South Wales Daily News

EASTER MONDAY MATCHES CARDIFF v. BLACKHEATH. In glorious weather this match was played on 4e Cardiff Arms Park on Easter Monday, Not- withstanding the defeat inflicted by Newport on be Metropolitans on Saturday, the match under notice was eagerly anticipated, and a holiday jrowd of over 12,003 lined the enclosure. The following were the teams :-Cardiff-Back, Win- 5eld; three-quarter backs, A M Hicketts, W 'ones, E G Nicholls, ana H V Huzzey; half- backs, C Sweet-Eacott and S Biggs forwards, G ) Dobson, J Blake, F Cornish, M Falcon, W Mclatyre, F Hine, W Neill, ana C Spackman. Bla.ckheath-Back, E S B Russell; three-quarter backs, R Forrest, J D Kynaston-Jones, G Gordon Smith, and C A Priday; half-backs, G T Unwin and E N Carlton forwards, C Dixon, A F Todd, W J Todd, R F Hobbs, S J Lawry, W E Tucker, Stirling, and A Pattiac)n. The ball was set in motion by Cardiff, Who faced the rivei goal with the sun in then:■ and a strong breeze against them. letnrn showing a mull the ball weni6 Qn and Cardiff drew first blood WItb a mmor. On kicking out the visitors gradually ruøhed down the field, and then crossing over to the other corner equalised the by Russell, who Cardiff waa smartly 8hort of goal, but dropped across The b an t anotheJ. minoc A was carried behmdto scor aQ at t at little mnrmuring wafl peWi & bufc •# £ «•«• S^t. £ »co«i got^he^ball and threw to Biggs Tnat player, after a smart dash, transferred to Huzzey, who BindaH an opposition, and amid tremendous ap- plause placeathe ball over the Une. The point waa not improved upon. Again Cardiff pressed, but Blackheath forced their way along, and a rush for the ball over the line resulted in Win. field kicking dead. The game up to now had been exceedingly fast, and it was scarcely likely that the sides would keep it up to the finish. For a considerable time Cardiff kept in theiz opponents' giound. Gradually the visitors worked to the Mnte-bttttheirjaasin^was not effective. For off-side play the visitors were penalised, but Rumell neutralised the kick. Cornish, however, got hold and gained a lot of ground before being grassed. Ricketts got a pass and reached close to the Blackheath line before Russell pulled him over. Play of a far from interesting nature fol- lowed for a, period in neutral ground, the pace being much slower than before. Russell then put in a big kick to touch in the home 25, but the ball was quickly worked out of danger. A lot of play followed in midfield, and then, just as Blackheath looked like getting through, the Cardiff backs were seen coming up the field. Nicholls, Huzzey, Jones, and Ricketts each handled in turn, and the visitors were quite beaten. The last-named player took the ball over, and amid another shout a. goal was landed. Soon after the kick-off Unwin tried to drop a goal, but the ball dropped abort and rolled dead. Bad passing next spoiled a chance for the visitors, and the interval was anmmriAA/l Half-time Score- G. T. M. I Cardiff 1 i Blackheath A good return to the restart was made, ana play settled down at the centre. Blacldieath were penalised, and the ball found touch near e corner flag. Amid excitement the visitors raised the siege, and by some dashing runs, in connec- tion with which there was very little passing, managed to place the homesters on the defensive. Blackheath than got a penalty hick, but Russell sent the ball far wide. Blackheath tried all they knew to get in, but the tackling of the home side was too smart for them, although they pressed for some time. Bit by bit Cardiff worked away, and from loose play Jones dropped at goal, but the ball just missed. A minute later Cardiff got a penalty for offside, and Hnzzey placed a splendid goal. Blackheath roused themselves after this, and Forrest was instrumental in the ball being taken into home ground. A forward dribble by Cardiff took the ball over the line, but in the race for possession one of the visitors was first. Nicholls then forced another minor by a kick. From the kick-out Blackheath made away with a dash and reached the home line, but bad passing again let Cardiff break away. They took up the running with a hot attack on the Bla.ck- heath line, but failed to get over. Long kicks between the opposing backs was the next fea- ture, and then Mclntyre, following up a dribble, scored under the posts. A goal was easily landed. This brought the finish, Cardiff having won well. Final Score- G. T. M. Cardiff *3 1 4 Blackheath 0 0 4 *One penalty. Remarks. The game was a remarkably fast one and fall of interest, but the visitors showed little attempt at combination. They tackled in most deter- mined fashion, and had they supported each other in the style we are accustomed to in Wales there would have been a very different result, for some of their men played brilliantly as indi- viduals, and they should have scored several times. Russell was a. fine custodian, but the abilities of the other men were not utilised pro- perly. For Cardiff Blake, Dobson, and Cornish were the leading forwards, and Nicholls and Hazzey were in good form at three-quarter. Winlieid kept his charge vary well, but not much can be said of the half-back play on either side, save that the display of Cardiff was a little the better. NEWPORT v. ROCKCLIFF. Rockcliff, in continuation of their South Wales tour, met Newport on the Uskside enclo- sure on Monda-y in the presence of one of the biggest crowds of toe season. Newport were with- out the services of Id. Lloyd, who was unable to play, he having to proceed to Ireland. Ihe fol- lowing were the teams :— Newport-Back. C D Phillips three-quarter backs, P Doran, K T Sknmshire, HG Alex- ander, and W Carroll; half backs, G R Wade and L A Phillips forwards, G Boots, J Hodges, M Price, W H Williams, J E C Partridge, A Inns, W Parfitt, and J H Dunn. Rockeliff Back, J Milnes; three-quarter backs, J W Stranaghan, R W Poole, H E Gallo- way, and G Dick half-backs, T Cookson and A Phillips forwards, J H Greeuwell (captain), B Taylor, F Finlay, G Gibson, J Dobinson, R Robinson, T C Stephenson, and T Hamblin. Referee, Mr W M Douglas, Cardiff. Boots started operations from the ballast end, and the visitors being unable to reply owing to the smart way in which the home forwards followed up, play opened well within Rock- cliff territory. The visiting pack broke away from the last" of a series of scrummages, and took the ball into Newport 25, but L. A. Phillips nicked up and returned to touch near the centre. Newport had the upper hand in a couple of scrummages, and sent the ball into touch on the Rockcliff side of halfway, and Newport worked into the visitors' quarter-line. Dick made a determined effort to get away, but was tackled from behind by Parfitt, and the ball went into touch. The Rockcliff men ultimately gained Newport end as the resnlt of a long kick to which C. D. Phillips put in a reply which found touch near the home 25. The Northum- brians gradually gained ground, and Strana- ghan, with a big kick, found touch within three yards of Newport line. From the scrummage the visiting eight heeled out, and the halves put the three-quarters in motion, but the passing was stopped. The ball Went loose, however, and a couple of the visiting forwards took it over the line. Dobinson fell Upon it and scored a try, which was greeted with hearty applause. Galloway failed at goal. Play continued in the Newnort half for some time afterwards, owing mainly to the excellent judg- ment and fine kicking of Milnes, who repeatedly saved his forwards and gained considerable ground by his punts to touch. Eventually the ball was sent over the home line, and Carroll touched down. Just afterwards C. D. Phillips also had to go through the saving process. Still Kockcliff kept up the attack, and Cookson went through indetermixled fashion, and when stopped within a few yards of the line he passed, but the ball was knocked on. Rockcliff though baulked of a try were given a penalty kick within the Newport 25. and right in front of the goal. The ball was placed tor goal, hnfc fcha "Newport charged down the kick, Dut tneW P cfcafcors were relieved at the and the home jpecva^^ certain. The rolief failure, for a, gafterwards Rockcliff was only temporaiy, j pQole swept down to th ballEappeared to drop dropped for 8°^* xeferee gave the outside the upright,!» the re gcrowd_ goal thereupon section po8(;8 especially those who wererig houted their and were thus best able to jiwK me for a protests and Mr Douglas the minute or so, but allowed it to P followed protest subsiding. Half-time quickly followed. Half-time Score Rockcliff i 0 Newport 000 •Dropped.. Play settled at midfield after the opening in the second half. Rockcliff pressed into New- port territory, but a long kick, to which Milnes s r*]ply failed find touch, led Newport into Rock- -L. tttf^lips put in a fine run aiong Newnn^ k* stopped in Rockcliff'a 25. wind at now playing with the sun and S^o thLbafk8' to much better ad- hrians took sl»v if^ 4116 Northum- KX SfainShLI bT M* *> Rockcliff 25 by a* big^^y™ pIfy*m S5b sent the ball8 tQ froM the scrummage, and Doran ln.t splendid opening knocking Tn. Again Newport baoks got into motion, bat Poole intercepted a pass and ran to halfway, where he was stopped. Rockcliff now got well into New- Srt ground for the first time and from a bhmJ. Ufthc ball came out on Rockcliff side and ww JSsed to Poole, who dropped a goal. A WA3 P- hiff punts and rashes resulted in SOCKe^° hefn- nvaPded in turn, and once Mi?D £ ^i nre^sTd, bat got out of the difficulty, was hard pr the aggressive, but all Newport fntile owing to the keenness of their efforts we ckling and the smartness with too Rockcliff t backa kept watch upon their which the v^tin^ especially prominent in opponent—Poole b^i R ^ort this work.. Ultima^ f of Rockcli £ f over the ««tors boands. Newport men saved by 1"c ^]ty at an awkward angle, "jisii sas.2*ss nu •»« TTUHMUg —s n m Final Score G. T. M. Rockcliff i n ? Newport u u 1 •Both dropped. RemtLTKB. Boekcliff repeated their performajice of last 9MK, for it will be remembered that they then defeated Newport. The TJsksiders badly missed L1. Lloyd, but it must be admitted that they thoroughly deserved to lose, for they raiely shaped in anything like their forrn against Car- diff or Blackheath. The Rockcliff pack played in grand style the typical North-country game, an! their backs rendered them all the assistance in their power by their big ptuits, which repeatedly found touch, gained big slices of territory, and eased their forwards. Poole was t e eroof the match, for in addition to dropping the two goals he repeatedly spoiled what little passing there was on the Newport side. SWANSEA v. NORTHAMPTON. At Swansea on Easter Monday before a crowd numbering about 14,000. The previous encounter at Northampton ended in a victory for Swansea by 19 points to nil. The following were the teams :— Swansea—Back, P. Lockman three-quarter backs, F. Gordon. G. Davies, D. Rees, and W. Trew; half-basks, D. Jones and D. M. Owen forwards, W. Parker, F. Scrines, A. Jones, W. Fuller, H. Davies, L. Davies, T. Jackson, and D. Harris. Northampton—Back, W. J. Dixon; three-quarter backs, A. Smith, S. Simmonds, C. Leigh, and W. H. Kingston half-backs, H. E. Kingston and W. Patrick forwards, B. I. Swan- nell, H. Atterbury, J. Maynard, D. Frazer, A. Chalmers, R. Swannell, H. A. Slater, and A. E. Pitts. Referee, Mr A. James, Newport. HopkinT)avies kicked off and Maynard returned. Swansea made a rapid advance which proved irresistible, and Scrines scored. Lockman failed to convert. After give-and-take play Lockman found touch near his opponents' quarter line. A penalty given Swansea for off-side tactics allowed G. Davies to land the ball in touch well in the Northampton 25. After the line out Swansea kept up a strong attack. Jones passed out to George Davies, who kicked to Dixon, but the last-named fumbled the ball, which nearly resulted in a try being scored. Eventually a touch-down brought the visitors relief. Next the visiting forwards came away with a burst. H. E. Kingston made a strong run, and was not checked until he was near the home goal line- His effort, however, was at once neutralised by the defence of Owens, Jones, Rees, and Gordon. The visiting forwards got ahead a few yards; and a scrum was formed on the division line. When the ball was heeled out Simmonds, aided by the wind, exacted a minor for the visitors, the ball running out of bounds. Dick Jones passed out from the scrummage, but it was not taken, and Atterbury-snipped up the pass and kicked into the home 25. Gordon at once kicked out and Simmonds returned. Trew took up the ball and made off at full speed and collided against Swannell, who received a nasty cut on the fore- head, which drew blood copiously, and the game was suspended whilst medical assistance was obtained. Resuming all the Northampton three-quarters handled the leather in turn, but lost ground in the attempt. A minute later, however, Simmonds, Leigh, H. E. Kingston, and W. H. Kingston came off with a really fine bout of passing which completely nonplussed the homesters, and culminated in the last-named scoring a well-merited try. Simmonds failed to negotiate. Northampton continued to play up with much spirit although a man short, Swannell being hors de combat, and the St. Helen's men had to play for all they knew to keep them out. A close and exciting scrummage was formed a few yards from the home goal-line, but the Swanseaites removed all danger. Kicks and returns ended in favour of the Midlanders, Leigh finding touch by his opponents' 25 flag. From the line-out Swansea came away, and George Davies put in a judicious kick, which gained an appreciable distance. The same player from a penalty landed the ball near the Northampton goal-line. W. H. Kingston fumbled the ball, and Swansea were able to keep up a strong siege. The brothers Kingston getting the ball by inter- cepting a pass transferred to each other across the halfway line. Swansea came down at a rattling rate and ought to have scored, but a couple uf mistakes allowed Northampton to touch down. The next noticeable feature was a fine run by Lockman, who passed to Trew. The latter was tackled. However, almost immediately afterwards Swansea made a most determined onslaught on the Northampton goal which could not be repelled, and Gordon raced round and scored. The place kick by Lockman failed. Half-time was called. Half-time Score G. T. M. I Swansea 0 2 2 Northampton. 0 1 2 Atterhary- kicked off, but did not reach the 12 yards limit, therefore the kick waa disallowed. Subsequently Lockman getting possession gave a long dodgv ran halfway up the ground and trans- ferred to Rees, who gave to Scrines. The last- named was within an ace of scoring, being held up almost on the goal-line. Swansea were soon rewarded for their efforts, as D. Rees doubled past several of the Northampton men and trans- ferred to Gordon, who scored. George Davies failed to convert. Swansea now led by 9 points to 3. After some tight scrummaging Jones and Owens passed and repassed, which culminated in the latter grounding behind the posts. Lockman successfully goaled. After the kick-off the Midlanders, nothing discouraged, made re- peated attacks on the home goal. A rush by the St. Helen's front line was cleverly checked by Dixon, who smartly picked up and kicked to Lockman, whom he prevented fro ai putting in a reply. The visitors were now having all the better of the play till Serines, George Davies, and Trew worked together and changed the venae from their quarters to the other end. The Midlanders had to play for some time strictly on the defensive until a minor conceded by Dixon brought them relief. George Davies, D. Rees, and Gordon took play back to the visitors' 25, and then George Davies, slipping! through, scored in a favourable position. Lock- man found no difficulty in goaling. Swansea now led by the formidable total of 19 points to 3. The visitors appeared to be played out as D. Rees, immediately the ball was set in motion, scored behind the posts. Lockman converted. Arthur Jones was next to score, and Lockman again negotiated successfully. After Swansea had attacked for some minntes Trew crossed, and Lockman was again successful with the olacs kick. Time was now called. Final score: G. T. M. Swansea 5 3 3 Northampton. 0 1 2 I Remarks. Northampton in the first half played up so well that a good game was anticipated, but they fell away lamentably in the second half, evi- dently having over-played themselves, Swansea beating them in every department. The heeling out of Owens and Dick Jones and the combina- tion of the h jme three-quarters completely non- plussed the Midlanders. G. Davies and Dan Rees were especially noticeable. The game was a very fast, open, and good display ot scientific football, although too one-sided towards the close. Lockman played a sterling offensive and defensive game. For the visitors Dixon, tne custodian, was particularly good, and did some smart things, whilst H. Kingston at half passed out effectively. Leigh and W. H. worked capitally together at three-quarte Forward, Chalmers, Mavnard and Atterbury were the pick, although tho "Northampton front con- re tingent were at a disadvantage by having to play a man short. PONTYPRIDD v. LEICESTER. At Leicester, before 10,000 spectators. The match was eagerly anticipated, supporters Of the home lot feeling confident of victory. The referee was Mr Alderson, Yorkshire. Leicester started operations, and the subse- quent exchanges left play in midfield. ine visitors then got away from a scrum and pressed, and the ball being sent over the line VVarlow scored. The place-kick, taken by Mackenzie, proved abortive. Resuming, Pontypridd con- tinued to attack, but a free kick awarded against them for offside play relieved the pressure, and the home team took play to the centre. Some loose footwork followed, and Leicester gaining he advantage the visitors were forced to concede a minor. From the drop-out Pontypridd got away, and again forced the homesters to defend, but a pretty bit of passing on the part off the Leicester three-quarters removed danger, ai?d loose play wa subsequently witnessed in the open. Both sides afterwards attacked in turn, and Leicester missed a beautiful opportunity of scoring by failing to take advantage of a clear opening which presented itself near the visitors' quarter-line. Thereafter Pontypridd worked to the centre and had much the better of the suc- ceeding play. Time after time the halves sent the ball out to the three-quarters, but the latter were too closely watched to make much headway. Just before the interval the visitors threatened danger, but the whistle blew without further score. danger, but the whistle blew without further score. I Half-time Score- G. T. M. I Pontypridd 0 10 I Leicester 0 0 1 Restarting, the visitors went away with a rash and attacked hotly, but relief was brought to the home lot by a long kick to the centre by one of the three- quarters. Leicester afterwards pressed, bntitwas only for a moment, a fine burst on the part of the visiting forwards carrying the ball back to midfield. Pontypridd were here penaJised, and F. H. Jones made a futile attempt to kick a goal. A moment later the same player made his mark uaar the halfway line. The ball was well charged by an opposing forward, and no advantage accrued. Pontypridd returning to the attack remained in Leicester territory for some while. Several hard scrummages were fought out, which ended in favour of the visitors, but owing to the sound defence of the Leicester backs they failed to cross the line. The three-quarters indulged in nassing but nothing came of it, and Leicester cleared their line by a loese rush to neutral ground. Not to be denied, however, the Welshmen agam assumed an aggressive attitude. Lake made his mark on the quarter line, but failed to influence the score andup to the call of time Pontypridd remained invaders of the home ground. rn Final Score— -L. m. Pontypridd ° J J Leicester • • • Remarks. It was by no means a brilliant game. Ponty- pridd deserved their victory, and tliey were with- the better team on the day's play, but wl* ^^ion, as also that of their opponents, iunish' an(l there was no combination *>nt forwards. Nevertheless several players three-anl^6 good dividual work, while the in a littlfi^ors-OQ .one.or two occasions indnlged There was neat in character, half-backa 1? °boo8e between the respective three auar'tPr? sent fcbe ball out to the BELFAST COLLEGIANS v. LLANELLY MnLi8pe(!0to,t?rs assembled at Stradey kon Monday to witness an encounter between the .Belfast Collegians and Llanelly It was tha fioest gate lor a long time. U&nelly put identically the same team on the field as on Saturday, except that Isaac Lewis played instead of the International, D. Daniell, who has been suspended by the Llanelly Committee. The teams were :— Belfast Collegians—Back, Watters three- quarter backs, Gillespie, Dunsmore, Tedford. and Hewitt; half-backs, H and J Ferris forwards, C Neill, Alexander, Simpson, Wilson, Holmes, Wright, Heron, and Robertson. Llanelly—Back, Griff Williams; three-quarter backs, Morgan Williams, Bob Richards, Eva.n Lloyd, and R T Gabe; half-backs, R Francis and W H Oakley; forwards, W J Thomas, J Jones, D Walters, Ben James, Watts, D Thomas, Keenan, and Isaac Lewis. Referee, J H Bowen, Cardiff. Jack Jones set the ball rolling down the slope for Llanelly, and a Belfast centre replying, Gabe punted into touch inside the visitors' quarters, where Llanelly were awarded a. penalty, and W. J. Thomas sent into touch the other Bide of the 25 flag. The home team initiated a beautiful bout of passing, which was repeated a minute later Morgan Williams only being kicked into touch, and Oakley W9.:4 only checked within a yard of crossing. Llanelly played up with spirit, and within five minutes of the start Gabe crossed the line. W. J. Thomas converted. On the restart Bob Richards broke through, and then kicked, the forwards rushing the bay before the Irishmen could take it. For keeping up their feet in the scrummage theLlanelly forwards gave Belfast the advantage of a penalty, which trans. ferred operations to the centre. The home pack dribbled' down again, and Oakley miss- ing a pass from Francis, the visiting pack came away, and after a brilliant bit of passing one of their centres was only foroed into touch a few yards from the line by Gabe. Oakley relieved by a punt, and Gabe further improved the position for Llanelly. The home team were penalised in the centre, and from the place Dunsmore made a magnificent attempt at goal. The leather did not travel far enougn, however, and Griff Williams replied well, Bob Richards following up and collaring before the visitors could return. Belfast again made an incursion into the home territory, and a, fine dribble, headed by Oakley, once more placed Ltanelly on the defensive. Ferris made a grand burst, and after the oval had been handled by several of the collegians, one of them punted towards the Llanelly goal. Griff Williams made an excellent return, and collared before the Belfast back could reply. Consequently play now vacillated on the equatorial line. Here Ll&nelly were again penalised, and once more Densmore made a brilliant shot at goal from a difficalt angle. Evan Lloyd secured, however, aud punted beyond the centre flag. From mid-field Oakley ecrewed a kick, and Gabe following up a feeble reply was made, to which D. Thomas returned. The ball was charged down and the Llanelly forwards rushed over, W. J. Thomas planting the ball down. Evan Lloyd missed converting by a yard or so. After the kick-out the Irishmen invaded the Llanelly quarters and succeeded in getting close upon the line. The home forwards gradually woiked themselves down and a kick by Oakloy transferred play to the centre. Gillespie now made a splendid burst and only had Griff Williams to pass before scoring. The Llanelly full back brought him to grass in fine fashion. Afterwards Llanelly removed operations to the visitors' quarters, where half-time was called. Half-time Score— G. T. M. Llanelly 110 Belfast Collegians 0 0 0 D. Thomas replied to the Collegians' kick-off, and after exchange kicks play settled down in the centre. The Irishmen infused increased vigour into the game, and by rushing the scrummages their strong pack of forwards worked their way to the Llanellv line. Oakley relieved with a fine kick to the centre. Another rush took the Irish- men down again, and D. Thomas punted back bevond the centre flag, Walters giving a very feeble reply to touch. The home backs now resorted to passing, a knock-on by Evan Lloyd nullifying the attempt to get over. A little later the ball was passed out to Morgan Williams, who eluded his opponents and ran some distance, after which he passed to Griff. Williams, who sent to Gabe, and the latter scored a. brilliant try. The a.ngle was too difficult for Griff Williams to majorise. Following the kick-out a Belfast for- ward broke away grandly, but was collared in the Llanelly quarters by Griff Williams. The visitors were awarded a penalty in a very favour- able position, but Denmore'3 kick was charged down by Ben James. The home team by passing removed play to the Belfast territory, where Mor- gan Williams elicited loud applause by running through a bunch of his opponents and almost got over. A few seconds later the same player repeated the trick, and scored a try. Evan Lloyd con- verted. The Collegians got into the Llanelly quarters on the resumption, but Llanelly soon drove them back Both sides were penalised in quick succession, and play of a give-and-take nature followed. A bout of passing by Evan Lloyd, Griff Williams, and Gabe enabled Llan- elly to attack fiercely the Belfast citadel. Relief was brought by a penalty awarded the Collegians close on the line. Llanelly, however, restarting, returned to the attack and came very near scoring several times. £ inal bcore— G. T. M. Llanelly 2 2 0 Belfast Collegians 0 0 0 NEATH v. NUNEATON. I Played at Neath in fine weather before 3,000 spectators. Both teams suffered from absen- teeism. Handford being replaced by J. D, Davies, D. H. Davies and Moxley failing to put in an appearance, Nuneaton being notably without their captain. M. Reynolds started for Neath. Nuneaton returned, and J. Davies put in a useful kick for Neath. Dai Evains made a mark on the halfway line and kicked well into the visitors' territory. The Nuneaton forwards now rushed play into the home 25, where Joe Davies picked up and passed to Harry Jones, who ran well into his opponents' quarters, where he kicked high, and play settled down in the visitors' 25. From a kick by Jebbitts Nuneaton rushed down to the Neath line, where Neath were awarded a free, and Joe DavieB fonnd touch on the halfway line. From a scram here Handford received and ran in fine style down the field and grounded the ball amidst cheers. Joe Davies failed to convert. On re- suming Neath pressed, and J. D. Davies made a beautilul run. Play was well in the visitors' territory when two of the Nuneaton men were injured and retired in quick succession. Neath were now having the best of matters, and by a long kick H. Jones exacted a minor. A beautiful run by C. Powell, a short dribble by the forwards, and a smart pick up by Sam Davies resulted in the lattec's scoring a try, which was unconverted. The visitors now played up with great dnah and vigour, and succeeded in taking play into the home territory, but it was soon rushed back, and J. Linnard picking up scored another try. Joe Davies's shot at goal was unsuccessful. The re- start found Neath still attacking, and after a few rushes and scrums the interval was announced. Half-time Score- G. T. M. I Neath o 3 1 Nuneaton 0 0 0 Nunea-ton restarted, and Neath rushed the ball into their opponents' land, where play ruled for a few minutes, but the visitors dribbled back. From a scrum in neutral territory Owen Harris received and running in beautiful style scored a try near the posts, but the point was not majorised. On the resumption the visitors pressed, but the ster- ling play of the home team prevented them getting over. From a scrum the home three- quarters got away, and Will Jones making a magnificent run took play once more into the visitors' country. Owen Harris picked up in the loose and raced to within a few inches of the line, where he passed wildly, and the opportunity for scoring yet another try was missed. However, Neath were not to be denied, and Owen Harris, with another, corkscrew run, passed to Will Jones, who got over in the corner. Joe Davies made a good, but ineffectual, attempt at goal. Two minors quickly followed. Nuneaton were now a beaten team. From a scrummage on the visitors' 25 line C. Powell re- ceived, and in a dashing and not to be beaten run scored yet another try. Neath were now con. tinually pressing and several times were within an ace of the line. The home quartette were now playing at their best and passed and repassed in fine style. Harry Jones, receiving a paas from J. D. Davies, romped home with another try for Neath, which Joe Davies with an excellently- judged kick converted. Soon after the restart 0. Powell while racing away with the ball waa col- lared, and it wa.3 found that he was injured in the knee so badly that he was forced to retire. Play ruled in midfield when the whistle blew, leaving Neath the victors by 23 points to nil. Final Score— G. T. M. I Neath 1 6 5 Nuneaton 0 0 0 Remarks. Neath were by far the better team, and fairly outclassed their opponents in every particular. The Neath team showed rare form and displayed great dash and vigour in attacking. C. Powell, H. Jones, Owen Harris, 8. Davies, and Handford were the pick of the home team. The two Jeb. bets, Brayling, and Tunnicliffe were the best of the beaten team. Joe Davies for Neath played a sound game, and once nearly succeeded in get- ting over. The visiting forwards were a good lot ana did their full share of work, but there was no Co-operation on the part of the backs, who from first to last seemed to be in an obfuscated condi- tion. LLWYNYPIA v. MONA. The Mona team journeyed to Llwynypia on Easter Monday afternoon to meet the Glamorgan League cupholdera. The weather was all that could be desired for a holiday, and there was a fair gate. The teams were: Llwynypia—Back, T Saunders; three-quarter- baoks, W M Llewelyn, R Foster, B Morgan, and. Berrisa; half-backs, Stephens and J Davies; forwards, Hollings, R Jones, J Bowen, E Jones, W R Williams, E Jenkins, Harding, and J Atkins. Mona-Back, T Cain three-quarter- backs, Scott. Barrett, Clarke, and substitute; half-backs, Tom Cain and Roberts; forwards, Creor, B Kelly, C Moore, T Moore, Keely, Lahmas, Roney, and Quine. Referee, Mr E. John, Pontypridd. Soan after the start the homesters assumed aggressive tactics, and Llewelyn getting posses- sion scored a try, which Saunders failed to con- vert. The Llwynypia men Kept careering about their opponents line, and although their attack was a very persistent one they failed to pene" trace the defence. Relief was obtained by Telford Cain whose kick found touch near the centre flag. The visitors' forwards, by dint of hard work and smart loose play, got to the home 25 for the first time, but their stay was very brief, the dashing play of the home pack quickly sending them back to neutral ground, where Barrett shone with a. tricky ruD. Play of a mirth-provoking, wtth 0, tdak character ensued. Atkins takinp, the ball close to Mona's goal, where he stumbled. The next instant Foster got the ball and ran across ia fine style, Saunders converting. It was evident that the Monaites were no class for the Rhondda men, who soon got into^swiog Again, and FoRe, after a tricky ran, made an opening for Ben Morgan, who easily 3cored in the corner, Saunders failing to oonvert. Hellings, the veteran International, next got the leather in his quarters, and as he was covering the ground with his characteristic strides one of the youngters opposed to him pulled him down by the legs amid much laughter. After some desultory play the cupholders again made things hum a bit, and Stephens having cleared half-adozen of the Manxmen threw to Foster. The latter transferred to Llewelyn, who ran beautifully across, doubled a quartette of opponents across the line, and planted the oval in a position that enabled Saunders to easily score, and nothing further was scored before the interval. Halt-time score— b. x. M. I Llwynypia 2 2 0 Mona 0 0 0 I The homesters were caugat napping a couple of minutes after play was resumed, and the result was that they were penned close to their line. The Douglas men looked like scoring, especially when Ben Moigan dropped the ball within a few inches of the goal, but the tackling and the general defence of the League champions was too good to be broken, and Saunders we i-judged kicjw. twice relieved the pressure. Another eye-opener was again given to the visitors. Bob Jones getting possession in mid-field ran to the 25, when he passed to Hellings, who ran close beside him. The burly forward saw no chance of scoring, but he threw well out to Llewelyn, who, outpacing and doubling his pursuers, again planted the ball behind the goal, Saunders easily converting. The visitors were again put on the defensive, the alertness and quick passing move- ments of the Rhondda boys simply bewildering their opponents. In one of the bouts of passing Foster got the leather, ran towards the left, and seeing that he could score without transferring to Llewelyn, got a try all on his own," but Saunders failed to improve upcn it. It was now simply a question as to what the score of the homesters would be, and after play had lasted a couple of minutes the home backs were again set in motion, r oster was going away vary nicely, but he very unsel- fishly threw to Llewelyn, who with a fine apart eluded his pursuers, and again placed the ball behind the goal, Saunders subsequently sending the oval over the cross-bar. Llewelyn again received from Hellings, but this time he was too quickly surrounded to prove dangerous, and an instant later the first minor of the match was con- ceded by Mona's custodian. Another minor speedily followed, and the next bout of passing ended in Berriss running close to the line, where he threw to Ben Morgan, who romped across, Saunders converting. Foster was the next to score after a strong burst, Saunders just missing the goal with a very fine shot. A screw kick by a Llewelyn brought the fourth minor, a fourth immediately follow- ing a punt by the same player. Stephens making a capital opening threw to Berriss, and the latter transferring to Ben Morgan the right wing again scored just before time, Saunders again failing to convert. Final bcore— G. T. M. Llwynypia 6 4 4 Mona 0 0 0 Remarks, Poor Mona They came, they saw, they- well, if they didn't conquer they have had a good lesson bow to play first-class football. This is the first visit of the Manxmen to South Wales, and they are highly delighted with their recep- tion, and will doubtless profit by the experience which they have gained, They have been deeply impressed by the style of play shown by Welsh three-quarters, and as one of them explained to our reporter at the close of the match yesterday, We go in more for forward play than anything else, but when we come down among yon again you may depend upon it that our back play will be very different to what it is now." PONTYCLUN v. TREHERBERT. Played at Treherbert on Monday before a fair crowd. Both sides had prominent players absent. At the outset the visitors pressed and notched a coaple of minors. From a scrum on the line the home halves handled and Parry crossed, but was whistled back. Shortly after Hitchings scored after good passing—not converted. Before the interval the homesters added another uncon- verted try, Hanbury scoring in the corner after I' some smart interchanges. Half-time beoro- ix 'J. lu. I Treherbert 0 2 1 Half-time bcore— ix X'. lu. Treherbert 0 2 1 Pontyclun 0 0 3 On the restaxt botn sides inauigea in a lot ot wild kicking, but when play settled down splendid passing by the home team ended in Hanbury getting knocked against the corner flag. From a scrum Griffiths dropped a pretty goal. Gibby scored another unimproved try by a strong burst, literally forcing his way over. Emlyn Lewis receiving from Griffiths crossed in the corner, Hitchings again failing to convert. Griffiths was the next to cross, and Hitchings again just failed, the bell striking the post. rinai a core— Treherbert. *2 5 6 Pontyclun 0 0 3 *Both dropped. Remarks. The homestecs seemed to be a long time settling down, and for the first quarter of the match the visitors pressed, but were never reaily dangerous, and once the homesters commenced the scoring they seemed to give up all hope of winning and simply laid themselves out to pre- vent the homesters from crossing.'and by playing five three-quarters they managed to do so fairly well. The homo halves were much superior to the visiting pair, and fed their third line with splendid judgment. Hitchings and Hanbury were the best of the home three-quarters. MORRISTON v. TONDU. Tondu visited Morriston on Monday. The teams were fanyrepresentative, and a good game was witnessed. Joseph started operations for Morriston from the Llansamlet side, and were soon pressing their opponents. Lovett, the Morriston wing man, getting possession of the ball, romped through a bunch of Toudu players and reached the Tondu line, but was there tackled. Tondu relieved the pressure, but Jowett, assisted by D. Jones, nearly got over. Passing between W. Jones and Harries gained Morriston ground, and play was centred near the 25 flag. From a mark a Tondu player kicked well down the field, but Arnold, the home custodian, relieved beautifully, kicking from his own 25 down to the visiting 25 flag, After further play A. Edwards got possession and nicely passed to D. Davies, who kicked ahead, and Tom Koberts picking up ran and scored, Arnold converting. After this, up to the call of half-time, Morriston were the aggressors. Half-time Boora- G. T. M. Morriston *1 0 0 Tondu 0 0 0 *Converted. Tondu restarted operations, and play was any- thing but brilliant. The pressure was continued by the Tinplaters. Ben Davies and Jowett were conspicuous by their united play. D. Davies lost a certain try by erratic passing. Brilliant interpassing between Jowett, Jones, and Roberts nearly did the needful. Play continued on the Tondu line for some time, when a most regret- table incident occurred. Oiwng to some dis- Eute between some of the players, Tondu, headed y their captain, left the field, alleging unfair play on the part of the referee and everyone concerned. play on the part of the referee and everyone concerned. il'inal Neore- G. T. M. Morriston *1 o 0 Tondu 0 0 0 ""Converted. THE REFEREE INTERVIEWED. In an interview with the referee he complains of the action of the captain in withdrawing his men from the field. He noticed two men quarrel- ling and on the verge of fighting, and was on his way ordering their removal when the Tondu cap- tain shouted, Away, and let us leave the field." This was unwarrantable, and he intended to report the matter tp the next committee of the Welsh Football Union. SIDMOUTH v. BRIDGEND. At Sidmouth before a good gate. Matthewa, the Bridgend captain, kickd off down the bill, and Skinner making rather a bad return Bridg- end tried to rush, but Sidmouth worked the ball back to the centre, from which point Davie3 led a good dribble, not being stopped until he got ta Sanders, the Sidmouth back, whose retarn kick was taken across the field. Bridgend again rushed to Sidniouth territory, where scrums ensued. Sidmouth obtained a free, which Thatcher returned to the Sidmouth 25 flag. Emery returned the kick out, and Russell getting possession darted off for the Bridgend goal line, but was whistled back, and a series of serums took place in the centre of the field, when Bridg- end broke away, and after kicking across the field Broom got possession, and was not stopped bv Courtney antil he got close on the Sidmouth ,resP°?sible f« transferring pl*y to the visitors' territory, where Havman, who was suffering from the effects of a former S5. was Rocked out for a few minutes. Bridgend warmed !up, and the game for a time ww» very fast. The Sidmouth line waa again through the good kicking of T. u -a James passed to Thatcher, wno transferred to Broom, but when S'lngwf. was stopped by Skinner. ^fkhmen, however, continued to press, and looked as if they would score, but the tackling of the homesters was deadly, although for a considerable time the play was in Sidmouth ground, where Sidmouth broke through. Russell sprinted away fine, but slipping fell when near the half-way flag. In the second half the pace told, and Sidmouth had the best of matters, trieo being obtained for Sidmouth by Fitzgerald, Pursell, and Lake, Sidmouth thna winning by 9 points to oiL Final score: G. T. M. Sidmouth o^O Briclgend 0 0 0 Remarks. The match was greatly enjoyed, the Bridgend men being shaxp on the ball, their kicking and tackling fine, but the swiftness of the game told, aud although they kept up their play were out- classed. Hay man, James, and Matthews gave a good exhibition of football, and the wheeling of the Welshmen was much enjoyed. Reynolds made a good back for them. and his huge kicks to touch did good service. The home passing was better than the visiting quartette. BARNSTAPLE v. PENARTH. WELSHMEN ORDERED OFF THE FIELD. At Barnstaple. 0. Thcmas, the International, started for Barnstaple, plav settling down in the centre. Thomley dribbled from a. scrummage, gaining ground, a free neutralising the effort. A fine round of passing led to Barum attacking, Kirby relieving. After a rush Peflarth saved. The Barnstaple forwards, led by C. Harper, International, worked to the 25, Fillett running out after » shot at goal. Knight saved from a scram close to the line. Barnstaple kept up the pressure, relieving with a kick to itomch. Clever passing lot Moleaworth over, Curtice failing to convert. Penarth was soon on the defensive again, Boyle (Devon County centre) scoring behind the posts, but failing to add the extra points. Hutchings led a dribble for Penarth, and Hey wood carried to the Barnstaple 25. Gibbs marked Richards saving. Porter ra.n and kicked, Knight's return being spoilt in the visitors' 25. Just afterwards Knight stopped a rush, but passing among the three- quarters resulted in Curtice scoring. n_ Halt-time ocore— u. t. ai. Barnstaple 12 0 Penarth 0 0 0 Gibbs re-started, Harper and Thomas dribbling to the Penarth ground. After passing Sprye scored between the posts, Curtice goaling. Gibbs returned to neutral ground and dropped a splendid goal, the effort being warmly applauded. The Barum forwards worked gradually to Penarth territory. Kirby changed the aspect of affairs with a dash- ing run, Curtice, however, kicking to touch at the other end. Hutchings was temporarily knocked out. Barnstaple pressed and Knight saved. Smith started smart passing, Tillett muffing and losing a good chance. Curtice just failed to land a goal from a mark. Hutohings kicked and Smith and Stranaghan followed up smartly. Smith scor- ing. Gibbs failed to convert. The referee ordered Hutchings and Tucker off for rough- ness. Shier was just afterwards ordered off for striking a player. Play was proceeding in mid ground when time was called. rinai score i*. t. m.. Barnstaple 2 2 0 Penarth *1 1 5 •Dropped. Remarks. The smarter team won, but the game was admirably contested, and well worth seeing. Barnstaple wa3 heavier forward, the eight includ- ing two of this season's Internationals, but in spite of this the Penarth halves frequently got the ball- The three-quarters were too well marked however to do much. Most of the passing was on the home side- Penarth played an uphill game very pluckily. Gibbs, who led his forwards grandly, scored one of the prettiest dron goals ever seen on the ground. The Penarth halves were very smart, and Smith was the shining light among the three-quarters. His try was the result of smart following up, suc- ceeded by tricky work. Among the spectators the ordering off of the players was considered un- necessary. The players seemed to regard it as a joke. CARDIFF RESERVES v. BRIDGWATER ALBION. At Bridgwater in lovely weather. The home- sters commsneed against the wind and imme- diately pressed, but the defence of the Cardiff backs was splendid. They could noti however, keep the Albions out for long, and a forward rush ended in a score for the homesters, but no goal resulted. The attack was kept up at the restart and another try was registered, but again the kick was a failure. The Cardiffians were badly beaten at forward in this half, but the defence of the backs saved their side. Half-time Score— G. T. M. Bridgwater Albions 0 2 0 Cardiff Reserves 0 0 0 The Cardiff forwards on the restart warmed to their work in grand fashion, and had most of the play. Hughes and Keatall took advantage of the chances given them by the front rank, and put their three-quarters in motion continually. Tha passing wvs splendid, and Max Williams crossed after Kestall, Hughes, and Ivor Jones had handled. The galme had hardly been re- started when Ivor Jones received from Hughes and scored a brilliant try, but neither was con- verted. Jones again had a fine opening, but was selfish and missed a certain try. The visitors had much the better of the second half, and pressed for nearly the whole time. Final Score- G. T. M. I Bridgwater Albions 0 2 0 Cardiff Reserves ,0 2 0 Remarks. The play of the visitors in the second half was 11.S brilliant a it was poor in the initial moiety. Every mau did well, and the back play was par excellence. The Albion defence wa3 good, Slingston at half and Sealey three-quarter being fine. The result is very creditable to Cardiff compared with the results of the Maesteg and Bridgend games. NEWPORT A v. STROUD. At Stroud on Easter Monday before a large crowd. Both teams were well represented. Newport, who started with the advantage of a big slope in their favour, pressed at the outset, but Horton biought relief, and another local player patting in a big kick compelled the Usk- siders to save. The remainder of the first half was more or less in Newport's favour, but Stroud's defence proved equal to all demands upon it, the interval arriving with a blank scoring sheet. Upon resuming Stroud took up the at- tack, but played with bad judgment and thus lost one or two capital chances of scoring. Haines on one occasion passed to Curtis, who narrowly missed scoring in the corner. Then May crossed, but the try was disallowed. Stroud, however, continued to attaak, and in the last minute May following up a kick crossed and scored behind the posts, Haines converting. Final Score G. T. M. Stroud. 1 0 0 Newport A 0 0 0 I Remarks. There was very little uuierence between tne rival teams, but what there was was in the loaals' favour, who had nearly all the game in the second half. AU things considered they deserved to win, and bat forfailare to do justice to themselves at critical moments they must have scored more. CINDERFORD v. PONTYMISTER. At Cinderford before a capital attendance. Cinderford commenced operations. The visitors brought a strong pack of forwards, whilst Cinder- ford were but poorly represented, and made three alterations in their team. The game had not long started before Mudway was conspicuous by a good run. Pontymister then got away, but Boyd brought his man down in the home 25. Scrums were here fought out with great vigour, and then a free gave Cinderford some relief. Just after the Welshmen were penalised for legs up, and when the kick had been taken the whistle sounded for half-time with the score sheet blank. Up till now the game had been very even, but when the opposing teams crossed over Cinderford commenced to press. Scrums were formed near the Pontymister line, and from one of these the ball came bouncing up to Lewis, who picked up and scored. The same placer failed to convert. The visitors then burst away in good style, and reached Fields, who upset his man, took the ball, and put in a big kick. The game was now going at a great peze, but Cinderford held their own splendidly. The visitors seldom got the ball from the scrum. Lewis again scored, but failed to con- vert. Final Score- G. T. M. I Cinderford 0 2 0 Pontymister 0 0 0 WHITCHURCH v. FROME. Continuing their Easter tour, Whitchurch met Frome on the Nunney-road ground before a large attendance. Salman commenced for Whitchurch, and Frome invaded the visitors' quarters. From a serum Evans broke away, and nearly put Chard in. Whitchurch now pressed, and from a strong forward rash Broad scored, Salman con- verting. From the restart Frome played with vigour, but Chislett m-de a grand Srint for Whitchurch, scoring a good try. ie kick failed. Half-time Score— G. T. M. Whitchurch i i o Frome 0 0 0 Swain restarted. A long kick by the home back enabled the Somerset men to press. Llewellyn relieved, and the visitors worked out of danger. Wheeling a scrum Whitchurch broke avmy, but the homeate-es saved plrckuy. From a line-out Evan3 passed to Salman, who, breaking away, parsed to John, the latter transferring to Chard, who scored. No goal. f inal bcore— G. T. M. Whitchurch 1 2 0 Ftome 0 0 0 PLYMOUTH v. ABERAVON. At Plymouth before 4,000 spectators. Neither side was absolutely at full strength. Plymouth early scored a penalty goal by Mills, Aberavon being pen&lised for legs up. Beasley scored a lucky try, Mills goaling, and at the interval Plymouth led by 8 points. There was no mots- scoring until just on time, when Clarke gained a try for Plymouth. jb inal bcore— G. T. M. Plymouth *2 1 0 Aberavon 0 0 0 *One penalty. MORRISTON ZNDS v. BRISTOL DINGS. At Bristol on Monday. Morriston kicked off, and Cox returned finely. Dings pressed. Hooper intercepted, and after a good ran scored behind the posts, no goal resulting. Half-time Score— G. T. M. Itoga 0 10 Morriston q 0 0 I Morriston pressed at the beginning of the I second half. The Dings then came away. Morriston next pressed and scored, no goal re- sulting. I Final Score— G. T. M. Morriston o 1 0 Dings o 1 0 BRISTOL v PENYGRAIG. At Bristol. Hussey, Parsons, Lockyer and jaxman scored for Bristol, Hale placing two goals- For Penygraig Sweet and Grey scored, Griffiths kicking a goal. The game was for the most part in favour of Bristol, though they opened badly in allowing Penygraig to score in the first two minutes. Bristol were superior behind the scrum, Parsons being conspicuous in passing movements, which gave repeated chances. Final Score— G. T. M. Bristol 2 2 0 Penygraig 1 1 0 DEVONPORT ALBION RESERVES v. BARRY. At Devonport before a large crowd in beautiful weather. Both sides were strong and a. capital game- WM witnessed, Barry retiring winners by 2 points. Final Score— G. T..M. Batty 1 1 0 Devonport Albion 0 2 0 Brecon v. Pontardawo.-Braeon won the too, and came off victorious by a converted goal to all, which was scored by C. Williams and oonverted by Bartley. Cardiff All Saints v. Porth Rangers.—At the Roath Park. Final score All Saints, 3 goals 1 Porth Rangers, 1 goal. St. German's v. St. Agnw.-Played at East Moors, and ended in a win for St Aghea by 6 goals 9 tries to 1 try. Carmarthen Town v. Melyncrythan, Neath.— At Carmarthen, the game bung a very pleasant me. The captain (D. J. Davies) got a very good ;ry for the home team, being converted by Harry Lewis. This was the only score. St, Peter's, Carmarthen, v. Moonlights, Llanelly.—At Carmarthen. The homesters were iar superior. Nevertheless, the game ended in a Iraw, each team seeuring a try. Pontnewydd v. Brynmawr.—Played at Bryn- naawr. Final score Pontnewydd. 1 goal; Bryn- nawr, 1 try 2 minors. Penarth Wednesday v. Cheltenham. At Penarth. Final score Penarth, 2 goals Chel- tenham, 1 goal. GENERAL RUGBY MATCHES. Coventry v. Carlisle.—At Coventry. Coventry, goal Carlisle, 1 goal, Exeter v. Old Merchant Taylors.—Result Paylors, 1 mark goal 1 try Exeter, nil. At xeter, in brilliant weather, before 3,000 ipectators. Taylors were well represented. and vere much heavier forward than Exeter, bnt ihiiough able to command the ball they tttempied very little open work. Exeter defended itordily, and it was only in the last ten minutes Letcher scored a try, and Crawford placed a goal. Gloucester v. Ashford Honae.- Played at 3-loncester. Result: Gloucester, 37 points; Ashford House, nil. New Brighton were to lave appeared at Gloucester, but their place vas taken by Ashford House, another Cheshire ;eam. The visitors, playing with the wind, lost a nan injured soon after tne start. Gloucester mngled repeatedly, bat at the interval led by 14 points, Smith (twice), G. Hall, and Parham icormg. Changing over, tries were added by Dovey, Frank Stout, C. Hall, Taylor, and G. Hall. Devonport Albion v. Wickham Park.—At Devonport. Resnlt: Devonport, 19 points Wickham, 12 points. Wickham underwent several alterations at the last moment. rhe first half waa of a fast and exciting character but in favour of the homesters, V ivy an, Start and Bildings scoring tries. two of which the latter goaled. Elliott scored a try for Wickham. In the second half play was more 3ven, Holywell landing a mark goal and Ram- say scoring. Albion were awarded a penalty, and scored through Vivyan. NORTHERN UNION. Oldham v. Huddersfield.-At Oldham. Re- sult Huddersfield, 2 points Oldham, nil. Runcorn v. Warrington.-A.t Runcorn. Re- sult Runcorn, 33 points Warrington, 5 points. Salford v. Bradford.—Result: Salford, 3 goals 5 tries Bradford, 2 goals. At Salford. Widnes v. Swinton.—At Widnes. Result: Swinton, 2 goals 2 tries Widnes, 2 goals. Wig&n v. Broughton Ran gers.-Resnlt Broughton, 1 goal 3 tries (U points); Wigan, 1 goal (2 points).