Evening Express

j IHBUMB THE CLUBS I I The Welsh Leagues. I  AND D.RA). I ?. AND D.RJJ. I School and Ex-Schoolboy Rugger.,1 [By aPOKU. "1 I ,4 Aberdare and District: Started I at Last. The following clubs were represented at the general meeting held at the Tiger Hotel: Aberaman, 3PIountain Ash Juniors, Cwm- v&an. Mertliyi Juniors, Plymouth Institute, and Oefn. It was decided to hold a trial match a.t Merthyr. if possible, in order that a team may be selected to meet the Mon- mouthshire Valley League in the inter-league championship. The latter game will take place at Or ami in. For the past five or six years Cwm&man has been a Soccer stronghold. It is, there- fore, gratifying to note that a. Hugger club has at last been formed there. With euoh sn'enthusiast as D. G-urwen Davies to lead theou* they will make a boLd bid for honours. Toe club nas selected the right Pengon as secretary in Mx. E. Thomas. With the help 01 Jir. ii. Jones aud a strong com- mi1rt, 6i?Mfe M every proe?ect of the carry- Wrg. code nourishing1 in. the district. 'i'?e Aberaman Gymnasium is forging &he". When the bao?M I"ve a little e);n- t ence tQeddde will be a. good one. The Merthyr Juniors have now settled I matters regarding their playing pitch. They lave to pay tne large sum of zl2 for its use. With ao "gate' money, it 18 a severe struggle wo keep the team together. However, the jaergetic secretary, Mr. Leonard, backed up by a 'strong committee, are making neroie efforts to keep. the amateur code alive in the Merthyr district. The Cefn team is a new side to league foot- bali, bat the display at Aoeraman last Sat- urday, when they met and defeated a strong scratch team by a goal to nil, stamps them ] jui- a. -very flue orgaji.Baiioit. The half-backs, and tlmre-q ua* leis com bme fin-eky-, btttt taie- forwards want some ooachuig in packing and heeluig-the foundation of a good pack is there. Motrntaitt Ash JuTtiors are already getting s. shelf made for the cup and medals. The way they waltzed, round Ateraman by over ? points hints that tue shelf will probably be required, it wild be a grim struggle when 3lerthyr Juniors are met. I have not had the pleasure of witnessing the Institute Resenœ play yet. From an account of one who has, it appears that, &ithou?h on the smail &ide, the team is a fin? Ottg. It is a&tisfa?tofy that the late chairman of the league. Mr. E. T. Parfltt, has been elected on, the committee of the Mountain j Ash c4ub, A closer bond of friends-hip i between the Old Firm and the Juniors should be the outcome. The inter-ieaxue team will be ohoeen next week. I Six to eight clubs will constitute the old I bor4i;r league now being formed. Bekigend and District. Both the leading teams of the league came croppers lasrt, Saturday. Tne game at Brid- gend between the second's and the Infants of Klaen^farrw was a red-hot surprise. The infante actually got whacked by half a score of points. With the exception of the last ten minutes, the seconds were throughout on top, The winners have been greatly streng- thened by the inclusion of Walter Hockings, last season's skipper of the 'Quins, and Dai Hopkitt, a younger brother of Jenkin Hopkin. cf the premiers. The pack is second to none in the league, Bert Hopgood (the beet up of the sixteen); W. Quintan, F. Bradshaw, and Biddies being the pick. At half W. Cooke and Dai Hopkin combined weely. and the latter worried his opponents by clwer touch-kik1ng. whilst at three-,? quarter W. Hockings and H. Gile? were great, in attack. Skipper Jenkins ia his new role as full-back did well. ?Bl"zM&rw were overfed from the "feeding bottle." and it was hinted there was an epidemic of "Quinsy. Th?y were 1-?t served by their forwards, who played with nine dash, H. Pritchard (a certainty for inter-league honours), Morris, and Llewellyn being the best, while at half W. Tucker was the best half of the four. Hopkins and Thomas made great efforts in the quartette. bat found the defence perfect. Ginger" Jones was still on the injured list, bat his substitute, Morgans, performed satisfactorily at full back. Although the defeat was 1 hwniliatÙlg to the Infants, who fully anti- cipated an easy victory, they took their drubbing like the sportsmen they are—in a sporting way. The other surprise was Gilfach Goch v. Ifantymoel Excelsiors. GiUi on their own little tmajp aire a difficult side to beat, but their victory of 9 to 3 points is a vast improvement on past form. The game was- too -keen, and, unfortunately, referee Tom Jones found it necessary to send two-of et!Ii s forwards and one Excel to the touchline for refrigerating purposes. Tom Hares. Ike Edwards, Cox, and Sammy Evans, of the ups, played with rare skill. R. White wa& the best half, and S. J g was easily the best three on the ftel-his two tries I were brilliailt. J. M. Jones. Groves, and "tiuinsey" did well. E. Johnson showed im- proved form as full-back. • The Bseels were best represented by Edwin Moees. H. John, Webber, ajjd Uajw- Pen-ce in the front rank. Captain Daviee strove manfully at half. Evans, Phillips, and Bowden of the other backs did well. The Riders of Cefn journeyed to Nanty- nvoel to meet the Towniec, and a defeat of 17 points aeede a little explana- tion. The Riders were mirns three good lips anrl Cook at three-quarter. It was a brilliant game which the home team played. and I (if) not think that the presence of these players would have made much difference. Oil their owe pitch the town club is really, great. Jack Chilcott is easily the best for- ward in the league. Jack Davies, Glyn Palmer, and T. Thomas are also rare good "118. J. E. Boobyer is a clever half, and at three-quarter Adrian Lloyd and Coles are I a formidable pair Perkins at back knows where the touch line is. The Riders did not show their usual deggednees. They were best represented by George Butcher, Watkinp, Hold, and Smith of the upe. George Watkins by hia ckstn, eiever play at half became a great favourite. Dai Morgan, too, did capitally. The threes were poor. Maesteg Rangers succeeded in defeating the newly-formed Caerau United by twelvo goim". The Lambs held their own well until late in the jame, when the superior finesse and stamina of the Rangers told its tale and the shearing commenced. I might state that Caerau has been a red-hot Soccer district, and" • at the present moment that game is unknown in the district. Is not • this proof: of the value of the league? The United are sure to make a good side .atter a few games together. Their forwards are all workers, notably C. Jones, Healey, --Griffiths, and Benjamin. The best of the backs are Captain Walters, Hanniford, Edwards, and Davies. .The Rangers are still strengthening their side, and great hopes are entertained (at Maesteg, of course), that they will be the bampioDs. Rhymney Valley Juniors. I The trial match at Rhymney on Monday was a failure, as neither .the North nor South team turned out as selected. The talent was. poor The only possible course is to hold another trial with representative sides. Another drawback was the really wretched state of the ground. Of the players, Parry, of Bhymney, was the best three-quarter on the field. The lull-book position lies between the custodiana of Deri and Bedwas when the team iis chosen. The South halves were the smarter. Of the forwards, Dallimore, of Abertridwr, was the pick. Edwards, the Bed was forward, had to play on the wing; therefore, hie had no chance to show his merit. The next trial ma.wh-to give satis- faction—should be played at either Bargoed I' or Abefbargoed. TOe" rictory of AberbalTJEtd over Deri by a try wsas a painful surprise to Deri. They mtMt thank their stars it was not a league match. RhynMMy Seconds' defeat of the sca/rlets by the nArtviw mafi~gin of 3 poinns proves the ocarlets to be a good side, for the seconds are decidedly strong. A libtle explanation of the Abk-rtridwr v. BedwQR$ame at Aber on Xowiniber 7 would clear a lot of disputes (writes "Bedwasite"). The whistler -was a man from Aber, who admit ted he lost oontrol of the players. At the interval nothing had been scared. After ten minutes'' play in the second moiety Hay- wood gained a good try, and the referee im- mediately stopped further play, as it was so dark. It was a friendly, and I cannot understand ■ all the Growing over the "victory." La-st Saturday the same teams again, and a good light allowed a good f??m to take plaœ. Bedwas avenged their try defeat by romping home winners by 1 I 8-0?'? 4 tries to nil. But for the slackness of two playen the geom "auJd have been bævier. On the other hand, Abertridwr state that bat for their anxiety not to disappoint Bedwas. they would abandoned Sa.tur- dar's gIWne. Several players (writes "Aber") failed to make the journey, and the "subs." were indifferent players. Hay ward, Brown, and Matthews were the best of the fifteen. Johnny Williams defended gallantly. Although all the olabe respect Mr. D. W. Manning for his work as one of the founders and promoters of the league, Abertridwr, Deri, Mertihyr, and Bedwas hold that he has adopted the right oourse in resigning the t secretaryship, as business prevents his attendance at the majority of the league meetings. 1 C, & D. R. U. I The union has been asked to send over a team during the Christmas holidays to play Cork Constitution and I^tntdown (Limerick). Providing the guarantees aire satisfactory, the tour will be undertaken. Grangetowii's new mamaoemein-t is thce-ou^t. Determined to lose nothing throagn inquiry, the City Off Bricks' mem. !iug- *e»ted that their match with Canton at the av end of last season should not be counted a Icssrue same, as fall time was not played. So-n.,e,hr)w or other. the case remained UTwi; cidodt last seano. wd. therefore, on Ti-et dny the union had to rule that Canton receive the points owing to Grange leaving the field two mi mites before time. Jhis anxiety is due to the L" QwA owtaia

LLANBRADACH RANGERS ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB WLlliams, M. P S Lla'n.brada<;h. [Photo, W. J. Williams, M.P.S., Llambradach.

A Cripple Champion. I WONDERFUL NEWPORT ATHLETE I Cyclist.Swimmer,wrostier, & footballer I Mr. W. W. Francis, the, champion cripple I athlete, has now returned to his native town (Newport) after his recent accident at Putney Bridge, London, which has previously been reported in these ookam,ne. His. accident is sure to handicap him, although he has mar..Y times held the whistle in local foot- ball ma tehee, and may be seen in this capacity again. During his career he hae displayed an enthusiasm in athletics whioh would have been worthy of a sound man. Mr. Francis I was born iu Newport in 1886. which' makes I him 22 years of age. He has been ACripple from BlrUtf I suffering from paralysis of the right side of I the body from the hip down, and particularly does this affect the lower portion of the right I leg which is almost without any muacle. The cripple has followed athletics from a very eariy age with a keenness which could hardly be surpamm in one of somid physique. Lt was in the football season of 1%3.4 that he took %n active part in athletim when he played as a forward for the Newport Thurs- day JunWrs. a Rugby team. In the fol- lowing1 year he took up swimming, and when the foo?b?U B?ason came -nd again played for Pill United, Llanfrechfa, and Newport Juniors. Then in the season 1906-7 Ho took r4, the organising of a Thursday team (the United Services), of which he was I •vice-captain. Ccirtinoing during the summer months his swimming, he was in 1906 captain of the Newport Forward Movement Water Plolo team. amd as their custodian rendered yeoman service. The next swimming season saw him captain of the Newport Y.M.C.A. Water Polo team, amd his ambitions were realised by having the honour to captain an invincible club. The same year he won the Newport Swimming Club's championship from i scratch. He also assisted the Newport Police at water polo. He holds A oertiftcate for Ufa-Savlnf, I and has been instrumental in saving morel than one person from drowning. lr t&e football season 1907-8 be played i "between the sticks" for the Newport Thurs- day A.F.C. Tin" career of this versatile young athlete had been closely watched by isergeant- iinstructor A. Stevenson, R.F.A., who is a military gymnastic instructor at Portland, and he kindly offored to tra-in Fiwbcie to see if he could lower the record for tiie athletic mile. In Ap-ri'l of this year he took this ma tter lW seriously, and accepted Mr. Stevenson's invitation for coaching. After some hard traiaik,,g the plucky cripple went across to Belfast, and created a sensation in the Irish city by covering the course in the marvellous time of lQmin. ldsec., and beaitmsr the previous record, created by J. Barns, of londou i waio, by the way, has the advantage of two sound legs) by 2mm. 32»ec.. This competition comprises a mile, equ?' patrts rlwil 'L,4 have to be cyoled (on an or?imary roadster bicycle), ran. w?ked, soiAled, and swam. After this achievement the Newportoniaa met with a wonderful reception from all classes.* Oe then threw out a challenge to any cripple athlete in Ireland, but failed to get an opponent. In ad-diiti-an to these branches of sport, he bad. under A-r. Stevenson, gone in for a good deal of wrestling practice, and, desiring to test his powers in this direction, he chal- lenged Tom Wallace, of Cork, for the 10st, Crr aeco Pi oiii ail Wrestling Championship of Ireland. This contest took place in Lorndon on July 23, at the West End Gyinnaaujn, where, much to the surprise of the large gathering of spec- tators, after a hard struggle the cripple van- quished bis opponent by two falls to nil, the first fall being in 4.min. 27se(J.. and t,he second 3min. 37&ec. Francis thus holds the distin- guished honour of being the only cripple athlete ilhat has ever held a. record or a championship.. Yet eager in his quest for records, he entered and easily wo'n a cycle race over two miles of the London-Brighton road, con- fined to cripples. Elated by his success, he wrestled and drew with J. Harris, the light- weight champ-ion of London. Francis is of aiD extremely iovial disposi- t.ion. is a. ba-ritoine soloist, having won several prizes in competitive festivals, and is also &n elocutionist and comedian.. He is well built, 10st. in weight, stands 5ft. 9". chest 42in.. calf of sound leg 15in., calf of defective, leg 7ial. waist 37in., biceps 14m., and neck 16An.

SKITTLE NOTES I [By "FLOORER."] I For two months have the Bute Docks held undisputed sway in the local world of skittles, but this week they found their Waterloo, Barry Hokon doing the needful for the Dockers, and on their own alley, too. For this important encounter both teams were at full strength, and some excellent rolling was seen, the Holton winning by 11 pins. Their victory leveds up matters, the Eute Docks now leading the Holton by two points, with the HoLton a match in hand, Following th-g, lead of Oardiff, there is every ,pro1:>ablbty of a league being formed in Pontypridd next season. That good old sportsman, Dai Williams, of t;be Greyhound, has formed a. strong club at his place, and his example will, no doubt, be followed by a few more of the Pontypridd sports. Here's successto their future. I NEXT WEEK'S MATCHES AND RFiFEREES. NOVEMBER 23. Penarth Docks v. Gerutral Liberals.—Referee appointed by Pemarth Plymoath- Bute Docks v. Cardiff City.—Clyde. Four Elms v. Greyhounds.—Roath Liberals. Royal Oak T. Holton (Barry).—Greyhounds. Oddfellows v. Penarth Plymouth.—Central Liberals. Clyde v. Roath IAborals.-Maindy. Irish lnsdtute v. New Park labemls.- M-ady. Barry Centrals v. Museum.-King William IV. King Willi-am IV. v. Camton Conservatives. -Be,cry Centrals. NOVEMBER 25. Penarth Plymouth v. Clyd-e.-Plamrth Docks. Greyhounds v. Royal Oak.—Canton Conser- va.tives. Cardiff City v. Four Elms.—Central Liberals. NOVEiMBER 26. Holton (Barry) v. Oddfellows.-King Wil- liam IV. Maindy v. Penarth Dock.—Mueeum. New Park Liberals v. Barry Centrals.—Car- diff City. Plymouth Rocks v. Irish Institute.—Bute Docks. NOVEMBER 27. Roath Liberals T. Canton Conservatives.— New Park Liberals. Central Liberals v. Bate Docks.—Cardiff City. Museum v. King William IV.-Irigh Insti- tute. All matches played on the alley of tbe first-named olub. LAST NIGHT'S MATCHES I C.K,RDLFF -ND DISTRICT LEAGUE. Maindy—F. Stockdem, 20; Moss Llewailyn, 21; B. Picken, 16; F, Peaj-oe, 27; F. Carder, 31; T. Wiikins, 27; J. Mills, 23; A. Dobson, 26; 0. Fisher, 24; W. W iikuis, 21; J. Blake, 25; T. Taytor, 28-toW, 292. ♦Central Lioarat-R. Oilvew, 25; C. Lovering, 25; F. Bradiard, 21; J. Murray, 18; A. -Butlajid, 21; G. Ions, 24: G. Jones, 27; T. Richlngs, 30; W. Hopkins, 18; J. Gardner, 28j 1:1., Hiirford, 25; J. burner, 20— total, 232. Penarth Plyniouth-L. Jamee, 33; iE. Hayward, 29; H. Dra-per, 31; J. Husfhes, 26; JI. Harpeli, 23; J. H. Crates, 32; M. Stowers, 35; J. Pritcluard, 2&; W. Davies, 39; tHo Abberley, 33; O. Browntow, 30; W. James, 30—total, 562. Royal Oak—iG. Fletcher, 32; .W. oodalus, 25; J. Phillips, 34; A. Howell, 31; J. Halfyard, 25; A. iyaumders, 30;- D. L. Evans, 28; H.. Saunders, 3!; .A. Dyne, 36; M. SuUook, 28; E. J. Whale, 20; A. Webber, .32-total, 351. Balfour Club (Nelson)—C. Jones (captain), 18; R. Andrews, 18; H. Day, 14; M. Andrew's, 17; E. Hard- ing, 18; J. Edmunds, 16; E. Jones, 9; J. Barnes, 14; D. Lewie, 14; W. Williams, 17 E. Price, 11; T. Williams, 12; G, Bishop, 16-total, 184. Councillor Evans's Abercynon Teami-D. Han-is, 15; Bob Scott, 21; J. BandeU, 15; T. Howells, 16; J. Prosser, 9; J. Williams, 18; J. Vickery, 15; D. Morgan, 12; W. Evans (captain), 16; Do Hunt, 11; F. Evans, 15; T. Gay, 10; W. Da-viea, IS—total, 101. Ca.ntoa Couservati-ve-H. Lloyd, 24; T. Davis, 20; I. Sellwood, 26; J. Haines, 24; J. Stillman, 25; W.  il el-lyn, John, 24- Davis, 28; R. Tudor, 20; W. Llswellyn, 27; Hazell, 29; H. Davis, 22; W. JKoy, 20; W. John, 24— total, 289. Barry Central-W. SSiimders, 25; G. Bell, 26; C. Dunning, 24; C. Seiby, 23; T. Tonkins, 28; W. Parry, 21'; T. Williams, 21; J. Trougiht, 26; A. Peajoe, 21; W. Crane, 28; T. Trought, 21; C. Hawkes, 22-totaJ, too. Iriih Institute-P. Collins, 28; D. Dalies, 28; J. Peglow, 3o; J. Casey, 23; W. Fenton, 23; T. Kelly, 26; n. Suttivan, 27; W. Brown, 22; J. Dwyer, 31; W. Cnugg, 20; D. Murphy, 25; M. Sweeny, 27—total, 317. .,yueelllll-W. Sullivan, 28; 1. Brian, 24; J. Sheeham, 27; P. Sttlllvan, 24; J. J, Sullisan, 2.7; W. John, 22; T. Doherty, 21; D. Ryu, 27; J. Sullivan, 24; M. Wg 26; 6. 28; M. Briee, 26—Wtai, 304,

ASSOCIATION CODE. I > Mardy's Success in Welsh Cup. A HELP TO THE GAME. I My threat to include the laws of the game in the "to be continued next week" style has brought me, as yet. no grumbles. The friends who have troubled to write ha-ve expressed cordial approval. I now this week g ive— LAW 2. The duration of the Irame shall be ninety minuted, uu-less otherwise mutually agreed upon. The winners of the toss shall- have the optioil of kick-off or choice of goals. The game sha41 be commenced by a place- kick froan the centre of the field of play in the direction of the opponents' goal-line; the opponents shall not approa-oh within ten yards of the ba.ll trntil it is kicked off, dor shall any player on either side pass the centre of the ground in the direction of his opponents' goal until the ball is kicked off. (Dooisdon of the International Board:—If this law is not complied with. the kick-off must be taken over again.) History has repeated itself in the Welsh Cup competition. Last year it was Merthyr Vale who upset the uouai calculations in tne cup-tie with Aberdare. This year Treharris experienced tne strain on their sportsman- ship by having to see Mardy win. The sports- manship stood the somewhat unexpected: strain, and Mardy entered the second round with but few denying that they had earned their success on the afternoon's play. The margin of goals was not great, but the simple fact that Mardy won should soothe the dis- appointed ones of Cwraparc, who. would re-call the hollow defeat in the preliminary round. After all. there is some consolation in being beaten by the oluib which could go to Treharris and there defeat the whites. I dia not see the match, and, in fac t, I have not yet had a chance to see Trenarris tnis season, but I have made Mardy's acquaint- ance, and I ca,n,ilot sa.y that last week's result exactly start lee me. The Eliondda team were strong from front to rear; tlic attacking department could score goals, and the defence couild p,reverut opponents from scoring, and the team gave one the impres- sion that, in cup-ties especiallv. their chances of winming would not be less than those of losing. Passing over the disappointment which m-not surely exist Treharris way, the result of the cup-tie ca-nnott but do an immense amount of good to the code in the Riiiondda Valleys. It is incidents like this that attraot and focus interest and enthusiasm.. Except- ing the rise of Tom Pentre last year, the two chief clubs from an honour's point of view have of late years been Aberdare a.nd Tre-: liarris. They could generally expect to be to.p dogs in any fight where local clubs formed the opposition. It may be this feel- ing tha-t prompted Treharris to seek addi- tional attractions for their growing number of followers, by going to the Western League for more matches. In a. sense, Treharris and Aberdare may be slid to have advanced too quickly. Their very success told against them in their local home engagements from a gate. attnactine outlook. The result was a fore- gone conclusion except when they met each other or Newport a couple of years ago. But the other local clubs have been gradually advancing to the same standard. Last year Ton Pentre. And now this year Mardy have made their reputation as a team certain to attract at Treharris. And at Aber- diare, too, next month, when the second round is played, one ca,n oalely forecast a scene of enthusiasm, and a big crowd, drawn by the uncertainty of the result, although the odds are somewhat in favour of Aberdare, who will be playing at home. It will be a fine cup match. ■ Mr. Secretary Rees, of the Ca-merona, wishes me to modify my reference to the win of Penarth Parish Church over his club. But, the fact renMMna th-t the Penarth Club did beat the Cardiffians- It appears tha-t at the last moment, so to speak, Friday night, the venue of the game was changed from Cardiff to Peniarth, chiefly with the praiseworthy intention of doing the Oamerons' neighbours, the Splott Wesleyans, who wanted a ground for a league match., a good turn. Through this last moment change of arrangements, II the Camerone -went to Penarth short of Norton, Altken, Blaokmore, Holly, Oldfleld, (d nur?? leus, I mast,l and Sproud, a pretty good nucleus, I most f admit, of the usual Ca.meron team. llr. 1 Rees still has "fa.itb m the Oamerons putiing forth a good show for the remainder of the season, as our only other loss this season w-as qga,Tlsi, Bswry L%10-,iid." I sincerely hope that Friend Rees's optimism will be realised. If any club deservee sneeese it is the Ca me- rons, with all those who keep on year after year without a private grourd But how easy it is for a biased scribe like myself to get into hot water. Next Saturday the competition for the South Wales Senior Cup will begin in earnest, although one or two of the zame6 may be played today. A very interesting series of matches has been provided by the draw, and when Ton Pentre and Treharris, who were gram-ted exemption as last, year's fi nal-ieu come in, the competitiOTi fo-r 1908-9' will be in no ?y inferior to those ot years gone by. The only game in the first round ? &t between Milford and Mer- thyr, which resulted in & drawn game when I played in Pembrokeshire. The r?- play last Sau?y ended in an ywm for. Merthyr, who were in good scoring mood, but the gate fell short of wiiat me vi???rN nau e?eoJd The ?rthyr clubje now doing better in results, ?jd  yet be  the surprise makers. For a Brst ?enson Merthyr have stood up to obstacles and han, dicaps which wouJd have caused many organisations to give up the °ft" The lo? of the Barracks Field from a play- ing groqmd point of view has been sepQ<us blow to man Oa?-diS olubs both ?nMT and jUYJ,iœ of both codes. It is to be hoped that j?'War. ithholding of permits Mb?t t?m- the if not thio sewori, that next year .porary; and if not thisS€?on,tha.t next y?r n??e this nM field a.gam bemg used for g?mes like football, .which after all. do cer- tainly not tend towards that phyai<?l detcnoratiom of wMôhso much is written. Ton Pentre and Mardy me,t again in a friendly g-ame--both beima: out of the Welsh clip—and an enjoyable game was provided for those spectators who attended. The result-a draw-was ED satisfactory ending, and the olubs took the opportunity to re- arrange the players from the uSuai form of lining up. The news of Mardy's811 was w?) T???iTedto. for it would have been dis- appointing to the aspirations of Rhondd* ?cr if the three la?ding cl?ub?8 ?in °?the valleys had succumbed in the first round. To give the juniors & remind any who are interested that the i??TTo d? J! ?-mhv ?oJta?e ?en?rta.n. the B?Try League next Sat?day m. the semmd rotmd for the E?ii?h Chaa-leng-e 8hieM. Barry, &fter the big win over Aberdare boy? a. fomu?ht ago. are likeiy ? P?° their hopes on the ?me team which did 90 wen on th?t occa?on, and in that respect will ha.ve one advantage over the young Ca.rdi<Ba<? iis. But, Oardiff the lat fou.r yeaJB has done aoweU that every endeavour wiM be put forth to qua-lify for the next round. Anyhow, the game is already attracting pleasurable anti- cipations, based on past experiences, apd an enjoyable afternoon is assured to all who care to stroll to the Newport-road ground. Those neighbouring clubs Bedlnaog and New Tredegar, put tep an l'nteresting match in the junior cup ccntjetition, with honours even at the finish. This competition is now in full ewirtar, and about half the clubs whach entered have fallen by the way.. The eight couples now lookirtg forward to the third round contain, some fine junaor organisations, and it would be a ha.rd matter to say which of them will be the .fortunate two to compete in the fiiial later on.

WHO'S WHO IN SOCCER, I "Soccer!?" is, unfortunately, laid u?a.n.d hM interesting cohtributiom, Whos Who" must stand o?r t? next week.

SOCCERITE'S LEAGUE FORECAST. PROBABLE REiSTJLTS OF MATCHES I PLAYED SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28th. I division L •Ohelseia y, Woolwich Areriwal. .Liverpool v. Manchester Oity. *iiuniderlaaid v. Notts County. Notts Forest Y. Newcastle United. •Astoai Villa v. Bristol City. e United v. Pi-eeton North E_nd. Bury v. Middleeborouffh, *BlAakbua"n itovers v. lveicester Fosse. Bradford City". Evertou,* "Manichester United v. Sheffield WoedntetJday. DIVISION IJ. Barns-ley v. FUrlcha.m. Blackpool Y. Wesit Bromwioh Albion. 'Chesterfield Town v. Stockport. Ot.a.pton Orient v. Bradford. ..][),Mlby County v. Birmingham. Gloss op v. Bolton WandL,reors. -ii,W,i Oity v. Gainsborough Trinity. .Leeds City v. Buxiuey. 'Oldham Athletic v. vVolves. Totteniiam Hotspur v. Grimsby.. ■" SOUTHERN LEAGUE. Coventry v. Brighton.* Southend v. Crystal Palace. •Miliwall v. Brentfoird. < "New Bromptom, V. Luton.. •Northampton, v. SwJhdtwl. .Exeter v. Portsmouth. s .Waotfordv. Ley tOO. *Exeter v. Y. "V' $ p,14hsmpton. •Norwich City. V. Southampton.. Keading v. Plymouth Argyle. •Bristol Rovers v. West Horn. Played on ttye ground of the first-named club. Asterisk denotes probable winner. Draws left open.

WELSH TEAM FORECAST. I Gwynfl" sends the following forecast of I tlhe Welsh team to play the WaJlaMfe Back, H. B. Winfleid' (Oardiff); three-quarter I backs, W. Trew (Swansea) and Frank Bees j (Neath) (centres) and R. Gibbs (Cardiff) and i Phil Hopkins (Stwansea) (wiaigs); half-backs, P. ¥. Bush (Cardiff) and Shon Evans (Neath); forwards, Tom Evans and James Watts (Liamedly), J. Brown (Cardiff), Ivor Morgan (Swansea), Travere (Pill Barriers), Pritchard! (Newport), Edgar Morgan (Swansea), aud Hayward (Swansea). j

LLWYNYPIA RESERVES RUGBY FQOTfiALL CLUB I

Miniature Rifle Notes. By-22 The anjiouncement in the Western Mail" oil Monday last of the gifts of cups and cash for competition by members of the Welsh Miniature Rifle Association clubs has caused great interest, and, judging by the number 01 inquiries received, there is much specuiu tion as to the conditions. The following will, therefore, be of interest to intending competitors. With a view of making the competition as comprehensive as possible, the executive council decided that each of the six league divisions should be asked to I organise a competition for the members 01 the clubs in each league. An entrance fee of ls. will be charged, which will be padd to the Welah Miniature Rifle Association. The! top four competitors of each league will: shoot in the final at a place and on a, date fixed by the executive council of the Welsh:

Mr. W. PREVOST, Treasurer of the Newport Club. One ot tne | veterans and strongest supporters of niiiiia- I tare rifle shooting in the kingdom. For many I years he was sergeant-major of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers.

SERGEANT F. C. JOHN (Newport). {sergeant t. U. John, of "B" Company u^ew port) 1st Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment, has brought off a popular win by mourin& for this year the Nichol C?p, which is the championship prize of the-semeants of the battalion. This is a handsome trophy which is much coveted. The achi-elvemnlt is all the more popular from the fact that Sergea^nt John is a transfer' from the now defunct 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Bor- derers, whic-h had up to the birth of the [ new Territorial sckeme four companies in Newport, as was shown, by the great oration he got on Thursday last when the cup was handed over to him. Sergeant John, who joined the old 4th in I 1900 duirinig the Boer war fever, has ever been a keem, shot, and has several times won the principal prize in that battalion.. He was promoted sergeant in 1906, and on the pack- ing of fh? Volunteer xno??memt transferred to the 1st Battalion Monanouthshire Regi- memt, retaining his rank. He attributes "hi. success to consistent practice and a study of the rifle..

BILLIARDS. 8.-CANN-ONS TO LEAVE AN IN-OFF | (COPYRIGHT). I (COPYRIGHT). l IB7 RISO LtVt t I ^Diagram 554 shows a position wherein the cmly stroke to play in a very thin cannon off the white. Owing, however, to the cue ball being in such close proximity to the white the cannon is quite an easy stroke. Hera again, by playing a gentle stroke, position for an in-off from the white can be left to continue with. A gentle thin stroke wilt only move the object white an inch or two. and thus it is bound to remain well situated for an in-off, provided that the cue ball takes the red ball haJi-ball-úr fuller—on the side away from the top cushion. Diaigram 554.—A gentle thin ball--to-ball cannon to leave an in-off from the white. In the diagram the balls are so situated that a cannon on to the outside of the red or even full on to it, even though it only slightly moved the white, could only leave position for a forcing or screw in-off from the white, but by getting on to the inside of the red-that is, on to the side away from the cushion—the cue ball.will tra,vel a little farther into the open, and in this way the in-off that should follow will be rendered much less difficult, and may even be made quite a simple stroke. When, on the other hand, the position oL the cue ball and the object white is such that a camnon full on to the red, made by a stroke which only slightly moves the white, can only lea-ve a thin in-off to continue with, the cannon must be played in such a way, that the white is moved some little distance. This is, of course, easily effected by using m little more pace. An alternate way of getting good position 1 for the in-off, when a gentle cannon full on to the red can only leave a very thoin in-off, is by playing the cammon very gently on to the- outside of the red, so that the one ball, after reaching this ball, may travel towards the cushion. Diagram 555 shows a variation of the poflfc tion illustrated on Diagram 554. The situa, tion of the object balls is very similar at regards the nature of the cannon, but thtf stroke is down the table instead of across it, and the cue ball is outside the object whit4 and the pocket i-not-ead of being between them. Here, again, a gentle stroke, which, hardly moves the white and which ca-uses the cue ball to cannon pretty full on to the red, will leave good position for an in-off from the white. Diagram 555.—A thin cannon taking the red on the inside to leave an in-off from the white. Should the position be such that a gemfel stroke, which hardly moves the white, am4 which causes the cue ball to cannon full 01 to the red, will only leave position for a verj wide in-off from the white, the red ball, instead of being taken full, must be taken on the outside, and in this way the in-off from the white which should follow will b4 letss wide than it would otherwise have been, and may even be a simple half-ball stroke. A slightly faster stroke which still causes the cue ball to cannon full on to the i-ed, but which moves the object white more than the gentle stroke does, will also often, brine i about the eame rprult. t Sometimes a combination of the two I methods may be advantageously enrploye& When the position is 'such that, however slightly "the object" white may be moved, a full or nearly full contact with the red can only leave a naa-row in-off from the white, the red must be taken on the inside, for by taking the red on the inside the cue ball will travel towards the side cushion, and this will cause the subsequent in-off from the white to be less narrow than it would otberjrief have been, even when it does not me if quite a simple at,rake.. Diagr'&m '556" shows a "position far 'Sr-ihif ball-to-ball cannon. A gentle stroke whiol causes the cue ball to cannon full, or nearly full, on to the object white will generally leave position for a centre-pocket in-off fron the white, though when the contact is iao( quite full, the centre pocket into which th< in-off must be played, will depend upoa whether the red has been taken to the rig or to the left. When the cannon is play with gentle strength, position for an in-off from the white will very ofitell be left,_ evew though this ball ihay be taken much iew than half-ball. Diagram 556.-A thin baIl-to-baR cannon. I Red on the &pot; object white on the 1 central line of the table and about 12 » inches above the centre pockets. Cue ball 7 inches from the top cushion and 29fc inches from the side cushion. Position may be left for a oentre-pockert, in-off froan the white. A thin contact will hardly move the whitei and thus the cue ball will come to rest a.t I point lower do,wn the P-ble--that is nearej to oo.ulk-thau the wbite, often to ieavi quite an easy stroke for the centre pocket. Even should the in-off, which is left, requirq quite a thin 6troke. such a stroke will U04 i be a v,ry difficult one, for, in the &rst place, J t-he cue ball will not be far from the white, and secondly, the in-off will be into a. verj open pocket. Mr. Levi's articles appear every Saturday in the "Evening Express." No. 1 of this series appeared on Octo-ber 3. ♦Merthyr—J. Jeremiah., 200; A. F. Berry, 200; G. Phillips, 200; B. Jones, 200; J. Atkins, 200; B. Keen, 200; A. Jones, 200; A. P. Morgan, 200^total, 1,600. Mountain Ash—G. Williams, 82; G. Brown, 97; W. Brown, 146: IX Hughes, 102; J. Price, 96; E. Harrits 127; D. Joimsoo, 157; D. J. Davies, 86—total, 993. Gaxjidiffaitli-Fred Richards, 100; H. Arthur, 60; J. j Harris, 100; W. West, 61; P. Owen, 100; G. Jeffries. 72; S. Tovey, 100; E. James, 100; T. Ooofcha-m, 98— total, 791. Vaxteg-T. James, 73; C. Thomas, 100-; J. Orchard. 60; J. Davies, 100; F. Collard, 72; Jos. Davies, 100; W. Brittoo, 81; F. Langford, 76; G. Cullimore, 180- total, 762.

BUMMER HOTBL, IWIKB-STREET, CARDIFF. First-class Billiard Table. Our Annual Ilrofesisio" Billiard Tournament commences Monday, Jan. 4, 1908. Valuable prizes. Entries close Nov. lars from G. Matthews. Proprietor. e5929

DRAUGHTS. i -Moun-tain Ash-D. Williams (captain), 1 II points; T. Bowen, 1 £ £ B. James, 1 1 1 1; S. MaaseAI, 1 11 J. Williams, 1; W. Owen, ill; W. Morgan, 4 1 4 U E. Evans, 111; H. White, I 1-total, 204. Petirhtwoei?r—D. Daniels (cat;ün), 1 4 ? in j E. P. Richards, ? 1; G. East, 0; T. Bemoot I P? O ii .1 i -I v,Rl'J be,Etit; .IitÙ\I;, B Green, 1; J. Robinson, 1 1 4—total, 154. •

BLAEXAU GWENT LILYWHITES RUGBY FOOT* BALL CLUB require Home and Home Fixtures} average age, 14.-Apply Gwilym Watkins, Tydanywal Cwintiilery, Moa. Ol601d24 GRANGE BARBARIANS R.F.C. (Third Division a and D. League) require Fixtures with good Junioj Teams on the jollowing dates:—Xmas Day, Jan. 25. Feb. 6 20, 27; guarantees preferred.—J. Evans, Seol retary, 41, StoughtQn-st-et, Grange. e628 CREIGXAU AND CROESFAEN RUGBY FOOT- BALL CLUB require fixtures (Dome aid awajr) with Junior Clubs for 8aturdays.-Apply F. Savagflb Henstafl, pontyclun. el551d25 v ARGOED II. R.F.C. want Home end feme MatChec with Junior Teams; average age, 17—Apply, for dat» to A. J. Bunston, Hon. Sec. I 61516d21 SWAJTSEA V. CARDIFF, Cardiff Arme Park. Saturn day, Nov-mbex 2iat, Kick-all at Three oleloc.L 65744 j Printed and pubt?hed by Thomas JorM? for the pr<? prietors. at 68a, St. Mary-street, in the City of C&? diff; by James Norman, Castle-street, Swansea; b» itIb. b.¡fa ':d-ttsh,d:t;. at the shop of Mr. Wesley Williams, Bridgend-?aU in the County of Glamorgan; by J?bez Thomas, 22. j High-street, Newport; at the shop of Mr. J. p. Caflrey, Monmouth—both in the County of Mon 1 mouth; at the shop of Mr. David John, Ll&neUy in I the Neuty of Carmarthen; &nd at the o&om o< Mr. T. A. Davies, The Bw&rk. Brecon, in t~ t2 11 County of Brecknock. ? SATURDAY, NOVEMBER H. SSI ft

clubs question the right of Canton to be classed the runner a-up in last section's oom- pfctiticrn. The unners-up are to meet Oaidiff itesx-rverj this arfon. Why not deciue the qufctatiori over the Canton v. Mackinttuiti hxturil it has not already been wetltu- and finish up all controversy? -iditiiiauov*ii titny aii<juitir &urprkie last Siaituiday by making a pointleee draw with Oanton. The lots of a point lessens oon- rosy- -chape-es of the mediates ta.iiing towards the ptrviches. Grangetowii uiainLainea theii4 impiroved form oy drawing with a strengthened Whitt- ch uroh side at tne viUage. L. joned played as a "i<ttb." tor Grange. Hoiniliy started their league engagements oy defeating tardfllf Jiovera by a penalty goal and a try to nil. The vVamLerers were three times over Oardiff 'Quins' line. 'ihe 'trains had the previous night held their annual dance, so their lack of energy on tne ftt-ai is explained. by the way, two players, one from txwh cluo, George and Woodacott, were oruered off by the referee for rough play. Strangely, the incident wac unnoticed uy either oluD s secretary, and they knew nouumg of it until the referee at the conclusion aisled lor the names of the pirayers. Hiilier player wul appear in the next four league games. Mr. Briiley, the referee in tne St. Paul's v. Gi ange liarriers' match, states that the guji« '.vas t nut a Lwu .u:ut,e", u>e10re time oy the park keeper. The referee adds: "It was a real sporting game, and a pleasure to i-ciieiee 1 glad to note tne friendly spirit which apparently is spreading among the junior clubs. In keeping with t,he conduct of the players, St. Paac's, although only a try in arrears, consented to the league points going to the Harriers. Grange xruotitute were in hot water recently, so it is only fair to state that ali tiiea- cvponemt-i iatt Saturday highly of playens and crowd. It was a glorious game, fought out in splendid spirit (says the GtUrth hon. secretary;. Biravo! Taff Juniiors fool sore over the fact that they have jct been awarded the league poi-its for their win over the Centrals. The ?8.me (according to the referee) only lasted fifty minuter, and the late start was due to the Ce>ntrals' ball collapsing whilst being taken to the ground The committee's decision to declare the match null and void was not unanimous. By the way. will this decision Affect the Uroken two seasons' record ? LLand-aff Xorth's olaiim for league points and expenses against Canton Crescents failed because the Crescents lulfiiled the rule which requires notice to be given before two p.m. The Crescents were, on the whole, to be sympathised with, for they failed to obtain a ground permit through another club using thtair name. W. Mullett, the ex-Oa.nton 'Quins'" player, ap.plie-d to have his ca.ae re-openued. It will te semambei-ed tiiat Moillett was declared, a senior player through playing for the Wan- derers after securing a traneder. The player has been refereed to the higher court of appeal—the Union of Welsh Leagues. The game between Perianth Thistles a-id Canton Rovers lasted but fifteen minutes each way. The inisties blame the Rovers, whilst the latter put the fa.ult on the Taff Vale Railway Company, for the late arrival of one train and the absence of accommodation in two others Secretary Botts has under- taken to get an admission of these from the Taff Vale Railway. If he fails the league points wiU next week be awarded Penarth Thistles. Canton has secured the services of another police-constable (as a player). P.C. Tom Williams joins the Dervish pack from Briton Ferry. Cardiff Rovers are or. the strengthening mire." Cox, of the 'Quins; Bartlett, of the Wanderers; and Donovan, of St. Peter's, will form enrvfifth of a hot eide. The team to meet the Swansea District League will probably be chosen on Tuesday next. Canton Harlequins, who top the second league table, loot their reocwd last Saturday. f); to the defeat at Caerphilly, their line had net even been crossed. Skipper Oram, Tom io'axb: Jack Davey. K Murphy, J. Lewis. T Gibbon, and W. Hoyers helped the record to disa-ppea-r by not playing. The 'Quins ha?o plyed .lour league games, won thr, and drawn one, sconn? 27 points to -a penalty goal. Monmouthshire. I Pontnewydd and Cwmbran 8till appear satisfied with their positions at the bottom of the league. Neither club has yet won a match. Cwmbran are record hunting, for. a-lihough 68 points have been scored against them, not a single score has been made for. Let's" have a penalty gcal or a try to level ,matters up, Cwm. A. aoiregpondent suggests that the only way is for the two clubs to combine. In his estimation the limited dis- trict is only capable of supporting properly one league club. Although Blaenavcwi were down. 9 points against Abertillery, the score flatters the champions. A draw would have been a fair result. Blaenavon were a bit slack right at the opening of the game in allow- ing Francis to make a simple opening for Bowen to score. Tredegar won handsomely against Cwm- bran, but their display was not satisfying. The game was -very poor, and the only re- deeming feature was the fine play of Onions. Blaina s narrow defeat at Cross Keys was not unexpected when it became known that Blaina were without Williams and Law, of the backs. Swansea Schoolboys I Once again plenty of excitement and good play was provided by the Swansea School- boys on t.he famous "Rec." last Saturday. The idea of playing all the matches on one giound is worth while copying by those towns able to uo so. Why cannot all the Cardiff matches be played on the Sophia Gardens?. Of course, Penarth and Cogan Schools could be excepted. Several promirent players were absent on account of the inter-town match with Aber- avon, which was, however, abandoned. The Irdustrial Schoolboys were in scoring spirit, and defeated Terrace-road by 23 points. The v/inners forwards heeled well. and some fine passing bouts were witnessed. Biynmill, although they made a try draw with Danygraig, were the better side. Their back play was superior to that shown by Danygraig. A very even game resulted be- tween Manselton and St. Helen's, and a pointless draw was a just res-alt. A feature of the game was the improved back play of Manselton. Brynhyfryd played just a. "wee bit" better than Dyfatty, and gained a try victory. It was the best of tie games piayed on the I Ree," National and Higher Grade engaged in a friendly, and although the latter fielded a very weak side they were only beaten by ¡ a drop gotH. Nationals' forwards showed improvement. Newport Schoolboys. I A couple of closely-contested games re- suited last Saturday. In the Alexandra and St. Michael s match Foley played grandly for the Saints, besidez. dropping a fine penalty goal. Stewart scored a try, which was converted, and this gave Alexandra the victory by Z points. Hoods, Thomas, and Hathaway performed well for the winners.! A splendidly contested game between Main- dee and Crindau rightly ended in matters being equal-no scoring. Ma in.lee had slightly the better of the second half, as } Crindau did in the first. Rhandda Ex-Schootboys. I The future of the ama tear code in the i Rhondda rests with this league. Judging by the success achieved so far, that future should be satisfactory. 1 To-day all ten league oluibe open the point- hunting competition. There are five league matches. t Last Sqiprday's games were all of a high standard. Blight and open, and not wholly confined to the forwards, is a description 1 which applies to all the games. This is due in no smell measure to the advice of- Mr. < Gamlin, who has pressed on each club the I necessity of redeeming the Rhondda's foot- ball fame by making football attractive with back play. The game at Abercynon with Ely Rovers l was a fine one. The Rovers won by a try I scored by the left wing, J. Jones, after some giand passing. Ely Hovers, who hail from Williams towns have a splendid hon sec., who II insists upon his side turning out to time. Penygraig White Rocks v. Treorchy Old Boy3 was a pointless draw. Players who t deserve special mention are George rwans (right centre), Jestyn Thomas (half) and I Vanghan. Hsmr B?rris and Willie Thomas w?re the mœt conspicuous for the ho=A%tm. Llwynypia Old Boys at home succeeded in defeating Blae&olydach m an open game by a try. "— c. i .a IOld Boys' Leagues and Clubs. i Th? Umion of W?Ish Junior Lea??ues holds a ir?emal meeting at Cardiff this evcmng in i connection with the formation of leagues composed of ex-schoolboys as players. The Bedwas Old Boys club is likely to be I a strong one. Over 30 players' are available, and practice matches have already been played. The Aberdare and District League will oom- I mence operations with eight clubs. Rhymney Valley Seniors. In the Bargoed v. Bhymney match, the latter fielded a full team, whilst the former experimented by trying some recruits and in the alteration of the Pta.c of others. The experiment worked weB in the second half, but M'Vickers's second try broke the heart of kargoed, and then only one team was in it. Ford's and Howard's tries were capital. In the nine matches played, Rhymney has now made 67 points to nil. Red hot! Flesir-de-Lie have now played their first league game, and their form in beating Pont- Ilottyn-a strong side-was a great surprise. Pontlottyn were at home, too, but were again without their captain at centre, Lewis Thomas. Stephen E. Phillips is still at the Cottaige Hospital. A speedy recovery. I Rhymney Valley Old Boys. ) It is ant-icipatoed that quite a dozen teams will participate in the new league. Well done! Bridgend District Schoolboys. The Bridgend Council School on Saturday were home to Cefn team. Mr. Tom Matthews, the old Bridgend Premier skipper, held the whistle. In the first half the Cefn eight heeled finely. Caswell, the Welsh interna- tional half, with the trickineas that gained him his cap laat season, raised the hopes of CefJl by scoring. Bridgend's play underwent a transformation after Hamilton Lloyd's fine run. Really fine back play and passing resulted in Gordon, Drake, Gardner, and Evans scoring tries, an-d Bridgend won a great game by 12 points to 3. Caswell is as good as last season. He could not be better, so it is a certainty that. he wiM gain his second Welsh cap. Other Cefn lads who shone were Davies and Richards. The Pc-nybont pack were weil led by Gardner, Gronow, Hardwicke, and Sturdy, the last-named being very prominent I in tackling. The three-quarters showed a real know- ledge of the passing game, and praise should be bestowed on Drake, the right wing, for his determination in going for the line. Rhondda Valleys. I Tylorstown's win over Ponityipridd United by 10 points to 3 shows tha.t last season's champions have recovered their true form The United deserve honour for the way they supplie,d the best of their players to the premier club. If this had not been done, Pontypridd would not have been able to have carried out their match with Cardiff Mackintosh. Good sporting spirit, United! Lewis-Merthyr, as usual, found Cambrian Boys an attractive fixture from the gate point of view. The result—a pointless draw— was a fair indication of merit. There are plenty of class players in the league this season, and, therefore, great care should be taken in the selection of the inter- league fifteen. Oam briall Boys have a great ineide half. Dinas Rangers am improving, ae their win over Abercynani proves. Three hundred suspporters made the journey with the undefeated Cilfynydd team to Y»y»ybwl, and Xjiysybwi had a record pte. It was a old-time league game, fast and full of exciting moments. First half found the record holders only a drop goal ahead. The Bulls added to the excite- ment by almost scoring before Ciltynydd put the issue beyond doubt by adding a try. It was, indeed, a splendid game, and Calfyniydd, who have not been beaten for eighteen months, deserve the support of the large baod of enthusiasts. All the representatives were pleased to see the secretary, Mr. C. R. Everson, well and in hM place aigait.at Monday's league meeting. The talk of the week hae been, Who will win at Ystrad? Grea-t preparations for the match. Sirhowy Valley. I Georgetown were engaged Willa we weish Hills on Saturday last in a league encounter, and the Pop boys secured the victory by 8 points to 3. Welsh Hills keep on securing1 league points, and will have a good look in at the finish. Hibernians disappointed the Monmouth- shire junior champions, Cwmcarn, by failing to make the journey. What s the matter. Hib,-? Y nysdefu had for their visitors Tredegar United, who came with a strong team, and defeated the city fifteen by 8 points to 3. Cwm Stars and Troedrhiwgwair met in a league match, and after a hard game the Troed boys won by 3 points. Argoed United, Hibernians, and Welsh Hirlll., a.re runni-mg neck and neck in the league. This should cause more excitement than there appears to be at present. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. I E. Hale wood (Aberdare).—Your query r<?ched me too late this week to r4uery definitely. There is a difference of opinion among the old players, which I want settled accurately before replying. "W. P." (Cardiff).-As soon as possible. "Assistant Secretary" (Canton 'Quins).—The appeal should have been sent direct to the Union secretary. It was handed to him. •' E. W." (Maceteg).—Maeste-g won by a goal to a try. A. Williams did not play in the match.

Miniature Rifle Aesoci;ati,on-probably at the Welsh meeting. There will thus be 24 com- petitors in the final, and each league divi- sion will be equally represented. The winner of the final will taike two cups, viz., one valued at X10 and a smaller one valued £1 10s. Each of the other competitors in the final will also romive a cash prize. A similar competition will Zf? riz-e. next year, and. --hould the same competitor again win the final, he will become the abso- lute owner of the large cup and vviu return the smaller cup. Should, however, another competitor win the final in the second year, the first winner will return the large cup and become the absolute owner of the small cup. The winner of the final each year is thus1, assured of winning outright a silver cup. In addition the donor of the cups has also given L5 in oaeh The Welsh Miniature Rifle As&o- ciation hope to afid at least £ 5 to this, and: thus every competitor in the final will receive: cash prizes ranging from £1 to 5s. Such a competition should prove a bigij attraction, as the executive have carefully guarded agia-inst all the prizes going to any one district. Pour of the league divisions, viz., East Mon- j mouth, West Monmouth, Cardiff District, and the Western League, have requested the' Welsh Miniature Itifle Association to hold the competition in their districts in prefer- ence to the leagues doing 60. Providing the leagues mentioned will guarantee to 6hoot inter-league matches a,t Maesteg and Newport on December 26, the, Welsh Miniature Rifle Association will run competitive meetings at these places at the same time, when also the cup competitions for each of the four leagues will also be! held. The Mid-Glamorgan and Breconshire j Leagues will probably organise their own, competition. The Welsh Miniature Rifle Association are extremely fortunate in having the choice of, two such eites as Maesteg and Mountain Ash! offer to provide for the Welsh meeting, 1909. Each town is in the centre of a big popula- j tion, and is surrounded by a number of elm be. The additional information asked I for from each club will enable the council; of the association to decide the matter at, their next meeting. A new principle, and one that should prove; immensely popular, has been approved by the executive council of the Welsh Miniature Rifle Association. It is to the effect that at future open com- petitive meetings in tbe kinigdom the aesocia- tion will select a team to represent the aeeo-j ciation in the team competitions. The expenses for this will be borne by the asso-1 ciation, who will' also take any prizes won by the teams. Members of the teams may, however, enter for individual competitions at the meetings for their own benefit. The; scheme will be helpful to a number of good shots in Walk-a who cannot afford to pay the expenses of attending the o»ck meetings.

Abcrsychan seems now to be surmounting the difficulty they have been labouring- under. Pilans have received the district council's approval for the widening and extending the range. A 'full 25 yards range is obtained, witdi a<t least six yards behind the firing point, which will make it one of the best indoor ranges in Wales. j Mr. F. A. Smith, who has done so much in the past, has now given a challenge cup to be competed for, and increased interest will, no doubt, follow. I Snooting for the first monthly spoon has been very keen, no less than thirteen pos- sibles being put on, the winner, O. Siaxan, paittinig on four. The following a,re the scores out of a possible 400. :-0. Saxon 400, H. J. Thomas 398, O. Price 397, J. Minchin 397, W. D. Lewis 393, H. Miller 391. W. Thomas 391, b. T. Daniel 390. a.nd A. E. Morton 390. Usk should have visited Abereychan last Friday week, but owing to the oarn tailing to raise a team for the same night thto journey was not-undertaken. Chepstow visited Abereychan last Saturday, amd, having heard that the 'stute boys were) hot stuff, they found it only too true, the! homesters putting on the record score of 794; out of a possible 800 in a shoulder-to-shoulder I match. m1ayaderE. P. Morgan, 93; A. Collard, 98; W. R. Wood, 94; S. Price, 95; J. Jones, 96; M. Lloyd, 96; Worthing, 96; Jeilkins, 99-total, 772. Newbridge-on-Wye—IL J. Barnard, 99; H. Daven- port, 99; R. Rotfrts, 88; J. Hulbert, 91; W. Davies, 93; G. Albert, 98; R. Charlton, 90; B. Jackson, 99— total, 762. Riiayadex-E. P. Morgan, 98; Jenkins, 94; Collard, 98; Lloyd, 96; Price, 9f; J. Jouas, 96; Wood, 94; Worthing, 98-tootal, '771. I Builth-road—SteveoBL 91; WHliams, 94; Jeffcott, 87; L. Richards, 94; M. Williams, 80; J. H. Penrose, 91; O. Lewie* 90.; 1. Williams, 90-^total, 717.