South Wales Echo

I The Man About Town. Wales v. England at Newport. A mighty struggle this, transcending in present-day inter 3st the fight between Achilles and Hector, the encounter of David with Goliath, of Don Quixote with the windmill, or a male voice contest at a National Eisteddfod. The chances of the two teams are eagerly canvassed and as readily left open." There is so much new blood in the two teams that ardent football enthusiasts are loth to risk the reputation of their judgment by boldly taking up one side or the other. The wet weather is all in favour of the Welsh team," say some, and then comes the reservation. J But who knows what those English forwards will do T There's the point, no one knows what either side is capable of, and so there should be a fine contest. The interest in an Inter- national struggle is very slight when it is almost certain that one side will win. For the winner I must hand you on to the wiseacres in football, or if you should read these lines in a later edition, to the score and while I would like Wales to win at all hazards, may the best team carry off the honours, whatever the state of the ground or the disappoint- ment of the players. I preserve a dignified and a level temperament over foot- ball. I cannot enthuse when I must stand and freeze Should Wales win I shall not lose my hat by throwing it into the air, nor destroy it by jumping upon it in case she loses. Society sets the Democracy some strange lessons. The Russell-Scott case has been an unsavoury story before the mind of the public for a long period, and it is a thousand pities that the withdrawal of the plea of justification was not entered on the day it came into court. Instead of that the world has been given a lesson in personalities, meanness, and hysterical persecution of an extraordinaiy character. The whole wretched business is a family squabble thalf has been intensified by outside interference, and having occupied the attention of Judge and jury for many days, ending ignominiously:for the three defendants, it has been retried in thousands of instances-in almost every public place where men meet. Of course men take sidee. According to legal methods, justice has been vindicated, and the persecutors of Lord Russell have been punished by receiving eight months' imprisonment each, A Now, a fresh cry goes up from certain quarters that justice has not been blindt: and that an eye of pity has fallen on Lady- Scott, who is to be treated as a first-class, misdemeanant. It cannot be said that Mr Justice Hawkins has wavered in favour of Lady Scott either in his summing up or his sentence. He condemned her conduct as severely as if he had been addressing a washerwoman in the dock, and he refused to alter his sentetrcs, leaving it to the Secretary of State to order her special treatment. In Lady Scott's present hysterical state h& consented to her being treated as a first- class prisoner. May we hope that the end I of this sorry Society Scandal has been reached, at any rate so far as the public courts are concerned but there are certain kinds of folly and hatred which only the grave can silence. If Your Ghosts are the pleasantest spirits I have met," writes a Lady correspondent, but that is because you were able to give a reason for the uncanny incidents which you described. While they may be food for amuse- ment to you, T am certain that they are ver real terrors to the superstitious, a" you seem to indicate in the case of the. Montgomery-street ghost, of which I had already heard before reading your notes. Your notes will do a good deal towards removing many silly notions. You say that the fairy story has been banished to the nursery, which may be true, but Education has not quite removed belief in ghosts." That may be true, but it is a fact that the class-room of our elementary schools is the crucible in which a good deal of ignorance and many superstitions are being dissipated. The Corpse Candle in Wales," writes a Materialist, is well-known in every part, and there is still a general belief that it bodes ill to anyone who sees it alone. The Corpse Candle is only another name for the Will-o* the- Wisp, and there are many in Wales. I have seen the strange-looking candles around the district of Bridgend and also in the meadows below Llandaff." But enough of ghosts to-day. Everyone who has visited the Pier Head, Cardiff, must have noticed the pilot boats huddled together like so many despised and unnecessary craft. The boats were often getting in the way of passenger steamers 111 the summer and receiving damage in other ways which necessitates costly repairs. Surprise cannot be felt that the Pilots of the Port of Cardiff should ask for proper accommodation from the Dock Company. Iheir request that the Cardiff Corporation should insist on clauses being inserted in every new 1'ock Bill to give proper accommodation is a very reasonable one, and one to which the Corporation will un- doubtedly give its support. # Our old friend the Poll Tax at the Pier Head has made his appearance again in the new Bute Docks Bill. It is proposed by a clause in the Bill to acquire power to tax every individual embarking or landing, or on admittance to the pier, in the sum of one penny, and by another clause it is sought to provide for com- pounding with the owners of the boats in respect of the tolls of the passengers. There must be no poll tax. In its present form, though it looks like an innocent penny tax, it would really amount to twopence-a penny embarking and another on landing. The passenger tax at the Pier Head must not be permitted by the Corporation in any shape or form. The people should have their right of access to the Channel preserved against any obnoxious poll tax which any company may seek to impose. We may be sure that the Docks Company charges the owners of the pleasure steamers adequate dues, but in any case they must not be allowed to tax the holiday makers. The poll tax is an insidious enemy which must at all hazards be kept from the Pier Head. I In the midst of a plethora of dances and parties, the Cardiff Infirmary Balls will be held next week. Owing mainly to the efforts of the Ladies' Committee, these pleasant events have been made remarkably successful. In 1894 the proceeds amounted to £350, a hundred was added in the following year, and in 1896 the handsome sum of E550 was netted. The Infirmary Balls have been established for over thirty years. They were formerly organised by Dr. Sheen, and held in the Town Hall. His labours have devolved upon his son, Dr. Willie Sheen, and the engagement is one which now taxes the whole available accom- modation of the Park Halls, greater and lesser. I hear that the numbers attending this year will be smaller than on the last occasion, owing to the bazaar and other attractions, but this will add to the pleasure of the dancers, as the room will not be so crowded. The attendance numbered 500 on the first night and 800 at the Children's Fancy Dress Ball following. The Hall will be elaborately decorated, and the Chamber of Commerce Ball being held there on the night preceding the Infirmary gathering, the floor will be in fine condition for dancing. The Children's Fancy Dress Ball, which will be held on Wednesday, from 6 to 11 p.m., is expected to be an event of unusual brilliance. I hear of many costumes which are being prepared, and a grand procession of all the characters will be formed into the supper hall. Would-be admirers of the pectacle will be admitted to the Balcony at half a crown. The tiny dancers will receive special attention and consideration, a portion of the floor being reserved for them. A suggestion has been made to interest the merry little dancers in an organisation to be called the Red Cross Guild, to help the sick and afflicted who need assistance. Should the Ladies take this in hand, as they did the bazaar and the dances, success is unquestioned, j Aberdare has a New Park. That Is an important event in the annals of any borough or district. A park is a lung of the public, a pleasant place of resort, and it should be a playground as well, and not a fancy garden merely. Mr R. H. Rhys, J.P., the chairman of the Aberdare District Council, is a persistent man. For the past four or five years he has been endeavouring to persuade the Marquis of Bute and his agent to grant a portion of the Graig Mountain for a recreation ground, and his efforts have succeeded, as stated elsewhere. Aberdare is distinctly fortunate in the possession of two parks. The new gift of the Marquis of Bute to Aberdare is well wooded, and it will become a very valuable public possession.

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ENGLAND v. WALES. 1 To-day's Match at Newport. POSITIONS OF THE PLAYERS, I Portraits and Biographies. tHE ENGLISH IE AM. WELLS. BYRNE. TAYLOR. FLETCHIOR. BYRNE. BAKER. FOOKUS. EBnON. STOLXLART. ABHFOUD. BARRON. MANGLES. OAKES. STOUT. J AGUE. „. [BY "OLT) STAGICTI. "] I NEWPORT, SATURDAA* MORNING. At the time of writing-early this ujoruing there is every indication that the 14'h Inter- national match between the representatives of the English and Welsh Amateur Rugby Football Unions at Newport this afternoon will be played under climatic conditions aa wretohed and on turf nearly as sodden as on the occasion of the never- to-be-forgotten game in mud pools at Dewsbury in 1890. Then Wales gained victory by a Oleveriy-worked for, if somewhat fluky and questionable, try notched by "Buller" Stadden. Daring the pievalence of the dry, frosty weather of last week end, it was felt that ap the ground had been amply enveloped in straw, there was reasonable hope that the play would be waged on a practically perfect arena. With the heavy rams of this week, however, these anticipations were com- pletely upset. English critics have almost with one voice expressed themselves as satisfied that Wales was going to aghieve her third victory the team was described as a heterogeneous collection for the most part of mediocrities, and from the premisses that Welsh ciubs have been signally successful this season and the selection has been a little more than usually popular, the conclusion was uttered that the Welsh XV. was the ruosfc powet fill which has represented Wales for years. This kind of argument is specious, for far better teams have without a doubt been put out to do battle for the Principality and failed ignominously within recent years. That in. dividually the Englishmen who hail from nine counties, and are best at particular set styles, are not the equal man for man with teams of the past may be accepted as certain, but where justification comes in for expressing belief in their defeat under all or any conditions it is difficnlt to discover. The English committee has not given suoh wide satisfaction! as the Welsh by their choice of forwards, but the marked change iu the weather will probably suit the visiting scrummagers down to the ground. Be it remembered, they were selected as the men who had been most prominent at Richmond, where on the North v. Sonth trial day the ground was fearfully cut up, and it rained in torrents almost without a break from kick-off to no side." The probabilities for the fluocess of Wales revolve entirely round her scrnmmagers. The Welsh backs without excep- tion can pass with surprising accuracy even with a wet ball and when foothold is greasy. The enig. matical problem, whose correct solution can only be surmised before the game is at least a quarter through is, Will the Welsh forwards be able to give their backs the ball twice for every thrice the opposing rear men have it in their posses- sion, or will the English pack break up the mauls V Wales ought to have far better com- bination in every department; she may succeed in carrying the tight scrums; it is incredible that her eight strong heavy men will be pushed off the ball as they were at Blackheath and at Birkenhead. It is to our backs, though, that we look for what scoring there is, and with the adverse circumstances there should not be registered many points. Odds of 2 to 1 were on offer on Wales's chances on the eve of the match 6 to 4 went a-begging. Wagering on the event is not uncommon, so there is no need for pretence about the matter. Personally, I think the odds are absurdly high seeing that the strength of the English lob may be represented by the algebraical sign X. As a patriot, sincerely would I like to see Wales triumphant, and while I cannot get satisfaction as to the way the Englishmen will shape, I am bound to say that M Welsh teams are more accustomed than the Englishmen to playing on wet grounds, and we have more combination, are better at the passing game, and have equal weight, which ought to mean equal strength, in fronb, I give the benefit of the doubt to my countrymen and prediot them to come out of the ordeal winners of what is sure to prove a downright hard gruelling game, in which the pretty incidents we are accnstomed to see in our cltjb matches with oraok English combinations will be like angels' visits. The Englishmen have all arrived at Newport where they have taken up their quarters all the Westgate Hotel. Mr J. T. Magee (B^ctive Rangers), the referee, bas also reached Wales. He will give the starting of the game at 2.45 prottipt..

The Referee. I MR J. T. MAGEE. I As he is still an active playing member of the B"cti vp Run gars Club and was 1'111 ^««sori con- sidered one of the speediest threa-q iartsrs in Ireland, and took part in the International fiftainst } £ i)gtand &b Dublin and Scotland at Edinburgh in 1895, when he occupied the positiofl of left wing, Mr Joe Magee has ah intimate knowledge of modern play, abd given taot and firuaness baa all the essential qualifica- I tions for making a most competent referee, In Ireland no one is considered his equal, and fit- nomination followed a suggestion from Mr McAllister, secretary to the Irish Union. Ik i- to be hoped that, we have seen the last of that stupid custom of appointing its referee in these matches prominent officials of the various Unions simply out of courtesy and without question 01 their ability. Mr Magee, who is sure to keep up with the play-he bas won several sprinting championships—is bfuLher to Louis and J. M. Mf<gee, and with them played for a long time for the Bective Rangers. Louis Magee is the half who has represented Ireland in her last six Internationais, and with J. M. he accompanied the team of Britishers on their recent tour m South Africa.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, The Defenders of the Rose. Full Baok, J. F. BYRNE. England is well represented at full back, Fred Byrne being one of tue most reliable and versatile piayt-rs in the hst of the many oxoellent cii,;to(lia-is his country has developed. Born n 1871, at Penns, IIPar Birmingham, he is in his 26th year, stands 5ft, 11m. high, and, without givitig away an ounce of superfluous tissue, his lithe sinewy form turns the scale at 13 stone. Mr Byrne began to play for the Moseley team in 1887. and, after occupying diff-rent positions, he became their full back in 1890, in which position he first spra.ng into fame. But though it is M a full back that Byrne became a really tip-top man, it is not the positiou which he likes best, and for the last year or so be has filled the post of centre three-quarter for his club He has also played oeutfe three-quarter for the Midland Counties Fifteen quite HS much as full back. It was in the season 1893 94 that Byrne gained his first dia tinction outside Midland circles, when he wa, chosen fuil back for the South. This at one,- proved the stepping-stone to his selection oy the English Executive, and only once since thab time has he missed eelec tion for that poFittion-viz., last year, when Houghton was chosen. This season was well advanced before Byrne returned from South Africa, bub he arrived in time to be chosen as centre three-quarter for the South, in which position be distinguished himself by scoring the only try of the match, and by tho way in which he covered the mistakes of Field, the full baok. In the English t-am which toured South Africa in the summer, Fred Byrne played centre three quarter, and acquitted himself so well in that position that what with dropped goals, penalties, field goals, place kicks, and tries, he scored a lot more points than any other man in tho team. Byrne is a first-class man all round—perhaps the best punter of the day,amostdeadly tackier, a fast runner difficult to stop, a fine place kick, and an admirable captain, which position he has tilled to the Moselt-y team for a considerable time. The Three-quarters. ERNEST F. FOOKES. The young Yorkshire International, F. F. Fookes, has had a very rapid rise in first-clas* football. He is a ftudent at Owen's College, Manchester, and prior to last season played several times with the Halifax Club, in whose district his parents reside. When the "split" oncurred in the Rugby Union. Fookes, to preserve his amateur status, played with Sowerby Bridge, a fairly powerful first competition club, near Halifax. He was selected in the Yorkshire trial match last season and at once secured a place in the county team, dropping a goal in his first match ttgaiust Durham. He improved with every appearance in first-class foot- ball, the result being he played iu the North v. South, and was plaoed first reserve against Wales. The retirement of W. B. Thomson found him an opening in the English team, and he signalised his good fortune by scoring a couple of splendid tries against the Welshmen at Blackheath. Ho played against Ireland and Scotland also, and to-day it is no exaggeration to say that he is thw best all-round three-quarter back in England. He is equally good on the defence and attack, can stop a forward rush with any man playing, is a speedy and very strong runner, can drop with either foot, and take a pass with accuracy. The apostacy of Tom Broadley found the captaincy of the Yorkshire team at his disposal this season, and his appoint- ment thereto was very popular, It will thus be seen that in the course of just over a year he has gained the highest honours hia county oan bestow. Yet but for the split referred to he would pro- bably have had his distinctions delayed some years, and perhaps lost altogether, in which case true football would have been decidedly the loser, Fookes is 21 years of age, stands SIt. 6in., and weighs 12sb. E. M. BAKER. Since he oame to the front four years ago E. M. Baker has missed no opportunity Of playing against Welsh clubs, with the result that be knows more about the correct four thfee-auaffcer style of play than all the rest of the English backs put together. Consequently he is the best quftlifind stopper of passing attacks in _*he Englishmen's ranks. With his fellow Oxonian, Leslie Jones, be took plorb in the trio of Inter- national matches in 1895 and though Jones lis not individually strong, the thorough under- standing in attack which prevails among these blif-,e men was, in the opinion of sound judges, notl oompllntIJatred for by the add i tion in defensive powers t hrough the substitution of the old war- horse Valentine in the following year. 13xker 18 fairly fleet, but excels in strong bursts through Opposing centres, while he seldom passes pa,y for the sake of ridding himself of the ball- In addition to possessing the coolness and resource whioh has gained for him a place among9* th. best of attacking Centres, he is deadly tackier, and once uhder weigh his Strength II extremely difficnlt to hold him. Baker school at l>enstone, and on going up ko Oxford he attached himself to the home of Oxott athletics, tteble. One of Baker's ambitions was to ft mastership in Wales, so that he could have a season behind forwards and halves who could feed him. He has recently received bi« B-A. degree. Though the shortest of the English three- quarters he is the heaviest. His right has given him a good deal of trouble this year, Md he stood down in the trial match receivih# one highest possible compliment in being BWflWa, though on the sick list at the time. T. FLETCHER. en Making his debut in classic Lloiiiost9 JI '.1. Fletcher, the Cumberland tbtee-qurtrter, iind the fitgt tnitt froiB this County to gain Iatefflatiofial honours, is one of the most consist^ Quartet backs in the North-west of Efgi»«w* Fletoher plays for the Seaton Club, th* WhOld back division of which comes out of two houses, and it can be easily understood that under these conditions they play a combined and effective and scientific game. Fletcher will be readily recog- nised on the field by his tall figure and typical Saxon appearance with auburn looks. He is one who will readily adapt himself to the game which his opponents are playing. In the hard work which falls to the back division of Cumberland in their county matches he has proved himself in attack and defence a veritable tower of strength. He kicks well, is speedy, and will probably not be Tsurpaaaed in defence in the English three- quarter line, Early this season Fletcher sustained an injury, keeping him off the first Cumberland matches, but he is now fit and well, and his play in the game against Lancashire showed that he rstains all his old energy and resource. I FRANK A. BYRNE. Like his distinguished elder brother, Frank Byrne was born at Penns, in 1873. He is not quite so big a man as Fred, as he measures 5ft. 9m. in height, and scales 12-st 71b. He is strongly built, but his appearance scarcely conveys the same idea of lithe sinewy suppleness as does that of his brother. Frank joined the Moseley Club in 1891, and has remained oonstant to that 'ove ever since, playing during that time in every position onilJhe field. His own opinion is that he shone best as a full back, but his club appreciates him most, apparently, on the three- quarter line. Not until the season 1894-5 did he make his appearance in representative football He was then chosen as wing three-quarter for the Midland Counties team, but even then he did not secure his position definitely in this team. In fact this season he was not chosen for the first Midland Counties match against Gloucestershire, but. found a ptace. Jack- n-a-pinch, all a reserve left wing man. He proved the best three- quarter on the field, and since then he has played in every match for the Midlands, against Surrey, Kent, and Middlesex, besides helpmtr London and the South to beat thfc combined 'Varsities. It was this secured him inolusion in the South team, where he covered himself with glory in a manner which no less amazed than delighted his best friends. In only one of these matches did he fail to land a try, \nd that was for the South but he made the run to the goal line and gave the opening to his brother. When Moseley brought off the surprise victory over Cardiff Frank Byrne it was wh.)8e strong running gamed the score. Wh( ther he will mamtam that brilliant form against Wales is doubted, but one thing is certain that Frank seems to be one of the sort of men who rise beat to a great occasion and show to most advantage in first-class company, His most effective pecu- harity in play is a sudden swerve when going at top speed and darting off at a tangent with a peculiar lurching, si'ieloug run in some quite unexpected direction. Frank modestly thinks the critics made too much of him in that North v. South match, and says that Wells was the hero of the game far above everyone. The Half-Back8. K. W. TAYLOR, Tiie oldes: lulernational player in the English team, IB by virtue of seniority the captain of his side. E. W. Titylot, learned his foo,,b;ijl with the Rockohff Club, with which he has been associated from its infancy. Doubtless the ex- cellent finish which marks Taylor's play was picked up from his observation of the per. formances of the brothers Mason and W. Martin Scott, English International and Cambridge University ulayevs, against whom he was ofton opposed when they were out with their club comrades at. Newcastle. Taylor is now seleoted International for the 12'h time, though it may be mentioned that on the first, time he was chosen in 1892, a skating accidant prevented him taking pitrt. He has also pluyd on many occasions for the rest of England against tbe clHunpion county, and has appeared in NurLh and South matches re- gularly six or seven years. This year he has been playing cnutre three-quarter for his club, but has turned ont in his accustomed place at half-back for his county. Taylor is w.'11 known in the cricketing world in ti)- northern counties, and is an expert swimmer. It is thus due to his regular habits, and the fact that he is always in training, wh!ch has enabled him to retain his form, and to outlive all those with whom he was first con- nected in Intprnational foot hall. Taylor's style of play is known to South Walians, who have had opportullltyof seeing him touring with his olub. When in hi's prime he was not the equal of ttvyit Biggs but he was always a determined runner and though this season his selection has i-ftised protests in many quarters, and he is ■ertainly not the man of a few years back, it is !:fficulc to find in England a better half than the Northumbrian to partner \Vells. Taylor is now 28 years of age he is only of average height, and weighs but IC-,t. 101b. C. M. WELLS. There are few names more widely known in Rugby football circles than that of Cyril Wells. In England he enjoys very much the same ^epusauon as Arthur G-ould does in Wales, and it may be safely stated that at the present time lie has no peer in his own country at least. Wells is very sturdily built, and can stand any nmount of knocking about. He is about 5ft. Sir,, in height, aud turns the Scale at between 12 and 13 stone. He received his early football education ;tt Dulvvich College, and from there he proceeded to Cambridge, where he showed such marked ability in the trial games that his blue was as- sured, He rendered invaluable service to his University and had the further distinction of being chosen to play against Scotland soon after- wards, Since then ho has played in several Internationals, but during the past two seasons Ins form has eclipsed anything he has ever previously shown. In the North V. South match His play was brilliant in tii- exrrfnie. He is a fasb and strong runner, and is very olever at making openings for those behind him, as he possesses the faculty in a marked degree of clearing tho opposition before passing, besides which lie is vary tiangerous as a scorer when near I 1 he enemy's line, while his defence is sound. Mr Wells is a master at Eton College, and while at Cambridge he also gained hIs" blue" for cricket. The Forwards. I P. J, BBDON. Somerset's Lntes-. International was toasted th;' dinner which followed his county's victory over Dflvon a few weeks ago at Wealon-super- Mare. Ebdon. in a modest reply, thought he had b',na rather lucky to geb into the English team- au opinion which was decisively negatived by his fellow players, who know the sterling value of the youtig Wellingtoniau as a tireless and clever forward. Percy John Ebdon has attained the highest distinction at a comparatively early age, for he will not be 23 until March 16th next, He was born at Milverton, Somerset, and first played for Wellington in the season of 1890 91. He has always played for that club, imly being absent on the occasions of County engagements or International trials. In October, 1893, he made his first appearance for Somerset at Bath against Gloucestershire, and has figured in every encounter for his shire since then. In the following season he was given a place in the Western Counties XV., while in 1895 lie also played for London and the South v. the Universities. This season he got into the South team, and the announcement which followed that he had been awarded his International I cap was hailed with satisfaction, but not with surprise by his many friends. He is 5ft. 9%in. high, and his weight is 123t. 91b. Though not as stalwart or heavy ns most of the forwards who have worn the rose," Ebdon is marvellously keen and quick, beine always on the ball. The manner in which he comee through a scrummage with the ball at his feet is really wonderful, while he is frequently at hand to aid the three-quai sers in a passing movement, his energy being surprising. Last seasou Ebdon in several club matches weut into the. quartette, but at forward be does best. Those who attributed his selection for England to the itifluettaki of Mr Hugh Fox, the old English half and captain, the representative of the West on the English Rugby Union Committee, might be interested to know that Mr Fox h:is stated publicly that he was not present at either of the committee meetings when Ebdon was selected for the South and for the big match at Newport. Personally, Percy is one of the most unassuming and nicest of fellows. He is a teetotaller and non-smoker, and when not footballing is occupied at a solicitor's office. I FRANK STOUT. Frank Stout, the Gloucester City and Countv forward, comes of an athletic family. His father, Mr W. Stout,^ was amateur sculling champion in 1868, and is the ouly oarsman who has taken prizea :11 all the open events at Henley. H. W. Stout—one of five brothers, of whom Frank is the youngp,-t-im a prominent member of the London Rowing Club,and another brother, Percy, plays bhree-quartar back for Gloucester. Other brothers have been more or less dis- tinguished locally in athletic pursuits. The football career of Frank-who is 19 years of age, stands 5ft. 11 in. in height, turns the scale at 12sb 8lb, and is engaged in business with his father, who is an iron iii,.re,iant-is a most remarkable one. Like Percy, he used to play under the Association code at the Crypt Grammar School, Gloucester, and subsequently for the Gloucester Association Olub. It was only last season that he turned his attention to Rugby football, and he made atioll an excellent dsbut that he was given a place in the Gloucester Counfcy as well as the City team, and this has been followed this Season by his selection for the South and Metropolitan fifteens. His chi»f forte is open play. A good dribbler, in which depart. ment his Association oxperience provided a useful apprenticeship, he is a dashing player in the loose, following up fast, and at the time he does not shirk the scrummages. Paying strict attention to training, his condition is always of the best. the best. I W. B. STODDART. Few of the English forwards pfesftnts a finer physique than Stoidart, the chosen of Lancashire, Born at Liverpool in 1871, he is 25 vears of age. weighs 13 stone, and measures 6ft. llin. in height, a capital kind of build for a forward when hlml work is required. Hf began playinR for Liverpool in 1888, and so qirckly established iiitb. self a favourite that in 1892-3-4-5 he was eleoted to fill the office of captain in the club named. It was in 1892 that he first gained a Lancashire jersey, and since that time he 1111" b-PU a regular playing member of the County XV. This year he was nominated by the Lancashire authorities for a place in the North team over the heads of Pitich well knowil Internationals as Pinch and Hughes, and by his play against -the South fully justified the confi- dence reposed in hitn.He is a certain worker in the scrummage, of which he is seldom found oil the fringe, and when it comes to the loose hft is usually to be fouhd in the vicinity of the ball. Whatever other players may do Stoddatb is almost sure to make his mark igaingb Wales and as he is the oniv Lancashire representative in thd English team Iftiigl y enthusiasts fcnrottghdtfS the Palatinate feel proud of him. W. ASHFORO. JjiKe many other players of fitat-olioli ability Ashford (who is a native of Devonshire) received his early training at Blundell's School, Tiverbon. On leaving school he proceeded to St. Thomas's Hospital, London, and played for the first team of that Hospital during the time he was located there. The Hospital had a very strong team at that period, and could give a good game to any of the London ;clubs. When his time was up Ashford, with several other Thomas men, threw in his lot with Richmond, aud it may be safely said that from the period of his accession the Richmond Club has steadily gone forward until it has now the best team in the Metropolis. Ashford is Sft. 9in. in height, and is a trifle over 13 stone in weight. He is a splendid scrummager, a real genuine worker, and withal olever in the looe. He is also a capital place kick, and has several times placed a goal from th* balf-way line, He was unable to play in the North v. South match owing to au injury to his collar-bone, but so highly did the Rugby Union Committee estimate his, form that he was one of the first forwards chosen. R. H. MANGLES. it. ti, Mangles is one of the most unproved players in training. A year 01 two since the idea of his gaining an International cap would have been scouted as ridiculous, but be has come on a lot during the present season and is probably as good a forward as will take the field. He hails from Marlborough College, where the foundation of his present excellence was doubtless laid. Mangles is over 6fe. in height, but is rather slim, and his weight is consequently rather light for a tall man, only averaging about thirteen stone. After leaving school he played several times for the Marlborough Nomads, but being anxious- to play for a really first-class team, he joined Blaokheath, but that club dropped him after a short trial. Nothing daunted he threw in his lot with Richmond, with which club he still plays. In the North v. South match he was as near as possible the best forward on the field. He pushes every ounce of his weight, and in the open he is olever to a degree. Mangles holds a com- mission as Lieutenant in her Majesty's Army.and at the present time he is located at Aldershot. F. JACOB. I The subject of this sketch was first ednoated I piivately, but is now in residence at Cambridge 1 University. He is one of the few players whose selection has not given entire satisfaction in England, many thinking that of the three Light Blues who played in the North v. Uouth match Giblin or Mortimer should have had tho preference. Be that as it may, there is no question that Jacob is a player of great ability. He is about six feet in height, weighs about 14 Bione, and ie a demon for bard work. Shoving is decidedly his forte, as he goes right to the hearb of the sorummage and is rarely seen again until the pack is broken up. This probably caused many to overlook him in the North v. South match, but there can be no question that on that day he thoroughly earned his oap. He is just the sort of forward to meet the Welsh lot, tor he never tires, and has a particular liking for hard knocks. In short, we think Jacob will justify his selection. R. F. OAKES. I R. F. Oakes has had the honour of captaining the Durham county team for the past two or three years since the retirement of John Hall, an old English International forward, now resident, in London. Oakes comes of a tootball family, his brother, W. H. Oakes, having been captain of the Hartlepool Rovers, of which famous Northern organisation R. F. the present International, is now csiptairi, a post in which he succeeded the veteran English forward W. Yiend, A man of about 13-tO., Oites is known M a resolute, dashing forward, very prominent in the open and generally firsb to share the hard work in the scruinmige. It was this latter feature of his play, perhaps, that earned him his cap when playing in the North and South match at Richmond. J. H. BARRON. I J. H. Barron, the first reserve English for- ward against Wales, is another of the gratifying finds of the Yorkshire Union that followed the famous cleavage in the county's ranks. He used to play with Bradford, but when that club became professionalised he returned to the Bind- ley Club, the team that represents his native place. He played id all the Yorkshire matches last season except that with Glamorgan, in which he voluntarily stood down. He was selected for the match with Scotland, and distinguished himself then, as he always does, by his sound and untiring scrummaging powers. In giving and taking a pass in the open, too, Barron is always* smart. He is 23 years of age, stands 5ft. lOVj'ti., and weighs 13 stone 7ibs. He is a rattling good man, and m:ty put the Selection Committee to shame, as did Bradshaw when he got on the team as reserve in the last match at Cardiff.

REPRESENTATIVES OF WALES, I The Full Baok. I W. J. BANCROFT (SWANSEA). I LikethatofGnuld, the name and fame of Bancrof I will be ever prominent in the annals of the game. I Inmost phases of play he has never been equalled, in few has be been surpassed, and no full-back oan boast of anything approaching his bril. liant record, which, so far as International matches are con- cerned, is unique, this being the Swan. sea. veteran's 22 nd appearanoe as a re- presentative of his country. It was in 1890 when, through an accident to Eng- land, of Newport, Bancroft, as reserve, got on the Welsh team, and since he has maintained his position, adding three matches to his record each year and though a JoII of fuss has been made about the merits of other men-Wales having until recently been exceptioally well off in respect to full-backs-his right to selection has always been undeniable. Bancroft's characteristics are consummate coolness on critical occasionsand marvellous kicking powers; and it would be highly interesting if the number of goals he has placed and droppad had been kept. This season he is captain of his club, and much of the success of Swansea is due to his generalship, for he is as tricky a player ap ever donned jersey. As Bancroft invariably played evan above club form In Internationals there is no warrant for belief that he will not emerge from his 22ud match with bis world-wide reputation still untarnished. The Three-quartel's. I A. J. GOULD (NEWPORT). I When Arthur Gould announced his retirement this year all who knew what a phenomenon athlete he is sincerely regretted his resolution, for no one could detect any marked deteroration in his play in the closing games of last season. When after an absence from the six or seven opening matches of the Newport Club he made a reappearance his form was very surprising to all who did not know that he had been taking periodical exercise in the olub's gyrnnasitim-an institution which has done so much to cultivate the U skaiders physioally. And with his return to the fold came a vast im- provement in the character of the play of his col- leagues, andNewportis still pre-eminent on the foot. ball field. Though he has lost a deal in pace, Gould has lost nothing in general skill or cool prompti. tude, while he has dropped more goals this year fhan for several seaaons, and has shown in the Oxford University match that he can stop rushes with a fearlessness which his fpv. detractors have persistently remsed to acknowledge lip can command. Arthur Gould at 32 is still the Prince of Rugby three-quarters. He has scored more tries and dropped more goals than any ot!i-r phiyer, his versatility and fertility in resource baing the principal features of his play. He will captain the Welshmen, and his ability in this direction-is unsurpassed. Lasb year in the Irish match he beat the record of the mighty Soots three-quarter, MaCl&gan, and the present match lib his native town will be his 27th as a member of the Welsh beam, his cap bearing datpoi from 1884 He is 5ffc. lOin. in height, and turns the scale at about eleven and a halt stones. Gould has played for Rich nionai Newport, Middlesex, and Wales in tlioie one invincible year. T. W. PEARSON (NEWPORT). Pearson, though born in India, was educated in England, and if1 Mill Hill School he distinguished himself as an all-round athlete by winning wibh one exception the whole of the events at the Antiuitl,-t)ort,- in his last year, l^lie event which did not foil to his credit Was one from which he Was barred, having secured the trophy the previous season. He came to Cardiff in hit early tteilo. and when only just 17 he wa-t doing so well for the Cardiff Club that he was tried in the Eng. land and I re I and matches of 1891. Leav- ing out Gould he is the oldest Interni.'i<,nal now piayiiig in first-class football. Io 1892 he repre- sented Walati against Kftglalid fthd Ireland, and Was then dtopped, his next appearance being made in the seasons '64-*9!s, When he played in the Scotch and Irish matches. Pearson has been the most badly used mat;, for funkihfcss w*s alleged agaiast him by people who did not recollect that he was but ft yvuhpMM compared with the bigger men of riper experience he had to oppose. t is true that; he has not acquitted himself wuh remarkable success in Interiiatidnal games, but there is every reason for hope that the conspicuous merit hfl has during the seaeon been uniformly displaying for the Usksiders will not be wanting in the present contest, for he is now the heaviest and strongest of the V$elsh backs, and he has cultivated a peculiar style of handing oft which is very efficacious. He is a:so an extremely difficult man to upset, and with his tackling there has been no faalt found by Newportouians, who are naturally very proud of his acquisition. I very proud of his acquisition. GWYN NICHOLLS (CARDIFF). I Though in a sense overshadowed by Arbhnt S Gould's great fame, the Cardiff right centre has V proved himself to be one of the best three- quarters of the day. He is nob far behind the Welsh captain when at his best. Like Gould he is a clever kick, without the pen- chant for dropping goals, is a stronger runner, but does not possess the masterful manner of the veteran, though in defence he is immeasurably the superior. A native ot Gloucester, Nicholls, who is in his 21st year, s atnds the veriest triflfi short of 6 feet, and is little below 12 stone in weight when in the pInk of condition. Last season he played in the Scotch and Irish matches, and did so well that although until the final trial game he has nob shown anything like his past form, he was given preference to Badger, the Llanelly skipper. Since his selection he has never played a game which can truthfully be described as having fallen below first-class. CLIFF BO WEN (LLANELLY). I It was a big loss to Llaneliy when Cliff Bowen, I tbeir last year's captain, and the most brilliant ( three-quarter ever de. veloped by the olub, lefb his home for Devon- port a couple of months ago. Last season ha rendered signal service in the trio of Interna- tional fixtures, and thus his claims to his place were not disputed, as since his removal South ha has been distinguish- ing himself with the Devonshire Albions. Short of stature—5ft. 6in.-he is speedy, difti. cult to tackle, and kick; with either foot with rare judgment, while bis collaring tor so smalland I light a man ie particularly good, and his tielding of the ball is clean and often marvellously quiok. Bowen is lithe and sinewy to a degree. -1 The Half-backs. I SELWYN BIGGS (CARDIFF). I In Biggs and Wells will be found two of tha cleverest individual half-backs who have been before the public daring I the past half dozen years. The Cardiff man may nob be so strong in forcing his wa.y fchroogh as the 'Quin, bub be may be brusted to feed his quarters mort) frequently than his rival if his forwards can heel out the ball, while as to defence the Eton tutor is pretty atire to suffer by comparison. BiggW success is achieved by the judgment he dis- plays in getting right up to aud often past the opposing centres before he parts with the ball. Ibis season he electrified Londoners by his smarb displays when assisting his brother Norman with the Riohmond Club. Biggs has pla/ed twice against Scotland, and once versus Ellglanri and Ireland. He is only v, few months over 20, and weighs little more than 11 stone. DAN JONES (ABERAVON). Few other men in the International team hit risen so rapidly to the front rank of footballers than the sole Aberavon representative. B irn 21 years ago, Danny," as he is familiarly called down West, started playing the game early in his teens, stod ootne three years ago joined the Aberavon premier Club, occupying the position of half-back. His appearance in the team had a startling effect on the fortunes of the club, for almost at a bound Aberavon jumped into line with the leading Welsh olnhx. Jones's sterling qualities as a half Were soon recognised, and two years ago he appeared for his county againsh Lancashire at Cardiff, where, ib will be remembered, he played a wonderfully clever and smart game, bating the then aluch vaunted English Internationals with consum- mate ease. Jones, with one exception, has since taken part in all his county's engagements, meeting Devonshire,Lancashife, and Yorkshire. He always plays wing half for his olub. He is very clever in making openings for his backs, getting away from the scrummage in smart fashion, whilst his d^fpnee is as fibunct as a rock. Dan is a brother of Evan Jones (this ypati! eaptain of the Aberavon Club) and also of Jack Jones, the county forward. He stands Sft. Sin. in height and turns the scale at list. 5ib. and follows the employment of a behindor at the Mansel Tinplate Works. Although repeatedly waited upon by emissaries fr.im the North clubs Jonea remained loyal to the club of his adoidtion. The Forwards. A. W. BOUCHER (NEWPORT), People who believe Boucher to be a shirker ot hard work in the scrummage because of his brilliance in the open should not form the conclusion that he cannob scrummage as thoroughly as any member of the pack. It is his particularly good play on the lifie- out, and generally out- side the mauls, whioh has rendered him so valuable an acquisition to his side, and the Newporb captain is the only man among the Welsh scrummagers who could be played in the three-quarter line should aocidenti ocour. Bub thab Boucher can and does shove with effect has been evident in more than one matoh of the Usksiders tbis year. Boucher has kwen chosen for all hia country'* engagements since 1892, but he was unable to make one journey to Ireland. A native of Somerset, for which county he has played, be is 28 years of age 5ft. ll%in.. and weighs close upon 13.. HARRY PACKER (NEWPORT), Last year at Blackheath Packer was about the only mnn in the Welsh nack who didn't inui. _&g bead and played up to his high reputation, which he maintained all through thelipatog. This year he spoke of permanently retiring, but caiiie to the assistance of his Old olub when diiffculties threatened. Packer h-%s not, however, b«on so prominent durit. msh few Weeks « club mates, and taut, are some who felle b. will not be able tc stay. He has neter failed in great battlea, and may yet prove one of the best scrummagers oh the field. He is 27 years old, was born at Chipping Norton, is over 13 stone in weight, and stands 5ft. lOin. This is Packer's csvtntb International. R. HELLINGS (LLWYNYPIA). Thts is the first time for Hellings to fignre in ftft International encounter, although he Was selected as reserve last year, and accompanied the team to Black. heath, but was not called upon to take part in that meffiar. able fiasco. He has, however, baen a well, known player in South Wales football circles, and has been selecMd oil three occasions to play for his county. Although bOrn ic Devonshire, Hetlingt has spent praCbiCallf all his life at LlWyoy- pia, and all his know- ledge of the game wa» acquired there. He has proved himself, especially this season, to be a forward of first-clas: merit, and although a big oue, covers a lot of gfouttd in a very short time, whiie his scrummage Work is beyond reproach. Physically he wil! probably be the bigrgpst man on th« Welsh Side, his weight being 14 stone 2 pounds, ahd height 6ft. Int. Hellings is now only 21 years of age, Attd no doubt if he takes care of himself has a lenf career before him. I J. RHAPPS (PELNYGRAIG). John Rhnpps is a typical athlete, 19 yeafS of I age, wwi?hi'of 1.3't. lOIbi, and being 5ft. lOVjin. in height, ISnlce. boy he hM worked in the coal mines, and hs ir one of the most popular footballers in the fthondda Valley. He was practically Un known as a playei before he joined the Peuygraig first team, but he Soon made him- self oornpicDolIS at an energetic worker ill the tight scruttiftiages and itrid am a kllket. 88 played for Glamorgan County against York. shire in NoVeii ber list. Rhapps's pit i«. «Uoti to highest honours has been extremely i>pu! the hulk of South Walians (insider him to bn the Weak man in the Welsh team, but his clubiivt'ps believe he will give a good account of himself If the game will include a fairly large number of light scrums. It is hoped I he will nob be overtrained.