The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

TALES OF THE FOOTBALL FIELD. By GEORGE EDGAR jLuthor of Seasid,3 Stories," Pagan Billy Gubbins," Tarradiddles," Love at the 11 Prow," R-oadside Romances," &c. I r -BOUGHT AND SOLD. I expected things would not go smoothly from the first. I was training the Wolverton Wan- _.rs for the semi-final round in the Cup-tie, and we had taken our lads to a tiny fishing village on the west coast called St. An- drews. Our opponents for the third round were the Shepperton Rovers, and the ground chosen was in Liverpool. Now the people of Shepperton are hard nuts to crack to this day, and in that day they were a bit tougher than they are now. Heavy betting was the rule, and the Rovers carried a lot of the town's money. Round by round they were heavily backed to win each match, while there vfas a tremendous amount of money wagered on their reaching the Semi-Final, the Final, and winning the Final outright. Naturally, the evil influence of this whole- sale betting told on the conduct of the team. With men standing to win and lose small fortunes on each match, inducements were held out to the team which shewed which way the wind blew. They played the game as if football were a war, and there were very few matches in which som-e of their oppon- ents were not handled with such vigour that they were hors-de-combat for the rest of the semon. In fact, the triaks they introduced were a byword in football circles. My team, the Wolverton Wanderers, were performing in tip-top fashion. Their Cup- tie fights were conspicuously first-clase per- formances, and they won all along the line in excellent style. They were playing reaily food football, and, so far as is possible when ig interests are at stake, they were playing clean football. Their games pleased the critice, and it was recegnised on all hands that the team had to be reckoned with be- fore the destination of the Cup was finally settled. We had a fortnight to prepare for the Semi-Final, and our men were going through a quiet preparation. They were mostly good, capable fellows, full of sport, and so far as a trainer's life can be free of complications in his deaJings with the team, mine was. We had little or no trouble within the camp, but eigna were not wanting to shew that trouble was brewing without it. St. Andrews is a small place, and one soon gets to know everyone in the sporting set. At our hotel there were a sprinkling of golfers, a few pressmen, and the usual run of casual hotel visitors. But well into the middle of the week there came to the St'. Andrews hotel a man whom I suspected from the outset. Hd went by the name of Smithers. HQ had Shepperton written all over him. He was a short, stout man, who might have been anything, from a snorting publican to a re- tired pugilist His voice was loud and brazen. Hie face was pitied with smallpox marks. His eyes were shifty and beady. His clothes were too loud; he wore too much jewellery, and he seemed to have too much money. And what I did not like about him was that lie took too much interest in the team. He was always cn the spot when the men were out, and at night, after the day's work, he was hlways waiting about the billiard and card- rooms where the players put in most of their leisure. My suspicions were stifled a day or two later, when he beg to be deliberately t friendly with me. I did not repulse the man, because I wanted to get the hang of his little game. So I hobnobbed with him occa- cionally in the smoking-room and over the billiard-tables, and took advantage occa- sionally of the hospitality he offered me. I got a pretty open idea of his intentions in a very short time. I was returning with the boys from a long "Kalk along the coast, about dusk one even- ing, when Smithers came up mysteriously from behind. He slipped his arm into mine, and we went in the direction of the hotel, the players going along in straggling twos and threes. 0 Got a lot of promising lads," he said, shifting the cigar from his mouth. Ye^—they're a pretty good lot," I an- swered. Think they'll win?" he asked, jocosely. "I think they'll try," I returned, putting him off. "Do you think tliey will try?" he asiked, and thore was a subtle intonation in his voice en the word" you" that was very suggestive. I do not think," I answered, promptly; "I'm certain. That's what I'm here for." He walked by my side silently. ''Look here," he said at length; "suppose I make a proposition to you—would you con- sider it? That depends on the proposition," was my reply. We were pretty well alone by now, as the men had gained on us. It's a money proposition," Smithers said, in a very hoarse half whiGper. I'm always susceptible to hearing money talk," I said, and I flatter myself I Bounded a bit eager. "Are you?" he said. "Are you Well, that's the sort of thing I talk. You train these boys? I do." Feed 'em and look after 'em—keep 'em iwell, and all that? Yes-and all that." How would it be if they fell ill—say one or two of 'em? Say Fowler, the wing, and Simpson, the centre forward, and Sterry, the half-back?" He hid the men weighed up to a nicety, and he had picked out the backbone of the team—the three players who kept tiie whole lot together. The very thought of the three cf them falling out made me shiver; but I thought there would be no harm in seeing where he was drifting. If they did faU ill, we should fall out of the Cup-tie," I answered, deliberately. But they aren't going to fall ill—see? He thought a minute. Speaking of money talk," he said, how would it be if they did fall ill? I'd-like to see two or three of them not quite so well as they look now." Would you? I asked and don't you ¡wieh you might?" I thought. I would," he rlplied. Let',g be frank. Stephens. There'^ Fowler; give fifty pounds to Gee him look a bit paler." I think I'd give the same to see Simpson sicken enough not to play football. If Sterry joined them as well, I'd make it one hundred and fifty pounds. In fact," he concluded, quietly and pointedly, "if the three of them hap- pened to be un-well, I'd call it two hundred pounds—for you." "Don't you think it would be better to have the whole eleven laid out and make it five hundred pounds for the lot?" I asked, sarcastically. He leered at me. "Don't be funny," he Baid. l'i a kind man, and I hate to see un- necessary sufTeriiig. It just suits my book if three go out-three good ones. Shepperton can manage the rest. Do you take my mean- ing? "Yes. the meaning is clear enough." "Well, what do you say?" he asked, Urgently. I don't quite see that it is safe. These things leak out, and if I got the reputation of faking this team I should be done for ever. It's dangerous for me, and too cheap at two hundred pounds." There need be no trouble at all. You know and I know, and no one else need know. I have got a little drug, and no one can detect its action. It will do no harm. Give it them in a little soup and they'll be just too ill td play football for a day or two. A little eick- cese, a little pain, and a little lassitude, that is all. Thev will be all right in three days Jure, and jou can blame the tablA. It WII, 1 won't give an answer—now. There s plenty of time, and I'll think it over. Leave it for a day or two. I don't like putting the boys away, but I need the monev. Leave it for a few more days and I'll give you an answer." He seemed vastly elated with his success. With a rude attempt at joviality he said Smt yourself, only let me know early. I want to feel easy in my mind." By this time we had reached the hotel, and we separated in the hall. II. Now, I wanted the money, and I wanted my boys to win, for though a trainer I am a sport. I had a record of some years, and had gone straight against bigger temptation, and I wanted to serve out the dirty rascal for making me such a low-class offer. I seE my wits to work, and wondered how I should do it. And after a few days I made up my mind. It waa the Wednesday in the last week be- fore the Semi-Final. I got up early and left a note for Smithers, asking him to meet me on the golf links at eight o'clock. He was waiting for me when I arrived there. He looked meaner, lower, and more blatant as he walked in the sunlight before breakfast. I looked as gloomy as I could when ho came up. You're here," I said, tersely. Yes. Do we get busy? he aoked. There are one or two conditions. First of all, about the money; where do I come in? Paid, Saturday, if the boys don't start," he said, succinctly. Not a bit of good," I answered, promptly. I don't know you, and if you don't pay I can't recover." You'll have to trust me," he said. That's where you go wrong," I said; "there'll be no trust. I want money down." Ho winced. It was evident he did not like parting. I'm going to do the dirty work," I said and I'm going to put my reputation in the cart. So you will have to trust me—I've the most to lose." Most to lose Why, I lose two hundred myself he said and the men who are in with me are in to it for hundreds each. We've been laying the odds in Shepperton right and left." "Well, no pay no play," I growled. He thought a minute. How am I to know you are going straight? he asked. "Well, this is how I figure it," I pointed out. You pay me in gold on Friday night in my bedroom; then you can come to the hotel and see the thing worked. You can see the soup doctored for the three men, and see them eat it. Will that satisfy you? He thought a minute. Perfectly," be said at length. Well, you have to trust me. But I've to trust you. Net a word of this anywhere. If you blow on me I'm ruined, and it will b £ pretty bad for you." "We shall stand in together alone," he re- plied, and I took his dirty hand on it as we separated. I went back to the hotel to breakfast, and joined the men for the meal and the light work of the morning. We did a little running and walking and a few minutes' practice. The boys were coming on splendidly. They looked as fit a team of footballers as you could wish to see. I felt sure when they lined up at Liverpool on the Saturday they'd be fit to fight for their lives either at the game or against the deliberately brutal tac- tics of Shepperton. I felt that I was running a risk in being associated with the blackguard Smithers, but I was keen on serving him a hot one. I wanted to let him see he could not insult a decent sport with his filthy money. If every- thing did not go right, a breath of suspicion blowing my way would ruin my reputation for ever. I knew Smithers would not be true, and that the effect of his action would lepk out. Already he would have wired his friends, who would be using it in the betting. I had to go very warily. We kept quietly to work all that day. The men had stood their training in fins style. They were pulling well together, and were full of breezy good temper. Not a man was giving me trouble. They kept to the pro- gramme in exercise, hours, food, and drink to the letter. And every time I looked at my lads I felt prouder of them than ever. As I expected, my little secret had its effect. By noon on Thursday I had a wiro from the chairman of the committee, Mr. Weatherley, a well-known Midland sports- man. It was laconic but significant. "Wire what's wrong Shepperton — backed at four to one instead of three to two — yesterday." I shut my teeth with a snap. The storm was rising. I wired back promptly. Nothing—wrong —here," I said. "Every-man-fit. Take -cd,-Ic,ind-inquire-your-end." Fowler shewed signs of restiveness. Look here," he said, Siiiit,,izon, Sterry, and I have been talking things over," lie said, on the Thursday afternoon. We don't like it." Don't like what? I asked. Why, according to the papers they are laying four to one against us in the Shepper- ton district to any amount of money. You know that's absurd, and it looks a bit odd." I looked him in the eyes. How long have you known me? I asked. "Five years," he said. "Know anything against me?" I arked. No, you're as white as the best of them," he said, promptly. Can you kec-U a secret? "Yes." Well, take it from me, I know exactly what is wrong and what is happening. Mum is the word now, or the thing will fall through. I'll tell you the plot and the counterplot and coach you in your part to- night." "Right, old man," he said. "You know the game like a book. If you say it's all right, we need not worry. I was afraid they were getting at us, that's all. No man in his senses can afford to lay four to one against our little crowd. It looiks as if they knew something." They think they do, Fowler—that's all. You wait." Late that night Weatherley wired again. Price round Shepperton gone — up —five—to—one—now. Committee—anxious." Everything—all—right," I wired back, reassuringly. Next morning there vie3 a long letter from Weatherley. The old sportsman was nervous. He knew, when men in Shepperton were lay- ing five to one against a first-class team, that an ill-wind was Mowing somewhere. He grew quite incoherent at the close of his letter, and finally I took it that he wanted to know if I was straight without asking or offending me. First thing after breakfast I wired him. Come—down—at—once—urgent." As I dropped it over the post-office counter I siniled to myself. It was the signal for the band to play. III. As I returned to the hotel I met the man who called himself Smithers. I went up to him, angrily. See here," I said, looking as mad as I knew how, you'vo blown on us already." He tried to look innocent. "Ylhat do yoa mean?" he asked. Simply this—the odds have gone to ab- surd heights. Down in your precious Shep- perton the men are laying five to one." ,,W,cll? he said. "Well, my men are restive. "I've the chairman of the comm: tee coming down. Ho eimply cannot believe the team is right." "Well?" he said again, smiling grimly. Don't 6ay well like an idiot," I growled. What's to be done?" Just what we arranged," he replied. There's a bigger risk than ever now Weatherley'e coming down-better back out." He gasped for breath. Back out! Why, lOU'l" mad! Back out—with my mien laying fives to every pound they can tako. Why, where's the risk? "Weatherley. He'll stay to dinner, and he'll be with the team until they go away." That doesn't matter. He cannot detect anything. Slip it to them in the soup. No one can know they've been drugged." Well," I said, I'm in your hands, and I wish I was well out of it. But if you insist, I'll- I do insist. Whether you do it or not, 1 fifrall spread it about." Right! I'm in it up to the neck," I said. "You bring the money and the drug and I'll do the rest." His grim, marked face brightened. ".We'll see it through," he answered. I'll meet you half an hour before dinner." We parted. An hour after I imi w^athv^^ 1,1 station. The old chap looked visibly ruffled. As soon as he got, out of the carriage the thing that was on his mind came out. Stephens, there's something wrong. They are laying fives, and even sixes, to any amount of money, and it's one gang. They believe our men have be-sn got at. We had a man there all yesterday. He cannot find anything to go on except the betting by this gang, all of whom lay fives and sixes to anything." I took him to the hotel. Our men were in to lunch. Weatherley looked at them closely, greeting each player in turn. See anything wrong? I said. The old man's eyes glistened. Why, they look as fit as fiddles." he said. They are," I rejoined, and when they play they won't be like fiddles-they won't want second strings." In the afternoon the old man was still more satisfied. He saw the lads at exercise. Weatherley stood by my eide and watched the men at work critically, with the understand- ing eye. It's no use. Stephens," he said. This beate me. Look at the beggars. Why, they're tip top, in every detail. Man, they're a credit to you. But the Shepperton gang have a game on somewhere. No man in his senses would lay fives against these boys. There's only the bare chanc-e of luck." "You're satisfied, then?" I asked. "Quite; but—well, it beate me." I looked him squareiy in the face. "It doesn't beat me," I Atid. "I know." You mean—what? The Shepperton gang think they know something." But what can they know?" Mr. Weatherley, you know me. Do you think I'm a blackguard? Good heavens the old man started, no. I think you are the bed trainer I know." Well, I'm the man they bought." As I eaid so I smiled at him. He started visibly. Then he looked into my face. Then he smiled. Bob," he said, you needn't explain. If they've bought yon they've got Q bargain, a pretty bargain. I hope they've paid you? You may bet on that." Tell me," he said. Trust me a little while. You'll enjoy the joke ever so much more. All the fun comcs in the very last act. I'd like you to see the last act without any assistance from me." The old man's eyes twinkled. Bob, I trust you absolutely. I'll come in at the end." Do, sir," I said. Come in, sp.y nothing, watch and wait. Ycu can trust me absolutely. These boys are like my own kids." Well, six o'clock came in due course, and with it preparations for dinner. I had taken the men out for a lighv afternoon, and Smithers was waiting for me on the hotel steps when I came back. I see you are slackening off," he said, with a grin and a leer. Yes. Pity to overwork the beggars if they are going to lose. When I want you I'll look you up in the smoke-room." Dinner was at seven. I busied myself with I the supervision of a meal to which I attach a great deal of importance. The chef was used to my supervision. He was not surpri.^d when I added anything to his recipes. He took it for granted they were special prepara- tions—trainers' secrets. About ten to seven I picked up Smithero. "Give me the drug," I said, and he handed it to me as he followed me upstairs. "Just sprinkle a little in the soup-plates," he said, about a teaspoonful. lu will be quite enough." Watch me," I said. But there is a little formality first—the money." He solemnly pulled out two oags. I opened them. They contained gold. I could not count them, but I took it for granied there were two hundred, as there was bulk enourh for that amount. "That's right. Now come with me and watch me do my part." The soup w: s served in a tureen, and the plates lay in the dining-room on a sideboard. I had thumb-marked three and placed them apart, with a teaspoonful of the grey powder in each, before the gong rang. The men tramped upstairs, and Mr. Weatherley came with them. I introduced him to Smithers, who talked absent-mindedly in his role an sporting reporter, which was my excuse to the chairman for his presence. All the time he watched me clcaely as (t cat. I'll help the f;OllP," I said to the one waiter, and I becan to ladle it out. I ran my plates down the side on which Fowler, Sterry, and Simpson eat, and made a point of filling the three plates I carried to them, so that Smithers should see they were the plates I had marked. He seemed delighted, and turned with undivided attention to the chair- man. The men, with a cheerful buzz and chatter, had begun, but Simpson and Sterry, whom Fowler had coached after I had explained the action of the drama, only made pretence of eating. As soon as all were served I took my seat on the other side of the chairman. I took a mouthful of soup, then stopped, rap- ping the table and rieirig. Gentlemen," I said, this is our last din- ner before the match. Perhaps before we proceed with it you will allow me to address you?" There were cries of "Hear, hear," checro, and exuberant cat-calls. I felt in my pockets and pulled out the two bags of gold. They chinked pleasantly. I laid them before the chairman, Mr. Weatherley. Smitheis's face blanched. His hands S, trembled. I smiled on him pleasantly. Gentlemen, there are two hundred pounds in these hags," I said aloud. It re- presents the price offered me for poisoning our good friends Fowler, Simpson, and Sterry." The announcement drew a roar of laughter. The boys thought it was a jest. It's a lie shouted Smithers. There was a dead eilence. The money was paid to me by Mr. Smithers, our friend who sits at the head of the table. /ou dciiioii he yelled. 1 bought you Yes, and I'm selling you without a bid. Boys, the coup in front of Fowler, Simpson, and Sterry is doctored. It contains an irri- tant that will just make them very ill for two or three days. You will catch the idea. Its presence there is the reason why they lay five and six to one on Shepperton." For a moment intense surprise ruled the little dinner party, but a look at Smithers emphasised the truth of the unexpected story. He had turned livid, and with his hand clenched a water-bottle, which he wa6 about to swing at my head. Bradshaw, the full- back, caught his arm and bowled him ever. Now, boys, you see it's true. You, with Mr. Weatherley, make twelve good men and true. What's the sentence?" Fowlei jumped up in a moment. I'-e a verdict already made. Divide the money into sixteen parts, five to go to old Stephens and one each to the players." Loud cheers greeted the suggestion. "And what about Smithers?" Sterry yelled.. We'll leave that to the chairman," I sug- gested in the babel. He rose to the occasion and said the right thing without any prompting. A silence greeted him as he stood up. A genial smile was playing over his jolly red face. ,Smithers shall eat the soup," he eaid. Eleven brawny footballers set on him. It was a sight for the gods. They made him eat two of the doctored bowls by compulsion, and it worked out at a punch or a kick for every spoonful. And when he simply could not hold any more they plastered the rest over hi3 head and shoulders, and joined in kicking him into the outer darkness. And next day, being Saturday, the betting at Shepperton was at evens, and our boya made the trip to Liverpool. They looked as fine a lot of footballers as ever put on shirts, and they whacked the Shepperton Rovers in the first half and ran them to a standstill in the second. And just to round the story, I ma.y say they went into the Final, under my direction, just as fit, and the Cup went to Wolverton that year. Further, Smithers was very ill for fix days, having had a double dose of his own physic, and being quite unfit for the Semi-Final. .J::

FOOTBALL. RESULTS AT A GLANCE. LEAOUK—FZKST DIVISION. Everton, 4; Blackburn Rovers, 4. Middieibrough, 1; Liverpool, 0. Notts County, 3; Nottingham Forest, 0. Bristol City, ] Sheffield United, 1. Sheffield Wednesday, 3; Manchester City, 1. Leicester Fosse, 5; Chelsea, 2. Manchester Umted, 2; Bradford City, 0. Sunderland, 4; Woolwich Arsenal, 0. Alton Villa, 2; Newcastle United, 0. Bury, 2; Preston North End, 0. LEAGUE-SEC IND DIVISION. Bolton, W., 1; Wolverhampton W., 1. I Gk>ssop, 2; Chesterfield Town, 0. Grimsby Town, 0; Barnsley, 0. I Stockport County, 1; Blackpool, 0. West Bromvvich A., 2; Derby County, Jr Hull City, 2; Birmingham, 1. Clapton Orient, 1; Burnley, 0. Leeds City, 1; Fulham, 0. Tottenham. Hotspur, 2; Gainsborough T., 0. ENGLISH CUP. Wrexham, 2; Hcdnesford, 1. Bradford, 6; Mexborough Town, 0. Northern Normads, 2; Accrington, 0. Workington, 4; South Shields, 1. THE COMBINATION Chester, 3; Rhyl, 0. Saltney, 7; Crewe Alexandra, 1. It Chirk, 0; Bangor, 0. Connah's Quay, 3; Tranmere, 2. Druids, 3; Whitchurch, 2. O.Niiu,try, 2; Wrexham, 0. .M.i(ldiewich, 2; Welshpool, 2. WET SH SRNIOR CUP. Nantwich, 5; Birkenhead, 1. NORTH WALES AMATEUR CUP (2nd Round). Carnarvon, 14; Pwllheli, 0. Conway, 3; Llanrwst, L Beau:nar:s, 4; Holyhead, 2. Greenfield, 8; Cclwyn Bay Reserves, 1. NORTH WALES JUNIOR CUP (2nd Round). Colvvyn Bay, 4; Denbigh, 1. IrviTER-COLLEGIATK University College of Ncrlh Wales, 2; Liver- pool University, 2.

LEAGUE-FIRST DiVioiON. Results up to Saturday, November 21st,:— Goals. I P. W. L. I). F. A. P. Everton 14 10 2 2 41 19 22 Newcastle United 14 8 3 3 20 13 19 Sheffield Wednesday 13 7 1 5 23 14 19 Manchester United 13 8 3 2 29 23 13 Aston Villa 13 6 2 5 20 13 17 Sunderland 14 8 6 0 29 20 16 Liverpool lb 7 7 1 24 33 15 Blackham Rovers Ij 4 3 6 19 19 14 Chelsea 15 5 6 4 22 28 14 Notts Forest. 14 6 7 1 24 20 li Woolwich Arsenal 14 5 6 3 19 19 13 Bristol City 14 4 5 5 16 22 13 Leicester Fosse 13 3 4 6 19 24 Manchester City 13 4 6 3 20 25 11 Middlesbrough 13 3 5 5 18 23 11 Notts County.12 4 6 2 14 15 10 Preston North End 14 4 8 2 15 17 10 Sheffield United 14 3 7 4 16 25 10 Bury. 14 3 8 3 20 33 9 Bradford City. 13 1 8 4 7 29 6

LEAGUE-SECOND DIVISION, Results up to Saturday, November 2131. Goals. P. W. L. D. F. A. P. West Brornwich A. 15 8 2 5 21 11 21 Birmingham 14 8 4 2 21 17 13 Fulham 13 6 2 5 26 15 17 G'ossop 13 6 2 5 20 12 17 Bolton Wanderers 15 7 5 3 17 12 17 Leeds City. 14 7 4 3 18 13 17 Derby County 15 5 3 7 19 14 17 Tottpnham Hotspur. 13 6 3 4 21 18 16 Stockport County .]3 7 4 2 14 19 16 Hull City. 14 6 5 3 18 14 15 Chesterfield 14 5 6 3 13 20 15 Wolverhampton W. 15 3 6 6 18 20 12 Oldham Athletic 11 5 5 1 20 11 I Blackpool 13 3 5 5 13 20 11 Burnley 14 5 9 0 21 23 10 Grimsby Town 13 4 7 2 15 22 10 Clapton Orient 13 2 5 5 9 15 9 Gains'ooro' Trimtv 13 2 6 5 14 30 9 Bradford Park Ave. 13 3 8 2 11 19 8 Barnsley 14 2 8 4 12 21 8 THE COMNA'TION. Results up to Saturday, November 21^t. •—. Goals P. W. L. D. F. A. P. Chester 9 7 0 2 30 7 16 Druida 9 6 2 1 23 16 13 Chirk 10 5 2 3 25 9 13 Crewe Alexandra 11 4 6 1 40 27 13 Whitchurch 10 5 3, 2 27 23 12 Welshpool 10 5 3 2. 20 13 12 Oonnah's Quay 11 5 5 1 17 27 U Wrexham 11 4 5 2 16 21 10 Saltney 9 3 3 3 24 15 9 10 4 5 1 22 17 9 Tranmere Rovers 7 3 2 2 25 12 8 Nantwich 8 2 3 3 12 15 7 B>n?ror 9 1 4 4 8 30 6 Middlewieh 8 1 5 2 12 26 4 Rhyl 9 1 7 1 8 37 3 Birkenhead 7 1 6 0 9 22 2

COMMAW5 QUAY v. TRANMERE HO\: ERS. CONfMH'S QUAY v. TRANMERE ROVERS. — IConnah's Quay 3 Tranmere 2 Played at Connah's Quay. Jones started for the home side, Tranmero missing a good oppor- tunity of scoring in the first minute. Roberts, on tho left, was prominent with a fine run but Peters proved too safe at the critical moment, and robbed the Quay outside left with good judg- ment from a centro by Butler. Randies was ruled offside close in. The home side had the misfortune to have Hughes injured, and al- though he reappeared he limped very badly. Fishwick added a second goal. Half-time: Tran- mere, 2 goals; Connah's Quay, nil. Final: Connah's Quay, 3; Tranmere, 2.

RHYL v. CHESTER. On Saturday Rhyl entertained the champions of the Combination at the Belle Vue ground, a.nd experienced very hard luck, the score, Ches- ter 3, Rhyl 0, by no means representing the game. There was a laTg"e attendance, and the teams lined up ad follows:- Chester: Keeley; Rus,sell and Da vies; Mat- thews, Granger, and Gordon; T. Jones, D. Roberta, Freeman, La-ppin. and Lipsham. Rhyl: Thornley; T. Ellis, A. Roberts; J. Willis,, E. H. Williams, B. Morris; Ilampson, Dale, H- Randle, T. Harrison, and T. Roberts. The game opened in a very brisk fashion, and it was evident that Chester meant to make no mistake about the result- In the Rihyl de- fence, however, they found a sturdy lot of fel- lows, and it was no until the game had been in giresa for half an hour that Froeman managed to find the net. The visitors pressed throughout the whole of the first portion, but Ellis and Roberts, who played a fine defensive game, kept the score at 1-0 when the teams turned over. There was some fine pday on the part of the Chester forwards, but Lappin's display in the first half was not equal to the show he made afterwards. Freeman was undoubtedly the pick of the visitors, and he played very good foot- ball. In the second half Chester again took up the pressure, and they kept the Rh'yl players well penned in their goal, but, making a spurt, the homesters broke away, and they made a good attempt- The ball was nicely worked down, and T. Roberts had the goal at his meroy. There did not scoiti to be any possibility of his missing, but he sent a shot right across the mouth of the net. The yell—it could be called nothing less—that went up from the spectators waa almost deafening, and the Rhyl men were obviously disappointed. It was really hard luck I that such a g-rand chance was thus spoiled. Ciiester at once transferred plav; to the other I end, aind there was great excitement when the I ball went into the net. The Rhyl players claim- ¡ ed it was not a goal, or in any case thl%t a penalty should have been awarded, but the re- ierco ruled otherwise, and Freeman took the credit for Chester's second point. The decision seemed to dish- arien the home side, for they playod a weak g'ame for a time. Matthews and Lappin made the most of thei.r discomfiture, and the latt added a third goal, although tnis was also questioned. In the last ten minutes Rhyl seemed infused with fresh life, and they played a rattling good game, but all too late. The matdh closed with Chester leading by three goals to nil. The game on the play would aia e been better represented Hy 1—0. Harrison a;id Ellis were the best of the Rhy I men. T- Ho- berts was decidedly off colour throughout t..e match. Next Saturday Rhyl are down for a match with Oswestry. It is time that they pulled themselves toother.

NORTH WALES COAST LEAGUE. FIRST DIVISION. Results up to Saturday, November 21st:— It,)g. P. W. L. D. F. A P. j Bangor Reserve. 5 4 1 0 17 8 3 Carnarvon United 6 3 1 2 21 13 8 Beaumaris 4 3 0 1 14 5 7 I'wllheu Town 3 0 1 11 I) 7 Denbigh fot 4 2 0 2 9 « 6 Holyiieail Swifts 6 2 3 1 25 14 vVhvjn Bay United. 5 0 3 2 10 13 -3 Llanrwst Town 3 0 1 2 3 6 2 Llandudno Amateurs 3 1 2 0 3 13 I Conway 4 0 3 1 2 21 1 B!a-,uau Festiniog 4 0 4 0 8 18 J

j NORTH WALES AMATEUR CUP. I (SECOND ROUND). i GREENFIELD v. COLWYN BAY. ] VISITORS BADLY BEATEN. I Greenfield 3 j Colwyn Bay 1 It was a surprise to Greenfield supporters on Saturday when they discovered thai, Colwyn Pay J had only sent a reserve eleven to meet th> ir "pets" in the fight for the Coa.t Amateur Cnn, I Even if they had been a full reserve team niattr would not have be-an so bad, but unfortunate tv several of the men selected were unable to play mcluding H. Hughes, G. Williams, G. Hughe •. end Barton Mr Bert Dicken had charge of the team. Mr J. T. Hughes, Flint, lined up the players j shortly after 2.30 in dull weather, and before small gate, as follow :-Greenfield: Alf. Nuttaii: Dan Parry, R. Davies; J. George, R. E. Jones Norman Jones; J. Rcbc-rt-, Hood, S. Frost, D. i Griffiths, and Joed Bennett. Colwyn Bay: W. E. Roberts; J. Booth, W. I Glutton; J. Alcock; II. Hughes, and How oil Pritchard; James Jones, J. K. Jones, J. T. Owuii. j W. Kav, and R. Jones. | It will be seen that the home team were j without their "star," G. Petrie, but otherwise J they were at full strength, being assisted by I Frost, of Saltney. j From the commencement it was obvious that | Greenfield had an easy task before them. After the game had been in progress a few minutes Frost opened the account with a shot wh;eh gave Roberts no possible chance to clear. This was quickly followed by 11 second from Joei Bennett. The young Bayites made plucky e<T^"ts to break away, but they were 'i in check. Orly en one occasion did they ? t anywhere near goal, and then J. T. Owin had hard lines with a good shot. The homesters <!ni<->kly ran up their score, Hood adding the thin!, fourth, and fifth in quick succession. To add to the visitors' d'.s-omfort David Griffiths scored the sixth. Nothing further occurred until ;;e interval, when the score stood: Greenfield, 6; CoHvyn Bav, 0. For the second portion the Bavites plaved Booth in goal, a change which at once proved effective. Greenfield were now playing towards their favourite goal, and the spectators antiei- a monster score, but they were doomed to disappointment, Booth pre, ir,g the stamW-'n? block. Tho Bav hereabouts rallied pliici.) 'v, and, ntta-"king with spirit, Kav eventually beat Nuttaii .r;ili a grounder ""hiGh the latter handled, but failod^ to hold. The home team again Wifmed to the attack, however, and rained shots in from all quarters, but Booth proved almost Iv" invulnerable. In saving a rasping shot which crashed agamst, the side of the. po the keeper WHS unfortunately injured, and had to leave his position for repairs. Roberts returned to goal, and the homesters pressed with renewed vigour. Before thev could further add to their scor, howp,v»r, Booth returned. Thence, until the end, Greenfield held the upper hand, Joel Bennett adding the seventh, ind Hood the eighth. Several attacks were initiated bv the Bavites, but none materialised, a.nd an uninteresting and one-siiled grame ended in a win for Greenfield by 8 goals to 1.

CARNARVON v. PWLLHELI. A FARCICAL GAME. (By "Recorder.") Carnarvon 14 Pwllh'eii 0 This match, which was regarded as one of the tit-bits of the round, but which turned out to boo nothing else than a farce, was played at Carnar- von on Saturday, in wretched weather. It rained in a !,itikR8 manner throughout the after- noon, and the exposed charactcr of the Carnar- von enclosure did not help matters at all. Pwll- heli sent down what was described as a third, team, owing to the fact that the members of the first team were unable to leave their work irij time to arrive at Carnarvon by 2.30 p.m., for which the kick-off was arranged. The teams were:- Carnarvon: G. 11. Jones; Evan Hughes and Albert Griffiths; John Griffiths, M. R. Herbert, and Jack Williams; R. H. Roberts, Lloyd Hughes, Walter Jones, Hugh Roberts, and J. Jones. t'wllheli: J. Williams; Owen Jones and David H. Jones; Ellis Jones, Tommy Williams, and, Bob Hughes; Augustus Dobson, Jack Hart, C. Jones, David Jones, a.nd J. Jones. Referee Mr Slater, Llandudno. Winning tho toss, Carnarvon elected to play up the slope, and quickly made tracks for tho Pwllheli goal, R. H. Roberts sending in an inch or two wide of the mark. Then Johnny Jones ran along the left, whipped across a beauty, and) E. Lloyd Hughes had not the slightest difficulty in breasting through. This success came after 1four minutes' play. This was good business, and in the next minute Walter Jones skimmed the, bar. Even at this early stage of the game it was clear that the only team in the picture was Carnarvon, and four and a half minutes' play I saw Walter Jones registering No. 2, and a granct goal it was too. Jack Williams wondered what he could do on his own, so he ran, along up the field and cannoned the ball against the goal- I keeper's foot, and Mick Herbert followed witl another ticklef. The Carnarvon players seemed, to treat the game with amusement; in fact, theyj were fooling about rather too much, instead of scoring. J. Jones dropped the ball from a corner, kijck slap into,the Pwllheli goal, asd J. Willisvcji-

p who a Perfect GLOVES and GL EasyFjttingBOOTS &houfd b:v THP. TR lim, B.K Ntf@ ep RC

LLANRWST v. CONWAY, I EXIT ROOSTERS. I (By Dolydd.) Convvav 3 Llanrwst j Che?:e teams met on Saturday, at Cwydr Park, in tue second round for the Amateur Cup. Both pid^s had introduced strangers into their ranks, Conway having secured the assistance of the re- d-ubtable Llandudno pivot, Johnny Williams, while the homesters had included three of the Foti'miog players. Play commenced in dull wonther, which soon resolved itself into a down- pour of rain, which converted the ground in fi-i of both goals into' mud baths, in which the payors continually "moled" until their colour- were disguised in khaki. In the absence of Mr J. E. Jones, Mr farry Jones acted as referee. The teams lined up at 2.45 p.m., as follows:— Thinrvvst. -Dick Jones; W. Owen and Jim T lcvd; F. Williams, Bob Hughes, and Grcnviile Jones; Jack Jones, Meinon Jones, A. Richards, J. Jones, and W. A. Williams. Conway.—Llew Parry; T. Jones and O. Ellis: A. Owen, R. Owen, and W. Stone; Harry Row- lands, Atherton, J. E. Williams, E. Saunders, and Sam Parry. and 8a.m Parry. Having won the toss, the Blues decided to face the river. Richards having set the ball rolling, Harry Rowlands tricked J. Jones., and dashed along the right, finishing off with an accurate centre to Jack Williams. W. Owen, however, pounced upon the ball, and sent it to midficld. W. A. Williams secured and galloped along the left, but failed to elude T. Jones, who returned the sphere to Atherton, who, in turn, lost possession to Grenville, who passed on to Richards, who forced a corner off Ellis. This, however, proved fruitless, and the play shifted to midfield. W. A. Williams galloping along the left, sent, in a "scorcher," but Llew neatly cleared. Tho Blues then advanced in line, and appeared bent on scoring. After a short melee Will Owen managed to clear. Francis secured and made a run "on his own," but finished off slightly wide of the mark. The Blues, from the ensuing goal kick, were again swarming in front of Dick, who was waddling like a duck in the mud. Jack Williams sent in a straight drive, but Lloyd interposed his person and directed the ball towards Will Owen, who punted to Jack Jones. Jack gave evidence of considerable ac- tivity, but his effort nzziod out before Ellis. The visitors' right wing was next in evidence, but a sharp attack was promptly met by IJoyd. However, the burly quarryman mis-kicked, and let in Sam Parry. Bob Hughes threw himself in the way and managed- to clear. The Bluoe, however, soon returned, Atherton giving Dick a good handful. From the goal kick, the home- sters advanced and forced a corner. W. A. Wil- liams centred into Parry's arr-ns-a, narrow es- cape for the Blues. The home left wing then advanced in line, but Saunders failed to reach the ball, which ran out of play. The Blues again attacked strongly, and ultimately forced a corner. Sam sent in an accurate centre, which Harry Rowlands promptly converted with a shot which slipped into the net. just under the crossbar—a beautiful drive which provoked an outburst of general applause. The Stripes then pressed fiercely, forcing a corner, which, how- ever, was not majorised. The visiting left wing again got clear away, end Saunders, eluding the homo defence, sent in a beauty, which Dick just cleared. It was now the homesters' turn to at- tack in force, Bob Hughes sending in a long drive, but IJcw fielded neatly. Jack Williams flashed after the ball with the speed of a meteor, but W. Owen reached it first, and sent the leather back. The Blues, however, were not. to be gainsaid. They returned in force, but Sam Parry, when in good position, "skied" over the crossbar. The Stripes once more pressed, and forced a corner. "W. A. W." sent in a capital centre, Richards driving the ball into Llew's arms. The Blues then attacked and forced several corners in quick succession, which, how- over, availed them nothing. At length, "Fran- cie" got away, and after a fine run down the field, centred to Richards, who, in turn, passed f on to "W. A. W. who sent in a beauty from [,the extreme left. The homesters continued to.. press, but "W. A. W." shot wretchedly wide when he had a good chance to score. The Stripea however kept up the pressure, and forced a corner, but Jack Jones had only an elementary idea of the position of the goal. The Bk1 right wing now advanced in style. Rowlands centred to Jack Williams, who dashed up and sent in a lightning shot from close quarters. Dick Jones, who had left his charge to meet the pivot, was not there to stay its course, and rue- fully gazed at the leather as it rolled into the net. Some exchanges ensued in midfield, and when the whistle sounded half-time, Conway led by two goals to nil. The game having been recommenced the homesters pressed severely, but ineffectually. The Conway men, by fine combination, got into good position, Atherton, from the right, sending in a lovely oblique drive, which beat Dick Jones "all ends up." The homesters now made a. great effort to retrieve their position, Jack Jones with a fine solo run along the right finish- ing off with a clinking shot, which Llew f&iled to reach. The Conway men again exerted them- selves to the utmost with the result that the homesters were hardly pressed, but the Blues could not add to their score. The Stripes, at last, hurled off the attack, and in turn became the aggressors, "W. A. W." again shooting rather widely owing probably to the slippery state of the ground. The game from this point to the end resolved itself into attack and defence alternate- ly, neither of the teams being able to add to their score. Continued on next page.) mi nnin

NORTH WALES WEDNESDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE. A PUBLIC MEETING rpo consider the position of WEDNESDAY x FOOTBALL in NORTH WALES will bo held at the NORTH WESTERN HOTEL. L aniudno Junction, On THURSDAY, DEC. 3rd, 1908. Chairman: MR. R. GREENFIELD, F.R.H.S. TO COMMENCE AT 8 p.m. PROMPT All interested in the above are invited to attend F. W. JONES. Hon. Sec. RHOS-ON-SEA GOLF CLUB. i8"Hole Sporting Links on the Sea Front, and Electric Tramway be. twesn Colwyn Bay & L!andudnot OPEN TO VISITORS. 2/6 per Day. I IOj- per Week IyADiKS (No Restrictions on Play), Country and Non- per annum. Playing Members CI 10 GENTLEMEN (Resident) £ 220 JnyivisjLES (undef 16) and U/.ans £ 0 10 0 0 ENTRANCE FEE. hluit's not allowed Oil Sundays. GLjjr, u::USE WITH EVERYCONVtNltNUE (iolfers' Requisites of all Description kept in Stock. MILLIARDS. Meals and Refreshments provided. Board. 6/- a Day. Board and Lodgings 8/- t, Board, Lodging & Play 10/- „ I Bedrooms 2/6 a Night each person Prices include Attendance. Resident Secretary and Professional. Telephone No. 48, Colwyn Bay. Telegrams Llandrilloynrhos. 7C,57 7957 COLWYN BAY GOLF CLUB. SPORTING 9-HOLE COURSE, SITUATE ABOVE PWLLYCRQCilAN WOOD. COM*- w ABLE CLIJB HOUSE. j^ri N (jiihONS AiNU _?{HMJ£NTi PRO VIDRD. GOLFING REQUISITES STOCKED. wa.rd and Professional L. GREEN. < SUBSCRiPT'lO-Nii. Per Annum. » Honorary Members £1 la and LO 10ft Resident Mvuabera- Lamee i:0 Hi. Od CientiBnieu JE1 10b Od Countrj M«mJ>eni— Ladim 0 10. ad Gentiemea 0 15cs Od Visitors, 2s per Day; Is Half-Day; 5s per Week, DOUGIjAS M. PEACOCK, Hon. Sec., CotehiLl. SeofieJcuro&d. rSlfrccvc table DUilJ&U CROQUET A The Regulation Game tnMtm&ture "A SPOKEN HIGHLY OT^BY Cf^T CRPQUE.T AUTHQ^II 1ES. -I ro, A ES OtaiiM^fiOTtltAlERSaflgiaSCtJSOUtBI'VICIOWASTtJDNWii mw4l ..——————————

was smart to save. Carnarvon's third goal was} scored from long range by J. Williams. Owen J-.us-ij checked one dangerous rush by the local forwards. After a while the Pwllheli left wing got a move on, and they showed pretty combina- t on until Evan Hughes checked them. Twico Walter Jones astonished the Pwllheli custodian, who saved very ungracefully, but he managed to. be on the right spot e'very time. Johnny Jones, the Pwllheli outside left, was again prominent, and he managed to convey the ball to the other en-1, but nothing came of the effort, he being; Lulls supported. GO \LS GALORE. No. 4 goal for Carnarvon was the result of a rush by lTughic Roberts, ho practically forced hi, "'aY into the net, an., in less than half aj irnn.'itA Walter Jones had the ball past the Pwll- huii goalkeeper. Ten seconds later the Carnar- von pivot again had the ball into the net, as the remit of a neat pass from Lloyd Hughes. The game degenerated into a farce, and the Carnar- von custodian evidently thought so, for he sat hidden by a large cape. The seventh goal ■■■ ;s headed through by Lloyd Hughes. Seven j ffoale in twenty-five minutes! Albert Griffiths, from the half line, potted for the Pwllheli goal, arid the ball bounded in front of the custodian, ud "truck the crossbar. Then Lloyd Hughes d.i,sued up and headed through. The Carnarvon, I custodian now kicked out for the first time in the gam?', and he was ironically cheered. This feeble ■lute: mf, seemed to rouse the Pwllheli forwards, '.v 'if), ior a minute or so, pressed, but they wore ''yy weak. J. Jones scored the ninth goal for I Carnarvon. The locals should have scored at) 1.;+ four further goals, but they seemed to take j i.iifgt, very easily. ] '.alf-time. Carnarvon 9, Pwllheli 0. I f tho first half was fjvrcical, the sccond waa 01 so% Hardly had the game been restarted j V Fvan Lloyd Hughes sprinted down the i f and ran with the ball past the Pwllheli Quite unable to do anything with in the Pwllheli players simply fell over onei aur hor. True J. Jones made one good run andj <siod the Carnarvon custodian, but this proved ?;;ore Sash in the pan. They gave away corners WM'I tho slightest compensation, and as tho result of these the poor Pwllheli custodian had a lively tuiie of if, but he had a knack of being some- jvi.i'nj near the right spot when the ball waa Si at m. Evan Hughes fired a lofty shot fromj c,)> I- half ground, which, almost took effect, and 1 J. Jones lifted the ball from a freo kick W'thin a yard of the Pwllheli goal, and landed it amongst a ruck of players. A battle royal fol- (i: on the Pwllheli goal line, but more by the exercise of "beef" than science the bail was L ;,1, out of tho net. J. Jones scored the eleventh Ji'oa,] for Carnarvon, who put on three further goald before the end, two being scored by John Jones and Walter Jones. One of the goals fol- ,ythree overhead kicks, which landed the, ,? ,n front, of the visiting goal. Carnarvon finally won by 14 goals to nil.