The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

ANGLING. HUNTING. FOOTBALL. .1 I GOLF HOCKEY, i d fALL RIGHTS RESERVED.1 TALES OF THE FOOTBALL FIELD. By GEORGE EDGAR Author of Seaside Stories," Pagan Billy Gubbins," Tarradiddles," "Lova at the Prow," Roadside Romances," See. -PAID TO MY ACCOUNT. I. Though this is a football story, it began afar off and away from the football field. It began in these long days when England was making slow progress in checking the warlike spirit of the Boers in South Africa. You will remember the days-the black days when the wires flashed ominous re- {>orts. Ladysmith could not hold out any onger; General Buller had been twice re- pulsed the fearful fight for Spion Kop had sent a thrill of horror through the country. It is ancient history now, and much of it has already been forgotten, but to those who took part in the early days of the war there are some memories that last a lifetime. I knew what it was to be in that war. Sport drew me everywhere like a magnet, and, when the war broke out, I was one of the first to volunteer. I thought there was every chance of some fun chasing the Boers, and I was speedily disillusioned. Long marches, no food fit to eat, cold nights in the frost, sickness and constant casualty all around, foot to foot with your best friend one day burying him the next, were items in the day's round that one could scarcely call funny. I knew what it was to grow gaunt and thin, to wake with a fever, to take in another hole in my belt, and to chew a quid of tobacco to ease the gnawing of a healthy etomach craving for food. And sometimes in the long night watches, or on marches ■when meirs feet were literall- sweating blood, I have laughed grimly to myself at the thought that I went out for that round of horrors in search of sport. Life was cer- tainly a round of adventures, and I had my share. And the story I am telling is in- teresting because it had its sequel which made a little drama in itself. One night I was doing sentry go. It was two o'clock. The brooding veldt lay in silence, a land of shadows, and the only lights were one or two stars that now and again winked through the lowering clouds. Two hundred yards away on the tiny river our wearied force were camping after a hard march. I would very well have liked to be tuoked away in my blanket, but there I was with a watch to keep. Now and again I would pace my al- lotted distance and talk to the sentry who came to the point where my beat ended. Then I would stand stone-stiff like a statue, too tired to think, fighting the lust for sleep that was more terrible than the dangers of the night. The officer had come and gone, I had paced my dreary length once or twice, and stood stationary once more, when I heard a noise that was not of the night. Instantly I dived for the earth, and crawled silently on my hands and knees in the direction from which it came. I could see nothing, and blundered on through the dark. Then I stopped to lis- ten. Again I heard fhe noise—the scraping Bound of a man's boots against a stone. Then once more I went forward to the sound. The ground rose a little into a tufty hillock, and I was crawling laboriously up it. As my head surmounted the summit it met another head. Two men stood face to face—myself and another—and, from the hat I saw out- lined against the dark, I knew him. for an enemy. Without a moment's hesitation I dropped my gun, and got a lock on the man's shoul- ders. My sudden rush toppled him over, and as we scrambled together I felt his hand gwing round to his belt. No, you don't! I yelled, and gripped his wrist. A knife gleamed as he forced his arm forward. I held that wrist like a vice, locked it over my knee, pressing it downwards until, with a smothered oath, the Boer dropped it. If he had held it another second I should have snapped his wrist like a lath. When the knife dropped I relaxed my hold for sheer relief. The tension had been so fierce that my breath was coming in short gasps, and the sweat was pouring off my face. I bent over my capture. I found him a tall, athletic young Boerj with open face and eyes that challenged me with lurking laughter. As he lay prone I went over him with my hands. I took a heavy revolver from his belt, and a cartridge-case. "You can sit up," I said, laconically, as I covered him with his own revolver. Right," he said in English, without the slightest trace of a Dutch accent. Now, what shall I do-with you? I asked. He shrugged his shoulders. That's for you to decide. In the meantime, if you have a Dipe of tobacco or a cigarette, for the love of man give me one." I pulled out a packet of cigarettes, and he lit one, smoking it greedily and inhaling the pungent smoke into his lungs. Somehow, the sight of this man sitting there and smoking calmly awoke a wonderful fellow-feeling. Seems odd to me," I said, "that we two should be at each other's throats on the veldt here." It appeals to me as being very nearly ab- surd. But right's right, you know, and we have it on our side," he said. So I answered, and we have right on our side. We cannot both be right—I sup- pose that's why we are fighting. Ordinarily, 1 guess you'd not be half a bard sort if you were not a Boer." No—and you. You look a bit of a sport, even though you're an Englander. I suppose you'll have to take me in. I suppose I shall," I answered, re- luctantly. "Well, look here," he answered, "I don't want to go in. It will mean detention—per- haps to the end of the war." I expect it will-but duty is duty." I know-but I don't want to go in," he began. See here I'll make you a proposal. Let's fight for it—here and now. We'll just go at it with the British weapons—fists. If I knock you out, I go back free to do as I like. If you finish me off, you let me go, and I give you my word of honour not to fire an- other shot at the English. We have no red tape in our army, and my commander is a man of honour, and will understand." The old sporting instinct arose in me. Coming to consider it after, it was a one- aided proposal. But I was cold, sentry-go was very monotonous, and I badly needed excite- ment. Put 'em up!" I said. There, on the veldt alone, in the dark and under the skies, we settled the difficulty man to man. For half an hour we played the old game. The man could box, and had any amount of courage, but I knew a trick or two more than he did. In thirty minutes I had him whipped. Two of his teeth were miss- ing, you could hardly see his nose, and one eye was closing. He was very groggy, and when he came up he staggered. But there was sport in the man, and though I called upon him to cut it and hold up his hand it Was evident he was going on as long as he could stand, see, or feel. I was getting exhausted myself, for the half-hour's milling had been Severe, and for twenty minutes my brother Boer had given as much as he had taken. As I saw him standing and wavering, and yet coming on with a relentless pugnacity that did not know when it was beaten, I went in to finish him. Easily I broke his guard, and sent one over his heart that made him cringe and drop his arms; and I let him have the right over the jaw, so that he toppled over like an ox pole-axed. He lay where he fell. I listened to his stentorian breathing. There was no doubt he was down and out. I poured water into his mouth from my .bottle, tweaked his nose, rubbed his templee, and administered QO& of two tricky aids to recovery I had learnt from the pugilistic in- structor at the gymnasium. By-and-bye he stirred, opened his eyes, rubbed them with his hands, and eat up. I always knew I should get knocked out with one of the big guns, he sa'd, in a dazed way. No big gun, sonnie," I said, and your nut is on the right spot yet. I only shook it up a bit." He recovered himself completely. I' ton re pretty game lor a liriton," he •aid, fingering his wounded nose. » "And you're a bit of a sport for a Boer, I admitted, moving stiffly on my joints. I'll take your word about going back now -a man who's got your ginger will play the game." You may bet on me." He unloosened a pocket flask and filled the cup. Give me another cigarette and have the first go at this," he said. I gave him the cigarette. "Here's to better times," I said. "And the next merry meeting, he added, taking the cup. "What's your name? Robinson, of. the 1st Yorkshires. What's yours?" Vanbtirgh, of Bloemfontein. So long, white man," he said. He littlie cigarette. You're as white as I am, any day, old chap," I said. Good-bye." The end of the cigarette, moving against the dark, shewed that my friend had begun his return journey. The first post delivered after the relief of Ladysmith Drought me a box of cigarettes—■ a godsend. It bore the Capetown postmark. and there was a note in the box. You see, I've kept my word," ran the scrawl; "I'm in Capetown.—Vanburgh." Good fellow that," I thought to myself as I sat in my quarters smoking for the first time for a week-" good as his cigarettes." II. Wasn't I jolly glad to get back to Eng- land? I never thought I should ever be so glad about anything in my life. The war was over, and it was good to be back amongst the old fellows ana in at the old games. It only seems like yesterday to me, and yet it's a good few years since we relieved Ladysmith-so time does slip along. And it did seem quaint, when, but a few years after, this very country, South Africa, sent us over a football team to continue the war on the playing-fields of old England. Everyone will remember the visit of the South Africans and their triumphal tour through England how luey simply turned the English Rugby world upside down, and played ducks and drakes with nearly all the teams they opposed. What the Beers lost to England in the grim war, they made up in peace on the football fields. They won right along the line. The sturdy Springboks were a hard nut to crack, and very few English footballers got to the kernel. That year I was playing with one of the few amateur Rugby teams left in London. I had resumed -my business in town, and one by one I had picked up the old sporting threads. On football I was keener than ever, and perhaps the hard, rough life as a Volunteer had toughened me; certainly, I was in better condition after the war than before, and every season saw me playing better. I was vastly elated when the Blackheath Wanderers put me on to the right wing for the big match with the South Africans. In many respects it was the match of the year, so far as our club was concerned. It was something of a gala day. We had lunch and a reception, the visiting team were toured round the district, and the biggest gate as- sembled that we had had for many seasons. I had heard a lot about the South Africans, but I am afraid our team had not thought out how good they really were until they tested their quality in the field. We had the hottest lot of lads we could get together, we had been in strict training for weeks, and as we dressed we at least fancied that to the Wan- derers would be left the dignity of lowering the colours of the all-conquering South Africans. What a game it was! The Boers—they were mostly natives of South Africa—re- ceived an ovation. The world of sport was anxious to shew how national ill-feeling need not jeopardise the relations of men who play the game. There was a roar of welcome when the men lined on to the field, and a good sporting competitive round of applause when our captain led us on. Then the game began in good earnest. It did not take the Wanderers long to realise they were up against it, good and hard, and that, tough as the Boers were in war, they were no less formidable on the football field. They wheeled our forwards twice out of every three scrums. They came through with the ball like machinery. They beat our half- backs twice in the first two minutes, and when the three-quarters got going the ball swept along as if by machinery and their wings raced us off our legs. Ten minutes' hot play saw them a try to the good, with just the quality of ginger in their game that fore- boded further trouble. But here our men woke up. They were on their mettle. They played the game for all it was worth. Connoisseurs on the grand- stand said it was the most invigorating game of football they had seen for years. The players seemed charged with electricity, and the ball travelled up and down the field with astonishing rapidity. Very often, in Rugby football, one half sees most of the play, but in that game the whole of the land between the flags and the goal-posts was not too big to hold ue. For my own part, I was kept pretty busy. I was the fastest back in our field, and when the ball came into the open it was mostly sent out to the right. Opposite me I had as good a three-quarter as I ever played against. I spent the first twenty minutes weighing him up. The first time I got going I had clear ground but for him. But he was on the spot, and as keen as mustard. He came up with the manner of the resolute tackier. He was as clean and as swift as any Rugby man I have ever seen. He caught me as I flew past, head well into me, and fair and square round the waist, spread-eagling me with a jolt that made every nerve vibrate in my body. I tell you he shook a wholesome respect for him into me at the first exchange of hostilities. Very soon after it was my turn, for he was going like a hare down the touch-line. I beat him in pace, and swung him neatly into touch. He picked himself up and smiled. One to each," he eaid, as be limped off to his positidBt He said it as a challenge. And for the rest of the game we made a duel of it. I do not think a three-quarter marked a man closer than I marked him, un- less it was the way he marked me. We put as much mustard in the game ae ever was crammed into one, and the spectators roared every time we came into collision. I was flattering myself I had had the best of it, when the visiting forwards sent the ball to their tricky half-back. It went spinning along the line as we raced up. It came out to my opponent with a swing, and be caught it as he raced full speed ahead. I was on him like a terrier; but as he swung up his out- stretched hand landed in the pit of my shoul- der, and I must have bounded six yards be- fore I found the grass. He found the scoring area all rfght, and ae I ran up to the line for the kick at goal he smiled as he passed. He palpably suggested that he was winning on the rubber. Thanks to his score, we were two tries to the bad at half-time, and things were looking blue. However, we opened well, and our for- wards beat the Boers a minute after the re- sumption, and scored a sensational try which nothing could have stopped. Ten minutes later we had the ball out again, and the half- back, with a clear ran, took it well home to the visitors' twenty-five, before he parted to the centre. It came out to me, and, getting clear away to an open field, my speed beat my opponent on the opposite wing, and I got over the line, ia the ogrnar- From that point, with a draw imminent, the game raged tast and furious, advantage passing from one side to the other equally, and the line at either end of the field being in peril every few minutes. Within five minutes of time there was no additional score, and we kept pegging away. Only once did my team look like scoring, and that was when our forwards got the ball be- hind the scrummage on the half-way line. It was a daring movement. The ball came out like clockwork. As I saw the centre tricking the players as he came to the right, I remem- ber whispering to myself: "Just this little try; if we can only get this little try." The ball came along to me; in front the field was clear for a speedy run home. I started like a hare for the coveted line, and noted that my opponent in the opposite wing was not in front. I did not notice, however, that he had come crossways until I found his shoulders again tucked into my body and his arms clutching me with a vigour that choked all the wind out of me. Then I had just time to remember that the much-needed try was not very likely before I was spinning in the ail and flying to the grass, after which the rest was silence. Voices were murmuring as I came round. For a moment I thought I was still in South Africa, and that I had been going through a long campaign on the rolling veldt. "I always knew I should get knocked out with one of the big guns," I said, in a dazed way. The man who was holding me up smiled in my face. No big gun, sonnie, and your nut is in the right spot yet. I only shook it up a bit." Why—Vanburgh I said. At your service," he said. I'm on the opposite wing." We played the game out, and there were only a few minutes to go. When the whistle blew we left the field to- gether. Well-Mr. Robinson," Vanburgh said, throwing his arm through mine, we are quits. I spoilt your lovely try." I'm glad we had another turn," I said/ I always felt a bit sorry I hammered your face on the veldt." We sat at dinner the same night, side by side. Here's to the old times," I said. "And to the better times coming," he an- swered, and our next merry meeting." "You're a white man," I answered, drink- ing his health. You're as white as I am any day, so I'm sorry I spoilt your try." I shook his left hand with my right undeJ the friendly cover of the table.

FOOTBALL. RESULTS AT A GLANCE. LEAGUE—FIRST DIVISION. Liverpool 2, Newcastle United I. Everton 2, Notts Forest 1. Sheffield United 1, Woolwich Arsenal L Bury 3, Notts County 1. Manchester City 5, Bristol City 1. Middlesbrough 4, Preston North End 91 Aston Villa 1, Leicester Fosse 1. Sunderland 6, Manchester United L Chelsea 1, Bardford City 1. Blackburn Rovers 2, Sheffield Wednesday 2. LEAGUE—SECOND DIVISION. Clapton Orient 2, Gainsborough Trinity 2. Derby County 1, Chesterfield Town 1. Hull City 0, Glossop 0. Leeds City 2, Birmingham 0. Oldham Athletic 4, Grimsby Town 0. Tottenham Hotspur 0, Stockport County 0. West Bromwich Albion 2, Barnsley 0. Bolton Wanderers 2, Blackpool 1. Burnley 3, Bradford 2. Fulham 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0. THE COMBINATION. Chester 1, Connah's Quay 1- Druids 5, Birkenhead 1. Whitchurch 7, Middlewich 2. Tranmere Rovers 5, Nantwich 1. Rhyl 3, Oswestry 2. Welshpool 1, Wrexham 0. Orewe 9, Bangor 1. NORTH WALES COAST LEAGUE—(Division I.) Carnarvon United 6, Conway 0. Beaumaris 6, Blaenau Festiniog 1.

LEAGUE—FIRST DIVISION. Results up to Saturday, October 31st:— Goals. P. W. L. D. F. A. P. Everton 11 9 2 0 30 12; 18 Newcastle United 11 7 2 2 16 9 16 Sheffield Wednesday 10 5 1 4 17 U 14 Manchester United 10 6 2 2 24 24 14 Liverpool 12 6 5 1 22 20 13 Sunderland 11 6 5 0 22 15 12 Aston Villa 10 4 2 4 16 12 12 Notts Forest. 11 5 5 1 21 16 11 Woolwich Arsenal 11 4 4 3 18 14 11 Blackburn Rovers 10 3 2 5 12 12 11 Chelsea 12 4 5 3 16 20 11 Manchester City 10 4 4 2 19 19 10 Leicester Fosse 10 2 2 6 13 16 10: Preston North End 11 3 6 2 11 13 8 Middlesbrough 10 2 4 4 15 20 8 Sheffield United 11 3 6 2 13 20 8 Bristol City 11 2 5 4 12 20 8 Bury 11 2 6 3 16 28 7 Notts County 9 2 6 1 7 13 5 Bradford City 10 1 6 3 7 16 5

LEAGUE—SECOND DIVISION. I Results up to Saturday, October 31st:— Goals. P. W. L. D. F. A. P. Birmingham 10 7 1 2 18 10 16 West Bromwich A 11 6 2 3 12 7 15 Derby County 11 4 1 7 13 9 15 Fulham 10 5 1 4 22 11 14 Bolton Wanderers 12 6 4 2 14 10 14 Glossop 10 4 1 5 44 9 13 Tottenham Hotspur 10 4 2 4 15 5 12 Hull City 11 5 4 2 13 8 12 Leeds City 11 5 4 2 12 11 12 Stockport County 10 5 S 2 10 13 12 Burnley 11 5 6 0 17 18 10 Chesterfield 10 4 4 2^ 8 13 10 Oldham Athletic 9 4 4 1* 14 8 9 Blackpool 10 2 3 5 10 15 9 Wolverhampton W 12 2 6 4 11 15 8 Grimsby Town I -) 3 6 1 13 18 7 Gainsboro' Trinity 10 2 5 3 12 25 7 Clapton Orient 10 1 5 4 7 13 6 Barnsley 11 a 7 2 9 17 6 Bradford Park Avenue U a 8 1 9 18 5

THE COMBINATION. CHESTER v. CONNAH'S QUAY, Cheater 1 Connah's Quay 1 Played at Chester on Saturday, before a large "gate." Considerable interest was centred in the match. Owing to Freeman being injured, the Chester forwards were rearranged, Lappin going centre, his place being taken by Jones, and Williams played on the extreme right. The visitors also had a new man in Tuft at full back. Chester won the toss, but there was nof advantage. There was some smart work by Petrie and O'Neill. Matthews robbed the latter and Lappin got away and struck the crossbar with a swift shot. Lipsham after- wards put the ball past. The latter was given a good chance from a pass by Jones, but let the ball go out. The Quay then forced a corner, which was headed over. Chester had a foul close in, but the ball was cleared. Play was fast and exciting, and Chester showed the better forward play, and threatened most danger. Petrie was given a chance for the Quay,but shot wide. Jones set Lipsham going, and he put in a fine centre, from which Lappin shot into Lloyd's hands. H. Roberta sent a flying shot over the Chester goal. From a centre by Lipsham, Jones netted for Chester, but Lipsham was given offside. Chester continued to press. Roberts teeted Keeley with a hot shot, which he kicked clear. Lappin worked the ball well through the Quay de- fence, but shot wildly over. Lipsham was given another excellent chance, but Hewitt robbed him, and a corner resulted. From a pass by Roberts, Lappin sent wide. Lipeham had several good chances, but tailed. Half-time: No were. [ Final; Chester J, (feonah's Quay

RHYL v. OSWESTRY. SEASIDERS' WIN A GOOD GAME BY THE ODD GOAL. Rhyl 3 Oswestry 2 Played at Rhyl on Saturday. The teams lined up as follows: Owestry :-Frank Williams Evan Evans and J. M. Williams; Jamieson, T. Roberts and R. Groves; R. Jones, Yarnell, Marshall, Victor Jonos and Goodwin. Rhyl :-Thornley; T. W. Ellis and R. Roberts; i. id- ley, J. W. Ellis and A. Roberts Hampson, T. Roberts, Dale, T. Harrison and Bertie Jones. Referee:—Mr W. B. Yates, Chester. Several changes were again made in the Rhyl team, which was greatly strengthened by the inclusion of Dale, an old first League player, who gave up football for a time. He was placed at oentre forward and gave a sparkling and effective display, in addition to keep- ing his string in splendid order. Thornley, too, in goal, was a great acquisition, whilst Bradley proved to be a useful half-back. The visitors were not quite up to full strength, hiving three reserves with them. Whilst the visitors in the first half did not exhibit such good combination as the homesters, they always showed abundant dash and had a fair share of the argument. Jones opened their account shortly after the commencement, and Dale shortly afterwards equal- ised. Oswestry regained the lead through the medium of Vincent Jones, but just before half-time T. Harr;s«n placed the home eleven on level terms. The Rhyl for- wards were in excellent trim and; some skilful rushes on their part elicited considerable admiration. Ah the home forwards did admirable work, Dale, Harrison, and Hampson being particularly worthy of note The visiting towards indulged in spasmodic nwtns, mpt of which were cleverly frustrated by T. W. El-is, the home full back. Ellis played a great game, hie judg, ment, tackling and dean tactics being excepti orally praiseworthy. Both custodians emerged from seve al severe ordeals with great credit. Half-time: Oswestry 2, Rhyl 2. The second moiety was full of incident. Several 01 the players became unruly and the referee can hardly be said to have had the field sumciently under his control. Several times the game had to be stopped, whilst little disputes were being settled, and once the visiting goalkeeper nearly came to blows with some spectators behind his goal, necessitating another halt. Several of the referee's decisions excited much com- ment from the crowd. Rhyl had the major portion of the play in the second half. The forwards maintained their good form, and, backed up by a good defence, were always dangerous. Tommy Roberts gave Rhyl the lead, and a well fought game ended in a victory for Rhyl by 3 goals to 2. Rhyl were, however, somewhat unfortunate in not having a larger margin. In the second half they were awarded a penalty, and Harrison taking the kick, sent in a beautiful shot into the net. The referee, however, ordered the kick to be taken again, on the ground that one of the players had rushed forward from the line before the ball was kicked. The second kick did not materialise, the ball striking the post. By their display, the Rhyl team showed that they are capable of much greater things. The forwards were decidedly clever, and there is Some prospect that Hughie Lappin, the clever ex-first League forward will rejoin the team. Lappin has been playing for Chester this season. Result:— Rhyl, 3 goals,Oswestry, 2 goals.

FESTINIOG v. BEAUMARIS. QUARRYMEN DOWN AGAIN. (By "Ricardo"). IJeaumaris 6 goals Festiniog l goal The Festiniog Club has recently suffered serious losses, I either by removals or by injuries, and last Saturday, when they faced the Beaumaris Club in a North Wales Coast League match, they had to call out some of their reserves, and these were weak, and irregular in their play. The teams turned out in the following order: Festiniog: Joe Hughes R. Hughes and Jim Lloyd M. E. Morris, Jack Jones, and W. Jones; R. Roberts, J. Hughes, Meirion Jones, W. R. Ow-en, and Ned Griffiths. Beaumaris Richards; G. Williams and S. Davies; Emyr Hughes, W. Humphreys, and Harry Evans; D. Davies, D. Humphreys, H. Thomas, Smedley, and S. Poole. Mr Hersee was the referee. The ground, Newborough Park, Blaenau, was too small the goal-posts a:most abutted the boundary walls, and the space near the penalty area was too confined. The players appeared handicapped by the narrow limits of the field. The day was fine C and a trifle too warm for footballing. The opening passages showed Beaumaris as if they were desirous of scoring early. Twice they shot for goal, and forced a corner. W. Humphreys rushed for position, but Jim Lloyd checked him smart- ly. The visitors knew one another's play better than the homesters. Dick Humphreys sent a stinger to Joe Hughes who fisted it out. Then Will Jones, by back kicking, saved the situation. But the visiting oejitre- half sent a grounder for goal. It was well cleared by Joe, and Jim Lloyd headed it over the line, giving a corner. The Beau's left-half worked grandly in mid- field, and tried a shot, but the defender was too smart for him. Then Jim Lloyd, who was in excellent form, pushed the ball forward, and promised to get through, but the backs were too formidable for him. Smedley dodged successfully for a few seconds, and when in position shot for goal, but he aimed too high. Jack Jones replied to this by working well for an opening, which he got, but at the vital moment Rich- ards saved. A foul against the homesters gave a chance for a clear course for scoring to the Reds, but the custodian cleared at the expense of a corner. Then Meirion Jones, who, had frequently attempted to do a bit "on his own," now had a chance, and apparently was going to dodge all his opponents by means of short touches, but he was collared by the Reds close to the entrance to the citadel. The Reds kept pounding at the defence, and Jim Lloyd kept returning the sphere, by heading it. Two of these headers compelled cheers. Soon after he sent the ball almost from one end of the field to the other. Morris took possession of it, paesed it on to Jack Jones who sent it just over the cross- bar. D. Humphreys pushed well through the defence, and got the ball-over the bar. A SHIVERING CROSSBAR. The Reds were now pressing, and W. Humphreys, within about 20 yards, sent the ball with such force against the cross-bar that the latter nearly broke. Two corners were recorded against the Blues. Ned Griffiths and W. R. Owen showed up well on the left, but were checked by the right-back. W. Humphreys was be- coming more dangerous all the time and baffled the Blues. From a throw out, W. Humphreys got what he wanted,—a goal. This was all the profit gained during the first half. On changing ends the Reds notched a point in half a minute. The Blues wasted many of their kicks. The Red right-half aimed for goal the next moment, but only a corner followed. The Blues showed ridiculously poor form and were occasionally "boo-ed" for it. Joe Hughes had to be all eyes, arms, and legs to prevent the downfall of his stronghold. Comers for the visitors were numerous. A throw-out enabled the Red back. to pass the leather to their forward line, and the inside left, having received it from W. Humphreys, put on the 3rd goal. W. R. Owen almost got through and Will Jones also did the same but the Reds, in beautiful combination, urged on the attack, got an opening, and W. Humphreys added another point. Jim Lloyd played magnificently, and it was a pity there were not half a dozen players like him. Will Jones, ¡ Jack Jones, Meirion Jones and Ned Griffiths did some good work, but the erratic kicks of some of the others spoiled any attempts at effective combination. The Reds rushed for goal, but were hurled back. Jim Lloyd did some splendid work both in clearing and in advancing to the attack. For a few minutes the homesters seemed to gain the mastery over the Reds. The, full-baek play of the visitors was far superior to that of their opponents, who frequently left ugly gaps in their ranks. Really, the Reds had not an inferior player amongst them. A player never attacked with- out having support and ail the players kept their f places. A free kick close to the goal was converted by the Reds into their 5th goal. The ball had no sooner come into play than another point was almost notched by them, and a few minutes later the Reds put on their 6th goal. The homesters were now evidently demoralised, and the visitors peppered the goal with shots. Had Joe Hughes been made of brittler stuff, the score would have been 10--0. The game ended: Beaumaris, 6 goals; Festiniog, 1.

CARNARVON UNITED v. CONWAY. HOMESTERS VICTORIOUS. (By Spectator.) Carnarvon United 6 goals. Conway. Nil. A large crowd attended the North Wales Coast League fixture between Carnarvon United and Conway on the Oval, Carnarvon, on Saturday. Referee R. D. Richards, Bangor, liued the teams up as follows:- Carnarvon United: G. H. Jones; Evan Hughes and Lovell; John Griffith, Mick Herbert, and Ja^n. Aii- liams; R. H. Roberts, Evan Lloyd Hughes, Walter Jones, Hughie Roberts, and Johnny Jones. Oonway Llew. Parry Tom Jones, and O. Ellis A. Owen, Bob Owen, and A. Parkes; W. Evans, Llew. Roberts, T. Atherton, Sa-m Parry and Will Stone. Conway winning the toss, decided to play towards the town goal. Carnarvon at once made tracks for goal but met with a sturdy defence. The ball was then taken down by the Carnarvon right wing, and E. Lloyd Hughes was cheered for a splendid shot at goal, which, however, was a trifle high. From the goal-kick the Conway right wing took up the running, and W. Evans delivered across, but the other forwards were not fast enough, and the sphere went over. Again receiving from the goal kick, Robert Hugh and Evan Lloyd sprang into prominence, the latter eventually kicking across the goalmouth, and Johnny Jones receiving kicked wide. The Conway front line again made a de- termined onslaught on the home goal, but were quick- ly sent to the right about by Lovell, who cleared well. The game was pretty feven at this period, both sides attacking in turns. The next move of note was a run by Robert Hugh, who took the ball down to the cor- ner post and passed to -Walter Jones, who crashed it against the cross-bar, the sphere eventually going out of play. Continuing their pressure, the home right wing again nearly caused the downfall of the visiting custodian's charge, but he was on the alert and saved in splendid fashion, having to fall full length. Jack Williams received the ball and banged for goal from mid-field, but missed by a trifte. TROUBLEbOME CARNARVON FORWARDS. The "Canaries" kept on troubling the Conwayites, and were awarded a corner, which Robert Hugh took, and from a melee A. Parkes cleared, and Llew. Roberta and W. Evans ran along. Jack Williams, however, nipped in, and kept them clear. W. Evans taking the kick, placed it in a fine position, but G. Henry was safe, and he fisted out well. Sam Parry and Will. Stone, however, came into prominence with a little combined rush and potted for goal, but Evan Hughes cleared. The homesters' play was noticeably slow just now, and the visitors seemed to hold the upper hand, their front line proving very aggressive. The home outside left now worked the ball on his own, and aim- ed a rasper for the bottom corner, but Llew. Parry at full length cleared it. Robert Hugh again worked the sphere down to the corner post, and centred, but Johnny Jones kicked wide when in a good position. Oonway again neared the home goal, and Will Stone and Evan Hughes caused some merriment by having a tussle on their own, the Carnarvon player coming out top. Hughie Roberts gained possession, and after evading all obstacles excepting the custodian, kicked feebly, and missed a certain goal, but a few minutes later he made amends, and from a difficult position he crashed the sphere in, bringing the custodian to his knees. Jack Williams, receiving the ball, kicked high, and A. Owen tried to clear, but kicked to the corner post. R. H. Roberts placed the corner kick, but the Oonway defence only partially cleared, and Johnny Griffith returned the ball, the custodian fisting out, but in a winkling the sphere was in the corner of the net, Evan Lloyd doing the needful amidst tremendous applause. Having once tasted blood the homesters bucked up, and the ball hardly left the centre than a corner was awarded against Conway. Robert Hugh whipped the ball across, and it seemed to be going abegging when suddenly Hughie Roberts gave an extraordinary leap, and diverted the sphere into the net, thus scoring the second goal for the homesters. Will Stone again tried his luck, and running along kicked well into goal, but G.H. was not napping, and he fisted out, clear of all danger. Half-time: Carnarvon 2, Conway nil. The second half opened rather tamely, both ends be- ing visited in turns. Gradually, the Conway front line seemed to be gaining the upper hand, and looked very threatening, but Evan Hughes was quite equal to the occasion, and frustrated all their efforts. Evan Lloyd was soon making tracks for the Conway citadel, and drove hard at goal, but Llew. Parry kicked into mid- field, where Walter Jones met the ball, and found the net with a swift grounder. Conway kept up their spirits, and seemed determined to score, but Lovell and Evan Hughes gave-them no rope, and defended admir- ably. The home front line again darted forward, and Evan Lloyd forced a corner. From the kick, which was placed by Robert Hugh, the defence cleared, swarming together the Conwayites seemed bent on mis- chief, but Mick Herbert punted to the right wing, and Robert Hugh crossed the ball over, and Hughie Ro- berts diverted into the net with his head. With their pets leading by four clear goals, the enthusiasm of the Carnarvon supporters now knew no bounds. Will. Stone and Sam. Parry, with T. Atherton, again made tracks for the home goal, and Will. Stone aimed, missing the billet by a few inches only. After this all the efforts of the Conway players seemed to be very puerile. Whenever they had the chance of scor- ing they were too excited to shoot straight, and the game was totally at the mercy of the "Canaries." Evan Lloyd receiving from Robert Hugh, had a nice shot at goal, but it was a little bit over the bar. Johnny Jones and Hughie Roberts appeared to be taking up their work again, and seemed very strong on the left, and kicking across, Walter Jones met the ball, and landed it in the net, but he was declared offside. In the course of an attack by Robert Hugh and Evan Lloyd, Tom Jones nipped in and handled within the dreaded area. Mick Herbert took the kick twice, and made no mistake, but Tom Jones had rushed in, thus nullifying the score, but Mick Herbert took the kick for the 3rd time, and scored the fifth goal for his side. Some tame play followed, the ball being kept in mid- field when all of a sudden the visiting forwards, head- ed by T. Atherton, made a decisive attack, and G.H. rushed out, and managed to gather up the ball, and cleared, Mick, receiving, punted forward, and Hughie dribbled through the defence, and scored the last of half-a-doezn goals for his side in a splendid manner. The Conway forwards were responsible for some nice play, Llew. Roberts with Sam Parry becoming promi- nent, but Evan Hughes was quite equal to the occa- sion, and he passed on to Walter, who threw the op- portunity away, and the whistle instantly sounded for time, the score standing: Carnarvon United 6, Conway nil.

WELSH AMATEUR CUP. (1st Round). COLWYN BAY y. LLANRWST. VALLEY MEN BEGIN BRILLIANTLY, BUT END BADLY. Colwyn Bay goals. Llanrwst goals. There was an encouraging attendance when Llanrwst set the ball in motion against Colwyn Bay in the first round for the Amateur Cup on the Rhos pitch on Saturday. Under the Cup rules only players living within a radius of five miles of the respective club's headquarters were eligible, and under the circum- stances the home team were minus the services of Moss and Will Jones, Abergele, as well as Howell Williams, of Blaenau Festiniog, and the selection committee were by no means sanguine that their choice would bear up against the acknowledged "nippiness" of the Llan- rwst boys. Happily, the weather was favourable, but the ground was very greasy in places. The teams were :— Colwyn Bay Hallwood; Tonkin and Dick Rowlands Ned Griffiths, Wellinp, and Walter Parry; J. Owen (Rhiw-road), T. McCann, E. Saunders, Stanley Hughes, and J. U. Owen. Llanrwst: Dick Jones; W. Owen and Salisbury Ro- berts; H. Roberts, Francis Williams, and Gren. Jonee; W. A. Williams, H. Roberts, A. Richards, J. G. Jones, and Stephen Hughes. Mr Roberts, of Bangor, was the referee. The visitors at once attacked with a robustness and skill that completely mastered the home defence, and before many seconds had elapsed Richards was given his first chance from a free kick for an offence in the penalty area, but his effort was woefully wide of the net. Within two minutes, however, he retrieved the mistake by scoring a. pretty goal, the reeult 01 a neat

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NORTH WALES JUNIOR CUP (FIRST ROUND). BANGOR RESERVES v. BANGOR DRUIDS. A SPARKLING GAME. (By "Observer.") I Bangor Reserves 3 Bangor Druida 1 On Saturday, in summerlike weather, the above teams met on the Bangor Football Ground. The referee was Mr J. E. Jones, Holywell, who lined up the teams as follows:— Bangor Reserves Ted Owen; E. Pritchard and Hwfa Williams; Wm. Parry, H. J. Davies, and Fred Dargie; Telford, Ivor Thomas, R. Jones, W. E. Jones, and Morris. Bangor Druids: R. A. Griffith; Sam. Wil- liams and Bob Roberts; R. W. Thomas, D. Jones, and W. Jones; Harry Rowlands, Bert Williams, Ben. Roberts, H. Jones, and Edwyn Davies. The Druids won the toss, and started very well, pressing for a minute or two, but they couldn't pass Parry and Hwfa, who cleared nicely, giving the Reserves' forwards a pretty run, with Ivor Thomas going well, but Williams brought him up just outside the penalty line, Hwfa, from the ensuing place kick, sent in a grand drive, which' struck the post, and from the rebound Morris again struck the post, and then the ball glanced behind. The Druids now dashed down the field, and looked like scoring, and in the melee which followed Ted was laid out, but poon recovered. The Reserves had a run, and W. E. Jones passed a beauty to Morris, who put it in Griffiths' hands, immediately after Thomas scored an offside goal. The Druids got going, and Rowlands got in a beautiful drive which just grazed the bar. Another run followed on the part of Bangor, and Dick Jones forced a corner, from which Telford near- ly scored. The Druids again got down in line, but Rowlands was placed offside. Jones, Druida' left half, made a bad hash of a beautiful opening, and he also took a place kick which was put over the bar. From the goal kick Bert Williams had a nice pass, and he ran close in and scored with a clinking shot. The Reserves were handicapped for forty minutm in the first half in having only ten men, but with E. Pritchard's appearance, W. E: Jones partnered Morris on the left, and W. Parry going to the half back line, Ivor Thomas forced a corner off Sam. Williams. The place kick was dropped beautifully into the goalmouth fcff Telford, afid H. J. Daviea had not difficulty in heading into the net, thugi equalising the scores. Fine combina- tion took place between W. E. Jones and Morris" the latter sending in a beautiful centre, whichi was easily tapped into the net by Dick Jones, Half-time: Bangor 2, Druids 1. From the restart W. E. Jones ran up from th. centre, and planted a beauty which struck thq post, and glanced behind. Bangor kept pressing and nearly scored twice in a few minutes, bu. Sam. Williams and Roberts were a good pair of defenders. Morris displayed neat footwork, ancl got in a close shot which was nicely cleared by; the Druids' custodian. In trying to take tha ball Telford twisted his knee, and was disable^ for some time. Parry was playing a nice game now as right-half, and sent in a good shot which! was played by two or three, and Griffiths wad forced to concede a corner. The Druids broket away, but finished a nice run badly. They again f m run, and the centre-forward hai only Ted to meet. Ted ran out to meet him. whereupon the pivot shot in, and.by the merest chance missed scoring. Bangor ran into th4 Druids territory, and as the result of fine pass. mu L°r r^^lomas beat Griffiths with a beauty. The best part of the last half saw Bangor press* ing hotly, and they were unfortunate in not s ing. Final: Bangor Reserves 3, Bangor Druids 1..

INTER-COLLEGIATE MATCH AT BANGOR, 'VARSITY COLLEGE v. NORMAL COLLEGE. BATTLE ROYAL AT FFRIDDOEDD. (By "Recorder.") Val-sity college .2 Nomal College j d" the usual tumultuous scenes, the first of t!:lf series of games arranged between the University College of North Wales and the Bangor Normal Collage WM played on the Normal ground at Ffriddoedd cn Satur- day, in weather which gladdened the heart of every true footballer. Of course, the students of both colleges were present in force, together with a fair sprinkling of 'Vargrty lady students, who appeared to b« deepljr interested in the game, and the Normalitea lined wherf the ropes should have been, on one side of the fleldi whilst the Varsity men assembled on the opposite sidfl^ and throughout the afternoon some rich banter w~ exchanged between them. I arrived on the field to hear 4 Varsity student with a voice of which an Archdruid .would be proud, yelling "Whose going to lose?" aoi the crowd replied "They are." "Who are they?" do manded the leather lunged one! "The Normals" WOO, the response. The team put on the field by the 'Va#» sity wa3 in a way experimental. For instance, W. Jt Jones, of Conway-Beaumaris-Friars-Llanfairfechaa fame, was tried in the forward division, and there weal one or two other changes. The Normal team cont,p.4 two "Freshers" in Bert Daives and Tom Evans. After the advertised time, referee E. Lloyd-Williamay who has ruled (and survived) several of the Inter-, Collegiate frays, lined the teams up as follows IV"ty:-Arnold, D. S. Owen and H. Brock; Daii Rowlands, F. Bannister and T. Wright; W. J. Jones* J. E. Matthews, C. Thomas, T. E. Jones and Arthuj Williams. NormalsEvan Davies; Charlie Rowlands and Dicli Williams Jack Williams, Arthur Cross and Herber Grif- fiths; Madoo Jones, Palfreman, Tom Evans, Bert PrriDK and T. Hamer. The Normals kicked-off up the slope, but in the first minute they were placed on the defensive, bul Dick Williams smartly cleared. Even at this early; stage of the game it was clear that the spectators were going to have their money's worth and the yel'ing which went on was deafening. The Normals gradhally, but surely worked their way up the field, and all went well until "D.S." was met and he kindly obliged witlg one of his usuals, parting to W. J. Jones and J. VL Matthews upon whom a close watch was kept by Hert-at Griffiths, who smartly checked them. Madoc Jones xwHi next seen sprinting for dear life up the field, and whelft he arrived within the danger zone he slipped the !)<tj)! to Tom Evans, but "D.S." again sent the Normal hopes down to Zero. Hamer dropped in a beauty from Jan. range. The next incident of note was the winding up of Herber Griffiths, but he soon came round. The pes* sistency of the Normal forwards notwithstanding Uut fact that they we're playing up the slope, greatly eiv couraged their supporters, and Bert Davies hooked b. ball slap into the goalmouth, but "D.S." was there. At the other end Matthews was presented with a fin# opening and he crossed the ball over to Thomas, vbC t fired wide. W. J. Jones, who played a vigorous ga almost did the trick with his head twice in sucoeti sion. From a free-kick as the result of W. J. Juoc4 being fouled, Thomas tested Evan Davies, the 'V custodian. Matthews worked his way with the ball 41 his toes to a foot or two from the Normal custodian* who rushed out and coolly lifted the ball from Wa toes. The Normals were now pressing vigorously, axtd Arnold, in order to save, left his charge and he scran* bled back again into goal, but just as he got there Pal. freman caught the ball with the side of his foot utA it flashed past the custodian, who had not quit* in- covered, into the net. WILD EXCITEMENT Hats and sticks were thrown into the air by the de- lighted Normalites, quite a dozen of whom rushed 08 the field and fairly hugged the scorer. Chinese crack- ers were set off in houour of the event and the wildest excitement prevailed. But across the way a painful silence reigned supreme. Directly the game restarts the 'Varsity, however, all but equalised, and then n- nister tried his luck from long range, but the ha)i went over. It was obvious that the 'Varsity forward" were over-anxious to equalise and some wild play oil their part was witnessed at this stage of the game. On one occasion the Normal custodian stumbled whils* clearing, and in a trice he was in the midst of a mass of struggling players, but he managed to get rid e* the ball. Again, Bannister endeavoured to see what b8 could do with long pots, but they were always too w. vated. Half-timeNormal College 1, 'Varsity nil. Playing up the slope the 'Varsity with a re arranges forward line showed much improved form, and they exerted a continuous pressure. Brock put in one or two timely clearances for them. Matthews was contin- ually a thorn in the sides of the Normal defenders, but he clung to the ball rather too long. Cross, the Nor- mal centre-half, was slightly hurt, but he resumed play. The 'Varsity left wing now delighted the crowd, forc- ing a corner, which was admirably placed by Wright, but this was cleared. The 'Varsity quickly returned and Matthews sent the ball through a ruck of players int the net. With the scores level the excitement now in- creased ten-fold, and the 'Varsity section of the crowd I yelled themselves hoarse, when Matthews almost gained the lead. T. Hamer, the Normal outside left, sprinted, down the field and Arnold, the 'Varsity custodian. Jumped at his feet, seized the baD and swung it to Brock, who cleared. It was a daring thing to do. bil the end justified the means. The Normal forwards war* by no means slow, and once when "D.S." was waiting in his usual cool manner for the ball, Tom Evans daslio ed into him, but the full-back managed to clear. Mat- thews was now injured, but he remained on the field. The 'Varsity left wing unexpectedly made a move andj Arthur Williams drove in a shot from long range WiW (CoatiAued. 9B fiexl

bit of work on his left wing. Llanrwst were obviously bent on business, and again they attacked with telling energy, and, but for the strong tackling and kicking of Tonkin, HalJwood must have, been again beaten twice in quick succession. Rowlands, who was, of course, quite out of place at back, was weak in kick- ing, and the visting forwards were quick to mark the fact. A brisk rush through on the far side and Row- lands was beaten, Howell Roberts netting the second goal midst ringing cheers from the exceptionally large number of supporters who had accompanied the team from Llanrwst. Up to this stage Llanrwst were far and away the superior attacking side. Their forwards were quicker on the ball, and their halves served the front line in a most skilful manner. Gren. Jones was particularly serviceable in this direction, while Rich- ards led the forwards very smartly. So far their rear division had not been worried much, but, when they were, they signally failed to do themselves or the team justice. Roberts was vacillating, uncertain with his kicks and lacking altogether in resource. Owen was somewhat stronger, but on the day's form he was also quite unsatisfactory. Jones in goal was quite equal to his task. The outcome of the first serious attack by Colwyn Bay was a terrific drive by Walter Parry, but Jones saved beautifully by tipping the ball over the bar. The ensuing corner kick was fruitless, but, after a brief rally by the visitors the "Red and Black" for- wards were again hovering around Jones, and Saunders essayed a natty pot at close quarters, but this again was handled by the keeper very effectively. Llanrwst were now hard pressed, and backed up by two of the halves, the defence struggled courageously to keep their opponents beyond shooting range. At length Ned Griffiths, after a delightful bit of foot- work in midfield, made an opening, and transferred to J. LI. Owen, on the wing. The latter careered down the line at a merry pace, and, after outwitting H. Roberts and W. Owen, centred beautifully, Stanley Hughes goaling with a lightning shot, which gave Jones no chance. Immediately after- wards the Colwyn Bay forwards were at work on the other wing, but Jack Owen slipped when on the point of passing to his inside man. It should be stated that at this time McCann had rearranged his team. While he himself had taken Rowlands' place at back, the lat- ter took his customary post at half. Parry assisting J. Ll. Owen on the left wing. It was to this re- arrangement that Colwyn Bay owed their change 'of fortune, for immediately it had been carried out Llan- rwst became the defenders rather than the aggressors. Colwyn Bay kept up the attack and Rowlands tested Jones with a promising shot which the latter placed over the bar. The corner kick was cleared by Gren. Jones who transferred play to the other end, but McCann checked the -ve in good time. Back once more in Llanrwst territory, Parry got away smartly on the left, and sent over to J. Ll. Owen, who again centred faultlessly, Stanley once more putting on the finishing touch. The scores were thus even, and a stirring cheer which marked the fact, apparently in- spired the home men. At any rate they swooped down upon Jones again, and Walter Parry directed a glor- ious shot at long range which just skipped clear of the post—a fortunate thing for Jones, for he had been beaten all along the way by the ball. A prolonged eiege by the home forwards yielded nothing, thanks to the excellent goal-keeping of Jones, and at hall-time I the scores were: Colwyn Bay 2, Llanrwst 2. I The second half opened with a brilliant run on the I right wing by Jack Owen, and that a goal was not forthcoming was not his fault. This was immediately. followed by a Meiedithian display along the touch line by the tireless and irrepressibe Wellings-the best half on the field—and there was another mistake on the part of the forwards in failing to materialise his oentre. During the next fifteen minutes, however, the play was of a. very uninteresting character, neither side putting any real life into their work. At one point Stephen Hughes and J. G. Jones initiated a smart move on the visitors' left, and McCann was very hard pressed till Tonkin came to the rescue, and cleared the ground with a tremendous drive. Roberts and Williams on the other wing also got away well as the result of good work by the veteran "Franz," but-Tonkin on this oc- casion was assisted by McCann. A capital shot by Gren. Jones sailed over the crossbar just an inch to the wrong side. Then the home forwards rallied again and before many minutes had elapsed a corner was forced. The flag-kick was well placed, but it was booted out of the way. Like a bolt from the blue, Stanley then rushed upon the ball and levelled at Jones a Piagnificent drive which easily beat the keen- er. A few minutes later the same player notched his fourth goal midst loud applause. It came from a centre by J. Ll. Owen, who had been perfectly served by Wellings. Llanrwst pluckily rallied and attacked with creditable smartness, but it was too late to make # up the lost ground, and the end came with the scores: Colwyn Bay 4, Llanrwst 2.