Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
14 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
INTERNATIONAL: MATCH.
INTERNATIONAL: MATCH. SCOTLAND V WALES AT SWANSEA. VICTORY FOR WALES. BY "OLD STAGER," On Saturday for the 16th time representatives •>f amittetir teams frorn Scotland a,nd Wales opposed each other in Rugby footbaU, the match )eing decided at Swansea. In the aeries of snatches in the International tournament this was 5hesecond ot the season, Wales on January 6th At Gloucester decisively beating England and ocouand was now making a trial of her strength. On the Welsh side the playevs with two exceptions "vere those who upheld the honour of the Piinci- oanty so well against the Saxons, and tlie -fcau^es made were for improvement in the side as a whole. The unfortunate accident to Sellings pronght in George Dobson, who was first reserve forward for the English game, and the timely return of Gwyn Nicholis from his Australian :oar added much to the confidence of the back division, particularly after his fine play of Satur- day last, when he showed that he has lost nothing 'in speed or resource, and that his increased weight amlie3 him even more difficult to etop than here- tofore The We'.3h side was not a "rent one, and wa3 not expected to rise to the high level of 'ieams in several recent years. Bat that every mau was a trier," and that they would combine with success was beyond doubt. The strength of the Scotsmen was centred in their forward section, and as the morning promised a wet a^te5* noon it was considered that the conditions would ')e eminently favourable to the style of play it which they excel, while a wet ground and greasy ball would minimise the efficiency of the vYelsh strong point—heeling out by the forwards, nd rapid passing and speed amongst the backs. However, soon after noon the prolonged rain :eased, and thanks to the sandy bottom of bt. Helen's field the surface water soon dried up. v,c Gpto within a few minutes of the advsctisecl iime for atiLrting-3 o'clock appearances m- iicatcd that after all it would be dry overhead, jut much to the dismay of the record gate for -r Swansea which had assembled, a heavy shower >f hail again fell. The shower was too severe to last long, ana gave way to bright sunshine while the time for the itart was ten minute3 off. The teams were piiofcogEapiiecl ID trout ot tho rrrand stand and special cheers were raised for Nicbolls and Bancroft as they crossed the field. A very stiff breeze was blowing from the direc- tion of the Mumbles, and it was evident that which ever Ride won the toss and had the choice of ends would secure no inconsiderable advantage, if this factor did not determine the issue of the match. Comparison of thB players plainly showed thatWales were certainly not,as is 1 generally the case, lighter forward. Thomas, of Swansea, was the smallest man on the Welsh side, but there were several Scotchmen not a pound heavier than he, while, except Willie McEwan and Morrison, the Scottish captain, jhe visiting pack was only of average weight. The teams were constituted as follows :— WELSH XV. Back- W. J. Bancroft. Swarsaea. Three-quarter Backs- W. Llewellyn, Llvynyyia. E. G. Nuholls, Cardiff. G. Davies, Swansea. W. Trew, Swansea. Half-backs- Louis A. Phillips, Newport. G. Llewellyn Lloyd, Newport. kot,Nards- A. Bryce, Aberavon. G. ifoofcs, Newport. F. Millar, Monntain Ash. K. Thomas, Swansea. J. I. Hodges, Newport. J. Blake, Cardiff. W H. Williams, Pontymister. G. Dobson, Cardiff. SCOTTISH XV. Back— H. Rottenbnrg, Cambridge University. Three-quarter Backs— A. B. Timms, Edinburgh University. W. H. Morrison. Edinburgh Academicals. T. L. Scott, Langholm. J. E. Crabbie, Oxford University. Half-backs— H. Fasjon, Cambridge University. J. I. Gillespie, Edinburgh Academicals. Forwards- Mark Morrison, Royal High SchooL W. MaEwan, Edinburgh Academicals. e D. R. B. Siveright. Cambridge University. F. W. Henderson, London Scottish. J. A. Thomson, West of Scotland. J. M. Dyke, London Scottish. G. C. Keir, Durbam. T. M. Scott, Hawick. The pla.yers took up their positions in accor- dance with the following plan PLAN OF THE HELD. WALES*. SCOTLAND. THE GAME. When the Scotchmen came on the field" God Save the Queen was being played by tbs band, and the chorus was taken up with fervour by the vast crowd, which had just heard the rumoured loss of Warren's guns. The Welshmen were led on the field by Bancrofta. few minutes later to the strains of the Men of Harlech Fate was against the Welshmen for losing the toss, they had to kick off agamat the sun and a very stiff wind It was quite dry overhead when Bancroft kicked off.the ball going very close to the Scotchmen's right touch-line, where Y' Crabhie failed to talxe it, and was prevented from making a second attempt by fast following « I? U II Williams The first scrummage up by rat|ier ntiickly, but tha ball did was broken np rather qu cKV, phil]!pa SSdSbJfi Nicholls, wjo^ged T,^ very cleverly and PunI?d ^v\ h f04ards .hoved yards thereby. The Wela*ntI00U the gCrQm. their opponents ore the ban, »fferwards ,0 find jh. bjj| auK! ,Hhler.LSed.5a George Davies who was splencudley Uddod,, and presumably for holding on to m0 s^ott npnalised. The ball was placed for lorn facotc, who camb very near to placing a goal. Bancroft touched dGwn, and Orabbio kicked out, safely screwing the ball into touch. Then the Welsh forwards wheeled the scrummage in splendid stvle but Crabbie running into the centre made ..♦•mark and stopped a rush oy so doing. ExTcily ten minutes of the play had gone by and WaleS bad been practically on their own side of tha fie'd After Bancroft had nearly let his side down bv missing with a flying" tact, a second penalty was "iven lo Scotland, and tney had hard lines m onl" gaining a minor from a capital kick. The Welsh forwards were beginning to feel their -i, and after a general rAsh they got bL U,y b«W very cleanlv to Phillips, who passed to Lloyd, and th. half-back Bhowed grand resource by slippin„ Gillespie and Fasson, aud travelling up to Crab- bie, when Siveright checked his pass to the left wine This firat example of brilliancy by a back won loud cheers from the crowd, and had an encouraging effect upon the Welshmen. The forwards heeled out twice, bnt the tackling of the centres, particularly of Timms was wonderfully good, the Australian ice catching George Davies with the ball in his ossession, although the Swansea three-quarter Morrison's man. Then there occurred su"h r«:nt back play as has seldom been witnessed in the annals of Welsh club matches. From eV6n « a little on the Welsh side of the halfway nZCtrl* had the ball heeled to him, and while the IhiUp half-backs were watching him, two opp ..g3jon that he would endeavour |;o under the P he threw directly to Llojd. break pa^ Was successful, for Lloyd The man,p -w the Swansea three-quarter, with passing to J-J' hig Qwn wing) passed to afeintto trav whQ 'thro!V t0 Nicholls, and tho George Uavie*. tha,t magnificent swerve, for Oardifhan nw<* o Llewellyn the ball just Which he is tn3' The fleet Llwynypiau with on tho halfway • r11 0pp0=,iti0n, and made a splendid effo" 0ft had the wind to com tend ^rand Itj. missed its mark ouly by an ^ith, and his el'oi' the crowci being deceived 3.»oh or two, the buiK j been 'piaced. ^ito believing that a whole compiexion of point bad altere ■ wjjQ were pressing, was now « for the ne3Ct ten they continued » and Kerr were play f'^utes. Dykes, McEwan, Bryce, rtcdfje?, well in the Scottish pack ^yaies. it Blake were doing even _raCtically confined a ding-douf; battle, a^a P centiin^ their forwards, the Scots close, and the efforts in keeping the at their yeluhmen beating their opp fence fQar?cieristic rushing game. and the homo •vas faHjnf, upon the Scottish bttCKS, mac(o no 3tward8, evidently acting under or time- "itempt t0 ope/np the P1^ aitcv ^hat was the first back movement „nc[idlv, ■"ryca had gone through a scrummage SP conld ••nd tackled Crabbie before the Oxonia Ket rid of the ball. Phillips passed out to Jt ftud Trew, missing George Davies, had pass ?icholls. Llewellyn iust failed to take the tran-. from the Cardiffian, or a second tty w°u been a certainty, inasmuch as Scott was 0 01 his position on the opposite wing. Wales exacted a minor, and then the Scottish forwards, f*H>ed by quick panting by their b&cbs, got mto >wing, and with ft series of rashes trans- ferred the venue to the Welsh 25. Wales now had several narrow escapes. Pontymister Williams once saved from a for- ward rush, and George Dv¡eö tackled Morrison when he had but a couple of yards to travel. Welcome relief was afforded by the sp.endid kicking of Phillips,which landed the ball over the touch-line exactly at halfway. Wales were netting towards the Scotch 25, when they were repelled by kicks made from marks by Scot con the left wing, Thomson in the pacK. and Crabbie on the extreme right. Loose rushing took the ball over the Scotch 25 line, and after some nassing George Davie- got possession and finding Trew covered made an abortive drop for goal. Play for the next five^minutes continued fast?but lacked arty couspicuous merit, all play- ing a hard game, but none excelling. The venua remained on the Scotch side of the field, and George Davies lost a beautiful opening made by Lloyd and Nichollo by knocking on the ball when he could have pat Trew in with case. The Scottish backs all kicked well, and their forwards following up very speedily play I was transferred to the Welsh 25 line. Here Trew tried to field the ball, and missed it, and then Scotland were very lucky in getting a try as the result of unscientific piay. When the forwards had broken through one of them kicked hard, and the all went close up to the line. Bancroft was evidently waiting to taks the run out of the oncoming forwards; but missed the ball, and Dykes following up fell on it and scored. Scott tried the shot for goal, a.nd did not miss the mark by very much. A couple of minutes after this equal- ising of the score a long kick gave Scottaud their fifth minor.' Willie McEwan made his mark from the kick out, but nomaterial advantage accrued. The Weldbmen had got to neutral ground wheu they had the misfortune to lose Williams, of Pontymister, who had received a kick on tbs back of the head. It was plain that he was quite groggy," and he bad to be led off the ground. From the scrummage formed by the seven forwards Wales got out the ball and Nicholls, fielding in marvellous fashion, was off with his customary difficult-to-stop gallop. He dodged Timms and brushed off Morrison with consummate skill; and then when Tom Scott was coming for him Nicholls showing grand resource put in a kick and avoided the toucii line, and running up put Llewellyn on side. The Llwyny- pian adopted identical tactic*, and kicked over the line, and Nicholls outrunning Rottenbnrg go.ined a fine try, whtch however Bancroft just failed to convert. Half-time was almost imme- diately announced, Wales leading by 6 points to 3, and having had much more of the play than the score represented. Half-time Score- G. T. M. I WALES 0 2 1 SCOTLAND 0 1 5 As Wales now had the wind and the leading points in their favour, and seeing that they had also not been worsted in play up-to-date, and adding to this the fact that Buller Williams was now in the pack sheer bad luck alone could pre- vent the Welshmen from winning. Following the kick-off two scrummages took placc on the Welsh side of the centre, from the second of which Lloyd got the ball away, and passing over the head of the Swansea three-quarters, gave to Gwyn Nicholls, who took the ball at top speed, and ran well into the Scottish half before he was pulled down. Wales commenced to press hard. Their forwards seemed to get the ball as they liked, a want of cohesion among the Scot- tish backs now being very pronounced. Lloyd started a fine passing movement. From Phillips the ball went through the hands of Llewellyn, Nicholls, and George, Davies to Trew. The Swansea left centre had been a little undecided whether he would not hirmelf trv to break through and so Trew was stopped by Scott before he couid get well under weigh. Bryce aud Jure Blake now put in good work, Blake openiug out play by smart fielding in the loose. A scrummage was being held in front of the visitors' goal- moatb, when the halves were penalised for nIl- fair interference with Llovd. Bancroft tried for goal, but though the angle was considerably easier than from any of his previous efforts, he failed to put in as good a kick and gained a second minor. Wales had been going very strong since the restart, and it was somewhat of a sur- prise when Gillespie, Dyke, and Kerr carried the ball down between them almost to the home 25, where Nicholls saved. Good forward play re- moved the scene of operations to Scotland's 25, where George Dobson picked up cleverly in the loose and started a round of passing. Lloyd, Phillips, Trew, and George Davies in turn had possession, but little ground was gained until the ball was given to Nicholls, who ran round Timms and then passed to Llewellyn. Rottenbnrg accounted for Llewellyn and Timms held on to Nicholls so effectively as to prevent a, repass. The Welsh passing was now simply demoralising the Scotchmen, who, however, maintained a good defence, thongh their side Waa represented by 15 units, there being absolutely no sembitnce of combination. Another lovely chance was lost by the Welsh left wing, George Davies and Trew both showing hesitation at the psychological moment. A try seemed a certainty for Trew when Jere Blaka nassed out to Nicholls, who threw to George Davies, but the Swansea left wing was tackled a yard off scoring when the frantic cheers of the SDectators showed the impression that a try had been made. Exactly a quarter of an hoar haul elapsed aitica the interval and Wales were continuing to press, bat the v/orst of kick was against them. Once more Nicholls had Timms and Morrison clinging to his legs aud shoulders after hs had passed to Llewellyn, and once again a repass-a it was bound to end in scoring—was unfairly prevented. Yet another chance was given to the Swansea players on the loft wing, aud this time, i designing a repass for George Davies, the bail was thrown directly into the hands of Crabbie, was found touch with a screw kick. Jere Blake ag^in started the backs, and it looked any price this time oil Llewellyn or Nicholls scoring, for Nicholls broke cleanly round the opposing centre and Llewellyn beat Scott, only however to be swung into touch by 1-tottenburg. Following play well in Scotland's 25 was somewhat desultory, until" Buller Williams and Miller col- lated Rott jnburg on his line. A second or two aftrrwards the ball came out, Lloyd passing wide to Davies. Nicholls, between Davies and his witig, er.Ited for a pass, but he was chsr^ed by Hottenburg and Morrison when inches off the goal-line, over which he made a gallant effort tCl force his way. The attack from half-time had been far more severe than it was at, any stuga of the English motoki last year, Ittld it was marvel- lous how the Welshmen had been kept from scoring. At length one of the forwards again Dlayed the by sta.rting his backs, and after a, passing bout, in which most of them had participated, Llewellyn IIgain got possession from Nicholls, who had run light up to Scott, and scored a. clinking try, Bancroft's third elf jrt being unsuccessfol. No relief was afforded by tho Scotchmen's drop-ont, and Boots and Bryce almost got a try by quick following Up. the ball going dead. Bancroft now showed really fine workmanship, and from kicks tho minors were eoualised-five each. This continuous attack kept the crowd at fever pitch,but the tension was broken when Dykes, who was head and shoulders the beet forward on the Scottish side, again made a magnificent break away. Nicholls tried to stop the London'Scotchman and just failed. Bancroft fielded with safety, and convulsed the crowd by trifling with the Scottish forwards. Following up a clever kick by tho Swansea veteran full-back, Bob Thomas, with Hodges and Boots close up, prevented Rotten- bnrg replying at halfway, and then after a series of rushes Buller Williams scored what wos destined to remain the fourth try. The drop-out was again followed by attacks on the Scottish position, and the sixth minor fol- .owed. Nicholls, and his partner, Llewellyn, once nrore beat their men, bnt Llewellyn eluding Rottenbnrg was dashed into touch by Scott. The seventh minor came from a placo kick by Bancroft, who had had a 3hy for goal as the result or a mark made by Hodges. Time was now approaching, and Wales were pressing hotly as ever, scrummage after scrummage taking place within a few yards of the line. Good passing gave Nicholls the ball, and he made a fiue run, but George Davies, to whom he passed in the nick of time, failed to take advantage of his opening. In the final minute Trew missed a pass, which, if taken, would certainly have added another try No side was then announced, and Wales had won with a greater ease than the 12 points to 3 would indicate, several of their minors being the merest shade short of scores. ,Pinal :Score- vt. T. M. ) WALES 0 4 6 SCOTLAND 0 1 5 NOTES ON THE GAME. (BY OLD STAGER.") Such a spectacular treat as the game afforded has not been witne-ssed m International contests since 1893, when Wales won the triple crown. It was in that year that the Welshmen converted the conservative Scots to the value of the fouc three-quarter system, when in the memorable match at Edinburgh to-day's winners beat Scot- land pointless by a, goal gnd throe tries. Tlv.it engagement stands in relief as being the one in which the Welsh passing was seen to signal advantage in International encoun- ters, the three-quarters of that day being Arthur Gould and his brother Bert, Norman Biggs, a.nd McCutcheon, all men who could field the ball when on the run. We had to wsit a. long time before we conld show a repetition of that skill in attack which has won for our ctnbs the foremost place in the annals of Rugby football. Generally speaking, we have suffered from failure in physique on the Dart of our forwards. The first occasion on which our scrummagers were able to more than hold their own was at Newport a couple of seasons since, but that day our backs were playing at a decided disadvantage, for the conditions were an bad as possible for displaying excellence in the passing art. Last year at Swansea we had favonr- able circumstances, but were opposed by an un- usually weak side to-day our forwards were met by a good pack, and the Welshmen proved them- selves the cleverer in essentially Welsh tactics, while they were not decisively beaten in any phase of forward play. The result was tba^ the Welsh scrummagers wvre able to feed their backs, thus affording every possible chance for their characteristic mode of attack, while at the samt time the home forwards at no point of the game allowed themsehes to be mere feeders of the backs. The match was prettier than that against Eng- land, either last or this 6eason, a-id it was not so only because of the vast superiority of the Welsh backs. There has never been so much passing as Was indulged in to-day in any International match in the long series, but thsrehas been mnch moro effective transferring amongst the three- 11arter in manv contests. Tiie really gratifying feature from tbe point of nf Welsh footballers, was tha marked itn- V1CWoTrent ia the Welsh forwards. Not only did P1' dn all that was required of them in the way ,iine the ball, but to them is due the great olJieUing through ail stereotyped method credit of brwtanj t o £ b fcy in opening qrdck gelding in the open. di Aftcr^h« WOlk contribnted y eVeF7 member of the pack, it is extremely unlikely, as it would be certainly unjust, to make any change should the eipht players mantiain their form up to the date of the friiti match. Though each individual exhibited more than the usual amount o £ excellence on occasions, two de- serve special commendation for their energy and skill in the front rank. The foremost players foiward were Bryce and Blake. The Abernvoij Con- stable did not quite eqa.l his magnificent display at Gloucester, while Blake-tsligbtiy improved upon hi- on that day. The Scottish forwards were a little faster as a body in open rushes, but they lacked ia cohesion in the tight sciuramages, and it was frequently apparent that their ideas did not harmonise in the loose ru<;b,n. Drib- bling of the high order, such for instance as was evidenced when Macmillau led the pack in 1393, was entirely absent, and those who had half- heartedly supported Scotland uucing the week and had been convinced of victory for the Northerners on the knowledge that the ground was heavy through assumed superiority in drib- bling, were doomed to great disappointment. In fact the solitary try scored by Scotland was in,!io",w&y due to any pariicalftr mgriton the part of the forwards, inasmuch as Bancroft's failure to field was almost inexcusable, for he was given plenty of opportunity to score through the faiiare of the Scotch forwaids to keep close, to the ball, one of the pack having kicked it at least 20 yards away from bis fellows Dykes however, deserves ail the praise he will receive for taking advantage of Bancroft's remissness, for the London Scot was immeasurably the best forward on the visitors' side, fatrlv towering above such famous men as McEwan and Morrison. The Welshmen held the ascendency from the kick-off till no-side. Still, while it appears captious to complain, no good purpoae would be served in awarding praise indiscriminately to all. As a matter of fact, the left wing was weak, neither George Davies nor Trew playing up to their reputation, or, indeed playing a whit better than they did at Gloucester, despite the fact that there Davies was injured and Trew had far fewer opportunities in attack. Nicholls's value to his side was incalculable, his defence being perfect. It was ao fault of his that double the number of t,ries were not scored, for be made openings j galore, and on no single occasion did he fail to take his pass. This is all the more meritorious considering that he was under the disadvantage of playing against a mall of known strength in defence, and one who had had opportunities of knowing his play to a nicety while on the Aust-a lian tour. It was, however, Llewellyn who came most into public notice, and as in the last couple of English matches the Llwynypian was in grand form. True he made a couple of mistakes, but his dash, speed, and coolness irresistibly appealed to the crowd. He and Nicholls were opposed to the strongest defensive wing, and Scott'a pace was often useful. More scoring must have taken place on the right wing had Nicholls and Llewellyn not been fouled and so prevented from taking re- passes. At half-back Lloyd and Phillips both sustained the high opinion formed of them in tha match versus England. In all phases of play the Newport couple ex- celled, and while the defence of both was sound, Lloyd's cleverness in resource and his dodging ability was squalled by the splendid fielding and screw-kicking to touch put in by Phillips. The Welsh captain at full-back was solely responsible for the try gained by Scotland, but outside this blemish no one could be other than thoroughly satisfied with his performance. He had no rnshes such as he had a Gloucester to contend with, for the half-backs and Nicholls checked the Scotch forwards time after time As to Scotchmen,Dykes and Kerr struck me as being the pick of the basket forward. Both were tireie-M, while Morrison and McEwan, who bear mote famous reputations, frequently lost their heads and lacked the fire which is characteristic of their play. Of the halves, Gillespie from onr points of view was the better, but neither he nor Fasson, or, indeed, anyone of the Scotch backs, did anything approaching real brilliance. Hottenbnrg was not a failure, but ho did not play within streets of bis splendid form of last year. Timms did a lot of playing on top of Nicholls, who, however, generally beat him, often doing so cheaply. Of the wings in the first half Crabbie fully justified his selec- tion, but Scott came most into prominence in the closing stages his defence being superb. Morrison was not a great success, bat he and Timms ssemed too slow to cope with the Welsh centres. Wales thoroughly deserved to win by at least double the number of points. It is a, rema.rk- able fact, so far as International matches are concerned, that once only in the second half did the Scotchmen get into the Welsh 25, and then their 2tfty was but for a minute. The winning team did a good bit better than they were expected to do, but their opponents moat cer- tainly failed to justify the confidence which had been reposed in them. The visiting forwards as a whole were not equal to the men who met us last year at Inverleith, and the backs contained no one who gave indication of ever reaching the eminence as such men as Gedge, Campbell, or Neilson, not to speak of MaCiag and Don Wanchope of the long ago. Ireland will certainly have to put out 15 players of much superior stamp to those who came to Cardiff la3t year to prevent Wales from making this a second in- vincible year.
PHBSS OPINIONS. 1
PHBSS OPINIONS. SUNDAY SPECIAL." Gallant littlo Wales seems. "bouml for glory this season, for it has now only Ireland to beat to carry off the International championship. As Ireland beat all three countries last year I may seem to be taking too much for granted, but it must be borne in mind that the Welsh defeat at Cardiff was very unlucky, for Bancroft: was rendered hors de combat early in the first half, aud in spite of that heavy loss the Principality was only beaten by the narrow margin of a try. Yestorday's victory over Scotland was peculiarly grateful to the Welshmen, for there is no doubt that the corresponding match of last season, in which they were beaten, had left them very sore. They were aggrieved at the repeated postpone- ments of the game, and they also took exception to the partiality of the refereo. Now however we may hope a clean sponge will be. passed over al! such bitter memories. Yesterday's game was notable for the brilliant IVork of the Welsh for- wards. Matched against men who were noted for their determined scrummaging, they beat them at their own game, and with a winning pack the superiority of the Welsh bask division con- tributed to a decisive victory. In direct contrast to the match at Edinburgh, where the Welsh pack cracked up completely in the second hJf- some of tbem utilI feeling the effects of a gruel- f -,rue ling game t wo days earlier—the home forwards lasted full of vim and go to the finish, while the Scotchmen, on the other baud, were played ou after the interval. Curiously euough Bancroft, who is usually such a. Fure stronghold, was m but moderate form he was not kicking with anything like bis usual accuracy, and moro than once ho blundered in tickiiug..The three quarter line was very slow in finding its ga.me, although the halves provided plentv of openings, but in the second half we had a fine display of the machine-like combination which is the strength of the Welsh four three-quarter garna. On the other side the feature was the sterling defence of Rottenbnrg, who on this occasion came in as a reserve. He tackled with splendid judgment, and but for him the defeat would have been a rout. Ho will surely be first choice in the selection for Scotland's remaining matches. SUNDAY CHRONICLE." To the undoubted brilliance Of the back divi- sion Wales Oweli her fine victory. Certainly the excellence of the forwards had a good deal to do with the openings made, for they more than held their Scotch opponents and provided the oppor- tunities which Phillips and Lloyd eo splendidly utilised. In the second h»l* the superiority of the Welshmen was most marked, and with one minute's exception the whole of the pariod was spent in the Scotch half and quarter, where the operations consisted of a series of attacks on the visitors' goal; but thongh only two tries were registered in this moiety, that fact does not by any means represent the run of the play. Had it not been for the speed of Tom Scott and the pluck of Rottenburg quite half a dozen tries would have been piled up against Scotland. The smartness of tho Welshmen was quite in their btiht form, and no better exhibition of the passing game could be wished for. It was a treat to see the nimbleneas, dexterity, and accuracy of the three-quarters, and onco the halves had started the movement the ball was passed rapidly along, and only the greatest exertions on the part of the defenders prevented Llewellyn putting a record score to his name. The Scotch meu were' beaten in every department, aud though several of the forwards—principally Morrison, McEwan, Dykes, a,nd Slvright-worked liko Trojans, they were no match at all for the splendid lot which re- presented Wales. The henne scrummaKera time after time broke away, and when they wanted to play to their backs they seemed to find it the easiest possible task. The Scotchmeu had the advantage of the wind and sun in the first half, but did not ntilise it to the utmost, and when they started after the in- terval they were soon in difficulties. They could not get going at all, aud their efforts were con- fined to purely defensive tactics. There was not a weak spot in the Welsh team, unless Bancroft can be so designated, for it was his faulty fielding which really led to Scotland scoring their only try. It would be invidious therefore under thf) cir- cumstances to mention any individual by name when an did so well. On the Scotch side Rotten- burg was not consistent, though he was plucky, while of the three-quarters not one could be called a shiuing light, Tom Scott only redeeming him- self by his tackling. Fasson was smart and Gil. lespie capable, but neither compared to the Welshmen. The forwards who deserve praise have already been mentioned for the rest Scot- land will have to look for substitutes. THE UMPIRE." The heavy defeat of Scotland-heavier in actual play than on the score-will come as a surprise, not only to Scotland and to Scotsmen, but to the football world ut large. The play of the Welsh back division was simply marvellous, and it was only an equally wbuderful defence on the part of Rotlenburg and Scott which averted a greater disaster to the Scottish team. Scotland failed where she was expected to conquer. Her forwards in the first quarter of an hour played akin to desperation, and the lincs of Wales were constantly menaced, The initial burst, however, died away like a can lie in a breeze, and engineer- ing the scrummage to suit themselves, the Welsh- men time upon time heeled out to their halves, who by deft manipulation completely out- manoeuvred the pair on the other side of the scrummage. The Welsh three-quarters had free scope for all their brilliance, and never, not even in tha days of Gould, has Wales performed with such brilliance aud with such deadly execution against the Thistle. The forwards of Scotland primarily, and Fasson and Gillespie in the second place, were the cause of Scotland's faiiare, but on the day's play Wales were immeasurably.$he superior team. ft
[No title]
Honours.—E., S., I., 1890,1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896; E., I., 1898; E., S., I., 1899 E., S., 1900 total. 29.
INTERVIEWS.
INTERVIEWS. THE WELSH CAPTAIN. Bancroft was seen by our representative imme, diaately after the match, and found him highly olated at the result. Our win," he said, was due to the combina- tion of our team, The forwards, one and all, played a magnificent game, and it was in the main due to this that the Welsh victory was secured. The Scottish backs were a wee bit faster than ourn. and to prove this I would point to the way in which they kept going across the field and cutting off our wing men before they could get in. Undoubtedly the Scottish team forward Was not so stzongashas been the case on several recent occasions." How was that fiist Scotch try seemed ? asked the Presman. Weil," said Bancroft, the fact of the matter is that the ball bounced just before it reached me. On that occasion it rose fully four feet in the air, and when it fell I expected it would have bounced again, but not so much. It fell howerer on the flat side, and when I was expecting it to reach me it slipped away. Of course, I am sorry enough about it, but this is one of those things that must occnr occasionally." THE SCOTTISH CAPTAIN. Mr Morrison, the Scottish captain' oil being seen seemed in no wise cast down by the heavy defeat which his side had received. He good- naturedly remarked that the play of the Welsh team had been a regular surprise to him that it was no good sayiDg a lot about it; but the long and short of it was that the Welsh team had beaten them forward and back, and especially was this the case at three-quarter. MR HARLEY, THE RE FE, REE. "One of the finest exhibitions of tha Rugby code I have ever witnessed. Wales thoroughly de- served to win, and it was magnificent to see the way the backs handled the ball and took advan- tage of their opponents. SIR JOHN LLEWLYN, M,P. Sir John T. D. Llewelyn M.P., president of the Welsh Rugby Union, asked as he was leaving the ground his opinion of the match, said be was highly pleased;,with tha victory, and that the re- sult fairly represented the superiority of.the Welsh- men. It would, he thought, be invidious to single out any of the Welsh players, as they all played so well, but if he siugled out one at all for special mention it would be Willie Llewellyn, of Llwynypia. Sir John expressed bis admiration of Llewellyn's piay, and said that he had never seen a, three-quarter play a finer gams. THB PRESIDENT OF THE SWANSEA CLUB. MrYiivingstone, the president of the Swansea Club, thought that Walt* thoroughly deserved the very big win. I cannot help feeling, though," he continued, that Wales ought to have won by at least three more tries, and the try that Scotland secured cer- tainly should not have been made. I feel that there is really no comparison between the two teams." MR ARTHUR GOULD. Mr Arthur Gould, the Welsh International, said :—" I really regard the match as one of the most brilliant International games that has ever been witnessed. We thoroughly beat Scotland at all points, and I am proud to think that we have by our play to-day showed the would-be critics of the Welsh game what it is really capable of. Scotland rehed upon forward play. We with our bstcks beat them, though, of course, n saying this one does not desire to mini mise he magnificent play of tbe Welsh pack." MR Mc MILL AN. The well-known Scotch International and the vice-prtssident of the Scotch Rugby Union, con- sidered the match a mce one, though he was dis- appointed with the display of the Scotch team. Gwyn Nicholls and Llewellyn played simply splendidly. Llewellyn's run in the first half was a grand one, but he should never have been aly>wed to have got in. Bancroft g%ve a. very disappointing display. For the Scotch Dykes was the best* forward, while Scott was the only one who distinguished himself in the three-quarter line, his tackling being slplen- did. Altogether, the game was very one-sided. Behind especially the Scotch were out-matched completely, while the Welshmen plavod well. He was very much disappointed with the Scotch forward)?, who seemed out of form. MR GWYN NICHOLLS. Among the Welsh players, the faunas Cardiff three quarters, in the course of a conversation paid a general tribute to the splendid play of the Welsh forwards, and it was to a large extent owing to their efforts that the match ba.d been won. MR W. McEWAN. This famous forward was loud in his praise of the play of the Welsh front rank. I thought," he said, on our side that Dykes played a mag- nificent game but I do not think, on the whole. that our forwards were in the condition that they ought to havo been, and I said as much as that a dtiy or so ago." THE SCOTTISH SECRETARY. Mr A. R. Smith, the secretary of the Scottish Union, made the remarkj in reply to a question, that there was only one team in it, and that wan not Scotland. MR LINDSAY. Mr Lindsay, a member of the Scotch Union, considered the match a very pretty one. The Scotch forwards were quite out-classed, and he predicted an unbeaten record for the Welsh this year. MR WALTER REES. The secretary of the Welsh Football Union, wno was very pleased with the result of the match, said he was perfectly satisfied that every Welsh player had done his level best. He was unable to see as much cf the play as he would like to have done, being very busy with the arrangements, but what he did see was of a very brilliant order. MR HARRY BOWEN. The opinion of Mr Harry Bowen, Llanelly, was significantlv uttered during the progress of the match. A bunch of supporters of the Scot- tish team ware sitting right in front of the grand stand, and when their forwards were given a chance they enthusiastically shouted Feet, Scotland. Mr Bowen was equal to the occa- eion. Brains, Wales," he cried. Speaking to one of our reporters after the match, he sa id o 8 fiam° proves that the superiority of the Scotch forwards over the Welsh is a thing of the past, and this, together with a knowledge of the passing game, is bound to put Wales in the fore- frorlt in future matches. The passing not only originated from the halves and the three-quarters, but from the forwards as well, and this seemed to nonplus the Scotchmen, In.all departments we were superior except at full back where things were equal, as Bancroft had one of his very rare off days." MR GAVIN HENRY. Mr Gavin Henry, Llanelly, in the height of his enthusiasm ,and, exultation*said there was only one team ia it at the olose. Theplay ofthe ?u Welshmen all round was magnificent. I can- not," he said, individualise, but the try-getters I deserve special praise. The Welsh forwards have in my opinion beaten the Scotch forwards. Wales deserved at least four more tries, and with I better luck would have had them."
---ANTECEDENTS OF THE SCOTTISH…
ANTECEDENTS OF THE SCOTTISH j TEAM. tH. ROT i-ENBURG ) (Cambridge), who comes into tbe side owing to A. H. Smith's indiposition. played his first International againet Wales last year, when he, too, was a substitute. He was then regarded as a find for the Scottish Union. Of late years, at all events till Reid came off a year ago, it has been the practice to pitchfork a three-quarter back into the posJtiou of fall back, and this year there was the remarkable occurrence for Scotland of two or three clubs' backs competing for the place in tbe national team. It is true that the little home form he has is not quite up to the level of his English form, but he was a great success during the early part of last year's 'Varsity season, and failing Smith the Union could not well do otherwise than choose him. Rottenbnrg, who belongs to a well-known Glasgow mercantile family of foreign extraction, was educated at Kelvinside Academy and Loretto, where he played as a forward and as a three quarter, bis abilities as a back having apparently been discovered since he went to Cambridge. He is 22 years of age. Last year, at Inverleith, Reid was one of the successes of the side which thrashed Wales. T. L. SCOTT, the Langholm three-quarter, first played Inter- national in 1896, when he was in his 21st year. When hiH school days at Craigncount were over he seemed more likely to make a name for himself as a sprinter, but when he found a place in the Langholm fifteen his future as a, footballer be- came assured. He stands a shade over 5ft. 9in., and has a good deal of weight for his size, but is possessed of exceptional speed. He is con- sidered by good judges to be the best inside three- quarter Scotland has had since the Union adopted the four three-quarter system, and in spite of the fact that he has off-days when his form is very poor, the Union have pretty consis- tently kept him in mind since his ffrst year as internationalist. He has thrice played against England, in 1897-8-9, twice against Wales, in 1896 and last year, and thrice against Ireland, 1897-8-9. A. B. TIMMS, though by no means the first Colonial player in English fwd Scottish teams, i in a way the most conspicuous. The Scottish Union have seldom chosen a player whose merits were more debated, and Timms' connection with International foot- ball and otherwise has been a little remarkable. lie came very quickly to the front in 1896, and was chosen to play against Wales. The Sot. tish team failed, and Timms was made one of the scapegoats, the result being that he was not re- garded as a serious candidate for honours until last year. At the close of last season he joined the Anglo-Australian tooring team, and his form in Australia,together with his fine play for Edin- burgh University daring the present season, put him strongly into the running. While he ca.n only boast one former cap, he has been champion hurdler of Scotland, and has represented the S.A.A.A. in their annual athletic international contest with the Irish Association. W. H. MORRISON (Edinburgh Academicals), has had a. curious career. He is an Edinburgh lad, and was for some time at Edinburgh Academy, joining the F.P. ranks when he ended his schooling at lilairlodge. He played half, and got his place in the team to some extent on the strength of his speed and activity. He used to make long runs from half, but he had a bad knee, and this caused his retiring three years ago, wheu his career seemed at an end. After a lapse of a year he turned out again, and last year as a quarter, either in the centre or on the wing, he did first- rate work for the Academicals. This season he has played better than ever, and though he had not once played centre in club prames he was chosen for this position in the Edinburgh v. Glasgow game. He was a substitute in the recent trial match, but got his cap on the strength of a brilliant display. J. E. CRABBIE (Oxford University) was two seasons ago a schoolboy at Edinburgh Academy, but as a senior he has had a successful career. He has been a. success iu the Oxford fifteen, and in the games he has taken part in at home for the Academicals he has always come off. He is little, bat sturdy, and is a. deceitful rnnner, being faster than he looks. The correct form he showed in the racent trial game made his selection obli- gatory on the Union Committee in tbe lack of class men for wing three-qnarters. but though he belongs to a. well-known Edinburgh family his selection has been perhaps more criticised in the Edinburgh capital than anywhere else. Crabbie proved a thoroughly resourceful three-qaarter when he played for Oxford University at Cardiff recently, and showed the possession of more than average speed and dodging power. Cardinlans confidently expect him to prove well worth se- lection. F. H. F ASSON (Cambridge 'and Edinburgh Universities) one of the newcomers, is the only Merchistonian in the team. He played half-back in the school team in 1895-6 and 1896-7, and when be went to Cambridge he at once played for and subsequently captained the college fifteen. In his second year he got his blue," and has played in the 'Varsity fifteen for two seasons, his connection with Cambridge being now terminatd on account of his having taken his B.A. degree, and com- menced his studies for the Scottish at Edin- burgh University. Fasson is a good club cricketer. J. I. GILLESPIE (Edinburgh Academicals) is a player with regard to whom great hopes were entertained some seasons ago, hopes he is very tardily fulfilling. When at the Academy he was a very fine half, and ha.d not the Union been stronger in that position then than now Gillespie would likely have got his cap as a, schoolboy. As a senior he has been a brilliant club player, but the repeated non-success of Edinburgh in inter-city matches with Glasgow prevented Gillespie showing to ad- VtlntLge in these games, and his chance of gaining International liononrs only came last season on R. T. Neilson getting hurt and crying off from the English match. Gillespie is a good golfer, but football i3 the only pistime in which he is publicly knewn. MARK MORRISON (Royal High School) originally came into the Scottish team in place of his old club-mate and captain, W. R. Gibson, but Morrison has attained an eminence which Gibson never did. In fact, he has since 1896 been regarded as the finest Scottish forward. His honours' list includes every International match played by Scotland dnring the last four years. • When a schoolboy Morrison was noted for his speed, but since leaving school he has taken part in no branch of athletics other than football. He captains a weak team of the Edinburgh Royal High School, that, famous club having fallen upon evil di\ys, and' for a lad of 23 years his experience is remark- able. W. M. C. McEWAN, (Edinburgh Academicals) comes of a. famous foot- ball family He i3 a "son of the manse," and is the youngest of four brothers who were each good players in their day. His eldest brother Matthew Saxon McEwan, one of the finest forwards Scotland ever produced, died last spriug in America, where he had been engaged in business pursuits for two or three years. The second brother, James, also an International, has for a time retired from the game while the third was forced to give up playing on account of an injury sustained after he left school. Willie, however, remains to keep the family name to the front,and he is likely to do so for some time to come, as despite his now long experience of International football he is only 22 years of age. He first played against Wales at Newport iu 1894, and the foltowing is his record against England :—1894- 5-6-7-8-9, against Wales, 1894-5-6-9; against Ireland, 1896-7 8-9. McEwaD takes part in no other branch of athletics. G. C. KERR, (Dltrharo who is the son of Dr. Kerr, late one of her Majesty's inspectors of schools for Scotland, is one of the fixtures forward. He was absolutely unknown to the football public in Scotland when he was first chosen by the Union, but he bad only to be seen once to have it acknowledged that he was a find. Kerr, who is an ex-president of the Cambridge Univer»ity Boating Club, first, plaved International in 1898 against England and Ire- land. Last season he played in all three games, and was in each one of the best forwards on his side. The Durhamite is about the average height, but he is heavy, and is effective in all kinds o forward work." J. M. DYKES, London Scottish, is a great player, who only came into bis own when he his Glas- ¡{owa,nd went to ].JondoD, wherb he became a member of the London Scottish. He was educated at Glasgow High School, where class footballers are not plentiful, and as a senior he played in the F.P. ranks for the Clydesdale Club, and in the Glasgow Inter-City team. Dykes, like Kerr, ca.me into the team a couple of seasons ago, when, there being no W dah match, he had to be content I with English and Irish caps." Ho played against England and Wales last season, is certain, bar accideuts, to have triple honours this year. He is spare, but muscular is first out of the scrnmmagei a.nd at following up and downing the ma.n with the ball. T. M. SCOTT, Hawickj is one of the few men in the Scottish team who does not boast a school connection. Ho has h id nothing of the help such a connection affords in Scotland in establishing and maintain- ing a position, and it ia sheer merit aione that has left him so long in the running. In 1893 be played against England as a member if the Melrose team. His later honours have been gamed as a member of the stronger border club-Hawick- which gave Scotland perhaps the cleverest modern halves she has had in Patterson and Elliott. In 1894 Scott suffered a good deal from a sprain, but in the following year he was in the height of his form, and played in all three teams. Since then he has played against England in 1896-7-8, Wales in 1896, and Ireland in 1897 and 1898, his absence from the 1899 teams being due to bis temporary absence from the game. He ia now in his 29th year, and is the veteran of the Scottish side. W.J.THOMSON, West of Scotland, was a fine forward and a. capi- tal cricketer when a schoolboy at Loretto a, few seasons ago. At Oxford he made a big reputa- tion, bathe did not succeed in getting the Union's recognition till he returned home ana joined the West of Scotland team, in which he had the com pany 84: his brother, a player of the same stamp as himself. He was reserve to the originally Jw* mm, ■Mi CBBM into
ASSOCIATION.
ASSOCIATION. ROGERSTONE v BARRY UNIONISTS. At Rogcrstone in stormy weather. There were two or three absentees on both sides. Final bcore- uoais, Rogerstone 5 Barry Unionists —0 PORTH v CARDIFF UNIVERSITY. Through the instrumentality of the Porth Commit* tee, combined with Mr William Evans, of Messrs Thomas and Evans, who kindly printed all bills and circulars for the above match free of charge, the whole proceeds will be handed over to the Soldiers and Sailors' War Fund. The match was played before a moderate crowd of spectators. Final Score- Goals. Porth 5 University 3 CARDIFF Y.M.C.A. v CORINTHIANS. At Llandaff Fields, and after a close game resulted in a draw. Final Score- Goals. Y.M.C.A 1 Corinthians 1 BARRY UNIONIST RESERVES v TRELEWIS. At Barry. Final Score- Goal. Barry 1 Trelcwis 0 ABERAMAN v PONTLOTTYN. At Aberdare. Final Score- Goalfi Aberaman 5 Pontlottyn — 1 RHAYADER v ABERDABB. At Rhayader. Final Score— Goals. Rhsya-der 2 Aberdare 1 SENIOR CUP, SEMI-FINAL. Aberystwyth v. Knighton, at Builth, Feb. 3rd. Barry Unionist v. Rogerstone, at Cardiff, Feb. lOtll ENGLISH CUP.-lst ROUND. Burnle" v. Bury.—Result: Bury. 1 goal; Burnley, nil. At Turf Moor, Burnlev, before 5,000 spectators in miserable weather. Manchester City v. Aston Villa.—Result: City, 1 goal; Villa, 1 goal. At Manchester in showery weather before 25,000 spectators. Preston North End v. Tottenham Hotspur.— Result. Preston, 1 goal Tottenham, nil. At Deep- dale on a soft ground iu fair weather and before 7,000 spectators. Newcastle United v. Reading.—Result—Newcastle, 2 goals Reading, 1 goat. West Bromwich Albion v. Walsall.—Result—Welt Bromwich 1 goat; Walsall, 1 goal Bristol City v. Stalybridge.-Resnlt-Bristol City. 2 goals Staly bridge, 1 goal. Southampton v. Everton.—Result—Southampton. goals; Everton, nil. Sheffield United v. Leicester Posse.-Reenlt- Sheffield United, 1 goal; Leicester Fosse, nil Derby County v. Sunderland.—Final score Derby County, 2 goals; Fnnderland, 2 goals. Jarrow v. Millwall.-Final score: Hillwall, 2 goals; Jarrow, nil. Notts Forest v. Grimsby.—Result: Notts Forest 3 goals Grimsby, nil. Notts v. Chorley.—Result: Notts County, a goals; Chorley. nil. Portsmouth v. Blackburn Rovers.—Result I. Portsmouth, nil Blackburn, nil. At Fratton Park, Portsmouth, before 10,000 spectators. "-Queen s Park Rangers v. Wolverhampton Wan- derers.-Result: a draw, one goal each. Stoke v. Liverpool.—Result: No score. LEAGUE-DIVISION II. New Brighton Tower v. Loughborough.-At Tower ground. Final score: New Brighton. 3 goalet Loughborough, nil. Chesterfield v. Middlesbrough.—Result: Chester- field, 7 goals Middlesbrough, I goal. Sheffield Wednesday v. Bolton Wanderers.—Re« suit: Wednesday. 1 goal; Bolton, nil. Small Heath v. Burslem Port Vale.—Result: Small Heath, 2 goals; Burslem, 1 goal. MIDLAND LEAGUE. Bkeston, 6 goals Doncas'er, 1 goal. Wellingborough, 2 goals Barnsley, nil. At WW- liugborough before 1,000 spectators. Heanor v. Newark.—Result: Heanor, 1 goal New ark, nil. SOUTHERN LEAGUE. Brighton United v. New Brompton.-Result Brompton, 2 goals; Brighton, nil. At Brighton. Sheppev United v. Gravesend.—Result: Graven end, 1 goal; Sheppey United, nil. At Sheerness. GENERAL MATCHES. Chatham v. Thames Ironworks.-Result: ThamcC Ironworks, 1 goal; Chatham, nil. SCOTTISH CUP—2nd ROUND. Third Lanark, 2 goals Motherwell, nil. Played at Cathkin Park, Glasgow, in fair weather. Celtic, 5 goals: Port Glasgow, 1 goal. At Port Glasgow on very heavy ground. Kilmarnock, 10 goals Orion, nil. At Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle, 2 goals St. Bernard's, 1 goal. At Meadowside before 5.000 spectators. Dundee v. Clyde.—Result: Dundee, 3 goals; Clyde, 3 goals. At Dundee. Queen's Park, 5 goals Abercorn, 1 goal. At Hamp- den before 3,000 spectators. Rangers, 12 goals; Maybole, nil. On Ibrox Part before 2,000 spectators. Hearts of Midlothian v. Hibernians.-At Edin- burgh. Result: 1 goal each. Cla.pton v. Old Carthusians.—Result: A draw. Clapton, 1 goal; Carthusians, 1 goal. Woolwich Arsenal v.Bedmiuster.— Result: Arsenal, 3 goals Bedminster, nil. SOUTH WALES ASSOCIATION. A meetng was held on Saturday at the Grand Hotel of the South Wales Football Associatiol34 Major Lindsay presiding. The report submitted by the sub-committee appointed to draw up regulation* re professionalism was, on the motion of the Chair. man, unanimously adopted.
--HOCKEY.
HOCKEY. Broadway Wesleyans v. Llanishen 2nd XI.—Playetf at Llanishen. linal score: Broadway, 9 goals; Llanishen, 1 goal. C Collev (3), ,J. Colley (3), Dand4 (2), and Wilcox (1) scored for Broadway. O. Bielsal scored the goal for Llanishen.
--------------TREATS FOR THE…
TREATS FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB. His Worship the Mayor of Cardiff has gener- otisly promised to give a free tea to the members of the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire Deaf and Dumb Missions at an early date in Cardiff, and his Worship the LMayor of Newport has alsC promised a similar treat to the members of the Newport Branch.
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AMONG THE CROWD. j
AMONG THE CROWD. j Notwithstanding wind, rain, and hail which at intervals troubled South Wales in the morning, spectators to the great match hoped for the best and came in their thousands Every excur- sion train—aud there were many—was filled with eager Welshmen. Of course, the conversation ran on the old inevitable lines. Who would win ? Why so and so was chosen, why tho blazes so and so wasn't, and how Wales were bound to win, and how Scotland couldn't fail to lose. The weather improved, and then got worse- first sunshine and then rain, and then sanshine then rain again, and 80 on, hopes rising and falling like a barometer in showery weather, Oa the ground there were early scenes of bustle and excitement. I was one of several thousands on the big slope rising on the north-western 3ide of the ground—the grandest natural stand in the four corncrs of the island. There was plenty of genial good humour, for by 2.30 it was dry. Ah me, way did I write that word, for suddenly the face of the heavens was blackened, and down came a shower of hail, driving, piercing almost like Mauser bullets, making the ears tingle and the heart sad In the crowd, where we stood man to man, shoulder to shoulder, we were dry below our sbonlders, which, however, wove sorely sodden, but the erswd were intent on seeing football. The men from the hills, who swore by Llwynypia, were keen on seeing Llewellyn's prowess, while the Newport men wouldn't budge before Hodges and Boots were going to scetIp them. How in the name of football could any Cardiffian desert Nicholls, the grandest centre in the wide, wide world ? Mean- while Mr Chapman (ex-mayor, and photo- grapher, of Swansea), arrayed in silk hot, was tn charge of several big cameras, awaiting to photograph the teams. A loud cheer, and the braw Scots appeared. The crowd were sympathetically ironical as the men from the North faced the camera, amidst cries of Put on a smile, Scotland." The shower was happily short-lived, and the sun was shining a^ain by the time th photographing business in front of tho stand was accomplished. The Scots lookeJ a nturdylot, but then -wity tremble ?—they always do. Again a wild shout aud the Welsh- men came, a-rid were captured by the wily Mr Chapman in the presence of admiring crowds. There was by this time a dense crowd. All the available standing room was taken--a regnla,r record gate it appeared as viewed from the griind stand. The bund from the Mor- riston Works were meanwhile working up enthu- siasm to fever heat by Welsh and Scotch airs- played, too, in splendid style. This went on till 2.50, when the teams appeared. A RUNNING COMMENTARY. When the teams entered tho field the band I played the ^s&tionsil A-uthom, the crowd talnnff up the chorus with wondrous enthusiasm and grand effect. Scotland had luck in getting the toss, and thereby going off with the wind at their I backs, but the first minute or two Wales kept their viHtitors in their own ground. Scotland soon however got the best of three scrum? and flottenburg made a clever but futile effort at goal. Play kept very fast, and twice Wales broke awav, Crabbie pulling up the second rush with a smart mark. The field and ball were fairly dry, but there was no chance of passing. The game was 10 minutes old before Lloyd got the ball to George Davies, and the Welsh centre got off towards the Scottish 25. Trew, the wing man, lost a fine chance. By a wild rush Scotland got back and failed in a ptRCfi kick. At this moment a really wonderful piece of play was witnessed, and one which has rarely if ever been equalled in International matches. Lloyd in the centre got the ball. Ho passed to his brothel half-back, and he to Trew. The Swansea man sent to Davies, and he to Gwynn Nicholls. By this time near half the length of the field had been traversed. Nicholls watched his chance and at top speed sent to Llewellyn, the wing a: an passing two Scotch backs a^d crossing amidst wild excitement, Bancroft faihng to goal. The effort brding. up to the try was u. consnmmate piece of worn—the passing game at its best, its brilliancy y dazzling the Scottish defenders. It appeared as though this mutual success was to aite_r the character of the game altogether, for the Wdgllnon now went at it hammer and tongs, and first Lryce, and then Bob Thomas, got near the line, and after this the Welsh thrce-onajters took up the game, and pnt j:1 round alter round of passing, and must have scored bad !?* m-ea f0r th! defence of Rottenbnrg. ? a1' Rnd 0rabbie- At length the Scots, led by Morrison, dashed to the Welsh end Fo' a time Scotland bucked up, and made several I very determined, if somewhat ill-planned attempts on the Welsh line. Once Morrison nearly burst through, but George Davies nailed him in the nick of time. Then Wales got back- over the halfway, bat as surely as they did Scot- and would dribble back. It was one of their headlong rushes that .ended in the first reverse forWalea, Dykes aasbin,; over wbiJe Baneroft wa3 "itPPing-m most unusual thing for the finest back in the four countries. By this time Scotland bad notdhed five minors. f« IJ Pomt Williams bad to -cave the field momentarily after a rough tackle, ™ 8c?°U ^ack asain- Th8" a headlong insh to the Scottish lino. Half a dozen men tried to fall on the ball over the line. A wild yell went up from 40,000 throitts as Gwyn Nicholls was seen emerging with the bull. Wales had scored another try, and had a three-point lead. The crowd hugged themselves with delight, but it was still anybody's game. Then came half-time, and with it the change of ends. The wind helped long-kicking, and Wales had now a big advantage. mlcles went at a tremendous pace, aud after Wales had nearly got in, the Scots, led by Dykes and Gillespie, dashed back to the Welsh end in magnificent styie, but their effort was doomed to failure, and Bancroft, with a mighty punt, again put Wales on the attack. Wales now made huge efforts to cross on the right wing. Llewelyn was held up two vardii from the line by Scott, and a moment later on the left Morrison upset the efforts of thig Swansea pair. The Welsh backs were passing continually, and Gwyn Nicholls was playing in brilliant and faultless style. At this point. 15 millotes after the restart, part of the barrier at the eastern end of the field gave way, but 50 officials and 20 policemen soon got the crowd back, the prevalent feeliog baing one of rare good humour. It was only the fact of a brilliant effort by Trew that had been too much for the Swansea portion of the crowd. It was enthusiasm and not fell intent that broke the barrier. Wales were now having all the play, the Scot- tiah backs hayxog all $bgig work cut out. At 4.10, after another grand run, Nicholls Bent to Llew- ellyn, whe was craving quite too fast for Scott. Bancroft's attema:, to convert: was a fiue one, but it just failed. Again the Welsh hurled them- selves on the Scottish line, but Rottenburg, who was tackling in splendid style, saved and with six Welshmen on top of him. Twice Scot land broke away, but it was no good, for evory Welsh kick went home, Lloyd, Nicholls. and Bancroft all finding touch in grand style. At lecgth Dykes, who was pKying the finest game in the Scottish uac-k, led a rush to the Welsh end, but Wales were soon back, and amidst cries of There's ano'her," Buller WilliaEis wan over with a tis, once more. The place-kick failed. It was now just on time. One thing the crowd agteed, and it was that tho Welsh victory was well deserved. Tbey had beaten Scotland at all points. It is evident that Scotland have not had the pack they have several times had of late years. Dykes wag far and away the best of the forwards. Scott, Morrison, and Jio'.tenburg did heaps of good de- fensive work. All the Welsh backs shone, and of the pack and Millar wcre^gooi as any ia a grand lot of forwards.
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----..--ISATURDAY'S MATCHES
SATURDAY'S MATCHES RUGBY. DEVONPOET ALBION v LLANELLY. Llanelly opened their Devonshire tour in a match with Devonport Albion at Devonport. Owing to recent rain the ground was in a very bad condition, and the ball soon became heavy and greasy. Both sides had out strong teams. Included in the Albion fifteen was Gamlin, the English International hack, who has taken up his residence in Plymouth and will in future play for the Devonport team. He played in the three-quarter liue. The victory was undoubtedly a great crcdit to the Albion. They had a strong team facing them, and the sodden ground was not of the most advantageous. Llanelly made a grand fight of it, and the game was well contested all th, way. Lcdwg played splendidly at half, and Morgan Williams and Jenkins were also prominent throughout, but the side as a whole played in their best style. The Welshmen had hard lines in not scoring OIl two or three occasions, but they were beaten by superior play forward. Final Score— G. T. M. Albion 0 2 0 Llanelly 0 10 CARDIFF RESERVES v CHEPSTOW. These teams met on the Cardiff Arms Park before a large number of spectators. Chepstow were unfor- tunate in being unable to play their full team, having to find several local substitutes, and were then one man short. Final Score- G. T. M. Cardiff Reserves *6 2 0 Chepstow 0 0 0 ♦One dropped. PONTYMOILE v ST ANDREW'S. At Pontymoile. Final Score- G. T. M. Pontymoile 0 13 St. Andrew's 0 0 2 CWMBRAN v PONTYPRIDD. At Cwmbran. Owing to Newport having no match the visitors were very strong, being assisted by Isaacs and Thomas. Cwmbran were without Jen- kins, Ltonard, and Sutton. Cwmbran were unfortunate in being without Jenkins and Leonard, as it was evident the visitors intended making their great effort. However, it was soon seen that Cwmbran were having a day out in he front, and but for splendid fieldinq and kick- in by Walker and the Pontnewydd centres, a heavy score would have been put on. Final Score- G. T. M. Cwmbran 110 Pontuewydd 0 0 0 ABERTILLERY v CRUMLIN. A1 Abertiilery. Final Score- G. T. M. Crumlin. 1 3 0 Abertillery 1 0 0 NEWPORT 2nd v KNOWLE. Played at Newport. Final Score- G T. M. Newport .6 4 5 Knowle 0 0 1 *Two dropped. BLAINA v BRYNMAWR. This match in the Monmouthshire League competi- tion was played at Blaina Recreation Ground. Final Score- G. T. M. Brynmawr 10 3 Blaina 0 0 4 PONTYMISTER v RISCA. At Pontymister before a fairly good attendance, Half-time Score- G. T. M. Pontymister 0 11 liisca 0 0 0 PILL HARRIERS v CANTON. Played on the ground of the Harriers at Newport. Final Score- G. T. M. Pill Harriers 2 1 1 Canton 0 10 ABERGAVENNY v NEWPORT EXTRAS. At Abergavenny. Final Score- G. T. M, Abergavenny I. 1.. 0 1 4 Newport 0 0 1 Referee, J. Jonathan. CILFYNYDD v WILLIAMSTOWN. At Penygraig. Final Score- G, T. M. Cilfynydd 0 2 0 Williamstown 0 0 0 0 0 LAMPETER v LLANDOVERY COLLEGE. Final Score— G. T. M. Lampeter 1 0 0 Llandovery 0 0 0 ENGLISH UNION. COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP. Durham v. Northumberland.—At South Shields Final score: Durham, 2 goals 2 tries (16 points); Northumberland, nil. CUMBERLAND v. YORKSHIRE. At Carlisle, before a moderate attendance, the weather being fine and the ground soft. Result: Cumberland, 2 tries Yorkshire, nil. GENERAL MATCHES. Blackheath v. Richmond.—Result Backheath, 1 goal 4 tries Richmond, 1 goal. Played at Black- heath before a fairlv good crowd. Northampton v. Old Edwardians.—Result: North- ampton, 36 points Edwardians, 3 points. Harlequins v. Guy's Hospital.—Result: Harlequins, 1 goal; G.iy's Hospital, 1 try. At Wimbledon. Exeter v. Barnstaple.-A draw no score. Manchester v. Birkenhead Park.—Final score: Manchester, I goal 2 tries Park, nil. Old Merchant Taylors v. Croydon.—At Richmond. Result: Old Merchant Taylors. 2 tries; Croydon, 1 try. Liverpool v. S,-ble.-At Aigburth. Result: Sale, 2 tries Liverpool, 1 dropped goal. Cambridge University v. Marlborough Nomads,- At Cambridge. Cambridge won by 1 coal 3 tried to nothing. Royal Indian Engineering College v. Lennox.— Result: Lennox, 1 dropped goal 1 try (7 points); Royal Indian Engineering College, 1 try (3 points). London Welsh v. Irish.—On the lalteu's ground at Herne Hill. A grand game resulted in a pointless draw, Magee and two Internationals assisted the Irish. Bristol v. Stroud.—Bristol beat Stroud at Bristol by 4 converted goals 1 penalty goal 8 tries to nil. NORTHERN UNION. YORKSHIRE SECTION. Bradford v. Liversedge.—At Bradford. Result: Bradford, 4 goals 5 tries (23 points); Liversedge, nil. Moseley v. Oxford University.—Result: Oxford, 6 points; Moseley, 5 points. Leicester v. Gloucester-Result; Goucester, 1 dropped goal 2 tries; Leicester, 1 try. Castleford v. Huddersfield.-At Castleford before a small gate Result: Huddersfield 2 goals 2 tries; Castleford, nil. Leeds v. Hunslet.—Result: Hunslet, 2 goals 3 tries (13 points); Leeds, 1 goal (2 points). Three thousand spectators witnessed this match at Leeds. Wakefield Trinity v. Hull Kingston Hovers.—At Belle Vue. The weather was very bad in the earlier part of the day. but cleared up before the match started. Gallimore played for Garrity, and Coward for Howell for the Wakefield team, and Richmond for Noble for Hull. Result: Wakefield, 2 tries. Breakwelt scored both. Hull two tries by Ward and Watson Leeds Parish Church v. Brigbouse.-Resnlt: Leeds Parish Church, 11 points; Brighouse, 3 points. At Leeds in fine weather, before 4,000 spectators. Parish had much the best of the game, Lewis soon scoring. Wade improved. Following this Moseley scored, and [ fhen Lewis again crossed the Brighouse line, but the latter couple of tries were not improved. Eventually Bullman scored for the visitors, Boothman failing. Nothing further of importance occurred. Bull v. Bramley.-At Hull. Result: Hull, 14 points; Brwnley, nil. Batley v. Manningham.—Result: Batley, 6 points Manningham, 5 points. LANCASHIRE SECTION. Wldnes v. Wigan.-At Widaeg, ReUHlfrj-WfcW* 3 goals 2 tries; Wigan, 1 goal, I Stockport v. Rochdale Hornets.—Result: Rochdale Hornets, 2 goals 2 tries (10 points); Stockport, 2 goals 1 try (seven points). At Stockport. Millom v. Broughton Rangers.-At Milom, Broughton winning by 2 dropped goals and a try to a trv. Warrington v. Runcorn.-At Warrington before 6,000 spectators. Result: Runcorn, 11 points; Warrington, nil. Swiuton v. Tyldeslev.—Final: Swinton, 1 goal 2 tries Tvldesley nil. At Swinton. Salford v. Oldbam-Final: Oldham, 2 tries; SAJ. ford, nil. At Salford. Halifax v. Holbeek,-ResWt: Halifax, I try; 801- beck, nil.
PHBSS OPINIONS. 1
I THE REFEREE." I Much to the surprise of the football world, the Welsh fifteen most decisively beat the Scottish representatives. Wales had certainly so wall beaten England at Gloucester a few weeks ago that they were thought to be a fine lot, but in the interim the Scotchmen improved rapidly, and were almost certain of victory. No one who saw, the game can possibly dispute but that on the day the best team proved victorious. In the first half the Scots were favoured by the wind, but despite this they did not have all the best of the plav, the home brigade playing splendidly. With the wind behind them however, the Welsh were alwuys the masters of the situation in the second half, for the Scotchmen never once looked dvugeroas. Daring the ]a;t forty the J Welshmen, through some superb passing, attacked hotly. Gwyn Nicholls in particular wo,3 very prominent, and enabled he home team to press severely. Scotland were hopelessly beaten, and from the form shown they will have all their work | cut out to wm any of the Internationals. j SUNDAY TIMES." | To most followers of the Rugby game—down I South-at least, the decisive win of Wales came South-at least, the decisive Will of Wales came as a genuine suiprise. After the wav they bept j England at Gloucester, we were compelled to bold the Welshmen in reaped, and the changes which had been Giiecttid in the team made it more formidable, but for all that the Scottnh authorities had such a wealth of talent at their disposal that we hardly anticipated that Wales could win. But win they did, and what is more, for their success they owed nothing to luck, for they proved themselves a singularly smart team they proved themselves a singularly smart team all round, and honestly earned their success.
---ANTECEDENTS OF THE SCOTTISH…
the fifteen as a substitute for Cooper or Harvey, I who, after the Irish game, were sacrificed on account of thur lightness. Thomson is under- stood to be under orders for the front as a Yeo- man, and is not likely to get another cap this season. D R. BEDELL-SIVERIGHT, Cambridge University, is a new-comer, and one who has had an extraordinaxily rapid rise. He belongs to North Queensferry, near Edinburgh, and wa3 educated at Fettes College, where he played football and cricket under the eye of J. A. Campbell, this season's Cambridge captain. On Siveright proceeding to Cambridge he had his chance of distinction, and made so much cf it that he was chosen by the Scottish Union for the first trial game in preference to Campbell, while he has had further promotion at the ex- pense of Greenlees. Siveright is about the fastest of the forwards, and got his place largely through his splendid following up. He is a sound tackier, and proved himself prompt to pick up a chance of scoring in the trial games. F. W. HENDERSON, London Scottish, is one of three Lorrettonians in the team, one of the introductions to the fifteen, and also one of the youngest players, his age being 21. He is, however, a tall, broad- shouldered, siroug lad, aud is likely to be a suc- cess. He is one of the finest all-round athletes in the team. He became a member of the Loretts fifteen in 1896, and was captain in 1897-8, when he was also th cricket captain of the school. He was three years in the scnool hockey team, and was a capital player of and a good golfer.