Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

FOOTBALL. FORECAST COMPETITION. The conditions are as follows :—Every week the Sum of One Pound is offered to the person who sends to the Editor the actual forecast of the results tf the matches given for competition the preceding week, and in the event of no one giving the actual scores the sum of Ten Shillings will be given to the person who predicts nearest the actual scores. Each person competing must use the coupon to be found on this page. No old coupons will be allowed, neither will any recognition be given to forecasts other than on the proper coupon. Each competitor must cut out the coupon, and fill in the names of the competing teams, with their scores, thus: "Bolton W. 4, Sunderland 2;" in the case of a draw insert Portmadoc 1, Penygroes 1;" as the case may be, and forward in a sealed envelope to the Editor, COUNTY TIMES Office, Welshpool," by whom it must be received not later than first post on Saturday morning in each week, the envelope to be endorsed Competition." Four points will be allowed for an actual result, three points for a result one goal out, two points for two goals out, and one point for three goals out. In the case of a draw the same conditions will apply. One or more forecasts may be sent in by the same person but in each case the correct coupon must be used. The Editor's award is in all cases final. Again no competitor succeeded in prophesying the actual scores of the teams concerned, and there- fore the consolation prize of 10s. goes to Mr. J. Pierce, English Walls, Oswestry, whose coupon was the nearest being correct. The matches set down for competition on 13th November resulted as follows :— Newport 1 Newtown 6 Market Drayton 3 Oswestry United 2 Stockport County 5 Aberystwyth 0 The match Blaenau Festiniog v Barmouth did not come off. The following are the matches for competition on December 4th coupons must reach the head office, not later than first post on December 4th, otherwise they will be disqualified. Competitors may, to save postage, hand in their coupons personally at the head office, Welshpool; or at the branch offices, Chalybeate Street, Aberystwyth; and 3, Church Street, Towyn. In the two latter cases, however, they must be handed in before noon on the day previous. 1 Wrexham v Chirk 2 Welsbpool United v Builth 3 Sheffield United v Notts Forest 4 West Bromwich Albion v Preston North End

0"| ASSOCIATION COUPON. £ Vf (TO BE DETACHED). owl NOVEMBER THE 25TH, 1897. 6 I CLUB I is I CLUB I Q 1 I I 2 I I I 3 I I 4 I I I N am e Address. Coupons must not be folded. _n_

FOOTBALL NOTES. [Br "DRIBBLER."] It is all very well sometimes to be "one of the crowd" but my experience is the sooner you'are out of the crowd the better. I have since last Thursday been puzzline- my brains to the course I should adopt in respect to a certain letter which has appeared in the columns of this paper written by One of the crowd," who I venture to say must have been in a big crush when he wrote it. I had three courses open to me (1) to treat his letter with contempt as I do not think that I am mistaken in the .identity of this gentleman of the crowd, having I believe had occasion to reply to his epistles before to-day, (2) to reply to him in the correspondence columu of this paper, (3) to treat him as one of the crowd" in the columns of these notes. I prefer the latter course. The first four lines are alright beyond the fact that I absolutely disclaim having any partiality for not only Towyn but any other club. Following him up, whether man, woman or child, a person would indeed be nothing less than mad, to own to facts of which he is totally ignorant, and if you put a pig to sleep in a stable I do not think you can exactly term him a horse, but that is the contention of One of the Crowd." I must thank him for the compliment re the first Cambrian League match, though I can hardly say I even expected that from him, but when he goes on to complain as to the lack of notes re certain matches the Editor informs me the office boy is leaving so One of the Crowd has an opportunity of assisting me and showing us his abilities and make up the deficiency that apparently according to him I lack. Had he signed his name Curious Busybody, his letter could be better under- stood, but let it go forth from me to the public- pro bono pnblzco-onee and for all I am only too delighted to have notes appertaining to every possible match if I can, but you know without the wind you cannot sail your ship," and with the small resources at my disposal I am willing to relinquish my labours and say to One of the Crowd go and do better. Yes, I quite agree with One of the Crowd it is simply sickening," and it wants the patience of Job to stand it, but, as I said before, if you get in a crowd you must expect to get crushed. When he attacks my honorary position as secretary of the League, he has made a mistake, and a great one too. He has no need to question my ability in seeing that the rules of the League are carried out, my only regret is that I do not have the co-operation I should have in doing so, but when he ventures to suggest that I should make Referees' reports (which, bear in mind, are the property of the Council) the basis of my notes he is, to my way of thiuking, out of it." But he ventures further, and, though no business of mine, I am not going to pass the remarks re the Barmouth v Dulgelley Referee and the Towyn Advertiser. For the benefit of One of the Crowd" and the crowd generally, I beg to say that the referee in question has fully carried out his duties as laid down in Rule 23. Then again I might remind One of the Crowd that if he himself is a kind of walking Smith's bookstall it does not follow that the rest of my readers are, and if information relating to Welsh and English Leagues is Queen Anne to him he must remember he is only one of the many readers and I decline to be dictated to as to my abilities in the writing of these notes. Per- haps I have said enough, but before finishing on this topic I might just deal with the headline of "One of the Crowd's" letter. Partiality is the word, and he says I show it to Towyn. Anyone acquainted with the circumstances of the past month in" Dribbler" v. Towyn Committee must know that the very. opposite is the case, and to make this assertion "One of the Crowd" has not a leg to stand on. To be brief, One of the Crowd makes use of an expression like a man in his letter. Very well; now might I ask him in future correspondence to sign his name like a man and let the public know who he is. If I have for one moment transgressed or shown any partiality I give in, but as it is I cannot nor will tolerate such accusations that One of the Crowd ventures to lay at my feet. Now I am beginning to wonder who the future Cambrian League secretary will be. My very best wishes go forth to him, but, as is well known, there is no better master than experience, and if that counts for much in this case I wonder what he will feel like by Apiil, 1898. Unless he gets co-opera- tion he may just as well throw up the sponge." Well a few words re my so-called pets who are within a near period of crossing swords at Builth. And what will be the result ? Remember I am speaking from the point of view of quite a disinterested party as far as Towyn itself is con- cerned, but generally I heartily hope that both Towyn and Aberystwyth will win their matches for the sake of the locality. We have had football and bra&s bands knocked into one before to-day, and I only hope it is a drawn game at Builth; the return home will be a worthy one. One of the Crowd must excuse me giving attention to a matter that is of great interest this week to a very large majority of my readers. Towyn have been asked to train-I don't mean the train to Builth-but so far nothing has been done. Consequently my hopes are a little bit shaky nevertheless I will take upon myself the responsibility of a prophecy, and will seriously say I do not think my pets" will be beaten. These are the points that should be remembered: (1) Absolute silence on the field; (2) thorough confi- denue'in one another; (3) undoubted combination (4) all ball and not the man. Now, if these little points can be just remembered I have no hesitation as to the result. I say it with all satisfaction that if Towyn enter the third round of the Welsh Cup, they are entitled to the praise and support of the whole of the Cambrian Coast, and, further, I think it is a pity that no other clubs besides Portmadoc and Towyn have entered the Welsh Cup competi- tion. Possibly the Welsh Football Association Executive are not quite so forgiving as the Execu- tive of the Cambrian League, hence the difference and dilatoriness in entering. In spite of all little differences, I heartily wish Towyn success. Just one word to those who might, at the last moment, feel undecided as to whether they will avail themselves of the cheap ticket, 6s. A more enjoyable journey, a more lovely country, and, al- together, a more pleasant outing could not be had but the Towyn committee will be to blame as regards supporters if they do not see that a special train is arranged either from Machynlleth or the Junction for the return. No one can be expected to pay for a return ticket from Towyn and find that on the return journey they will have to pay for a conveyance from either of the places named to bring them home, or stop the night. It is, how- ever, to be hoped this will be arranged satis- factorily. Still they run undefeated. The Sheffield United seem either determined to "run the gauntlet," or at any rate to fight unbeaten as long as they can, and glory to their pluck. Next Saturday's match will I fear tell a tale but still J am very doubt- ful. They seem to be in that particular mood that either by sheer hard work, good play, or fortune, no team shall have a chance with them, and be it remembered every team in the League now is, seeking for the honour of claiming the first victory over these hitherto unbeaten heroes. A Id Towyn, Barmouth went to Festiniog. More of this in a later issue. Whilst this absolute deter- mination on the part of League clubs to ignore the League rules, Association footbah on the Coast will be a ———— well, worse than a farce. By OLD FOOTBALLER." If the following few notes are acceptable, sir, I shall be pleased to see them in your next issue. I am a supporter of Towyn, and am not ashamed to own it, as is the allegation against one individual who is not an unimportant figure on the football fields of the coast. I know full well that the duty of anyone taking upon himself to write to the press is to chronicle facts, and not his own fancy. This week it falls upon me to write few paragraphs on Towyn v. their Reserves match. Towyn are to meet Builth at Builth next Saturday in the second round of the Welsh Cup, but can anyone tell me why they have not had a game for a fortnight when they bad such an important match ahead ? Surely this is not the proper way to meet clubs in the Welsh Cup, and, more certain still, it will not assist them to come home victorious, happy, and glorious. The game on Saturday was a good practice for them after all. The Reserves played with vigour and dash all through, and at times seemed to have the best of the game, but the first team were undoubtedly the best exponents of football. The gats money will assist to convey the Eleven to Builth, and I trust that the pence dropped into the treasury was a substantial addition to the funds of club. The committee of the club are certainly to be commended for their action in securing the services of Jos. A. Lewis to their team for Saturday next. He plays a fine and strong game and if not well watched, perhaps I may add, whether watched or not, he will send some stunning shots for goal. I trust Joe Edwards will play the game of last Saturday at Builth, with the variation of passing more oftea to his partner, who is a better and a safer shot. George Davies could also take the hint with advantage. Gladstone Davies should be more careful next Saturday, and will send their less shots over the cross-bar than he did last Saturday. 1 hear that Mr Corbett, Ynysymaengwyn, with his usual generosity, has augmented the funds cf the club by giving a £1 Is subscription. The club at present is sadly in need of funds, and subscrip- tions from all kind supporters will, no doubt, be thankfully received. I have no objection to make this application (if it is not an advertisement ?) on behalf of the Barmouth and Dolgelley clubs, who I am sure are not in a position to refuse any con- tribution.

FOOTBALL MATCHES. DOLGELLEY COUNTY SCHOOL v BARMOUTH COUNTY SCHOOL. The above match was played at Dolgelley last Thursday, resulting in a win for the home team by three goals to one.

ABERYSTWYTH JUNIOR LEAGUE. CONGREGATIONAL UNITED v. CITY ROVERS. The first matches in connection with this new league were played on Saturday. The above teams were the first to take the field, and were repre- sented as follows :— UNITED. Gofil, C. White; backs, J. Rowlands and D. Edwards; half-backs, R. J. Thomas, Geo. Evans, and W. Jones forwards, S. Jones, Wordsworth, Meredith, Cowley, and W. Jones. ROVERS. Goal T. Evans; backs, Watkins and Morgans; ,half-backs, Jones, J. Davies, and Lewis Jones; for- wards, Evans, Jones, T. J. Davies, Jenkins and Michael Referee, Mr Rumsey Williams linesmen, Messrs J. Davies and T. J. Davies. Few spectators had reached the ground when the Congre's and the City Rovers set the ball rolling. The game opened with much vigour, both teams kicking hard. The Congre's were evidently more accustomed to the combination game than their opponents, though the latter when near their opponents' goal were more dangerous, White having to save one or two strong shots. The defence of the Rovers was very strong, and being well built, they held the Congre's forwards well in hand. Each goal was occasionally visited, and the shooting of the Rovers was fairly good. A long shot by Geo. Evans was fisted out from the Rovers' goal, but keeping up the pressure the Congre's hung around the goal, Cowley centreing and Willie Jones sending the ball behind the posts. The kicking of Watkins and Morgan proved of much value to their side. So far there was nothing in the play of either team to call for special notice. From a toss up in the middle of the ground the Congre's got away, and showing a neat bit of passing Cowley and Jones got well in, the latter sending in a stiff shot which Evans struck out. The ball fell at the feet of the backs, who fumbled about in front of the goal. This was fatal for the Rovers, S. Jones dashing up from the right and scoring the first goal for the Congre's. Following this up Evans was once more called upon to save. Jenkins and Michael stole a run on the left and the ball was centred. In saving Thomas gave a corner. This was safely got rid of, and the Congre's getting away, the ball was swung across the goal from the left wing. Evans made the mistake of running out of his goal to save the shot. This he was able to do and the ball slid away to the other side of the ground. S. Jones from here drove the ball well into the front, and Meredith catching it on the rebound drove it into the net. Some really good play by the right wing of the Congre's finished up with the ball being centred on to the foot of W. Jones, who kicked it over the net. Michael spoiled a good run on the left by kicking the ball very wide of the posts. This was to a great extent the chief fault of the Rovers, who showed a want of judgment. The game was not without its roughness, and a free kick given against the Congre's was followed by three corners in succession, which White or the backs cleared. The score at half-time was Congre's 2, Rovers 0. After a few passages the Rovers were forced to defend their goal, the Congre's dashing down and piling up the agony. There were signs of distress amongst the men with the white shirts, and the ball was driven behind the goal. From here it was kicked into the play and S. Jones drove it over the net. The referee gave it a goal kick, and from this the Rovers hurst into the Congre's ground. Fouls were frequent, and with some of the players ir, was evident, that the match was as much a trial of strength as- one of skill. Rowlands and Edwards played a steady game at back, and they did much to keep the shooting range clear of their opponents. J. Davies, who played centre-half for the Rovers, was however a dangerous shot even at long range, a fact which White on one or two occasions was lead to realise. An exceptionally long attack on the Congre's goal was relieved bv Geo. Evans. Once again the Congre's were around their opponents' goal, and S. Jones sent in two capital shots. Temporary relief fell to the lot of the Rovers, but in the course of a few minutes the Congre's were down again. Evans saved his goal, but before the ball was drove away Meredith crept up and banged it into the net. This brought the score up to three goals for the Congre's, as against a blank sheet for the Rovers. The fourth goal for the Congre's was scored by W. Jones, the left half, with a long shot. The Congre's scored another goal, which was given off-side, and actually won by four goals to none. BORTH v. U.C.W. RESERVE. The following represented these ctubs :—Berth Goal, Ptosser; backs, Roberts and Davies; half- backs, Pryce, Davies, and Wilkinson; forwards, Stinchcombe, Richards, Jenkins, Smith, and Williams; linesman, Mr. James. College Reserve: Goal, Soddie; baens, Fuller and Barratt; half- backs, Solloway, Johnson, and D. J. Evans; for- wards, W. D. John, Nash, H. H. Williams, Scholes, and E. A. Lewis linesman, Mr. Gregory referee, Mr. Jack Garner. There was a crowd of spectators on the ground when these teams took the field. Within five minutes the College men scored. Prosser made a gallant attempt to save, and got the ball out from under the bar, but it was driven back. In doing so he was sandwiched by his opponents and revived severe shaking and was compelled to le-u-o Uio ground. Richard!! who played for Borth .» the righr" -hade some excellent runs, and, gating- well np, centred, Soddie having to kick out to save. With one man short, the chances of Borth were poor, but, for- tunately for them, Prosser returned, and the game was entered into with more spirit. Within a mmnte or two after his return lie had to stop a shot from Nash. A foul throw by Borth opened up another attack on the Borth goal. John was within a few yards of the goal when he was given off-side. Lewis made a good show on the left wing of the College, but Roberts beat him, and, driving the ball down the field, Richards was tripped up, and a free kick given to Borth. Fuller and his partner cleared, and the forwards dasbing on to the Borth goal, that citadel underwent a perfect bombardment. The backs cleared their lines and Borth forwards forced a corner at the other end of the ground. They were met by a stubborn defence, and play was again forced into the Borth back line. From a pass by John, Nash secured the ball, and drove it behind. Lewis was given off-side near to Borth gohl, Kichards and Jenkins forcing their way into the College ground. Banatt drove the ball across the front of the goal, Solloway robbing Williams, and driving the bali down the field. Borth made the mistaue of passing the ball too straight, wi h the result that, the College backs invariably tabbed it. In trying to clear a shot from Johnson, Roberts gave a corner. This was cleared, but almost immediately Prosser had to save a hard shot, and a second shot from the College right was driven away by Davies. Jenkins, the centre player for Borth, a brother of T. Jenkins, who sometimes plays for Aberystwyth, bothered the College backs by his persistent attempts on the goal. A half-time the College men led by one goal to jone. The second hall was greatly in favour <f the Cohere men, and Prosser saved several shuts well delivered into the mouth of the goal. The defonce of Borth held the College men at bay, but what was gained by the efforts of the backs was lost by the poor play of the forwards, who seemed o go about their work without any idea of combined action. Scholes added the second goal for "e Ca; ege. BorLh put on a spurt, and Richards ga e Soouie a shot, which he saved, and the backs cleared their ground, quickly driving the ball wel1 out 01 danger into the Borth ground. Full time h-Howec; quickly, and the game ended in favour of the CojJege bv two goals iiO none.

ABERYSTWYTH JUNIOR LEAGUE. RESULTS UP TO DATE. GOALS P W L D F A PTS Congregational U. 1 1 0 0 4 0 2 U.C.W. Reserve 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 Borttl 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 City Rovers 1 0 1 0 0 4 0 Ystwyth Rangers. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 North End Rovers.. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

THE CAMBRIAN LEAGUE RESULTS UP TO DATE. GOALS. PL W L D F A PTS Dolgelley 2 10 17 2 3 Festiniog 1 1 0 0 2 1 2 *Towyn 2 0 0 2 3 3 2 Portmadoc 2 1 1 0 5 3 2 Barmouth 3 0 2 1 2 10 1 Machynlleth 0 0 0 0 0 0 bailing satisfactory arrangements oeing arrived at between Towyn and Barmouth to play match originally arranged for October 30th two points will be added to Towyn. I