Evening Express

r FOOTBALL IN COMFORT. GRIFFITHS & SONS' I -— WARM —— I OVERCOATS. = THE HAYES, CARDIFF, I J

I FLANIGAN'S FOREMAN. I Moral for Captains I PASCOE HOWELLS' DOUBLEI Racy Chat About St. ) Leger." I By PERCY BUSH. My dear St. Leger,—I hope you won't mind being called by your second name; but the races are on over here, and, as I haven't had time or inclination to go to them, I thought I should like to be a bit racy to-night, and so I have used your! other classic name for a beginning. It sounds, perhaps, a wee bit abrupt to branch off, after this fine commencement,, to the fact that your first appearance on the football field was in a Soccer shirt, and that for Stacey-road School. But, at any rate, it is not wonderful, for your. first appearance on the field of life was in I Roath, and the nearest place to send you to in order to give your parents a brief period of peace was this academy for the dissemination of mental food. The date of birth was 27 years ago yesterday, and since that you have put on flesh to the extent of some 72 kilogrammes, with a height of. roughly speaking, 1 £ metres. I Soccer was the game at your school, as it is for most boys of tender age, and so Soccer you played. I Scored Both Goals j You were placed on the captain s j pedestal in the season 1896-7, and that year your team went well. But the next j season was a bigger triumph still, for, thanks largely to your efforts, your school carried off the medals, and also the shield presented by Mr. Legard, his Majesty s inspector at that time. You also repre- sented your town against your dear rivals, Swansea. This match was played on the Harlequins' Ground—now the playing pitch of the Intermediate School-and Cardiff won a great victory by two goals. Pascoe St. Leger Howells was-playing centre-forward for (,ardiff, and Pascoe St. Leger Howells scored the two goals. (Cardiff City, please note!) In the return match at Swansea Cardiff won by a goal, and you were responsible mainlyJor this result. Altogether, then, you had every reason to be satisfied with your early training. At any rate, you learned to think for yourself, so that shortly afterwards you espoused the cause of Rugby, and have, naturally, stuck to it ever since. We first find you in the Rugger jersey in the ranks of St. German's, who got into the semi-final for the District Cup. You played three-quarter in this team, but, as a matter of fact, you had always pined for the full-back position, and when Penylan wanted a reliable full your services were asked for and obtained for that gallant organisation.. You played three seasons for Penylan, and in 1906-7 I you acted as vice-captain. During this period Penylan made vast strides. i At the Seaside I About this time also you were given a I trial in the Cardiff Reserves, but, although your displays were always Al, the regular and tried players at the dis- posal of the Cardiff Committee were r-atnrally bound to have the preference. Undoubtedly, you would have got your District Union Cup, but, unfortunately for you, Penylan were not then members of the District Union. So you had, per- force, to do without. Then came a slight alteration in the name of the team you were playing for, by which I mean that you were trans- ferred from Penylan to Penarth. Your presence was quickly felt amongst the seasiders' opponents, and your value to the seasiders may be gauged best, perhaps, from the fact that in this, which is your third season for Penarth, you have been elected to the highest honour which falls to a man in club football, and for the second time in your career you find I yourself in the proud position of captain. And not only that, but you have already scored two "tries this; season from alr l  Tl,- back posi 't-l on? the full-back position, which is distinctly unusual. Th3 two tries were obtained at the expense of Bath and Weston. It sometime happens that a full-back scores one try in his career—as, for instance, our full-back, Aubiy, did last Saturday— but it is certainly seldom that., he gets two, in the opening montfr of the cam- paign especially. Flanigan 11 Sacked Why not go for the lot this year, Pascoe, my pal,.and be top scorer for i Penarth.If -you find later on that your try average is not good enough, you cani put yourself at outside half, and when you are there you can freeze on to the ball as much as you like. You c:al? play there, of course, because you are captain, and, as E. M. Grace used to say, "What's the use of being captain if you can't do as you like?" At the same time, I wonder if I might be allowed to give you a wee bit of advice, Pascoe. The post of captain always seems to me much like that of the newly- appointed foreman at the works, of whom a visitor inouired, Where is the fore- man, please?" "I'm the foreman," said he. "Are you. really?" was the Ecmewhat astonished reply. Yes," said he, and I'll show you that I am. Flani- gan (turning to a workman who was hard at it near by), come here!" Flani- gan came. "Flanigan," said the newly-appointed, you're sacked And sacked Flanigan was! Mind you, Pascoe, I don't believe you're the sort of man to spoil a team by trying to rule the roost, but, still, it's always well to remember these things. During the time I was honoured with the captaincy of the Cardiff team-three of the best years the good old club has had —the men were allowed to do as they liked, and I believe that that was the reason, we were, Welsh champions each time. Believe me, the experienced players in a team know what to do with- out being talked to." Loud Applause I don't know that 1 can say anything more about your actual playing, my boy, except that you always play the game cleanly, pluckily, and classily--in fact, that you are one of the best "-but perhaps you ought to be mentioned as having played for Whitchurch as full- back for som3 time, and also as having played in France twice, at Tarbes and Bayonne. Also, that you made a very line speech at Tarbes, which brought forth Howells of applause from our very excellent French fellow-sportsmen. I was nearly forgetting, also, the toss you gave me when you were playing for Penarth against Cardiff last season. I had got through by some fluke or other, and only had you to beat, and I had Johnny Williams to pass to. When I got to you I remembered that "J .L." had been known to hold a pass, so I gave him one. He took it, and trotted over for a try, while you trotted into me and quite upset my luncheon. Someone, liprt Gunstone I suspect, had told you not to take the "dummy" from me, and you acted on it. Anyhow, I felt like a dummy myself for some time afterwards. This reminds me very much of that — match Penarth played at Gloucester, when the home team were in somewhat feskv-JD99d;-&nê:wœuå.Uy-by 43 points to 3. That fine: right winger, Hudson, had already scored six tries in the match, and Penarth were getting a bit tired of him, and determined to stop his pranks. L: -W ita T f I Sttodenly Stephens, cf Gf;t;œSœr, got ball and came off- down the field, with Hudson waiting for. the ball. Knowr ing. that hisna.me was Hudson, Y01\ all said: "Let's soap he'll get the ball!" and so when he and Stephens got to you as last man, you thought, of.course, that he would pass, and so you and three or four comrades pounced on Hudson and nearly tore him to bits, while Stephens, who should have passed, but didn't, languidly ambled. on and scored behind the posts. Hudson converted I could write much more about you, Pascoe, but if I put it in that ruthless Editor would cut it out, because I've already taken up more of his paper than he likes. So I win just content myself with saying that if Jack Bancroft gets convulsions or something, and if "Wingy" isn't playing again, and Stanley Wil- liams is out of the way. there is no fear of Wales being let dówn if Pascoe Howells is put in charge of the National last line of defence. If I can manage to get time to do so. I hope to have a game with you, okl chap, when your team comes over to France this year. Drop me a line when you are coming. Very sincerely yonrs,

ABERAMAN WANDERERS A.F.C., SEASON 1909-10. I" 1r; I WINNERS DIVISION III. GLAMORGAN LEAGUE. WINNERS ABERDARE CHALLENGE CUP. WINNERS ABERDARE AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. AND FINALISTS TREHAFOD CHARITY CUP. ">0 INSET Bert Veal, PHOTO, BUFFALO PORTRAIT CO., ABERDARE. INSET: Bert Veal. 'BACK ROW: E. Morgan. W. Morgan, W. Davies (linesman), D. S. Evans, G. Welsford, R. Samue, l, J. Brown, J. Orumb,W. Wood, T Williams. T. Evans, and C. Storey. WWn urvar. ? t n><h*a (president), F. Pontin. G. Taylor (treMUMr). C. WiIli&mR. D. Davies (Tic?ca-pt?in Fir&tXU; E. Batten » S^ond XL) T?m Finn (captain First XI.), G. Key (vice-c?in Second XI.), T. G. Cumner, G. Bressington, J. Finn (chairman and trainer), A. Drake, and A. Davies. THIRD ROW; D. G. Davies, J. H. Jones (correspondence secretary), W. Vater, E. D- av?. a, H. Rees B. J. Munday, T. J Batten, P. Williams, W. Rodber, and T. J. Dumayne. BOTTOM ROW: J. Masters, W Clark, I. Williams, and C. 8flY«rtborn« (financial «eeretarj)f ,,¡,.

THOSE HORRIBLE SCRUMS. r I An t Unsightly Vision THROUGH SOCCER GLASSES Crowd Aggravated By GEORGE MERCER. What a confession I have to make! I looked up a convenient train for a trip to the Rhondda last Saturday-and then lost it. When I got to Queen-street Station my train-mine notice—was then tearing up through Maindy, and my expected trip to Llwynypia-but I won't give my plans away. Whether I then became reckless or absent-minded I cannot determine, but I drifted along with the crowd, and did as the crowd was doing. When I fully reveal my secret a line or two lower down what sensational head- lines the editor will seize upon.—Absent- minded. Our Soccer writer lost. Found at a Rugby match—. It's out now. I wonder if I shall be trespassing if I say that I saw a Rugby game last week— and that game the Cardiff v. Newport one at the Cardiff Arms Park. If I hang a few remarks on that I experience I am hopeful that the editor will pass them, remembering that it is the first time I have so offended 11 for some years. Very weU, then. There. may be "a grain or two of wheat amongst the chaff," though whether the said grains will be appreciated is rather more than I dare assume. nted-Six Policemen. My first word is to the officiate of the Cardiff Club. Improve, by any means they like, but improve the arrangements for admission at the pavilion corner. Whether this friendly hint is acted upon or not is immaterial to me, per- sonally. But the criticisms of the hundreds who, like myself, found themselves wedged in that terrible crush there weir, terse, pointed, graphic, and sincere. And they were not complimentary criticisms either. They were not. If those three little narrow entrances in the barricading cannot be widened, or ¡ increased in number, then another half- I dozen constables should be engaged, and 1 that queue formation which acts so well round the ticket boxes in Westgate-street should be also adopted round the pavi- lion. That item briefly. disposed of, I will call up an impression or two of the game. With experts Forward and Pen- dragon, I make no attempt to agree or disagree. I do not pretend to put myself on a level with them where Rugby is concerned. Of the Decadence of Rugby I know nothing. I have never said anything. My experience, or lack of it, forbids me to speak so generally. My concern and satisfaction is the rapid increase of popularity of the Soccer code, but that growth should not necessarily impiv a lowering of the standard of Rugby, Now, should it? And what has this to do with last week? I admit that it is unfair to generalise from one instance, but this instance was not an ordinary one. I Wretched Scramble. A couple of things must stand out. In Cardiff and Newport we had two of the I most celebrated clubs in the United Kingdom, and we had a glorious after- I noon, perfect turf and all the conditions which should help to a fine game. I What did we see? A scra.mble. For five-sixths of the time it was nothing else. The last ten minutes, with that fine winning try V Newport, made some amends for the wretchedness of the rest, and almost persuaded ourselves that we had had a glorious time. Certainly, if there is any falling off in public appreciation of Rugby some of that blame must be accepted by the clubs themselves-if last Saturday is a fair sample, and it ought to be. Just recall those horrible "scrums." Not as scrums exactly, for they are part of the game, but the formation of them. Not more than one in every four was a decent one. The other three were just caricatures, and bad ones at that. At all sorts of angles. Then what a job it was to put the ball in. In the vast majority of them two and three, and occasionally more, attempts had to be made. I cannot say that there was anything illegal in this waste of valuable time, but it was very aggravating to the spectators near me. They seemed to think that things might have been better. I thought so, too. I fancied, there was room for improve- ment in one or two other little matters. I had an idea that as in Soccer so in Rugby, that when a player has played the ball he is free from anticipation of a charge.. I know of no eafier way in Soccer to spoil a game than intentional violation of this necessary observance (I have seen bad cases already this season), and here it w,as, apparently, cropping up on Cardiff Arms Park. Several times. No Decent Passing, I I used years ago to enjoy a Cardiff v. Newport match, but I'm hanged if I I could see much last week to get enthusiastic about. J Perhaps the fault was mine and not that of the game, but then, again'l perhaps it wasn't. 1? o?Y ? cou,I have had a few rounds of decent passing by the three-quarta^S it would not have been so dull. And this was first-class Rugby, played under perfect conditions. I can begin to understand why second and third class exhibitions are no longer the attractions they were. And if there is anything not as it should be in Rugbydom the blame is not entirely fixed by "The menace of Soccer." There may be another explatfa-tion nearer home. The local junior cup competition has started, and to-day will see the pre- liminary round proper. Some of the best matches of the season are provided by this competition, and the entries for the present one are well up to the standard. In senior circles this week honours go., to Merthyr Town, with two victories over such visiting clubs as Reading and Cardiff City. It is a long way yet to the end of April, but Merthyr have made an en d of Apn excellent start in the three competitions in which they have already taken part. Our ten or dozen leading clubs appear to be so evenly matched that lots of things may happen, and the certainty of football will be its uncertainty. I thank the secretaries whose fixture cards have reached me this week. and I will do my best to accept their invita- tions. The next time I lose my train I will arrange to go by the one in front of it.

WHEN THE "VANQUISHED" MEET. ONE BUDDING RECORD "NIPPED." SKIPPER TREW: Home! Elphy! MR. LLANHjLY Well, you can record that my RECORD will not be on record this season. Swansea defeated Llanelly last week. How have they ffared with Cardiff to-day?

PERCY BUSH BLAMED For Cardiff Defeats! I INIMITABLE "SIDESTEPS." I But a Good Time Ahead I I By GWYN NICHOLLS I "What is the matter with Cardiff?" This was the heading of "Forward's" comments on Saturday last, and, without exaggeration, I have been asked the same question a few score of times since. To lose three consecutive matches at the commencement of a season is such a strange happening for our club that some of our oldest and most loyal sup- porters murmur their regrets that "our prestige has departed." I am not statistical, but I have troubled to enlighten myself as to when such a disastrous start had been made pre- viously in the history of the Cardiff Foot- ball Club. History Repeats Itself. I find that the year of Tom Pearson's captaincy (1892-3) we had such another! calamitous opening, losing the first i-wo matches to Neath and Swansea res pec- tively, the third was won against Moseley, but the fourth provided another defeat— Swansea being our visitors. But it is encouraging to know that, notwithstand- ing, the season on the whole was a fairly successful one, the record being: Matches won, 28; drawn, 0; lost, 5. The two other defeats were by Newport and Swansea, but we were avenged by breaking Newport's brilliant record that season. So, cheer up, Reginald! I see, no. reason to b e- disheartened. Each match has shown an improvement, and I am confident that we have the material for making a really good side— one that will yet compare favourably with some of our best. The forwards as yet are in- an experi- mental stage. Four of them have been recent promotions, and have not had time to be thoroughly merged into the pack. Experience and constant practice together will bring about the necessary understandmg and solidity in the scrum formation which are so essential for the success of Welsh teams. When this state has been acquired, I foresee a repetition of the brilliant exposi- tions which have so often gladdened the I hearts of the followers of our club. The backs are capable, and only require constant "feeding" to demon- strate that they can still worthily uphold the best traditions. The Absent Wonder. I Perhaps we (I still feel as if I am one j of the team) have not yet got used to the a bsence of Percy Bush, or—shall I say?— that we have not yet settled down to the normal state of things that existed before his advent as a half-back in the Cardiff team. He is a player with a style pecularly his own. His method of creating openings was very far removed from the orthodox, necessitating an entire change of tactics and style by the three-quarters in order to profit (and one had to be very alert to I do so) by his adoption of manoeuvres that were to none less obvious than to our- selves. (I hope he will not consider me l offensive in showing up his weak (?) I points.) Instead of he being an integral part of the side, I am afraid that we had to fit in with Percy. And what a scurrying about we at times had! How often have we-the three-quarters atti.ined an attacking position -and j advanced n correct formation only to be thrown into disorder by the "Will o' the Wisp" darting off in the wrong (to our I idea) direction. What blighted hopes were onrs when, having won his way to the opposing full- back, with a couple of us on either side expectantly awaiting the pass, he "side- stepped" and scored himself! What Is Needed. I This little divergence is in order to explain our early disorganisation. We need re-organising and time to get into the way of things when playing with an ordinary half-back. These brilliant individualists often prove to be the weak point in a team after they have gone. Two of our best f orward--Brookman and Jenkins—have yet to take their places. The latter playing against Treorchy, unfortunately, injured his ankle, and, though he turned out at Bristol, the damage proved more severe than he thought. Consequently, he had to take a longer rest than anticipated. Reinforced by these two and with mg-, little more conscientious training, I quite; believe we shall then have a pack that. will provide our backs with a libemli supply of opportunities. Why Newport Won. I d Our backs need to look totheirf j defence. It is aH very well to say thafe attack is the best form of defence, but for the adoption of this the possession of the ball is necessary. If our opponent* i get the monopoly, as they did in the clos- jj ing stages last Saturday, it is well that some mutual understanding should exist by which our lines should be reasonablyt I secure. [ Without wishing to detract from the particularly clever scores obtained by Newport, it appeared to me that a little. jj anticipatory defence might easily have 11 secured us the victory. The prevailing' :1 idea appeared to be to "course" the man a with the ball. It is correct for one to do. j this, but quite unnecessary for three to I i be following the ,ame hne, 1 By taking a "short cut" to a point s where the possessor may be intercepted is, t, { a far more effectual of dealing with a. critical aggressive movement. On the whole, I was pleased with Jasb week's display, and there is every reason, to look forward to better times.

CARDIFF LYNDONS A.F.C. A VERY GOOD JUNIOR TEAM. LAST SEASON THEY ONLY LOST ONE MATCH. PHOTO, A. W. SARGENT, CABDITF. TOP ROW A. Kemp, E. Wood. B. Fanoott, and R. Eustance. j MIDDLE ROW: H. Gentle, R. Cox, W. Godfrey, D. Cousins, and H. Scholefleld. BOTTOM ROW: T. Hughes (captain) and L. Williams. -it:

EVANS, SKIFPF-R LLANELiLy. ?, /???????  ??gt  s FTP Al T egoo. ??   ??  GALLE

Jawbone Fractured I YOUNG, OF PILL HARRIERS, INJURED By OIUR N.U. 00ptitr;&POF40g*T. I Swinton are expecting the arrival of Smith," better known as Alf Morgan, the Aberdare centre, to assist them in their next match. Smith," as he was known in Northern Union football. is a very capable centre, and did yeoman service for Aberdare Rugby club. He played for the blues a few seasons back. but was troubled with a bad ankle and weak wrists. As he has got over his injuries the Chorley-road team will be strengthened considerably in the backs, where they at present are undoubtedly weak. Herbie Davies, the Swinton three-quarter, will be better known to Welsh football fol- lowers as the old Blackwood and Aberbar- good player. Coming to the blyes last season, he has shown great improvement, and with a little bit more method in attack he will go far in Northern Union football. He is strong in defensive tactics, and is a splendid tackier. Davies is very well built, and when near the line should be a very awkward customer to stop. He turns the scale at list. 101b., and is Sft. 8in. in height. He is a favourite at Chorley-road. Salford was much the superior team in the match against Leigh at Weaste. The infusion of young blood in the reds' for- warn line has been most successful. For Saliord the most prominent man was W. Thomas who played a sterling game at half- back. His try was glorious, and the way he drew the defence on to Dai Thomas, who was surrounded with three or four of the Mather-lane backs, and then by dummy pass- ing bounded over, proved that the old Aber- avon. man is a very skilful player. Dai Thomas s inclusion in the side has worked wonders, and he was far too good for John- son. the Leigh winger. His try was a great one, and the way he outpaced the opposi- tion and swerved by Bolewski was superb, while his dodgy runs across the field for Sal- ford's last try drew forth loud applause. In the forward line the pick was Charlie Rees, and he improves with every match. His fine turn of speed enables him always to be on the ball, and his pluck is unquestionable. For the Leigh side none did better than Dai Davies, the old Caerphilly centre. Sammy Johnson. the Leigh crack three-quarter, found Dai Thomas too strong and powerful to stop. Oldham were fortunate to escape defeat by the Rochdale Hornets Club at Rochdale. The home forwards were much the superior lot, and the play of Jenkins, the old Newport forward, was favourably spoken of. The game was marred by a nasty accident to young Oldham s most promising wing three- quarter, who was unfortunate enough to sustain a fractured jawbone. The youthful Pill Harrier wing may feel this accident in more ways than-one and maybe it has put an end to a very promising career, as his defence had only to be remedied to place him amongst the best The Oldham team at present are a bit shaky, and when they met: good clubs defeat can be looked for. Hunslet, with a sadly depleted team owing to injuries, were just beaten by Leeds at Headmgley. Toft, the Swansea half-back, played a fairly good game on attack. but was far too light to be of much use on defence and the burly home forwards brushed him aside with little difficulty. Biggs. the Briton Ferry forward. played a I PHOTO, A. BURTON, SWINTON. H. DAVIES. fine game, and was ever a source of worry fine game, and wb i ?k s by his fast following to the Parkside backs by his fast following np. while his goal from the touch-line was a superb shot. Frank Young's knee injuries. sustained in the Colonial tour, is more serious than at first, expected, and it is a great handicap to the club. as the old Car- diff custodian was m brilliant form last back end. York had their first win in defeating Coventry at the Minster City. Cowmeadow, the old Merthyr player, was very prominent. I and was unfortunate in breaking one of the bones in his hand towards the close of the game. Burchell, the old Neath half-back, is playing in fair form for the Minster Club, and a little bit of going more on his own would greatly improve his play. Dan Lewis, the former Merthyr forward, played a ,good, vigorous game, and the Midland • clnb's players will remember the Welshman's tack- ling. The game Swinton v. Batley at Chorley- road was one that was brimful of interest. and the victory of the Lions was well deserved. The Lions possess a fine set of forwards, and here -their success lay, as their fast open play dominated the game. D. B. Davies, the old Merthyr forward, was about the best on the field, and his ^display gave great satisfaction to the home sUP- porters. His try was a dashing effort, and he and Dan Davies nobly led the blue scrim- magers. Dai Dayics. at half, played a, fine game, and it is a pity that he has not three- quarters of class behind him, as many of biq openings are wast?o. Parker, the old Ystrad player, was a great offender in this respect, for he fumbled all his passes with the line at his mercy. Herbie Davies was capital on defence, and his attack is coming better. For Batley the pick was Bevan at half and Loosemore at three-quarter. Bevan frequently broke away. and Loosemore's defence was a feature of the match. The Mount Pleasant team badly miss Wattie Davies, who is hurt. and the sooner the little Cardiffian comes back the better. The team is like n sbiP without a rudder when the popular Welshman is missing. Merthvr paid the penalty of sending a I weak side to the Hull Kipgeton Rovers' ground by having a large score piled against them. The only one to show form on the Merthyr side was Boalch, the full-bao??who defended well, in spite of overwhelming odds. To individualise the Rovers' players would j be unwise, as in face of the feeble defence put up against them they bad little diffi- culty in scoring tries. Clande and Willie James did not shine as well as usual for Broughton Rangers against St. Helens, their passing being very faulty. Ruddick is a conspicuous absentee in the I Rangers' side, as he cannot agree up to now with the club re terms. The old Brecon man is the best forward the Rangers possess, and his absence' is being felt in the Wheaters Field pack.

I CINDERFORD'S FULL BACK. I JOHN HALL, the popular young full-back of the Cinderford Football Club, learned his football with the Cinderford Harlequins. He is. 22 vears, uf age. has played football I for four yearn and his dashing display against Gloucester helped his side to gain I a decisive victory over the citizens. His I I I kicking an(I touch-tinding hignly delighted j his fellow townsmen, who were present in large numbers. He is also a good all-round cricketer.

BBBW VALE. ) Ebbw Vale are to be congratulated on their ¡ display against Wigan on Saturday last. They played a great game, and, despite the fact that there was a margin of thirteen points between the teams, Ebbw Vale were unlucky to lose. Smith on one occasion dropped the ball after he had got over the line. while on other occasions the visiting team had the hardest of luck. Llewellyn's try was the feature of the match. It excelled every other try that was scored, and he was heartily cheered for it. The Wigall committeemen are of the opinion that he is the fastest man playing the pro-1 fessional game. Reg. Richards also came to I the fore, and gave A good account of himself. If Ebbw Vale continue to keep up their form. there is no doubt that their matches up North will attract large gates. The spectators in both the Oldham and Wigan matches were delighted with the display of the Valians.

I MCffTHVR I Brevity is the soul of it, and, without resorting to ponderous expressions to explain the same, suffice it to say that Saturday's match between Hull Kingston Rovers and Merthyr at Hull was a c,omplete rout. It is true that long railway journeys take away a lot of the players' resourcefulness, but the huge total set up by Hull Kingston Rovers did not warrant the play to be affected to that extent. It is haru lines itpon those good players who have to iningle with the other indifferent lot in the team, who hardly strain a nerve to win a game. Once more Boalch covered bimself with glory, and to his credit be it said that his display at full-back was sound through- out the game. But one man is not going to win a game alone, and the changing and chopping about of a team does not improve it by any means. PHOTO, DURA, CAliDlYF. MR. A. W. GARLAND (Trt-asurer Cardiff

.Schoolboys at Play 1 THE FUNNY SIDE OF FOOTBALL Sy SOCCERITS. Yielding to the wish of several schoolboy readers of the Football Express, I watched the match last week between Grange Nationals and Radnor-road Seconds at Thompson's Park. The play was cleaner and more finished than many of the senior club matches I have seen. The Grange boys won by better play, but to individualise would be unfair. On both sides the teams played good football. The sincerity and earnest- ness of the boys impressed me. and I am told that what I saw reflects the spirit that animates every schoolboy team in Cardiff. The teachers helped the lads when in dan- gerous or difficult positions, instructing them in the game. The referee even went so far as .to point out the reasons of his rulings. These tnbryó Soocerites are destined <with such excellent tuition) to become excellent plavers and critics in South Wales football (not Rugby, Gwyn 1) The spectators—chiefly boys from the rival schools—were for ever on the move,up and down the line, to the detri- ment of the players. They were "itching" to be on the field of play. Their comments were crude and amusing. Go it, Stiffy!" one continually heard, and "Stiffy," a sturdy 3ft. 6in. winger, did his best to "go it" with some measure of success. Now then, 'Miffy,' failed in its effect. "Miffy" was off colour. You're up the blinking pole," shouted a nipper, who dodged the teachers' gaze. This was because Pikey" (Pike) has missed a kick. The final whistle was the signal for a ringing Grange cheer, and the ?dnors would have taken their defeat lightly had not the news just come that Radnor Firsts had lost to Severn-road by 7— ff. Schoolboy matches are an excellent foot- ball tonic. CHANCE FOR THE BULLDOG! That- Merthyr did not win by three goats instead of the odd goal is due to Cardiff's defence. Undoubtedly, up to now Merthyr are the best team in South Wales. They certainly Can claim to be "Cocks of the South," and risk Ton Pentre's right to the title. As I said last week, they play good I football, and are entitled to full credit for clean play. Their one black spot on a clean I sheet is Tudor. # In three matches I have noticed his erratic play. and if he doesn't alter his -'tactics Brindley had better set his bull-dog on him and cause him to be hors-re-combat. I was in the. thick of the melee after the match. and was glad to see the Merthyr directors working like Trojans in the successful effort to suppress the ugly temper of the few irresponsibles who wanted to get at Yank Powell. I am sure Mr. H. C. Davies risked injury and had rather a rough few minutes in his endeavour to warn the reckless few of their foolhardi- ness. CARDIFF CITY'S SPECIAL. The first Saturday special train. to a City away match was both a success and a faihITe. Successful by reason of the big l crowd it took away, but a dismal failure on account of its arrival 40 minutes late on the return journey. Imagine a train-load of football enthusiasts "held up" at Ystrad- mynach for over twenty minutes knowing the Football Express was out, and unable to get it! No wonder someone suggested the Taff to Quaker's Yard next time Cardiff go to Treharris. ABERDARE'S TEST. Stoke are the visitors at Aberdare on Mon- day in a Southern League match. and, in view of the 'Darians' recent good form against Reading, the result will be interest- ing. So little is known of the composition of the Stoke team that the following details will be interesting. IF Aberdare beat Stoke -'jinff said! Qoal: ,T. W. Robinson. Famous, international has played for Lincoln City, Derby County. New Brighton, Southampton, 1 Plymouth Argyle, and Exeter City. Backs: G. Turner, a local lad,, who will find a.place in still higher circles; and J. JIay ,wbit bái},ø from Lanark; played for Barnsley and Ches- terfield. Half-backs: S. Baddeley, a consis- tent right half, who has played for Bupel«m Port Vale, a prodaot of the Potteries—plays, a great game; H. Leese, centre Iraifrittr' attractive plaver, who is worth seeing in'tne I ?etd; had a season with Bradford City. but prefers his old love,best; and T. Thornton, a Brummagem left half. formerly with Crewe ,Alexandra; vigorous player, who should shine at Aberdare. Forwards: F. Leigh, out- side ri?ht. when at his best plays a remark- able game: has played for Aston Villa and BarnMeY; W.. E. Smith, a dead shot from inside right position; a Lancastrian who has seen service with Dar*en, Nelson, and Brad- ? ford* City; J. G. Peart, centre; he can find the goal nearly every time; the mopt dan- gerous shot in the quintette; two seasons with Sheffield United has brought him out; South Shields is his nativity; A. Griffiths, inside left left the old Stoke team for Old- ham Ath!etic. but last season came back to Stoke; A. Baddeley. outside left; another Oood shot: he can centre splendidly; like Griffiths. has returned home after wander- ing to Bradford. I give the above particu- lars owing to so many inquiries as to who the Potters are. Their play is top class. and all who can get to Aberdare on Monday should do so. It will be a game of styles! WXMOCKIS REMARKABLE RECORDS. South Wales admirers of the great little Wedlock will be interested to read the fol- lowing remarka.ble list of trophies and records held by him. They appeared "in the official programme at his benefit match last Saturday:- I I Club Keoorrts.—Mel rose Football Chib, Arlington Rovers Football Club. Bristol City (three matches. 1900-1). Aberdare. 1901-5: Bris- I tol City, 1905 to date; Austrian-tours, 1908 and 1909; South African tour, 1910. International Record.—v. Scotland. Wales and Ireland, 1906-7. 1907-8, 1908-9, 1909-10; inter- national trial games, 1906-7. 1907-8, 1908-9, 1909-10. Holder of 12 international caps. 4 trial caps, 1 Professional v. Amateurs, and 1 for Austrian tour. Inter-League P.,ecord.-v. Inland, 1908; v Scotland. 1908: v. Ireland. 1909. Medals.-I silver (knock-out Competition), 1 silver ("County"), 2 sihrer (" Junior Club") 3 silver (Junior League), 1 gold (Warminster Tournament). 1 gold (for winning 4 cuns in 1900-1). At Aberdare: 1 gold (South Wales Cup), 1 gold (runners-up, Welsh Cup), 1 silver (Welsh Cup), 1 silver (Rhymney Valley League), 2 Silver (runners-up, South Wales League)* Bristol City: 4 gold (Gloucester Cup). 1 gold ("Promotion"). 1 gold (mnners- np. First League), 1 gold (runners-up, English Cup). 3 Gold (inter-league), 1 large silver (Continental tour). 1 gold (South African tour. to be presented by the Football Asso- ciation). CARDIFF CITY'S MASCOT. I I am in a position to announce that there I is now a Cardiff City supporters' club in existence. The response to the ,appeal for members at the initial meeting was magnifi. cent. and already a tangible move has been made in the direction of formulating schemes for the club's success and progress. A public meeting for everybody anxious to see Soccer flourish in Cardiff is caHed for next Wednes- day night at the Bristol and South Wales HoteL at 8 p.m. If you have a white goat you can bring that along as well, as the club is going in for one as a mascot. GLAMORGAN LEAGUE-Div. ii I i Who's Who in Aberaman Wanderers I Aberaman Wanderers Association Football Club have a proud record. They are winners of Division II. G?mprgan League. 13094C. and the Aberdare District Lea?He;- ?eo hoi?ders of Trehafod Charity Cup and .4.1be -1 ? i dare District Cup. The team are all local I men. The season's record to October a was.- „ —'v » D ls Goals P- t,D- For. AgsL )  Ee8f»Wam-wutil to be Ko?? the premiers! The headquarters are at the Lamb and Flag. where twice a week. under the direction. of Jack Finn and his assistant. George Davies, the players train. The secret ot their success is largely due to their strict attention to training. Oother teamm3. please note. JACK FINN (chairman), pioneer of the club. Formerly with Aberaman old professional team; also acts as trainer. A splendid i shepherd to the flock. W. GRAINGER (vice-chairman), depatime Finn to a nicety. His help and advioe always welcomed. When not working spends his spare time in interests of club, J. H. JONES (secretary); second season in office. Captain last season's Thursday team. The life and soul of the officials Hard-working scribe, who also fills in hia time as secretary of Aberdare District Air Rifle League T. DUMAINE (treasurer). Relieves the amm tary of some of his work. but prefers to relieve the members of their subscrip- tions. A regular oof bird. GOAL: B. MUNDAY. "As safe as houses." Can got away most difficult shots. He is worth a place in a premier team, but intends to see the Wanderers to top place again. Can be capably deputised by E. WrentI more, who is very useful. BACKS: JIM WILLIAMS and W. OWEN play at rwfct back alternate weeks. Both players, whose game A strong vet cSm-n T. J. CUMNER, a clever left back.'P?r?i tackler. Grand defence; sound in judg. ment. -HALF-BACKS (selected from): DICK SAMUELS (right half). On the beary side, but always where he is needed. Con. sistent and determined player. K POWELL also does well at right haM. a SSita M.E? all the way till "»»»» whistle blows! TOM FINN (centre half). Last season's cap- tain. Emulates Fatty Wedlock to the letter. The pivot of the trio. and a cha- on spoiler. The handy man. who can shine in any position EVAN DAVIES (left half). Verv fMt and tricky. Ilas Played Rugby successfully, but-prefers the footer code, and does it* J US uiCv* FORWARDS (selected from): W. CLARKE. A cute outside right. whom tactics worry his opponents. Pine and tricky shot. Splendid judgment in short passing game. GEORGE KEY (vice-captain). Ereels at etrt. side right: also assists reserves. A bnst- ling player, who is always on the hall. E. HARPER (inside right). Partners the wing man splendidly. A dangerous shot, whose drives take some stopping. 'WOOD (centre) The old "war-hon?" Apt to get a bit slow. Buck up. "WoofH." 0 goal the ball. Let her ? *???I! ?. get goals. C. WILLIAMS (inside left), whose fame M & penalty kicker is well known to opposing goalies. All round sport, who is a host, in himself when he gets the ball. C. S. SILVERTHORNE (outside left). A JWO- dnct of school football, who captains the Wanderers. He is hot stuff, and his centres are beauties. A player worthy of a premier team. LINESMAN: W. DAVIES, who at times wonld like to leave the line and play himself. A sport irhone services are greatly appreciated.

NEWPORT BOYS' BRIGADE OLD BOYS A.F.C. PHOTO, W. G. BUSBY, HEWPOWT. StSm/E ^OW Er Bristowe, ft' °rcfaar? (vir^p^K:P-. E\ Ifne' P 0- Bray, G. F. Short- T. Wheldon, and T. Smith, BOTTOM ?tS? Wc? ??' ? Oroh&rd (Tic?o.pt&m)P. E Lane. P.O. Rr.y. G. Daw.s. F. Short. T. Wheldon, .nd T. Smith. MIDDLE ROW: G. Wa,tkms (hon. secretary). R. C. Brittain, A. Lewis. W. H?wkaley, Md W Sergeant. I NOTTON'ROW: B. Lippi&tt/G. MH!M, G. F. Jones (captain), G. Dt?eaMdB Pt?y