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VALUE OF A LEAGUE.
VALUE OF A LEAGUE. A Levelling-up System CLASSIFICATION OF CLUBS Tip to Welsh Union By FORWARD No definite progress has yet been made in the matter of forming a Welsh Foot- ball League, but the subject is being seriously considered and discussed by the Welsh Union. It was the main topic of debate at a meeting of the Union Committee on Thursday evening; but at the end of it all the house stood adjourned for a fortnight, and the assurance was given that at the next meeting a tangible scheme will be drafted for submission to a general meeting of the Union. t the time of writing I am not in a position to state, because I do not know, what attitude is being taken up by the big clubs, and I have not the slightest idea as to what will be the ultimate recommendation of the Union com- mittee. Therefore, we must wait and see." Bound to Come Anyhow, the scheme is one which is bound to be adopted sooner or later. It is only a question of time. There are people who are conscientiously opposed to it for various reasons, and they are people whose opinions are entitled to be respected. The chief argument against the intro- duction of the league principle is that it will be conducive to roughness, and that it will create such a keenness as to induce professionalism. That is the bogey which frightens the anti-leaguers. There is general agreement that some- thing should be done in the direction of a systematic classification of clubs, and that public interest would be stimulated by the creation of divisions on well-defined lines of relative merit. At present the Welsh Championship is purely a nominal affair and, strictly speaking, it is quite impossible to decide which is the real champion team of Wales. Last season, for instance, Neath had no fixtures with Swansea or Llanellv. and yet they were proclaimed the Welsh champions. Without desiring to dis- parage the prowess of Neath, I cannot help believing that bad the Castellnedd men met Swansea in home and home fixtures they would have been beaten at? St. Helen's, if not on the Gnoll as well and one defeat would have been sufficient to have deprived them of their laurels There is also a possibility that they would have lost at Llanelly. In any case, it is rather too much to assume that thev would have vanquished Swansea and Llanelly in all the four matches. I am only citing this as a concrete example of the unfairness of the present system Being obviously unfair, does not the necessity exist for some better and fairer system? There can only be one answer. It is no argument to say that the big. clubs are against such an innova- tion. -Weish Union's Object The primary object of the Welsh Union, according to its own bye-laws, is to promote and foster the game of Rugby football in Wales, as well as a greater amount of sociability and good fellow- ship between. the various clubs com- prising the Union. That is plain, simple English, and the Union could not possibly have a better justification for its existence. But the first question which occurs to one's mind is this: Is that object—" to promote and foster a greater amount of sociability and good fellowship receiving the attention it deserves ? What is the answer? This season no fixtures have been arranged between Neath and Swansea, Neath and Llanelly, and Newport and Llanelly. Is that the Welsh football meaning of sociability and good fellow- ship"? We do not find English clubs at loggerheads, and crying off fixtures because of miserable petty disputes. Under a properly-controlled league system any disputes arising between clubs would be settled by the governing authority, which, let us presume, would be the Welsh Union. At present the Union seems powerless in the matter of making it even obligatory, not to say compulsory, on the part of these quarrelling clubs to meet each other in the spirit of keen, but clean rivalry. Personally, I fail to see the danger of professionalism entering into the game because it is played under a league system, and in the light of what we have seen of Welsh football during the past, few years I cannot injagine the game becoming rougher than it is to-day. It cannot be said that league competitions have conduced to rough or foul play in Association football. The very opposite is the case. I am quite prepared to admit that cup-tie football admits of legitiYnate opposition on the ground of excessive vigour, and experience has taught us that under Association rules the best class of football is that played in the league tourney, and not in the cup-ties. Cup-ties Disliked Nobody wants to see the old challenge cup resurrected, but there is a strong feeling abroad that the time has come for a fair and systematic classification of the Rugby clubs of South Wales. That is the main object of the league idea, and unless some action is taken by the Welsh Union in that direction the game is bound to suffer. So long as Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Neath, and Llanelly can play better football than the other Welsh clubs, so long will they retain their present pride of place as the leading teams. No one desires to see them losing the supremacy which they have so long enjoyed, but it is only right and proper that the smaller clubs should be given the oppor- tunity of reaching the top class. They can only do this by proving themselves worthy of that honour, but they cannot give that proof without being given the opportunity. Hence, the necessity for a well- organised league, split up into two, three, or more divisions. It is not necessary to elaborate the means by which clubs would gain promotion. Merit would be the only qualification. and its due recognition by the controlling authority would be the finest incentive that could possibly be given to the smaller clubs. It would mean a general levelling-up of Welsh football, and would tend to create a new, a more real, and a more wide-, spread interest in the greatest of all i winter games, and the game, above all, which is entitled tor all the encourage- met and stimulus that can be given it in the little country which has been made famous all the world over by its brilliant prowess in Rugby.
WINNER OF PRIZES
WINNER OF PRIZES DAVID LEAKE is the very young. but pro- mising. Maesteg centre. Possessing a good turn of speed, a powerful swerve, and extra- ordinary judgment for one so young, Leake has a brilliant football career awaiting him. as he is not yet out of his teens. He scored three excellent tries against Briton Ferry. Leake learnt the Soccer code at Ellesmere *CWlleife, and. although he playfi for the Maesteg Association Wednesday team, his brilliancy is not exhibited to half the extent it is -in Rugger. He is already top scorer of the Maesteg Rugby team, and is an all- round athlete. He took the bat at his school for the highest cricket average, a hockey stick, a cricket ball (for bowling), and a cup for the long jump. DAVID LEAKE. PHOTO, J. MACLABDY, OSWESTRY.
THE A B C OF GOLF
THE A B C OF GOLF A Popular Requirement EASY LESSONS TO LEARN I Are you in the fashion? Do you golf? If you don't, and if you do, we can interest you with the series of articles which we commence to-day, and which will be continued in the Evening Express each Saturday until further notice. The game of golf is not by any means a game for the rich, and if its popularity increases at the present rate it may even rank with football or cricket in the number of its adherents., Our series of articles will be entitled The ABC of Golf." They come from the pen of Mr. Bernard Darwin, who is acknowledged to be one of the most dis- tinguished amateur golfers of the day-a fact sufficient to enlist attention. I So much for the prospects. Now for the subject. Before we commence Mr., Darwin's A B C we will give the inquirer a few definitions, which we hope will enable him to understand the ABC more easily. If he does not intend to play golf they should give him such a knowledge of the game as will enable him to follow the conversation of his golfing friends, or to watch a golf match with intelligent interest. These definitions are recom- mended to the wives of golfers who are bored by their husbands' golfing conver- sation, which is often a nuisance because it is not understood. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW I Items Essential to the Game I 1. A golf course usually consists of eighteen divisions (technically called holes ") of varying lengths, some holes being but 80 or 100 yards long, while others are as much as 550 yards in length. There is no rule as to the length of a course or hole. The length depends upon the natural features of the land on which the course is laid out. 2. Each hole has three sub-divisions, viz. :— (a) The teeing ground, the small space of ground upon which the ball is placed when the player commences to play the particular division or hole. The teeing ground is indicated by two discs, and consists of the space between those discs and two clubs lengths behind the line indicated by the discs, which should be at right angles to the line of play. (b) The space between the teeing ground and the mown piece of turf hereinafter described, technically known as through the green. (c) The green itself (not to be con- founded with the space called through the green), which is, or should be, a fair piece of turf rolled and mown so that the ball will run across it straight and truly if properly hit with the putter, the club which is usually used for the purpose. On the green a hole is cut, 4lin. in diameter and at least 4in. deep. Strictly speaking, the green consists of the turi within twenty yards of the bole. the position of which varies from time to time. (d) Hazards, i.e., bunkers, water (except casual water through the green or on the green), sand paths, roads, ditches, bushes, or rushes. Most bun- kers contain sand. On seaside courses the sand is usually due to nature, while on inland courses it is an artificial deposit. Most bunkers abound in bad language deposited by the players. Ptayers Outfit JJ. The player should be provided- with a ball, of which there are many pleasing varieties, and for choice eight clubs, with a bag in which to carry them. He should also, if possible, be supplied with a caddie, i.e., a man or boy, whose duty it is- (a) To carry the bag containing the clubs; (b) To advise his temporary master as to the club he should take, and, in cases of doubt, as to how he should use it; and (c) To comfort and stimulate the aforesaid master, and generally to WILfRED ONIONS. Tredegar. who made a g-d impression in the Newport trial ?,h He plays wing or centre, and is very speedy and resourceful. WILFRED ONIONS. PHOTO, G. G. POWELL, TEEDEGAE. Though shot at betimes, In a manner unmerciful; Ton's goal is secure In the hands of Joe Percival. BY OUR OFFICE BOY. J. PERCIVAL, Ton's Goalkeeper. PHOTO, LESTER AND CO., PENTBE. PATSEY FLYNN. Aberavon, an old Aberavon centre three-quarter, who has rendered immense service to football in the district. He is this year's secretary of the Aberavon Green Stars. PATSY FLYNN. PHOTO, MOODY, ABEBAVOIT. TREHERBERT EX-SCHOOLBOYS R.F.C. • s WINNERS R.D.O.B. LEAGUE, DIVISION II.. 1909. • Played. 34-won 32, lost 1, drawn 1. Points for, 324; against, 8. v v J watch over and guard his interests in the course of the painful proceedings. The clubs which are commonly used are:— The driver, made of wood, which is generally used to drive or project the ball from the teeing ground, on which it may be (and usually is) mounted on a small mountain of sand (called a "tee"), which should be neatly made and on which the ball should be lightly placed. The brassie, also of wood, but with a brass or metal bottom or sole, which is usually used when the player has to play a long shot otherwise than from the tee, the brassie being what is termed more lofted or set-back than the driver, so that it will more readily enable the player to lift the ball from a level surface. The spoon, or baffy, a wooden club, also with a brass or metal bottom, which is more lofted and shorter in the stick or shaft than the brassie. The cleek, a club with an iron head, which is used for the same class of stroke or shot as the spoon. The iron, which is also a club with an iron head, wider and more lofted than the head of the cleek. The iron is used for shorter shots than the spoon or cleek. The mashie, or pitcher, also a club with an, iron head, which is more lofted than the iron. The mashie is used for short shots, and particularly when it is necessary to loft the ball, i.e., pitch it up into the air. The niblick, a club with a heavy iron head, generally used when the golfer is in trouble, e.g., in a bunker or in long grass, heather, etc. The putter, which may be constructed with an iron or aluminium head, or may be made wholly of wood. The putter is used for the purpose of putting or rolling the ball into the hole when on the green. There is no rule as to the number of clubs a player shall nse, many players carry more than eight clubs, while some, carry less. Many do not use the cleek, and some do not use the spoon. A Game of Sides 4. The game of golf is played by sides. A side may consist of one or two players playing against one or two other players. Six different classes of games are played, viz. (a) A single, in which one player opposes one other player. (b) A foursome, in which two players oppose another two, the players on the same side playing with the same ball and playing alternate shots with it. (c) A three-ball match, in which three players oppose each other, each playing his own ball. (d) A best-ball match, in which one player plays against two other players, each playing with his own ball. (e) A threesome, in which two players play alternate shots with the same ball P' al?rna ?b r player, who plays with his own ball. (f) A four-baj] match, in which two players, each playing his own ball. oppose two more, each of whom plays his own ball. A three-ball match, best-ball match, or fonr-bafl match must,-in the absence of a local rule to the contrary, allow a, match in which only two balls are being played to pass, And thus take precedence. 5. Victory in the game of golf depends upon the number of strokes or shots taken at each hole, the player who takes the smaller number winning the hole, while if the number taken be equal the hole is halved, i.e., it counts to each side. 6. Let us illustrate by a. specimen game. The players arrive upon the teeing ground at the first hole. If they have not played before, the player who has the lowest handicap (see hereafter as to handicaps), takes what is called the honour, i.e., he plays first. If the handi- caps are equal the players toss for the honour. If the players have played before,, the one who-was successful in the last match takes the honour. The caddie of the player who has the honour tees the ball, and the player drives or strikes it as far as he can with his driver, unless the hole is a short one, in which case he will use the most appropriate club. His opponent then goes through the same operation. Then the players walk from the teeing ground towards their balls. The next stroke or shot is played by the player whose ball is farthest from the green or hole, and this order is pursued throughout the game, whether the ball is being played through the green or on the green. The player uses for each stroke the club which he considers most suited for the purpose. When the players reach the green they endeavour to put or strike the ball into the hole, in which connection it may be observed that, simple as the operation appears, putting is one of. the most impor- tant departments of the game. When counting the score a put of an inch is of equal importance with a drive of 200 yards. A long put covers a multitude of sins, and very often a player who has taken two more strokes than his oppo- nent to reach the green makes up for his bad play by holing a long put, which enables him to halve or win the hole. This series of interesting articles will appear every Saturday in the Evening Expr,es&
SOCCERmrs FORECASTS I
SOCCERmrs FORECASTS I FOR MATCHES PLAYED SATURDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 5. ENGLISH LEAGUE—DIVISION L Bristol City v. Aston Villa.* •Bverton v. Woolwich Arsenal. •Manchester City v. Bradford Gits. Middlesbrough v. Liverpool. -°¥ftedtišffii United. -Notts Forest v. Blackburn Rovers. Oldham Athletic v. Notts County.* Preston North End v. Manchester United.* -Sheffield Wednesday v. Sunderland. -Tottenbam Hotspurs v. Bury. DIVISION II. Birmingham v. Wolverhampton Wan.* -Bolton Wanderers v. Gainsborough Trinity. •Bradford v. Stockport County. Burnley v. Leeds City. Fulham v. Derby County.* Glossop v. Blackpool.* Huddersfleld v. Chelsea.* -Hull City v. Barnsley. Lincoln City v. Clapton Orient:* •West Bromwich Albion v. Leicester Fosse. SOUTHERN LEAGUE—DIVISION I. *New Brompton v. Bristol Rovers. MillwaU v. Swindon.* Queen's Park Rangers v. Exeter. West Ham United v. Brighton and Hove. •Luton v. Northampton. -Plymou.th v. Watford. Southend v. Brentford.* Coventry v. Crystal Palace.* -Norwich City v. Portsmouth. .Southampton v. Leyton. DIVISION n. Aberdare v. Cardiff City.- Cbeeham Town v. Stoke.* -Reading v. Merthyr Town. < Salisbury City v. Treharris.* Played on the grounds of the. fiamed clubs. As terisk denotee probable winner Drawns left open.
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THE G.W.R. is running an excellent excursion next Saturday, chiefly in connection with the Swansea v. Pontypool match, but patrons caro also attend the Newport T. Ply- mouth and Cardiff v. Moseley games. The train leaves Blaenavon at 11.30 a.m., Ponty- pool Crane-treet) at 12.5, Newport at 12.40. and Cardiff at one o'clock. The train will run into the EMt Dock Station at Swansea, j and trains are available to the St. Relen'? gronnd. The return train "vas tbe Eaat JI „ groundS. tatin «fc UO p.m,• Sock
PROBLEMS OF PLAY, I
PROBLEMS OF PLAY, ———- Spectators' Ignorance KILL-THE-REFEPEE" SHOUTS A Possible Remedy By GWYN NICHOLLS: It has always been a matter of great surprise to me what a large number of the people there are attending the foot- ball matches week after week, season I after season, who make no attempt at becoming well versed in the rules of the game, being perfect4y satisfied with just the superficial knowledge that can be grasped by watching. Only the most obvious rulings, however, of the poor victims who undertake the! thankless task of refereeing escape their criticism. They all know when a player is off side, when a forward pass is given, or the ball knocked on, and that it should be put into the scruin straight, &c., but the big majority rept content in this, and do not trouble (and I fear never will) to enlighten themselves as regards the more intricate regulations. About Obstruction There are a few rules, too, which even a number of playjers, apparently, have failed to grasp thoroughly, and I was struck very forcibly by this in a match which I, in a fit of recklessness, attempted to referee last season. A rule states that: An offside player shall not play the ball, nor actively or passively obstruct an opponent, nor approach, nor wilfully remain within ten yards" of any opponent waiting for the ball. During the match in question I had occasion to penalise an international player (not a Welshman) for infringing the above. He afterwards questioned nw ruling, stating that he had not touched the opponent, and asked me if I expected him to get out of the man's way." On my informing him that it aws certainly his duty to do so, he laughed heartily, and I believe to this day he I! thinks me a bit of a wag. Another which brings no end of severe criticism on the referee's head is that known as the Advantage Rule. "Why didn't he blow his whistle sooner?" or he didn't see the knock-on until our man had the ball," are among the ejacu- lations one is always hearing. The law reads:— If when a law is broken, or any irre- gularity of play eecurs not otherwise provided for and any advantage is gained therefrom by the opposite side, the referee shall not blow his whistle, but shall allow the game to proceed; but if no advantage is gained by such side the ball sha11, be taken back to the place where the breach of the law occurred, and a scrimmage formed there. I There are howls /If derision if he in charge of the whistle does not blow when. from a knock-on or throw-forward by a home player, an opponent takes the ball and is allowed to proceed. They I overlook, as probably they have never known, that the infringement may be I turned to good account by an opponent, and are not sufficiently magnanimous to I give the referee credit for knowing the i game. Touch-line Tricks The alteration in the rule regarding the touch-line, which now awards the "throw in" to the opposite side when the ball is carried into touch (except when the player carrying the ball is forced in by an opponent), is sure to cause many unpleasant moments to the touch-judges until the onlookers have at last gleaned that the law has been altered. I have during the last few matches been highly entertained by the numerous yells of reproach that have greeted the official's new rendering of the rule. It has been altered with a view to keep- ing the ball more in play, but I do not consider that it is going to have any great effect, as the penalty of giving the other side the "throw-in" is insufficient to deter a man from running into touch, when to remain in play and be tackled would mean subsequent losing of ground It will be hard to discriminate when a player wilfully runs out of play or is forced out. It offers a scope for the "old stagers to manceuvre on the verge of the line so that he may, apparently, be forced in. The Remedy I It Would not be a bad idea if the Welsh Union or the big clubs were to expend some of their superfluous cash in the dis- tribution of leaflets, or in putting up posters in their grounds, giving explanat- tions of those rules that appear to cause the greatest confusion to numerous onlookers, and also to make more widely known any alterations that may be made. J quite believe that if the v spectators generally were made more thoroughly conversant with the laws of the game, the lot of the referee would be a much happier one, and there would be a scarcity of the unpleasant "barracking" which is now so often the case when the decisions of referees are not understood. There are dozens of capable men who refuse to officiate simply because of the derisive treatment to which referees are invariably subjected by the more incon- siderate spectators. I
JUNIORSO THE BALLI ^
JUNIORSO THE BALLI MERITORIOUS BEHAVIOUR I No Team of Captains I By GEORGE MERCER. I There are a dozen to a score of clubs full in the limelight. And for every one of them there are, say, ten who go on quietly, are hardly known outside their own particular area, and are content with press notices to the extent of a line in the column dedicated to Final scores." With every possible acknowledgment of the work done behind the doings of the aristocrats of the game, the promoters of these lesser lights are just as hard-work- ing. just as enthusiastic, and just as deserving. And, after all, it is the existence of these many. many junior organisations which at once show the trend of the game and are its strength. For illustration-but. there's no need. You can all see them with your eyes shut. I had a chance last week. I took it. The star turn in Sonth Wales was the visit of Merthyr Town to Ton Pentre. Almost hidden in Friday's match, announcements was a line to the effect that at Llwynypia the home club and Ynvsybwl would be playing a Junior Cup- tie. A better chance to see junior foot- ball with big attractions all round it could not be found. A Mile Away For, let me say it again, a mile away Ton Pentre was the centre of Soccer attraction, and Llwynypia (Rugby) were at home to Bridgend. I didn't quite know what I should find, and safely promised my old Porth friends who were crowding to Ton that I might see then; there at half-time. With that I was allowed to get out. Not knowing my way about. I did what any other brainy person would have done. I e,ourteonsly\ stopped the first young fellow with, Can you kindly tell me where the Soccer dub is playing?" He was equally courteous and very obliging, Just up the valley at Ton. This tram will take you there." Just to save the printer his quotation marks I'll omit the rest of the actual conversation, but my new friend remem- bered something about The Partridge," and very kindly put me on the right road with precise directions as to landmarks. If he reads this let him accept my thanks again. Lucky club, Llwynypia, to hare such a fine, big field. There is the inevitable river alongside one touch-line, but that can be forgiven. How was the Rhondda to know that she would be a nuisance to football ? I quite enjoyed myself. Such football in a hurry I have not seen for many a day. Clean, keen, and in the very best of friendly spirit, but not a moment cut to waste except when the, river had a turn. Considering everything (as has been aforesaid), there was quite a respectable number of supporters to see the fun. Unlike them. I didn't know the players, but that didn't interfere with my pleasure. I was out to see how juniors enjoy themselves. Senior clubs might easily take a hint o two from them. There was hardly a foul ran through the game. There were plenty, plenty of" tumbles. bumps, and hard colli- sions, but there was an absence of the intention which breaks the law.- Good players there were. too. The backs "kicked like 'osses." No half-and- half measures -with those young gents. Got it, Will-or" one would shout to his partner, im-the scene was changed. Who Won ? I Ynysybwl, in all probability, were not winners. I had to leave before the end, but they were then in a minority of goals of 1 to 5. Their one goal was a bit of a curiosity (although I have seen several before), and Bailey would have been a custodian of remarkable genius if he had stopped such an unexpected rebound. Apart from their avoidance of fouls, there is another point upon which I wish to compliment the players. They played in silence; I do not say that there is anything wrong in continual cbat and orderings amongst- the players, but it fairly gets on my nerves when they all seem possessed with the idea thàt, thev are captains. You know the thing I mean. The queries to Wili-o were about all I heard. To those of us who have followed ^pents of past seasons it only seems a year or two ago that Ton were members of the Cardiff District League; and not the most prominent members at that. And now, so far as South Wales is concerned, they are at the top of the tree. How long before tliere is a Senior Cup match at Llwynypin v Lower down, Porth's old gfories would pretty soon be rfYtVed couM. Sexton Blake be persuaded to spend a day or two there in a ground hunt. I accept Mr. Percy Bush's just .rebuke with all due humility, it was like my cheek to write about things which don't concern me, or of which I am ignorant. If I cannot mind my own business I must not whine if just retribution finds me out (or in). MyoId friend P. F. B.'s very straight hint and his rap over ,mv knuckles are taken without the slightest offence or grievance. I can't say more.
HUNDRED TO ONE BET!
HUNDRED TO ONE BET! On Swansea's Defeat. CARDIFF TIES EVERYWHERE. Ninety-nine in a Garden! By PERCY BUSH. I hope and trust that my many Swan- sea friends will not accuse me of rubbing it in if I once more refer to Cardiff's wonderful win at Swansea last Saturday week but I feel that what I have to say about it is too good a joke to be lost, and it, incidentally, enriched me to a fair extent, so I am rather proud of telling this yarn. On the day before the match R. B. Griffiths met me, and, of course, we began talking football. I suppose Cardiff are in for their fourth whacking to-morrow," said Griff. Well, now, curiously enough," I replied, they will not be whacked to- morrow, so you needn't think Newport is the only team in Wales to-day." Don't mind giving you 100 to 1 that Swansea win," said Digger." Now, this was a temptation, I must confess, for, if I had taken him in louis and Cardiff were not beaten, I should have won 100 louis, or about 80 golden quidlets. However, it is an unwritten law amongst footballers that they must not make money wagers, and so I couldn't make it louis, but, as I happened to want a new tie, I said to Digger," All right, old bird, T'll take you—in ties," and so the bet was made. One for Mourning. I When the result was Evening Expressed over to us on Monday morn- ing Digger came to my office at lunch- time, and we went up town together. We bought every blue and black tie in the town, and after that Digger still owed me 25. So we bought twelve blue' ones and thirteen black to make up the 100. I wore one black one as mourning. for Swansea, and, as they w»n't give you patterns in the drapers' shop over here for tying up your rose and fruit trees in the garden (they will in England), I used the other ninety and nine for decorating my garden. It was a superb sight when. I had finished tying back rose trees and various fruit trees and flowering shrubs with blue and black strips, and I was so bucked at the sight of the blue and black on top everywhere again that I spent all my meal-tunes in the garden for three days (and have lost 91b., less or more. in consequence). And now I've got a couple of French yarns or so to tell you as a sort of meat for this sandwich, for I am making this article into a sandwich, with Welsh affairs for the bread and butter, and French affairs for the meat. To thoroughly appreciate these yams you must try to imagine them happening at Cardiff, or somewhere else in Wales. The first took place at Poictiers. The visiting team had arrived on the ground early, and the homesters were not en evidence. The spectators were, though. and so the visitors went on the field and gave anxhibition for a few minutes. They tired of this, and then one of them, in his ex libera nee of spirit, started to run round the ground inside the ropes. 'J'he onlookers were vastly entertained and cheered the performer, who, much elated, ran around a second time. More cheers, so around he went again. The people had now thoroughly entered into the spirit of the thing, and egged on the ing and* youth to further efforts by cheer- ing and applauding wildly. He took it on and went around agftin faster than ever. He was the crack player of the visitors. so felt it incumbent on him to maintain the prestige of the team. Well, to make a verbose narrative con- tracted, he ran round very fast nine times, several poodles pacing him before the end, and then, just as the home team entered the field, his exertions told upon him, and he collapsed in a faint and could take no part in the match. His side lost! "Pussy" Jones Training. I I remember once seeing rrPussy" Jones running around the Park seven times without stopping, when he thought he was training. I V it was Tommy Dobson who had bet "Pussy" that he wouldn?t go round ten times. Anyway, j "Pussy" went round seven times, and then parted with his breakfast and dinner, and it took us quite twenty minutes under a cold shower-bath, assisted with a horse's grooming-brush, to convince "Pussy" that he was not beyond recall. But this other hero whacked "Pussy" by 2 up and 1 to play. Another incident which is rather funny took place also at Poictiers (I don't mind making it Crecy, though, if you're tired of Poictiers). The visitors had not turned, up when kicking-off time came, and it was a championship match, which, by the way, the home side were pretty certain to lose. The home captain—a born stra- tegist, as you will see—couldn't allow any I chances to slip. Come, my comrades," said he, we go to commence this game. no matter I what odds we strive against!" And so they went; and they lined up and kicked off. and they followed up and scored a try (one of the backs followed up finely, took the ball, and scored a magni- ficent try behind the posts). Place-kick failed, but. no matter, the homesters had won Great jubilation Scorer carried off the field in triumpli'! I -Joy, delirium, and all sorts of nice things! Knew we should win," the home supporters assured themselvesas they left the field. A hundred yards from the ground t1» visiting team wa.5 met. Where are you going?" says visiting captain. "\Ve're going home, kind sir," says home ditto. But we're playing you at football pretty man," says V.C. Oh, no, you're not, kind sir," was the it ply; "we've already played you this afternoon, and we've won by a, try. Au revoir!" And off the home team went. I can't help wondering what the result would have be?n if the b?ck who scored ?bqd knocked-on in gathering the ball! A Bump of Knowledge We had quite a, good game here last week against the champions of the regi- ments in France, and won by a goal and three tries to nil. The Colonials are a really good, well-trained side, but spoil the reputation held by France for clean play by frequent fouling. R. B. Griffiths got a try, but nothing extra funny happened except that I got a bump on the held which ieft a mark nearly as big as a turkey's egg. To come back to the bread and butter. We. the English and Welsh residents in Nantes, heM a meeting after the action of the Pennrth Committee in expelling Pascoe Howell from the captaincy because he played ior his native town against Swansea. Their action was voted ridiculously high-handed, childish, and 'one calculated to cut off their noses to hpite their faces. n It was further resolved that the only course left to Penarth, as sportsmen, was to apologise to Pascoe Howell and ask him to be captain again, and to »«k the Welsh Union not to take any action in the matter." Quite right, too; but, in the sanm breath. I heartily congratulate Pouarth Oil items able to got oil without If they have got a better man in his pleee they aro, indeed, rich. (Intending punsters, please refrain from tdluig me that the other man is Best t) f No room for more. Tata, everybody! THOMAS BARLOW, Merthvr Town, better known to the crowd, with whom he is- a great favourite, as Micky." A fine outside right, his centres from the flag always being dangerous. When opportunity occurs he is a red hot shot. THOMAS BARLOW. PHOTO, DAN OSBORNE, TRKHARBIS. W. COUCH (Llwynypia. A.F.O.) ie a promisintt left back, and is playing an excellent "game this season, and will in all probability be heard more of in the near future. He hat represented Llwynypia. in all their matches so far. and he is but nineteen years ok he has a bright career in front of him. W. COUCH. PHOTO. WILLIAMS AND WILLIAM
GLAMORGAN V. GLOUCESTERSHIRE.
GLAMORGAN V. GLOUCESTERSHIRE. I GLAMORGAN TEAM. MERRY ANDREW," Cwmparc Association Football Club. FBOTO, P. J. BXAE, TAEORK- GEORGE MARR (Cwmparc full-back} JOE BRAY, Port Talbot Steelworks Association Team.