Evening Express

i3WFK5S Latest Telegrams. Quarter-uSiA: Tdn JPelrtire, 2; CI&AAM, o. Final: £ ieredon, 2; Barry iDastrirt, 1 goal. Haif.rti.mè: Neath, 3pt?.; PontyTprkld, nal. Final: Srwansea, o&pfbs.; District League, optc Half-time score.—Merthyr Reeer-vet,. nil; Treharris Eeaarves, nil. Halif-time: Merthyr R. 0; Trebarris R. 0. Half-time.-—Llwymypia, 3 point, JCardiff Macks, nil. Final ?cors.—Llanelly, 15 points; District, 6 points. Half-ltnne: Mountain Cfntcm "ail Trsoiiy, iptte. I I I

I MERTHYR TYDFIL BOROUGH POLICE TUG-Of-WAR TEAM, 1910. I I RUNNERS-UP CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE CUP, COVENTRY, 1910. I ————————————————— ———————————————————————— ————————————————————————— PHOTO, OWEX, ARCADE, MERTHYR. TOP ROW: P.S. D. M. Davies (tre-astirer), P.S. T. Davies, P.C. J. Thomas, P.C. M. Williams, P.S. G. Davies, and P.C. W. Williams (secretary). BOTTOM ROW: P.C. E. Rees, P. C. Hunter, Chief-inspector A. J. Phillps (oaptain), P.S. R. Jones, and P.S. E. Jones.

DEAD AGAINST SOCCER Mr. Lyne and a Dangerous Rival ine attitude of Mr. lie race Lyne. chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union, is woell-known. It is one of avowed hostility to the spread of Soccer in South Wales, and that not because Mr. Lyne is against the ot-iier code per se. i but because it is a dangerous rival to Rughy, which it is the special province of the Union to guard. On more than one t occasion inquiries have been made whether the New- port Club, which fosters all sorts of athletic games, would run an Association team as well as a Rugby team. Mr. Horace Lyne, who is chairman <? the general committee, whjeh (subject to t?he very slight wjoe of the annual meeting) controls the club, has always set his face against it for the reason already given, and the members generally have sup- ported him. The elementary schools of Newport all play Rugby, but the intermediate school plays 8oocer. A quite large number of schoolboys who learnt and played Soccer have turned over to Rugby. T. H. Vile. the Newport cap- tain, and Walter Martin, his partner at half, aro both intermediate school boys and ex- Socoerites. Reg. Plummer is a.nother. and so also is Harry Jones. H. Wreford, who last season played such a good full-baek game for Newport Seconds, and may be looked up<m as Stanley Williams's understudy, had only changed over from the other code one season. And there are others. It ie possible there may be players in and about Newport who have crossed over from Rugby to Asso- ciation, but they are not very prominent. How Soccer Stands I There are seven teams in the first division of the Newport and District Association Iwague, as against eight last season. This is explained by the fact that Chepstow St. Mary's were too late in their application for admission. Galdioott Castle club is dis- banded, but their place has been taken by Newport Boys' Brigade Old Boys. Panteg have reverted to the second division, and LAanhjlleth has come into their place. In the second division of the league there has been a big development, the number of clubs 1 inereaasing from six last season to eleven at present. Of the eleven clubs only two were in the league last sea-son-Panteg, who have come down from the senior league, and the New Dock Albion. There ie certainly a progressive note in the fact that this season Pontypool district fur- nish three clubs in the junior division. It is a matter of three or four seasons ago since Pontypool were represented in the league, and then only by one club. DANYGRAIG'S GOOD-BYE I Swansea to Lose a Nursery? I So far there has been no decided move in I favour of the Association game at Swansea, but there have for some time been decided signs of an accession of interest in that code and a dwindling of enthusiasm in regard to Basser. The number of Soccer clubs in the district league is increasing yearly. It is true the same remark applies to the Rugby league, but it is a curious circumsta-nce that very little talent is being developed. Dany- graig. which has been regarded as the happy banting ground for Swansea, appears now to be unable to provide any new blood for Bwansea, and, in fact. is languishing for want of good players themselves. It is only the want of a ground which has prevented the establishment of Association football in Swansea on & scale which would enable it to bid for popularity against the Rugby game. There are only two possible grounds outside of the Swansea Club's ground, and they a-re the Danygraig ground and the Vetch Field. Danygraig CVab is seriously contemplating the change of code, but Rugby fixtures havei been made for this year and must be carried out. It is quite likely this will be the last season for Rugby there. The club finds it doesn't pay. The other field is not available for foot- ball purposes. The dearth of new Ragiby talent is much bewailed oy Rugby supporters. Five or six of the Swansea First XV. are considerably over 30 years old. but so far there are no signs of men to take their plaoef. LLWYNYPIA'S LAMENT I Fixtures Not Quite Good Enough I Rugby is not making the headway winch was expected at Llwynypia since the club took over the new De Win ton Grounds .at Tonypandy. and the gaffes tia-ve been disap- pointing. The cauee of this is, no doubt, due to the fixtures, which are not attractive enough. Unless eome encouragement is given to the club (as suggesteti by Forward"), by the leading clubs paying an occasional visit to the district, iit is not unlikely that the Rugby game will me out and Soccer take its place. The Association code is fast becoming the popular game. The Llwynypia Soccer Club stands an excellent chance of winning the I "Barney 0'Hares Oup" when they meet Tylorstown in the final next montth. St. Cynon, Llwynypia, also have a prosperous [season before them.

[I THROUGH SWANSEA "SPECS. Rugby Shows No Decadence I Mr. F. E. Perkins, secretary cf the Swansea Football Club, although disinclined to discuss the matter at the moment, said he sa,, r:o signs of tha decadence cf Rugby in the Swan- sea district. He did not know what the season might show. It was too early to judge; it had net started yet. "Is there anything in the shape of decrease ,f attendances or crate money to suggest that interest is waning?" "I do not think so?" Mr. John Davies, vice-president and vice- chairman of the Swansea District Rugby League, and one cf the mainstays of t.hat organisation, strongly disputes the assertion tha/t uitero^t ;n Rugby is declining in Swan- sea. There never was such a pVstbora of dabs joining the league as tbis year. They had had to form a fourth division. Aboui 23 was the greatest number of clubs they ever had hitberbo, but thk year they already had 33, and all but one were represented at the first meeting, ibe difficulty was to classify them. They had aleo applications from out- side such as To:;ns and Resolveu. and, a number of last year's clubs had yet to enter. "Then why is there not more talent?" I "There is plenty of talent, and you will see it -this year. "But it doesn't look like it, considering how the fliit fifteen depend on the old men." "Yes, they are not enterprising enough. Men have to be forcod on them. Men. like Ivor Morgan and Toft had to be absolutely pushed on them before they were tried." "But there are plenty of indications of the progress of Soccer?" I "Yes, their figures look well, and that is all. It is a iga.me- that doesn't pay wherever tried. Two clubs have failed in the district and given it up. and here is a significant item that in the very hot-bed of Soccer Clydach (where Mond plays) they have just got up a Rugger team and joined our league. Pentrec- wyth and Mumbles have both come over from Soccer to Rugger. No, there is no indication cf retrogression at all as far as I can see. Indeed, the indications this year are very strongly the other way. MORRISTON IN MOURNING The Blinds Drawn for Rugby Rugby has been practically dead at I Morrison for seme years. There are only a few juniors playing, though this season a club known as The Blacks has joined the Swansea District I League. Soccer has been very successful for I the last five seasons, and Morriston Firsts in 1908—190? reason were the winners of the Challenge Shield of WVat Glamorgan, and also the winners of t!he geld medals of the league. They hIso did well in the South Wales and Monmouthshire Cup tiee, being only defeated in the semi-final. One great drawback at Morriston is the lack of a proper and suitable ground. This I wiH be remedied forthwith by the making of Morrist-on New Park of 28 acres. PEMBROKESHIRE PLAYERS I Cockneys of the Welch Regiment I In Pembroke County Rugby football passed 1 under a cloud some ten years ago. when the Haverfordwest Harlequins were disbanded. When Harverfordwest dropped out of the running Tenby kept the Rugby flag flying for several seasons, and then several years ago little Neyiaaxl got a (good team and a. hard-working committee, and began to forge aheud. It. is to-day the leading Rugby club of the Far West, with Tenby, perhaps, a good second, while last year the Pembroke Dock Harlequins, Llangwm, and Milford could all play a fairly good game. Neyland for this season are going strong. They are sound financially, and it ia. probaMy, the only Rugby club in the county which has a sub- etantial balance on the right side. The 2nd Welsh Regiment is probably second only to Neyland, but as the regiment has been (trafted here since last season the I prowc-s of the soldiers has to be taken on trust, or rather on repute. If the regiment were as Welsh as its name there would be little doubt, but, seeing it includes so many Cockneys, one cannot be sure of what will happen. The Pembrokeshire Rugby League com- prises the teams named and Pembroke J),o,ck Harlequins, Pembroke, Tenby, and Llajigwm. Milford has ceased to exist, amd Pembroke is a new team, and its composi- t.1on is as yet an unknown quantity. With the sole exception of Neyland, it is the Association game which can draw the biggest gates. Milford United a,nd Pembroke j Dock clubs have done a great deal to popu- larise the Soccer code; and when the Wilt- shires were stationed at the dockyard town æveral seasons ago they made Soccer popu- lar. They were splendid sportsmen. and I played, under all ciTcumatancee. such a gen- t-lemanty and pleaeant game that it became I a great pleasure to watch them. To sum up, while Rugby is practically the 'I only game at Neyland and at Tenby, else- 1 where in the county Soccer is the popular I code.

I GETTING READY! I FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL TRIP. I TAFFY (t-o Skipper R. A. Gtbbs): Well. now! look you, when are you goings tt make a start, whatever? aKIPPilR R. A. GIBB6: Oh! when w've inflated the "dirigible" with a little more of that "gas" and screwed a few more strong nuta" in.

WELSH UNION'S IMPOTENCE I Llanelly Turning to Soccer "Forward's'' article in Saturday's Evening Express, relative to the apathy oi the Welsh Rngby Unic-n to the best interests of the game in South Wales, has excited much favourable comment in Llanelly. The tin- plate town ha3 for m,any yearn been one of j the strongholds of the Rugby code, but there can be na mistaking the increasing hold of Soccer in the town-a state of things largely brought about by the neglect and indiffe- rence of the Welsh Union. A few years ago the devotees of the drib-1 bling cade in Lhmeliy could be counted on one's fingers. Indeed, when the first club was t .started it was found impossible to secure eleven players who were familiar with the I rub2. What is the position to-day? In addition to the town club, which is now firmly estab-, hshed, there are ten junior clubs in thei town an-A district, all banded together in a league which otfe": cupj and medals for com- petition. The fact that so many young players are taking to the dribbling code is ¡ ominous for the future of Rugby in .Vie town. 1.1st, week it wi,-4 decided to establish a foot- ball club in connection with the temperance societies of the town. and at a meeting of members it was unanimously agreed to play Association and not Rugby. So much for the signs of the times. There i« a strong feeling in Llanelly over the r.-Li-,t action (or, rather, in action) of the) Union in matters concerning the Llanelly dub To take recent hiseory first, if the Union had oniy done its duty, as "Forward" j so truly stated, that wretched libel case in which the Llanelly and Newport players: were parties, would never have been brought into court. The Union have authority over all clubs affiliated to it, ami that-authoritr should have been exercised on this occasion. Then, again, in the matter of fixtures and their conceliation, the Union have looked on.: impotent. In fact, the most-powerful clubs like Car(lifY, c w r. rt, and .Swansea, are a law unto themselves, and are allowed to Bout the Union at their own sweet will. The Union have done -nothing to encourage the game. They have refused to keep the weaker clubs, but have no qualms on spend- ing large sums on trips and jaunts and the presentation to themselves of expensive mementoes of this, that, and every occasion. DUTIES OF BIG CLUBS. I Views of a Welsh Unionist Mr. E. A. Johns, the Swaneei.member 11 the Welsh Football Union, does not share the lugubrioug apprehensions regarding the progress of Soccer, and fears that the estab- lishment of a professional Association club :.t Cardiff has somewhat disturbed the mental equilibrium. lie ventures the assurance that the high standard of Rugby set by the Car- diff Club has nothing to fear from the oom- petit.ion of fourth or fifth rate Soccer. As for the necessity of encouraging the sma'ler Rugby dubs, be is at one with "Forward," who. however, is labouring a point that has long had the serious attention of the. Union. To suggest neglect is to betray ignorance of the efforts in such direction. The arrange- ment of a fixture list is the particular right of a club, and a right which they are dis- inclined to surrender to anyone outside. Instead of destructive Clriticism attention would be much better directed to the duties of the leading clubs in regard to the smaller organisations. PUZZLE: FIND RUGBY! I Barry Nearly All Soccer I To Barry Forward's" article, headed, "Wake up, Rugby!" was only interesting so far as it dealt with Soccer. The reason is not far to seek. Barry has always been a hot. of Association, and never in the history ol football in the district can it be said that Rugby has been the principal game. Pro- j bably the cause of this is Barry's short life as ¡ a town. It is something like eighteen years-in the days of the old Barry Club— since the fifteen a-side game has been played by anything approaching a good class local amateur team, and no better proof of the grip that Associa- tion has upon local sports can be advanced than the career of the Barry Northern Union Club of a couple of seasons ago. So little support did this combination receive that after one season's exiAenoe it was wound up, and no dividend paid. Now the only Rugby enthusiasts are the Barry Parade nub and a couple of mid-week team- TALYWAiN "ALL ALONE," I Striking Example of the Decay I Some ftve years ago there were strong Rugby clubs at Varteg, Garndiffaith, Aber- eychan, and Tglywain, but to-day these clubs are extinct, with t.he exception of Talywain. ijast season there was strong talk of form- ing a Soccer club, but so far no steps have .been taken. There are a large number of people now living in the di&triet who have arrived from different parts of the oountry, where they have been used to Soccer, and are anxious to see the game started. A VALLEY OF SOCCER I Not a Rugger Ball to Be Seen." I At Merthyr Vale not a. Rugby ball can be seen, but Soccer and small Soccer clubs are rampant. At Troedyrhiw Rugger has been dead for the past five or six years. The chief cteub is known as t-he Troedyrhiw Stare, but there are nittnerous satellites, and in each of those sat?Hites are ptay??s atTtving thedr utmo&t to become fir6t-ratRis so as to be able to obtain a p?ace in the "firsts" or "Stars." ?he?e are Soccer &)ubs dotted in every vail- able patch. It is more suitable and conve- nient to play than Rugby, and on the fair field a friendly match with between twenity and thirty a-side have been seen. In the opinion of a good many the popularity of Soccer has killed the 'Northern Union game in South Wales, and few regret it. Unless a revival takc-s place in the near future the Rugby code will R.I.P. "I BOX AND COX." Useful Plan to Save Rugby All Welsh Rugby clubs (says a ithomdda car-respondenti should be rendered, not only financial assistance, but help in making fix- tures. It cannot be denied that Owmparc, playing about half-a-mile away, take the gates, but it would be an easy matiter to arrange, as at Cardiff, Rugjby one week and Soccer the next, so that, as it were, Box and Cox, as in the odd farce, would be satisfied. Tre-herbert are in the running again after suffering, so to speak, from a severe defeat by Northern Unionism. The sa-me applies to Mid-Rhondda. There is ample scope for the two codes, but if anything tangible is to be brought about, on the live and let Live system, the Welsh FootbaH Union must not locate itself under a glass-case, like a Skeleton in a museum, but take active and live steps to rise, Phcenix-like, out of its own ashes, ashes remaining as records of its former poten- tiality and influence in the Rlhondda coal- field.

'The trial m?tch at 'Rhymney Tovealed very little new talent, wbile &6T?r&! of last a?aeon'? players were un?bte to turn cut. However, in the oourse of a week everything will be in full swing. ,and Skipper Ike Howells anticipates having a fifteen at his command. The two preliminary engagements will be friendly encounters with their old rivals. Pontlottym, whioh should certainly provide them with ample practice for their first league match at Brynmawr on Ootober S.

CARDIFF AND THE CITIZENS I i-EAT things are expected of Tom Kvans at outside half for Cardiff this eea- son. He suffered from knee trouble last season, and was not able to do himself justice. With better luck ho ought to I prove a worthy successor to Percy Bush. It is not improbable that Willie Morgan %,ill be le.%vinq will be Ipaving Cardiff for London before the season is far advanced and that he will throw in his lot with the London Welsh. G r-i ham Prichard. the sturdy young Cantab and son of Dr. Prichard, has gained his degree at Cambridge. and will adopt engineering as his profession. He played regularly tor Richmond last season, and will be available for Cardiff this, season. Soccer hai got well off the mark in Cardiff before the Rugger men have ctarted training, and the Citizen-* gave conclusive proof of their ability by their victory over Ton Pentre 01: Monday. With ordinary luck and barring serious accidents to players, M'Dougall and his men stand a fair chance of winning mot, if not all, of their South Wales marches. In another five years we shall probably see a transformation in South Wales footba'l. tor. whereas Rugby is on the. down grade, Soccer is gairling ground everywhere, and it is net at all likely tha.t the Welsh Union will awa.ke to its responsibilities until it is too laite. Forward's" article in last Saturday's Footb.ill E?press" has created a rare old flutter in Rugby dovecotes, and what is more aggravating than anything else to the Rip Van Winkles of the Welsh Union is that every word of it is only too true. No more popular choice for the vice-cap- taincy could have been made than that of Joe Pugs'ey, but there is a strong feeling pre- va,iling among the members of the club that Reggie Oibb.3 would have shewn a little more graciousness and tact nnder the circum- stances in giving the hononr to Jack Powell. Scorw of people who have been members of the Ca-rdiff Club for many years have bougat- season tickets for the City Soccer matches, and the directors are confidently looking tor- ward to a season's success that will place the club on a sound financial basi-

NOTES ON NEWPORT. rTERS are beginning to take a little more definite shape for the Usksiders. Rnmours have had their quietus, and the officials are getting down to a little bit of rock bottom of truth in the way of an ticipations. There are two personal points that may be disposed oi at once. Wyatt Gould, whom it A a-, thought yea* inclined to don the jersey again this season, has now definitely decided not to re-enter the arena. As to Charlie Perry, who under-studied Melville Baker last season, he went away to Canada several mouths ago,' and there is no word from him that he has any intention to return and play for Newport this season. The captain and committee have, therefore, not considered his case. W. P. Geen, who created such a favourable .impression at centre in the informal trial game last Saturday, will be a.\ailable till next January, and, so far as can now be foreseen, Ponty Jones i* at Newport's service for the whole of the season. In case of great emergency, of course, Goldrick or Harry Fzzle are available for centre three-quarter play. There are a few interesting additions likely to be made to the team. George Hirst, of Blaenavon. the vourfe and fast, tbree-auarter. who last season played for Pontypool, is said to be agreeable to play for Newport this season. He was spoken of as a likely can- didate at various periods of last season. He playfj either in the centre or on the wing. Percy Jones, of Tredegar. a Monmouthshire County forward, and Onions, also of Tre- degar (three-quarteri, are not unlikely to find pJaces in the .Newport team. But until the return of the Newport contingent, from South Africa there must of necessity be a good deal of uncertainty about both the per- sonnel and the positions, of the players. Two of the veterans showed last Saturday what appeared to he a very much improved tnrn of speed. They were Birt and Martin. It is often easy to score against a light and weak side, it is true, but these two outsider when they got away appeared to have put on at least a couple or three yards in a hundred in the matter of pace. A word as to tihe condition of the ground. I^ast Saturday it was perfect. The grass was just the right length, and the turf was springy and fast. There was no grit, and nothing to do anybody damage.

X40 FOR ABERAVON. Donation from the Welsh Union SE preliminary canter by the A-beravon -Port Talbot and District Junior League footballers last. Saturday was such as to sharpen the appetite for the coming season. The game played was between .uieravon St. Mary's and the Rest of the league, and a very evenly-balanced game resulted in a pointless draw. For an opening effort the players showed surprisingly good form and stamina, and kept up quite a robust pace from start to finish. All the Aberavon first players who turned out showed excellent form, chiefly prominent being W. Hopkins, Dan Tobin, and Arthur Jones in t'ho forwards. Will Jones at full- back. and Pandy Rees at three-quarter. In addition to the last season's exponents, there was some most encouraging talent shown by other players. This wa6 especially 60 in the case of Ted Phillips and Arthur Edwards at three-quarter and W. Jones s-n-d Ike Harris all half. It is of especial interest to note that out of seventeen members of this year's com- mittee there are no less than eight ex- Aberavon players, viz.: Messrs. Lewis Thomas, Willie Tbomas, Bala Jones, Will Jones, W. Howells, W. Gregory, P. Foley, and Ivor Thomas. It will be a source of general and profound regret that that extremely brilliant yvung centre, Ernie Cox, will not be able to turn out in the opening matches, in consequence of an injury to his knee whilst training. Aberavon have decided to give Cymmer a fixture on Monday, October 10, so as to give a little financial assistance to the valloyite& V? The Welsh Rugby Union has at last opened its heart and hAs given a donation of X40 to the Aberavon Club, to meet certain con- tingencies.

NEWBRIDGE SOUND. Newbridge played their second praetioe game last gat-utday, beiiig opposed by the seconds. The game was splendidly contested, the Firsts winning by 6 points to nil. On the form shown there is erery prospect that New- bridge will be able to place a strong team in the field.

CRUMLIN CHANGES. Cmmlin played t-heir At-at practioe on .Saturday last. AIOOut sixteen players turned out, mostly memberv3 of last season's team. The only new man was Jones, of Owmtillery, who showed a good knowledge of the game, but is rather light for senior league football. Hie brother, Harry Jones, who has played for Abertillery Premiere, will probably turn out to-day, and should greatly strengthen the; three-quarter line.

BREAM'S CRUEL" BAPTISM. t. Bream's supporters experienced the usual disappointment in the olub's representation for the opening match of the season at Gloucester. Taking all things into considera- tion. the Foreeters did remai-kgbly well in running the 'Oestrumo to 30 points to 5. j Hudson, at three-quarter, and Berry, at for- ward, both of English international fame, had a big hand in the home team's victory, the former scoring thrice and the latter twice, Cook. formerly of Abertillery, con- verting three tries. The home forwards' superiority was very pronounced in the line-I outs, and the Breamites were at a disadvan- tage owing to* their shortness of stature. ] Rudge, who last season played with Bargoed, scored the try for the losers.

PENRHIWFER PROUD Penrhiwfer defeated their old rivals, St. CynoM, by the odd goal in five. For the first match of the season play rgedfQst a.nd furious, and Len Roberts, the new cent-re forward, deserves special praise, for beside scoring the three goals hi If he kept the front line ccnt.inually on the move. Of the other new men E. T. Atkins at bilek vos the pick.

STAR FOR SWANSEA. J vr A N S E A to-day opened another season, and, as usual, everything points to ev.ccess. Willie Trew has im- pressed upon his clubmates the necessity of strict training, so that we can al any rate, expect obedience. Trew is very strict on the point of training, and is so popular with practically everybody that his word, to a certain extent, is law. The season breaks forth to an accom- paniment of the claims of Soccer. It's Hoccer this and Soccer that—everything seems Hoccer. True, in Swansea there are about 2.000 players signed on in the Association league, but there were nearly that number last season, and yet Swansea survived. Admittedly, there is a following for the Soccer code, but why there should he this great pessimism beforehand is really going out to face trouble, as David seemed to be doing when he walked out to Goliath. Yet David conquered. There is one player the Swansea Committee must this season keep their eyes on. He if Oswald Jenkins, Gowerton, who has already earned a big reputation for himself among the younger players of the district. He has been selected to play agaimit RWana to-day, and if he can only re-produce his ordinary form he will not be long waiting before he has a place offered him in the; all whites ranks. Oswald plays equally well at centre or outside half, and I know for a fact that one Swansea player thinks no end of his capabilities.

"MONEY MAKES THE MARE GO" Neath Advice to-Welsh Union I RED DAVID, one of the best cf Neath's forwards, played for P.C. Pullman's team at Treherbcrt on Monday, and sustained a nagty cut over the right ey-e, which will keep him out of the field to-day. It was very good of Pullman to give the I revived amateur team at Trehcrbert a start. By the way, there ha? been a lot of irre- sponsible talk locally at the -plit in the Neath team. There :s no split at all. Let I jt go at that Now that Treherbert is struggling to regain its feet in amateur football. We are all anxious to know what the Welsh Union will do. Money makes the mare go." And clubs like Treherbert, Aberavon, and Bridgend want money. Sitting in the pinnacle of Rugger's popu- larity, with coffers full of yellow 'uns. the I Welsh Union has allowed the "real thing" to slowly slip from it? grasp. I And unless they are no and doing, and that quickly, Rugby will continue waning. Yon know they poch-poohed the mere possi- bility of Soccer injuring Rugby. They thought the oublio would have Rugger I at any price, and the failure of clubs in the Ithondda and the diminution in the number of lesser organisations did not seem to cause them any apprehension. It remains for the Welsh Union to ease the I financial strain upon many of our clubs. Neath at the interval of last Saturday's I I match were 10 points up, good tries having loome through Frank Rees and Johnny f Thomas. Little "Tit," whom one of the Northern U,nion clubs want badly, but won't get, con- verted both the tries. The District put up a good game in the -second moiety, and only one try was added to the score, and that by David'Parry. PIC. Birch made this latter try by skilfully I gathering and judiciously passing. Birch is a good forward. He has played I in ten county matches in the Midlands. He was "capped" when seventeen, and is now only 20.

TREDEGAR'S TRIAL The newly-formed professional Association I team for Tredegar turned out for the first time on Monday. A.practice match between A a,ii(i B teams was organised, and all the men who have signed on donned the jersey. It must have been stratifying to the pro- moters to see such a satisfactory attendance of the public at the inaugural operation. The play was thoroughly interesting. The general impression wa > that there is ample material to construct a, really efficient team. Among the new men who have signed on and who were -preminent were G. Goijgb (Nel- son), 11. B. J?:)n. Wa'sall, B. Wicherley (Maidstone), CoMings (Manchester), J. H. Clarke (Leeds City), J. Griffiths (&Rua,boit and 'P.relia,rris), J. Sainjbury (Maidstone), and J. Morris (Blackpool). Another prominent man was W. H. Jones (Abergavenny), who played a really fine game in goal.

WORKERS OF WHITCHURCH I Nearly thirty players turned out at the I villagers' trial game, and the committee were I gra,tifted at the evidence of promising talent being available for the ensuing season. As yet the only position which it has been found difficult to fill is that of inside half-back, but iit is expected that after the first few games a suitable man will be found. It is anicipated that. the inclusion of Ernie Stephens and Dan Elliott in the three-quarter line will remedy the lack of scoring power. The defence has always been very strong, as no team last season crossed the Whitchurch line more than once in iny match. Forward will be the Sot-rong point, and the pack, every man of which is a worker, will be well led by Jim Evans, the new skipper. For the initial games Dai Pike, the Cardiff forward, is giving the team the benefit of his experience. OLIVE TRANTER _H- (Albany-road Schools), winner of 80yds. school championship in Cardiff Schools sports; 3rd in skipping race; I 3rd in 100yds, 12-15; 1st in dispatch team. WILLIAM PRITCHARD (Aibally-roa4 ^Schools), winner of 100yds. school championship in Cardiff Schools 91 lorth; 1st iii liurdies; 2nd I in relay race.

TON PENTRE SATISFIED The loss of Ton Pentre"s ground record In the or-eniTi'? match with Stoke was a dis- appointment, but the victory cf the Midland team by 3 goals to 2 was a just ending to an excellent game. The match with' Cardiff City drew a big crowd, and from a financial point of view cheered the heart of the treasurer. The general opinion was that Carcfilf weft deservsxl their win. Percivail. Ton's goal-keeper, was great. In fact, in the first half it almost re-olved itself into a fight between him and the visiting forwards. Although beaten on three occa- sions, he made some remarkably good saves, which found due appreciation from the spec- tators. The two backs were in goed trim, Jones. tTie new captain, being especially prominent. Rus.-ell did not seem to be the Russell of last season, having lost speed. Johhny Williams and Arthur Evans well maintained their repu- tation. Hughie Williams was a bit slow, and showed signs of not having trained suliicientiy. Tricky Tommy Davizz was as tricky as ever. His two goals were Joudty applauded. IlaJman and .Sam Simms both seemed to lack himself well in his new position.

CAERPHILLY SOCCER LEAD Up to the time of writing only two junior clubs—one of each code—have been formed. The Caerphilly Harriers Rugby Club will be comprised of players of an average age of 30. In the past few seasons the team has been very successful, and, the present team being composed of practically all last season's players, with the addition of some of the defunct premier team, everything seems to indicate a ical good season. 8t. Martin's Athletic Association Club last reason (as the Church Lads' Brigade) figured in the fourth division of the Cardiff and Dis- trict League, and only lost three matches. A good deal of enthusiasm is being shown by the supporters of the club, and a large enclosed ground has been engaged. The club will probably figure in the t-hird divi- sion of the league, and will, undoubtedly, tender a good account of themves during the season. Mr; F. W. Hill, chairman of St. Martin's Association Club. Caerphilly, in the course of an interview, expressed the opinion that PHOTO, DURA. the Soccer code would gain a good deal of patronage during the season, and would eventually become the popular game in the district, inasmuch tha.t the premier Rugby club had Hot been resuscitated, and the Harrier. Rugby Olub were unable to take "gate" money, being without an enclosed field, whilst the Association club would probably have the finest ground in the dis- trict.

MAINLY ABOUT MERTHYR And a Nasty Shot at Demmery Merthyr Sdcoer supporters have now had a good opportunity of judging the calibre of the team which will this season wear the now familiar red arid green," three matches having been played at Ilenydarreit Park since the season commenced. The opening match against their old rivals-, Treharris. was brimful of incident, but "never a goal." The home supportecs were not quite satisfied, there being a weakness at half- back and Walton not being in his usual form. A vast improvement was seen on .Saturday, when Cliesham Town were the visitor's. Merthyr won by 2 goals, and with a little bet.ter shooting the score eli,(nLl<i have been larger. Yates (greatly added to the effective- ness of the halves. and, as against Trelham Holmes was a hero at full back. The tit-bit of the trio of matches, hower. was on Monday. Norwich City were the visitors, and, with one exception, played their full league team. The spectators were delighted with the homesters' display, from goal to forwards. Holmes was fine, and a nleasing feature was the return to form of Bob Walton, who gave a grand exhibition. Spriggs and Eacock were good, and gave Wolstenholme, the English international, something to do. When the front rank have played together more igoals should come, for some of them can shoot. Demmery will vouch for that! The Reserves wore narrowly beaten by a. goal at Troedyrhiw. This is a good perfor- mance, as Troeder" are hot stuff. Better- mance, Griff Lloyd did well, and Barlow and Bert Davies had a good understanding on the wing. In fairness to Bettertou, it should be said that he did not. put the ball through his own goal, as was stated in Monday's reports of the game.

BLAINA BUSY From practically every point of view Blaina's opening of the season in a i Ili-endly with Ebbw Vale was an unqualified success. They won handsomely by 4 goals to nil, whilst individually the play was of a high order, and the merits of the two new men, W. Rider (outside-right) and E. Jones (centre- half). were much appreciated. It is interest- ing to note that the former came from Swindon, and has had the honour of cap- taining the English Schoolboys for five year" -no more need, be isaid. A striking feature of the match was the large number of spectators. Soccer has made slow, but very sure, progress since its resuscitation in Blaina four years ago. It is evident now tha-1 the crowd, for the most part originally Rugby in sympathy, have learned to understand the game and appre- ciate it.

LLANHILLETH START WELL Llanhilleth Soccerites opened the season on Saturday last by a win against the Alhions. The losers, who have entered the second leagtie, are a promising organisation, and gave the senior- club a stiff fight. The only goal, was scored by Watson. For the winners Roan, an ex-Brighton and Hove reserve. played well in goal. Price and Woodland were safe at back, and the halves played a ibustling game. The pick of the forward line was Alby Thomas. For the Albions Roberta, the centre half, was the star, artiste, and played a brilliant game.

THE MEN OF MARDY The prospects at Mardy are decidedly rosy. Good men have been secured to fill all the vacancies caused by defection of such fine players as M'Donald (Cardiff City), Frank Griffiths Nash (Aberdare), and Alden (Mer- thyr). J. Hill, who operated last year at centre-half, has this year been appointed player-manager, and the control of the brain- ing of the men can be safely left in his ha-nds. Jeffrey Jones, the Welsh international, has been secured to fill the left-back position, and, with Austin playing better, the defence a,n(l, wit?h A,,t being equal to a-nythmg m 'iv f being equal to anytbizl. i[L The half-back position looked like being' weak, but the advent of Emilyn Jones and Ivor Jones, from Wrexham, considerablj altered the aspect, and the line is now strong and effective.

ENERGETIC OFFICIALS OMe aain a Soccer team ba?been formed inA?rtys?vg. a.nd ?Yeral of the play<&r6<? the old A?rty?'? team are availably Thamks to the e-nerg?ticintcrebt ?ta,ken ?i? Km by lv. Fr? Herbert, everything points to. success. A reserve team is being run tinder the same management. All the poilitu6 ntctoe, r till i% = lik* 'qlr<) j an4s. The okl officiate are wbrkmg like Trojans. The okl Abertysswg field is availahlv, and the head QtULTt&cs axe at the Sebastopol Inn. 0