cardiff rnks. Owing to the inter ''varsity and English trial matches Blacklieath were only able to turn out a weak side, and among their absentees were Coverdale, their brilliant half- back, and C. II, Pillman, a prospective inter- national forward. The teams lined up as follows:— Cardiff: Back, R. F. Williams; three-quarter backs, R. A. Gibbs, W. Spiller, L. M. Dyke, and 1. J. Evans; half-backs, W. L. Morgan and P. P. Bush; forwards, F. W. Smith (cap- tarn), J. A. Brown, J. Pugsley, J. P. Casey. J. Brookman, W. Jenkins, D. Pike, and R. Jeilings. I" lackbeitli: Back. F a NicholU: th1"f' quarter backs, W. F. Tuckett, P. H. Playfair, 1), O. Twining, and L. M'lllquham; half-backs J- A. pym and K. G. Ireland; forwards, F. Stone, R. P. Begbie, G. Tinson, S. Holm wood, R. J. Henniker. A. E. Kitching, L. G. Brown, and R. G. Barrett. Referee: Mr. W. T. Savage (Surrey County. It was thought the 'Varsity match was a very powerful counter attraction? for there were not more than 2.000 spectators present when the teams lined up, at 2.50. THE GAME. I Fred Smith started for Cardiff. and the Blackheath forwards quickly broke away from the first scrum, and dribbled in a body, but t.hey were pulled up by Tom Evans, who kicked down finely. Brookman, Brown, and Pugsley were prominent in the open for Car- fliff, and Willie Morgan, gathering a short kick cleverly, started a passing bout, but Gibbs was called back for a powerful trans- fer. Cardiff were playin? better fM?a-U. and the early play pointed to a victory for the Welshmen. There was a groan of disappoint- ment from the Cardiff sunnortws w11fm I Spiller was called back for a forward pass from Bush that seemed to have been given well back by the half-back. Following dash. ing play by Casey, W. Jenkins broke away finely at midfield, and ran down to the full back, where he passed to Gibbs, who took his pass beautifully and ran on to score near the posts. Percy Bush failed to con- vert. From the Welsh spectators this success was greeted with loud cheers, but hardly had they died away than Percy Bush scored one of the grandest tries of nis career. Given the ball by Morgan at Mid- field, the outside half quickly dodged past the opposing halves and three-quarters, and I when he reached Nicholls he actually had four men unmarked on his left, but Bush gave the dummy, dodged past the full-back without djfjjqulty. and. ran over behind the posts. Gibbs easily converted. H xiiaubain made a great run far Blackheath, but Bobby I Williams pulled him down with just as great I a tackle. SCORES BY CARDIFF. In the subsequent play Blackheath did better, and their threes brought off two or three creditable bouts of passing. However. Cardiff were playing in irresistible form, and on the centre line Morgan sent out a lovely pass to Bush, and the ball afterwards passed prettily through the hands of Dyke, Spiller, and Gibbs, the latter of whom sprinted away from the defenders and scored a bril- liant try, which Percy Bush failed to con- vert. A feature of the game was Bobby Wii- liams's play at back for Cardiff. His kick- ing and fielding were perfect, and several times he stopped rushes in gallant style. After Willie Morgan had been called back for a forward pass when well away for the line, Morgan, Gibbs, Bush, Spiller, Dyke. and Evans executed magnificent passing, and t: recruit wing completed the movement by riinning over in the corner. Percy Bush failed to convert. Only a. minute later Joe Pugsley went off in international style, and after beating three or four defenders he parted with the ball, and, after Spiller had handled, Dyke ran over with a wide try, which Percy Bush con- verted with a beautiful kick. For the first time afterr this Blackheath reached the Cardiff 25, but they were soon driven back. Poor passes by iSpiller a.nd II Dyke prevented Cardiff scoring on two further occasions before the interval, after the defence had been absolutel beaten. Half-time score: Q T. p.?g I &,rd¥li. r p;r. I Hlackheath 0 0 0 Although Blackheath were undoubtedly II weakly represented, Cardiff were neverthe- less playing the most brilliant football, and really deserved a greater lead than 19 points at the interval. Blaoicheath attacked on re- suming, and for a time there was scrambling j play a.mong the forwards. Fine kicking by Percy Bush sent Blackheath into their own half. Casey and Pugsley broke away for I Cardiff, and then Brookman fed the backs, and a re-pass from Evans to Dyke produced the first try of the half. W. L. Morgan failed J to convert. Percy Bush made a. big drop at I goal, the ball going wide, and Nicholls touched down. Pugsley was next prominent with a clever opening, and W. L..Morgan nearly seared after charging down a kick. However, a moment later brilliant passing all across tihe line produced another try by foiria Evans, which Morgan failed to convert Cardiff slackened down, and Blackheath be- came aggressive, Twining kicking to touch close to the line. Hort Card-ift- broke away with grand passing, and actually had t.he defence beaten, when Dyke was stopped for taking a forwa.rd transfer. Percy Bush and Tom Evans afterwards ran over, but were called back for informalities. Percy Buah made a pretty run, and after crossing the line audaciously presented StpiUer with a try by passing him the ball, Spiller planting it behind the posts. Dyke easily added the extra points. Fimal scor?: G. T. P't& I C?rdiS ¡' p;r Bla,c,kheat,h .I. 0 0 0 COMMENTS. Although Liaiccneath were undoubtedly not nearly represented at their full strength, the big score makes it evident that Cardiff played brilliarit football. As a' matter of fact, the Welsh metropolitans could have easily sent the total beyond 40 points if they had seriously attempted to do so. How- ever, onoe the -second ha,li ad arrived, the Cardifflans slackened o fl .deralSy, and threw away a number of chances by careless play. The spirit in which they played in the second half is made manifest by the manner in which their final try was gained. Percy Bush ha,d actually crossed the line, and could have put the bad! down himself, but he sent a further pass to Spiller, and thus presented the right centre with a try which was in reality due to Bush himself. This typifies the style in which Cardiff played after they ha.d gained Wieir substantial lead. It was evident from the outset that the blue and blacks were up against a much weaker team, and, with a try falling to them in the first five minutes, and Bush ruaiyii-ng over again three minutes later, the match was already fought and won. CARDIFF'S WONDERFUL FORM. ?ll ?- what JBidciuieatn would have done with Coverdale, Billman, and several of th Uni- versity players assisting them it is, of course, impossible to say, but it is reasonable to deduce that the Londoners with their very strongest, side out could not have won against the Welshmen on the wonderful form shown by the latter this afternoon. The whole Cardiff tea,m played like a machine, and the combination was absolutely perfect. For the first time this season the Cardiff forwards heeled from the large majority of the scrimmages, and every mem- ber of the back division played on the top of his form. Willie Morgan parsed out beautifully to Percy Bush, who in no other match this season has shown anything like the form he displayed this afternoon. The try which he gained early in the first half was one of the finest tn his career, and it was absolutely beautiful to watch him run through the defence. It wa.3 a positively marvellous run, and if the Cardiff outside half could have been awarded three trie s-for the one effort it would have been no more than he deserved. All the Cardiff three-quarters played very finely, and Dj^ke and Spiller gave infinitely their beet exhibition this season. Only onoe waa each of them at fault, and that was in the first half, whett &. cdujlvle of poor passes failed to produce tries which would otherwise) have ben made. Apart from these little deficiencies, however, the two centres played magnificently, and their defence when called upon was quite equal to their attack. GIBBS GREAT. un me rignt wing H. A. ÜJ iJtos sho,wed that he has quite recovered ins form, and he playea with splendid dash all through, both in attack and defence. When sprinting for the line he took a tre- mendous amount of holding, whilst he was always in the thick of it when there was defensive work to do on his side of the field. Despite his recent accident, Gibbs is play- ing as well as ever, and it does not seem possible tha,t the Welsh Union can leave him out of the national team when it is selected a fortnight hence. On the left wing Tom Evans did excellently, and scored a couple of grand tries. Bobbie Williams, at fuil-baek. was as sound as a rock, and made not a, single error all through the match. In the front rank Joe Pugsley was an out- standing figure, and was unquestionably the best forward on the field. His play was always characteristic by per- feot judgment, and at least a couple of tries was the result of his splendid initiative a.nd enterprise. His was a distinctly classy; dis- play. Of the other forwards Casey, Brookman, ) Jenkins, and Smith were the best. Cardiff gave a magnificent display from beginning to end of the match, and, if they had tried very seriously, they could have put on at least a dozen more points.

I Swansea v Devonport At Swansea to-day in wretched weather, rain having fallen continuously. There was a. meagre atendance. During the last sixteen years 31 mat.ches have been played between the clubs, of which Swansea have won 23, lost four, and dnawn four, the all white3 scoring 274 points against 90. Last season Swansea won at home by thir- j teen points to five, and at Devonport a draw of five points each resulted. Teams:- Swansea: Back, Fred Rees; three-quarter backs, H. ToP,, P. Hopkins, H. Lewis, and H. Evans; half-backs, Owen and Jones; for- wards, D. J. Thomas, Ivor Morgan, E. Mor- gan, T. Morgan, I. Williams, D. Davies, W. S. Goff, and D. Griffiths. Devon"Albion Back, Lillkl'a,p; three-qqaar- ter backs, Lismore, Hawkins, Harvey, and Vivyan: half-backs, Langmead and Monk: forwards, Marshal, Spiers, Wilson, Hayman, Leoard, Williams, .Lewis, and Hobbs. THE GAME. T'he rain beat- in the faces of the all whites in the first half, but they at once commenced to press. They got to the Albion quarter-line, and lost several chances, and in one case in particular a log throw-out might probably have resulted in Haydn Evans scoring. The Swansea forwards con- tinued to rush matters, and the ball being kicked over Edgar Morgan fell on it. Fred Rees failed to convert. The Albion men then got back to the centre, where they heeled out from more than one scrim- mage, but kicks by Swansea neutralised any | advantage. At length the Albion halves gave out the hall, and it travelled well from hand to hand, but Vivian could not fret it a.way to Harvey, and a fin-e bit of play was stopped after the baH had been carried: to the Swan- sea quarters. From here Dick Jones gave out; to the Swansea centres, who took play well down the field. Afterwards Griffiths smartly dribbled up to the line Albion got away for a moment to the quarter line. Iriien a beau- tiful bcut of interpassing between Owen and Jones kept the line at their mercy, and Jones giving a clever backward pass, after turning round, to Owen enabled the latter to run round the posts and score easily. Rees failed to convert. Ivor Morgan g'ot making some flying kick's, and, following up well. he put in a .splendid dribble, and the Swansea man nearly got through. Swansea gained con. siderable ground by passing, but play was afterwards even up to half-time. Half-time Foore: G. T. Pts. Swansea, 0 2 6 Davenport Albion 0 0 0 Early in the second half Swansea, started to dribble, and, the Albion forwards missing them, they got the best of the backs, and kicked over the line, but Albion touched down. From the next scrimmage Owen passed out nicely to the right, and Phil Hopkins transferred to Haydn Evans, who rounded the opposition and scored. The place-kick was difficult, and failed. Imme- diately afterwards Toft b-roughti off an exceedingly dodgy run, and, after beating all opposition, he passed to Ivor Morgan, who g-ave to Tom Morgan, the latter scoring, after a dashing run. No' goal followed.- Swansea continued to attack, the forwards dribbling and the backs picking up welL The Albion were hard-pressed. ?ick Jonea followed up a kick and scored in the extreme right corner, no goal resulting. Later on Phil Hopkins intercepted a pass and scored one of the best tries ever made at St. Helen's. and certainly the best run of the season. He ran through from nearly half-way, and made one big swerve half-way in his course, which put his opponents all out of range. This try was also goaledv by Hopkins. Final: G. T. Pts. Swansea 1 5 ZO Devonport Albion 0 0 0 REMARKS. In the weather conditions prevailng dur- ing this mb,teh, it was impossible to play anything like serious, scientific football, and little comment is, therefore, necessary. Swansea ran up a very high score, chiefly in the second half, and made it unexpectedly interesting. There was very little passing in the first half. Owen and Jones early laid the founda- tion of Swansea's success, and one of the tries was beautifully got between the two men. Throughout the game the Albione used their feet well, but they were completely out- played in other departments, and as the game progres.s.ed they fell off seriously in defence. The homesters deserve c.redit for making the game such as it was in .such w ret died conditions. The opened up the :.play, splen- didly when the opposition of the Devon men had somewhat died away, and made the second half very interesting, and often exoifr ing, by t,heir frequent scoring. Hopkins's run was the feature of the game, Mr. Hague, of Cardiff, was the referee.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE CLUB FOR CARDIFF. By SOCCERITE. On Tuesday next a meeting will be held at the Imperial Hotel, London, to consider the question of extending the Second Division of the Southern League. It is expected that representatives will be present from Cardiff Newport, Swansea, and other Soccer centres in South Wales. With a view to ascertaining to some extent the actual feeling of local Soccerites as to the proposed new club for Cardiff, I would be glad if those interested in the proposal would send me a postcard with their name and address. The time has gone by for talking, and,' as action is being taken shortly, it will greatly facilitate the movement to have some idee. of the support likely to be accorded to it. As to the ground, that is practically assured, and, as I pre- dicted some weeks ago, the club will be a, reality. What is needed now is practical support, and I will be pleased to receive the names of those who want to see Cardiff take its place with Bristol and Exeter in the Soccer world. Address postcards "Soc- oerite," "Evening Express," Cardiff.

LEAGUE TABLES. BTTGBY. MONAlOUTHSHIiRE LEAGUE. P. W, L. D. F. A. Pts. Tredegar 6 5 1 0 36 17 10 Pill Harriers 6 4 1 1 45 17 9 Abertillery 3 3 0 0 46 9 6 'Rlaella van. 4 1 0 3 15 9 5 Brynmawr 6 2 4 0 41 54 4 Blaina 3 111 6 13 3 Cross Keys. 5 1 3 1 34 33 i Cwmbran 7 0 7 0 6 77 0 NEWPORT SCHOOLS. P. W. L. D. l'ts. -NLaindeo 3 2 0 1 5 St. Michael's 3 1 1 1 3 Alexandra — 3 1 t 1 j Holy Cro-:9.J* 3 t t T?3 st. WOOIDS .) 0 1 2 2 Eveswell 3 0 1 2 2 RHONDDA AND DISTRICT OLD BOYS. DIVISION 1. P. W. L. D. Pt Cilfynydd 8 4 0 4..12 Treorky 5 5 0 0 10 Cambrian Lads 2 1 9 Dinas 1 3 9 Treherbert Athletic 7 2 3 2 1* Polity AJ1 Blacks 5 2 2 1 4t "Tylorstown 3 1 2 0 2 Trebanog 7 1 6 0 2 A,bercynon 1 0 1 0 0 Bhydfelen 3.1 0 1.. 5 DIVISION II. P. w. L. D. Pts. Treherbert Ex-schoolboys.. 7 5 0 2 12 All Black Reserves 6 4 1 1.. 9 Coedpoumaen 4 1 2 2 4 Merlin Stars 2 0 0 2 2 Tonyrefaii Reserves 5 1 4 0 2 Cambrian Reserves 5 0 5 0 0 BRIDGEND AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. P. \V. L. D. F. A. Pts. Kantymoel 9 7 0 2 57 3 18 Gilfach Gocll 10 5 1 4 46 17 14 LTanhai-ran 7 5 1 1 63 13 It Masteg Rangers 7 4 1 2 34,22 10 Bettws United 9 4 3 2 26 24 10 Nantvffyl!on 12 4 7 1 ia 75 9 Pontycymmer 8 3 3 2 39 13 a Blaengarw 11 3 6 2 46 50 8 Cefn Cribb-vvr 6 2 2 2 16 9 6 Llang-ynwyd '9 1 7 1 14 66 3 Bridgand II. 8 0 7 1 3 80 1 CARDIFF AND DISTRICT SENIOR LEAGUE P. W, L. D. Pit Canton 5 4 0 1.. 9 Harlequins .5 4 1 0 8 Wanderers 4 4 0 0 8 Grang-etown 5 .3 1 ).. 7 Romilly 42 1 1 5 Mackintosh .3 1 1 1.) Garth 5 1 4 0 2 West End 4 1 3 0.. 2 Fruiterers 5 1 4 0 2 Birchgrove 5 0 5 0.. 0 RHYMNEY VALLEY LEAGUE. SENIOR DIVISION. P. W. L. D. Pt. Aberbargoed 6 5 0 ,1.. 11 Caerphilly 6 3 2 1.. 7 Rliymney Firsts — 4 2 1 1 5 Pontlottyn 32 1 0.. 4 Machen 42 2 0 4i Maesycwmmer 2 0 2 1, 1 4 0 4 6 0 Bedwas 0 2 0 0 SECOND DIVISION. P. w. L. pta Tredegar Hibernians 3 3 0 0 New Tredegar 33 0 0" 8 Bhymney United 3 I a O? 2 Beaufort 1 5 & u ï:"ii' t g:: j