Evening Express

CONGRATULATIONS to T. H. Vile, the New- port captain, on becoming the proud father of a daughter. There have been many jokes since the auspicious event of Monday last that the child ought to be brought up "on the bottle," seeing that "Tommy." the skipper, is junior partner in t,he firm of Vile Brothers, who are table water manufacturers. TO'M LEWIS, after many years' service with the Pon-tardawe Club, has been elected cap- tain. He started plavin-^ as inside half, and z-ince then has made himself prominent. He has been told to hold himself in readi- ness to deputise Dick Jones in the Swansea team. Tom is a great favourite among foot- ball h aowers. lie is 24 years cf age, weighs 9st. 51b., and standi? 5ft. 6in. Tom is always in good form. He is a good cricketer, and interested in all branches of sport.

NEWPORT PLAYERS, club members, and the public in general will be glad to learn that Mr. Wallace Jones, the,Association hon. secretary of the football section of the Omnibus Newport Club, is recovering from his long and trying illness. He has had a severe bout of rheumatism, which has been hangingabQut for some months. He has been away taking the waters, which appear to have done him a deal of goqd,

ALEC RUSSELL, Pontypooi. is one of the latest recruits to the pack, .and one who has easily retained his place since his first selection, rather more than a season ago, by sheer merit as a sterling, unflagging player. One of the most unassuming fellows it would be possible to meet, he naturally has the esteem of all his fellow-players. who unanimously regard him ae a forward who will undoubtedly make a name for himself ere long, bar accidents. He com- menced his football career about three seasons ago, when he turned out as an absolute novice for the Pontypooi Seconds, but he had not been playing long before he thoroughly grasped the rudiments of the game, and when an opportunity pre- sented itself he was given a trial in the fil'l,t team. He then created such a favour- able impression by his g'enuine scrimmag- ing, determined* tackling, and fast following up that he has been selected regularly ever since. Standing about 6ft. ICin. and weigh- r ing rather more than lZt., he i.t3 only just over 20 years of age, and no doubt has a successful future in store. NEWPORT'S GOALPOSTS were tre-erected on Monday last, and since then there has been a good deal of quiet individual practice. But ae in most other seasons, a good pro port ion-a b-out half—of the teams lives away from the town, and combined practfces will be arranged again on Wed- need,a-Y evenings in the gymnasium. CHARLIE PRITCHARD'S crocked knee has not been much in evidence since the end of last season, and he is of opinion that he might give it another trial this season. Last winter Charlie had to stand down from the Newport team for the greater part of the time on account of more than one mishap to the game knee. His place as captain was taken by T. H. Vile, the vice- captain, who succeeds to the command this season. BARRY WEST END Association team has been fortunate in securing theservioes of two promising Cogan Old Boys players in Dick Lewis and R. T. Dadds. Lewis was appointed captain of the Cogan team for this season, but joined the West End com- bination. Dadds was then elected as his successor to the captaincy of the Old Boys, but he also vacated the position in favour of the Barry club.

I ELLIOTTSTOWN SCHOOL ELEVEN. I TOP ROW: Mr. Richards, Mr. Foster, and Mr. Airdrie. SEOONi) ROW: A. Lewis, W. Jones, L. Lloyd, a/iid W. Bowen. THIRD ROW: James Rogers, David Wilde, Edgar Phillips (oa.ptain>), W. J. Bo^vcn, and T. Davies. BOTTOM. BOIW T. J. Jomea and D. J. Rees. [Photo, Powell, New Tredegar. I

By Way of a Start. HOPEFUL SIGNS PLENTIFUL. EBy GEORGE MERCER.] The long holiday has come to an end all too soon, or a 111 t oo slow ly. It aM depends. M 06t things do. When the footballs and goal-nets were put a,way, on the day when the merry May-pale took the s-tiage, the beginning of September seemed months away. So it was. Four. And now, almost before one has had time to look at an almanac, come the old enthusiasm, the referee's whistle, and the Football Edition." One might almoet think that there ha6 been no break, no interval, no rest longer than the ordinary one of an ordinary fixture li«t—so familiar does it all seem. Miich has happened, especially in senior circles. Cur senior clubs, no longer content to be playing entirely amongst themselves, are now bringllg- to our midst programmes which sh,o-w that prominent and leading Eng- lish clubs will visit the district. The carrying out of the fixture lists will entail an increased expense for the away matches, but the com- mittees of the clubs are business men, who have weighed up t/he pros. and cons. The doings of our Western and Southern leaguers will give plenty of variety, a:nd everybody will surely wish them success footbally and financially. But, after all is said and done, the strength and prosperity of the code are shown by the number and standing of the clubs below the senior status. The numerous leagues which cater for tihe multitude- have pretty well all he-ld their anniual meetings, and, if they are any sign, the observer should be satis- fied. Leagues which started iin a. hum,ble way a few years ago now get so many applica- tions that two and thTee divisions are hardly sufficient to meet the demand. The officials of these organisations put in am enormous amount of time and work, and the game, thinking of it as a person, owes these many honorary workers a great deal. That they hold office season .after season also shows that they have the confidence of the clubs in membership. From Pembrokeshire to the Wye the reports are all the same. Dates a,re being fixed up, and the problem of managing for the short afternoons of December and Janu- ary is the chief one of the astute secre- taries. Easter next year is very early (Yiarch 27), and, after the holiday arrangements are cleared away, there will be left a clear month's football. But for clubs who play on parks and other recreation grounds it is possible that they will be well advised to reckon Easter as the end of the home matches when the fixtures are being arranged. At all events, possible disappoint- m-ents and re-arrangements may thus be avoided,. The clubs with private grounds will be a.1:Jle to have a good wind-up, provided, of course, that April behaves itself better than April, '09. Another April like the last one is not wanted for a few more years. Just a word by way of reminder to club secretaries. Don't forget, if not done, the n.atter of affiliation to the South Wales Association. The secretary is the same able official -as last year-Mr. Hart, 36, Moorland- rolad, Ca,r,diff-a,n,d the affiliation fee of 5s. should be sent to him at the earliest oppor- tunity, if inclusion in the printed list of clubs and secretaries is desired. This printed list is absolutely necessary to every secre- tary, and the fuller it is the greater its con- venience. The same hint will apply to referees and their registration. Delay will caus« disappointment. As in other seasons, I shall welcome any queries or anything in the correspondence line. I don't promise that every line every week will interest everyone. That would be an impossible thing to attempt, even as brand new Budgets canrnot please everybody. But it will be my endeavour week by week to deal with inter.esting points in South Wales Soccer. WTiat is missing one week may appear another, and the sum total next May will be found to embrace pretty well all topics, just as funny men whisper that' a. sausage skin holds more than one would think For a first instalment this must do. It is general in tone. By intent. On purpose. I will dip into my ba.g of details and: glean- ings next week. Let me end this preliminary canter or kick-round-the-goal with washing an enjoyable season to"-everyone connected with the game. Every club cannot finish up with the proud title of cup or league winner. But all can aim for and obtain a good repu- tation, that of a good sporting club, one who played to win. but won or lost with equally good temper. The win. tie, or wrangle" microbe which is sometimes refid of is not required to pay a visit to South Wales. Keen rivals all. The trophies to the best. The best of sport for all.

Merthyr Town Soccer. I CAREERS OF THE TEAM. P. W. KELLY, who has been appointed cap- ta.in and who plays half-back, is 23 year? of age, an,d was born at tamelon, near Falkirk. He first began to play when seven- teen year-9 old, and wbitet a member of the Camelou junior team, won five gold medals. Be afterwards joined the LaurIston, Junioffi, who got into the cemi-final for the Scottish Junior cup. Subsequently be became attached to the Berwick Rangers, and assisted them in carrying off the East oi Scotland cup. He next went to Alnwick, and played with the St. James6 olub, who won the Nortbumberl.and cup; subsequently jrininer the North Shields Athletic Club, who won the Northumberland. Tynemouth, and Northern Alliance cups. Transferring himself to Sunderland, he played for the first and second league teams, and it was from Sunderland that he came to Merthyr. In the majority of the teams of which he was a 2Imher he acted a-s captain. JAMES TOWARD ie 20 years of age, and was born at Newcastle. Plays forward. Commenced playing with the Newton club in the Newcastle and District Amateur League, and subsequently joined the White- ley Head Swift at Hanley. He next became a member of the Granger Market club, and played in the Newoastle, Tradesmen's Laaigue. Eventually he went to Sunderland, and belonged to the Sunderland team at the same time as his comrade Kelly. It a prolific goal-getter, his record showing in one season 17 goals for Newton, 20 for Granger Market, and 24 far Sunderland. J. WHITTAKER is 23 years of age, and a native of Bolton. pliays forward, and started with the Bolton Pawnbrokers Wed- nesday team, who won the cham/pionehip. in the Wednesday League For four seasons he played for Manchester City. He then jcined. the Clifton Orients, and after- wards the Rossendlale club, who played in the Lancashire combination. S. WIGHTM AN is 21 years of age, and wat born at Moresby, Cumberland. Plays full. back, and when seventeen joined the Moresby Park club; subsequently played for Workingiton, who won the Cumberland cup. C. E. DAW is 26 years of age, and was born at Doooaeter. Takes the position of goal- keeper. Hae played in the first teams forj Luton, Leicester Fosse, Bradford City, and Oldham Athletic clubs. J. W. CHURCHILL is 21 years of age, and a native of Portsmouth. C'lays ha If-back. For two seasons played for Portsmouth nrst as an amat?mr, amd then as a "pro." Is the ,poor of two m?daJa for hi" prowees as a footballer. Of last season's players whose servioes I have ,been retained: W. Bromley, D. W. Davies, W. Davies, J. Wootton, and F. Pem- j benton. Particulars of these have already 'been puMiahed. "Socceritels" Forecasts j f FOR LEAGUE MATCHES PLAYED I SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11. I .ENGLISH LEAGUE.—(DIVISION I. Aston Villa v. 'Chelsea. .Brdstol City v. Sheffield Wedneday. 'Bury v. Bradford City- Li-verpool v. Blackburn Rovers. 'Middlesbrough v. Woolwich Arsenal. Newcastle United v. Notts Forest.* Notts County v. Sunderland.* Pres-ton -North End v. Everton.* 'Sheffield United v. Bolton Wanderers. "Tottenham Hotspurs v. Manchester United. DIVISION II. Barnaley v. Birmingham.* Bradford v. Leicester Fosse. •Burnley v. Stockport County. .Fulha-m v. Gloseop. Gainsborough Trinity v. Blackpool.* 'Grimsby Town v. Clapton Orient. -r.eedB City v. Derby County. *Mlanchester City v. Lincoln City. Oldham Athletic v. West Bromwioh Albion .Wolverha,myton Wanderers v. Hull City. SOUTHERN LEAGUE. •West Ham United v. Brentford. •Brighton v. Covenitry CMy. t Exe.ter City v. Bris-tol Rovers. 'Milwall v. Croydon Common. 'Crystal Palace v. Watford. •Queen's Park Rangers v. Leyton. Luton v. Southend United.* New Brom,p-ton v. -Sout-hampton.* "Northampton v. Plymouth ArgyLe. Portsmouth v. Norwich City.* N,Avi-ndon v. Reading. Played OlD grounds of-the first-named. Asterisk (*) denotes arobaple winner. Draws left own.

My FOOTBALL CAREER BY "ANDY" AITKEN. FAMOUS INTERNATIONAL HALF-BACK'S REMINISCENCES. First Article. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.) My football career has. been neither a brief nor an uneventful one, but to me me time has flown all too quietly, for it seems but a few years since the afternoon I travelled in to Glasgow from Ayr to interview Walter Golding and James Telford, aneJit signing; for Newcast-le Uuited. An Energetic Official. James Telford, the most fax-seeing and active director Newcastle United or, perhaps, any club ever had, is one of the finest gentle- men I have met in football. It is mainly due to his foresight that the club owes its present "Andy" Aitken. exalted position, for it was he who gathered together the players who have placed the club where it is. No journey was too great for him to undertake in search of a player, and, if the man he was after showed form likely to be useful at St. James's Park, well, MT. Telford considered he had been amply rewarded for the trouble he had gone to. One week he would -be at Bristol, the next a.t Aberdeen. or perhaps Inverness, or mayhap Colches- ter. He oerbain-ly mu.st have an inti- exalted position, for it was he who gathered together the players who -have placed the club where it is. No journey was too gr-ea-t for him to undertake in search of a player, and, if the man he \va& after showed form likely to be useful at St. James's Park, well, Mr. Telford ooas-idered he bad been amply rewarded for the trouble he had gone to. One week the would be at Bristol, .the next at Aberdeen, or perhaps Inverness, or mayihap Colchester. He certainly must have an inti- matte knowledge of 'the geography of the Bri- tish Isles, especially that part of it where Association footiball is in favour. The pity i,s thajt his services have been loet to the club; but, like many more, I truet the logs is but a temporary one, and that the future will find him onoe more in his old position. Signing-On." I I (had been recommended to the Newcastle people by James Logan, of Ay,r, the centre- forward who had played so brilliantly for Notts County when they beat Bokon Wan- derers in the final of the English Cup. If my mumory serves me right he scored three goals tlhart day, and that agatiust the finest defence that has ever represented any club— Sutcliffe, Sommerville, and Jones. a real in. ternational trio representing England, Soot- land, and Wales. Logan accompanied me to Glasgow, with a view also to sign-iijg for Newcastle United. A day or two previous to my journey I had a rather amusing experi- ence, a garbled account of which I read some time ago; but the following is an accurate description of what really took place. I commenced playing for Ayr near the end of a season, and again fixed up for them for the following season; but the next year I was persuaded to throw in my lot with Ayr Park- house, where I played inside right to W. Ken- nedy, who later went to Newton-Heath; hav- ing on the other side of me John Cameron, later of Queen's Park, Everton, and Totten- ham Hotspur. Playing for Ayr that season was a junior club-mate of mine named Frank M'Avoy, who informed me that Ayr Club was turning pro- fessional the following season, and urged me to join him again, and to sign a professional form for them on the quiet. No one would be any the wiser, and the form could be kept back till the proper time. Ultimately I agreed to do so, the remuneration to be pftid to me being 10 per cent. of the gate-money; and let me tell you there was little danger of me becoming a millionaire at that rate, big as it seemed An Amusing Experience. I Judge of my surprise the day after I had signed when I heard that M'Avoy had been transferred to Woolwich Arsenal. Comingto the conclusion that. I had been signed so tlia/t I could be transferred later, I there and them decided not to play for Ayr. How to get the form back I had signed seemed a ta/sk beyond me,,blu,t setting my brains to work I evolved a scheme which I hoped would prove successful. Taking Kennedy, our outside right, up to the secretary's house, I told him he also wanted to play for Ayr, and advised him to lose no time in signing him. The bait took al.I right, but on the secretary producing the forms Kennedy refused to sign till he had seen the form I had adhibited my signature to. The secretary was removing at the time, and his house was turned almost upside down, but going to a drawer he took out his ooat, drew the form from an inside pocket, and after showing it to Kennedy replaced it in the pocket and laid the coat back in the drawer. Pretending to be quite satisfied, Kennedy agreed to sign, and they went into another room, where there was a table, to complete the matter. As soon as I was left alone I was into that pocket and had the registra- tion form before you could have said "knife." It was my intention to go down to the back door and burn it-the form, not the door— but being a non-smoker I didn't have a match, so I did the next best thing, and was off home as fast as my legs could carry me. and on reaching there into the fire went that form, and I sat down and laughed and laughed until my mother thought I had gone balmy. On recovering ,my gravity I was able to convince her there was a method in my madness. Pays for His Transfer. I But that did not end the affair, for on ascertaining his loss the secretary threatened to prosecute me for stealing the form. Now there was a nice thing to do. The man had either no sense of humour or else he had little regard for the dictum of Robert Burns, of immortal memory, who lovingly wrote of hiF birthplace as Auld Ayr, wham neer a toon surpasses for honest men," &c. Eh, sirs, and here they threaten to "lift" me for stealing. Say no more to me about the kindly feeling that prompts brither Scots the world o'er," for I had to pay them L4 to settle the matter-the only known instance of a player paying for his own transfer, so I suppose I am unique in that respect. However, I and the good folks of Ayr have had many a laugh over that incident, which, by the way, has taken longer to teM than I anticipated. But to get back to Newcastle. In those days Logan was looked on as a star, while I-well, I was a lesser luminary. But alas! for the fleeting glory of a footballer, Poor Jimmy had a stormy time on Tyneside. while 1. finding the Fates propitious, basked in the smiles of Dame Fortune. Jimmy Logan's Luck. I fl Memory recalls an incident in Logan's Career which had a disastrous effect on his football. We played Grimsby Town at Newcastle in a Second Division match, and they rubbed it into us to the tune of five goals to one. Defeats of this kind are bad enough away from home, but when it is rubbed in before your own spectators—well, you hear all about it. and generally a scape- goat has to be found. On that occasion they had one to hand, for poor Jimmy could do nothing right that day, and it was pitiful to hear the abuse he was subjected to by the spectators, who even went the length of accusing him of selling the match-an absurd accusation to make. At the conclusion of the game he had to be escorted by four policemen to the dressing room, which was then situated in a public-house quite 300 yards from the field, and I leave it to your imagination what Logan had to suffer as he ran the gauntlet of the infuriated crowd. Poor Jimmy! his race was a short one, for not long afterwards he was struck down by the fell destroyer at Loughborough, and passed into the unknown at an all-too-early age. Taking him for all in all, he was a very decent fellow, and when in form was a really great player, but when he was off colour he was indeed off. Goes to Newcastle. I When I joined Newcastle United they had only one player, with t'he exception of Logan, who could have been termod first-class, and he was Bobbie Foyers, the ex-St. Bernard's full-back. He, in my opinion, was one of the finest d ??nders I have ever seen. He was not big, but he was compactly built, and made every ounce of his weight tell. I can never forget the way he held ilmmry Ross and Malcolm M'Vea-n, of Liverpool, at St. James's Park when that couple were considered, and rightly so, the best right wing in the country. But, unfor- tunately, Foyers had a comparatively short career, for he was anything but a friend to himself, with the inevitable result he was soon finished. More's the pity, for he was a great little player, an ornament to the game, a gem wno might have scintillated for years had he cared to. NEXT WEEK: I An Ideal Partner-How Newcastle Lost Willie Wardrobe—A Brand New Team-Hunting for Talent-Barney and His Fags "-The Trials of Getting Fit.

SKITTLES. I A general meeting of the Cardiff and Dis- trict Skittle League will be held at the Bristol and South Wales Hotel on Wednesday next at eight o'clock. All clubs desirous of affiliating wi-t-h the league this season are vnvited to be represented.

Cardiff Wednesdays A BRIGHT OUTLOOK [By SOCCEIMTE."] The prospects of the Cardiff and District Wednesday League are exceedingly bright, and this season will eclipse the successful initial effort of 1908-9. Folio wen, of the Soccer code who cannot get to Saturday matches are in for a good time, and the mid- week programme arranged by the league is one that will do much to further popularise t'he "footer" game in Cardiff and district. Mr. J. C. Biddie presides over a strong com- mittee, and is ably deputised by Mr. F. Brad- ford (PenartlhJ, whose experience among league clubs is invaluable in a new organisa- tion. Secretary F. Smith tells me that over 250 playertB are at the disposal of the sixteen clubs that constitute the league. It has been decided to run two divisions, constituted as follows:— DIVISION I. Cardiff Thistles. Penarth Wednesdays, Cardiff Post-office, Barry Shop Assistants, Canton Institute, Oa-thays Wednesdays, Whartons, and Direct Trading Company (D.T.C.). DIVISION II. Thistle Reserves, Cardiff Ivy. Cogan Wed- nesdays, Splott Wednesdays, Penarth Thictles, Cadoxton Juniors, Cardiff Clottoeirs, and Jlay- poleans. A good fixture list has b-fen arranged, and some capital matches are in store in the knock-out competition for the Wednesday League Cup (presented by Mes-sre. Sugg). 1 have been asked my opinion as tc the rule debarring Saturday players, with a request that I give it through the "Football Express." I think, as there are so many aspirants to the game anxious to play on Wednesdays, that ALL players who are playing resularly for clubs on Saturdays should be debarred from •flaying in. Wednesday League matches. I mean by "all" piayeris thOiC who play in any cluib tlhat i" in a league. The young man who is cooped' in a shop all the week and g,etscrut for a few hours' -recreation, oi). Wednesday afternoons does not want to be opposed by a player who plays for a, good cluib on Saturdays, and who is practising every other night. Confine membership to purely Wednesday players, a,nd there will be better football, fairer results, and an all- round feeling of satisfaction that every player showing- any inclination for the gaime will 'be given- af chance of playing opponents c-f his c,wn calibre. The question, I under- stand, will be dealt with at the next general meeting- on Wednesday next. The cup-tie dates are:First round, January 26; second round, February 16; semi-final, March 9; final, April 13. Wednesday, September 29, is fixed for the kick-off for the reason, when the following matches will take place:— DIVISION 1. Canton Institute v. Cathays Wednesdays. Barry Shop Assistant v. Cardiff Post-office. Whartons v. Thistles. Direct Trading Co. v. Penarth Wednesdays. DIVISION II. Cadoxton Juniors v. Thistle Reserves. Cogan Wednesdays v. Cardiff Clothiers. Penarth Thistles v. Splott Wednesdays. Ivy v. Maypoleans.

NEWPORT'S RUGBY CAPTAIN AND VICE-CAPTAIN. Newport has a new captain and vice-cap- tain for the ensuing season, -and real good fellows they are. T. H. Vile, the captain, is a Newport boy, and was horn in 1883. He was educated at Newport Intermediate School and Ports- mouth College. His debut was made with Newport Thirds eight years ago as a forward, but he is on the small and light side for the squash. Then he went to half-back, where he has played for Pill Harriers and for New- port First and Second teams. He is a won- derful little watch-dog at the heels of the forwards, and gets away with less than half a chance. "Tommy," as he is familiarly styled, is a partner with his brother in an aerated water manufactory. Mr. Vile toured with the British team in New Zealand and Australia under the captaincy of Mr. Bed-oll- Sivwright. He also played in the Welsh team as a partner to Percy Bush against England at Bristol, and Scotland at Swansea in season 1907-8. Stanley H. Williams, the Newport vice- captain, comies from a good old sporting and athletic family. His father, the Rev. Basil Williams, Vicar of Risea, was a great athlete. Stanley is a very popular man in the New- port ranks, where he plays either at three- q,tiarter or full-back. He will mostly appear :in the coming season as custodian. A lieu- tenant in the Territorial Artillery, he i6 24 yeaiTS of age, stands 6ft., and weighs 12st. SIb. He first played football for Rogerstone Association team, amd got into the Newport Thirds Rugby team in the beginning of 1903, and played for the seconds at the latter end of the same year, and the first fifteen in the latter end of 1904.

Baseball Notes. I [By STOP.) I As was expected after their good start off, Grange easily regained the championship of the premier divi- sion, with Penylan runners-up five points behind them, a.ud a point ahead of Xewport, who occupied the position la-st yoir. In the second division Cardiff .Rope-works have gOlle through the card without a reverse, and lead their uearwt rivals—Grange Liberals —by half-a-dozen points. The decision of the associa- tion committee at this week's meeting in awarding them the match agaiiibt the HewelUtes, gives pride of place in the third division to the Gasworkera, who have only sustained one defeat this season. Crangetown's Record. The oh-ampions have again an excellent record. Twio-e they have tasted the hitters of defeat, Splott and I'ül Harriers ga-iniig victories at home. Their highest score was 1;)5, against Splott, and their lowest 23, against Splott ajid also PiU Harriers. They have scored 1,078- runs, an average of 98 per inningil, against 797 by their opponents, aD average of 36. The batting averages are headed by W. Boon with 13.27, Percy Attley fol lowing witl1 13.23. v. Grange Temperance .Won by Innings and 52 runs. v. Newport No match. v. Heath Conservatives- ..Won by innings and 44 runs. v. Canton Won by innings and 77 runs. v. Splott Won by innings and 78 runs. v. Pen'ylan Won by intlings and 28 runs. v. Newport .Won-S>even men to bat. v. Roath Conservatives "Won by innings and 4 run. v. PiU HArriers Lo-!t by 14 Tun? tûr.ri. i?.on-itine men lior: v. Splott Lost by 10 runs. v. Pen y Ian. Won by innings and 23 runs. Averages. No. of Times Aver- inntngs. not out. Run. acre. W. Boon 13 2 146 13.27 P. Attley 7 362 10.23 G. Wall 15 1101 8.50 C. Spackman 15 3 95 7.75 H. E,-ams 15 2 98 7.54 A. Maplestone 15 2$3 1.15 L. Lewis 14 1 S5 6.54 J. Heaven .15 3 53 4.41 V. Huzzey 14 2 47 3.92 A. Fish 12 1 42 3.82 W. Evans 10 34.. 3.40 F. I e 12 -24 2 Also batted- K. Eoberta 5 113 J. PrStc-hard  2 118 J. Manning 1 — 5 LEAGUE TABLES. DIVISION I. P. W. L. D. Pts. Ora-ng-etown 13 11 0 22 Penylan 15841 17 Newport .12 8 4 0..16 Splott 14761 15 Pill Harriers 14770 14 d'Htiton. 14680 12 Roatli Conservatives. 14590 10 DIVISION U. P. W. L. D. Pts. BopeworXs 13 1300 26 Grange Liberals 14 1040 23 r;.W;: i l g:: Bar ry. 13760 14 St. Saviour's 13 5 8 0 .10 Channel Mills 11 4 7 0 8 Newport H 12 3 9 0 6 Boath Welsh 12 0 12 0 0 DIVISION III. P. W. L. D. Pta. Oaswwka. 13 1210 24 Hsweilites 13 1120 E2 West End 129a0 Is Post-office 14770 14 Centrals 13670 12 Penarth 1441,00 6 Oae-rphiHy 132110 4 Barry Libera)s 121110 2 DIVISION IV. SECTION A. P. W. L. D. Pts. Marions -12 1200 24 Mar,*o'ns 12 10Q0 20 Saltmead. 12 10 e 20 Adults .12 7 5 0 14 G-raoge Liberals n. 12570 10 AiielioTs 12 4 8 0.8 Harieq,tine 12 2 10 0 4 Bumney 12 2 10 0 4 SECTION B. P. W. L.D. Pt P. W. D. Pta. Moorlands —. — 9 0 0 ..18 Docks TerAperanee A 10730 14 ;\1n.ckin tosll 8620 12 CMhay;¡ 10 2 8 0.. 4 Boath Liberal. 9 1 8 0 2 Docks Temperance B. 7 1 6 0.. 2

Llanhilleth's Promotion. 1 I.<lamhUleth, last season's medalists in division three of the Monmouthshire Associa- tion league, have a good combination to do battle in the first division. Their promotion has spurred F. Powell (chairman) and the secretaries (Meesre. Sayer and Hughson) to get togetiier some clever talent. With T. Jones in first-rate fettle, th.ings are going to move in the senior division matches. The newcomers include Newman (Swindon), out- side left; King (outside right); Thomas (New- port Barbarians) centre forward; Woodland < Wei ton Bovere); and Ernest Jones (Aber- dare)

Merthyr's Fine Leaderf I The Mdrtbyr Northern Union Club have given up the College Field, and will play during the coming season on a piece of! ground which they have acquired on lease 11 at Rhydycar. The site is that known as the old etony-ard, where during the -strike ol 1898 the miners iriayed the part of stone-breakers. The ground has been splendidly done up so as <t»" fit it for play, and, although, perhaps, not so fa youraoly situa.ted as the College Field, it ?7i easily a??ces&ible. whi?t iu regard to condition it is incomparably hener. Northern Union foot-baili on the old venue was never ieen to proper advan tage iby reason of the sloughinesi of the soil, but with a dry ground it will be witnessed at its be-st. PracLicallyall the stalwarts who played for 1 the cluo last loeasonhave been re-tngaged, and among the new players signed on are:- i Charies. a. Merthyr :ooy(HoçHdalc,), ,Noyse -Charles, Thomas (Argoed), Roberts (Barry), Biggs (Hull Rovers), Harrison (late of Carditf), Palmer, Griffiths, F. Jones, D. Hughes, an4 Ned Rees (Mid-Rhondda). The club, who have been exempted from the qualifying round, are in for the Northern Union Cup, and will play -againrst Treherbert and Ebbw Vale for the Welsh Cup. Tirey have fourteen home and away matches arranged with Lancashire and York- shire clubs-, and altogether their prospects are of a more roseate hue than they have ever been since the start. The team will be captained by D. B. Bavies, the only Welsh- man playing in Waies who has been awarded the Northern cap. The international match—England v. Wales—M to 'be played at Rhydycar. probably in January, so that those Fh. a r .a devotees of the Northern Union game have grand sport ahead.

Mid-Rhondda's Loss. I The supporters of the Northern Union Foot- ball clua do not intend running a profes- sional team this season, their experiment in that direction proving a financial failure. As lar as the game went, there were several interesting matches played, and the players were quickly mastering the code. Although everything looked promising at the end of laut season for professional and Soocer clubs being run by the Mid-Rhondda Athletic Club, the committee have rented the grounds to I Penygraig at a high price. This season, however. Penygraig are once more in form, and start with brighter pros- pects. They have a strong fixture-list and, plenty of players. T. Ponsford, who has been elected captain, is an excellent forward, and the youngstere who showed such fine form in the latter part of last, season are available. Again, Llwynypia United are not running a team this season, it being retried that the Partridge Ground, where they formerly played, is about to be taken over for build- ing purposes, and, no other field being avail- able, the club has been disbanded. I

w. L. MORGAN TO PLAY FOR CARDIFF I Conœrning the reference to W. L. Morgan in :the article on the Cardiff prospects (writes "Pendra,gon,,) later information is to the effect that th? Abcrdare man will certainly play for Cardiff this reason. A week or bO ago there was a distinctp rospect of W. L. I Morgan going to London, but he has since; altered his mind.

Billiards. 46.-CROSS CANNONS. By RISO LEVI (Copyright). Diagram 634 illustrates another cross- cannon .position. Here there a.re three dif- ferent ways of scoring. The cross cannon may be ma-do by ia direot stroke acroi?s the table, or, as shown on the diagram, via the top cushion, or the cue ball may travel across the table direct to the poekcL Of course, the DIAwKAM cj-i.—a cio-s C;lIleJ0U or a cross in-01 r,d bali l.ti. from the s.de cushion and 2iin. fro the top cirehio-n. Object white touching the sic cushion and 4iin. fiom the top cushion. Cue ba; 2in. from too centre pocket and* on the line between the centre pockets. cannon is the stroke to play, and it should be played via the top cushion, as there is inoi-e latitude -as regards the direction in. which the cue ball muift travel across the table when the stroke is played this way than there is when the cue ball has to travel straight to the second object ball, after ita contact with the side cushion. Mr. Levi's articles appear every Saturday in the "Evening Express." No. 1 of this series appeared on October 3.

NEW PONTARDAWE PLAYERS. Mr. Carey Davies, captain of the Pontar- dawe Association team, is very optimistic as to its prospects. Several good players have come to th.e place since last season, and they have consented to assist the team- "And we also hope to make a decided im- provement on last season's gates," he added.

Air Rifle Notes. I [By II BU'LL'S EYE."] j Throughout the various shoe-ting districts of South Wa-les leagues and clubs are busy in their p-reparatidas for the coming season, and from reports to hand it promises to be the most successful in the history of Welsh air- rifle shooting. All laet year's leagues are forming up, and in addition a new league comeis from P.r.idgend-the Licensed Victual- lers—\yiuah has ak* affiliated with the Welsh Association-a very wise move on their part. The dates of the opening shoots have not been definitely settled in all the leagues, but in Cardiff the premier league has decided to commence on September 23, and the Licensed Victuallers and Cardiff .Association hold their first matches early in October. This laltter I date may be taken as seeing all the leagues in operation. The prospects, too, of the Welsh Air-ritle Association are very bright. Though serious shooting hae been dead for the past three months, the Association has not been idle, and much valuable work for the shoot has been done by the committee, and it is a pity that the one or two leagues which are out- side cannot see their way to affiliate and thus strengthen the As¡¡ociation' hands in their endeavours to g:in further advantages in many ways .for air-rif}emen. Numerous reasons ck-n be advanced why every club should become affiliated, but in some quarters the arguments advanced fall on deaf ears, the outsiders enjoying the present privileges cf the affiliated members without any cost to their club. If, however, the Association are successful in the matters they have taken in hand-and there is every reason to believe they will be—every club outside the Associa- tion will find itself either bound to affiliate or else denied the advantagee offered to affiliated clubs. And this is as it should be. I have always contended since the advent of adr-rifle leagues in South Wales that an Association is an absolute necessity if the oport is to live and grow lustily. An Association in any branch of sport is a recognised official channel. Besides having the interest of every affiliated club and member at heart, and working for them in every possible way, it is the one medium through which the many diispu-tes which constantly occur can be equitably settled. This latter point is most important, especially toi air-riflemen, among whom dis- putes frequently occur, and these, it has been proved, are never satisfactorily .settled by a league committee, while in every case the deocÚipn of the Association has been promptly accepted by both sides. And why is this? It is because the Association committee are men who are not interested in either side. and judge the case on its merits, while at league committees each pide has its partisans, who judge the matter from one point only, and when in a case like this there is no higher tribunal to appeal to the decision has caused a rupture that is not only very harmful to the club and league themselves, but also to the sport. This is eminently a reason why all clubs' should become affiliated to the parent body; but there are many others. The matter of cheap fares to teams travelling by train has long been a source of worry and annioya-nce to air-riflemen. For some, reason the local railway companies refuse to extend the privilege of cheap fares to air- rifle clubg. and this is a question that is oc«u-pj"i,r)ig the attention of the Associations at the present time. So far nothing dedi- nlite has been the result of their labours, but there is every hooe of a successful issue to thsm. A deputation from the Association, who also had the presence and help of the Lord Mayor of Cardiff (Alderman Lewis Mor- gan) waited upon the local railway com- panies with a view of obtaining their offi- cial recognition of air-riflemen in the same way as members of miniature rifle associa- tions. The deputation was received with every courtesy, and the railway officials were a,t cine with the Lord Mayor when he said "that, as far a.s his knowledge went, air- rifletmen were a most respectable body of men, and he d,id not see why any distinction should be drawn between them and members of miniature rifle associations," but they were unable to do anything until the matter, which would have their fuil rectwnmenda.tion, came before a meeting of tb'" Railway Clear- ing Houls-e on Saptetmber 8. There the mtat.ter, lie* for the present. If the Association are succe^-ifu'I a boon will be o-bt-aired which will earn the thanks of every club in the Associa- tion.. In connection, with the Association this ecasoin- another advantage is open to its memihe, namely, a la.rga champion-ship com-peitition. There is no use in disguising I the fact that, despite the fact that the indi- vidual championship came to Wales, Welsh- men- are very diesa-tisfled with the way in which the annual national shoot at Birming- ham is carried out. My readers will remem- ber the trouble last year, and, though no open dtiapTite has been Been, yet the working of the arrangements call for jmr»rovement. Especially has this been so with the Welsh- men, and to my own knowledge there are many cases which call for explanation. The Welsh associations, however, will now ca ter for their own members, and a championship ition., wifh?priM* money of at le?t X5701 r1,lilli be offered. DfinÜe aetait, will be aTraneed at the next meeting of the Asso- c'¡, and will be published in the Even- ing Express." CARDIFF ANO DISTRICT LEAGUE. The Cardiff and Dist-rict League commence their season on September 23. A dozen clubs have so far joined, and it is anticipated that another four new clubs will affiliate by next week. All last year's clubs are up, in. cluding the Atlas, Victorias, Duke of York, Alberts, Splott Conservatives, Tudors, Adelphi, and Engineers, while the old Oold- stream a.nd New Park Liberals are again up after a season's rest, and a new club, the Workmen's Social, Caerphilly, are a.Iso mem- beps this season. The clubs are busy sign- ing on their members, and next week I shall touch upon their prospects. A further meet- ing of the league will be held at the Napier Hotel next. Wednesday, when, ewtiianoe to the league will be closed in preparation for the compiling of the fixtures in ti-me for the open- ing matches. CARDIFF VICTUALLERS' LEAGUE. Another successful seaeon leenis pro-ba'ble for the Cardiff Licensed Victuallers' League. Mr. W. Burris is again chairman, and he has as his vice that fine old sport from Can- ton, J. Tucker. The popular Welsh interna- tional, Sid N-icholls. holds the purse-strings, and there is a change in the- secretaryship, W. Bibbings taking this post ajjd having as his assistant tha late scribe, W, Watts. In addition to all last season's trophies another oup is promised the league, making five in all. Match shooting commences on October 4, and entrance to the league closes at a meeting to be ,held on Wednesday next a.t the Bristol and South Wales Hotel. All matches this year have to be fired with the new Adder pellet. It is im-portaiit to oluba tA) note that all notices published in the "EveniÏng Express'- are official, and must be recognised as sucii. CARDIFF ASSOCIATION. At a meeting this week of the Cardiff Asso- oiation League it was decided that this season each team consist of ten men instead of twelve. Two divisions will be formed this year, and a club may enter two teams, one in each division. The entries close on Sep- tember 25, and a meeting of the committee will be held on September 27, when the fix- tures wtiiil be drawn urp. The new secretary is Mr. E. Tucker, 23. Cameron-street, Splott, Mr. Moseley, the late secretary, taking Mx. Tucker's place as treasurer.. THE SPORTING ALBERTS. The Alberts are quite ready for the fray, a,nd anticipate even a better season than Last. They hope, in addition to retaining the Dewar Cup, to emulate the example of the Cardiff Vies., and take all the most important trophlies this season. Throughout the summier months the members have been kept in form by a series of monthly handi- cap spoon shoots, and some excellent returns were made. Altogether four competitions have been held, two spoons being offered at each, and these were won by Fred Hill, A. James, J. Phillips, Alec. Crafter, Arthur Webb, Ted Edwards. T. W. Jones, and Charlie Mansthip. The highest w,inning score was 49 out of a possible 50, and the lowest 47. These returns give an idea of what teams will have to sho,)t,agady),st W-h,&n--they meet the sport- ing Aiibert's. Their leader- this year is Fred Skinner, and he has as his vice Dick Sawyer. "Silence there, Bob!" MOIRA AIR RIFLE CLUB (Cardiff), Tne popular Moira Club, in the Cardiff Licensed Victuallers League, have again got a good team together for the coming season. In addition to all the best of last year's members, they have a few very promising shots, and there is every prospect of the Ms making it hot for the teams in the ,,Bi\ oni-fp aces league. At the gmeral meeting this week J. Frieze was elected skipper, and Sid Hazell vice. Messrs. J. VVillcox -and A Plummer will act oCl<3 joint secretaries. With his usual generousity, Mr. Harry Prickett promised a couple of gold medals for the best league averages.

Miniature Rifle Notes: BY -22. Miniature rifle shooting in Wales had never brighter prospects than at the present. The Vveteli Association year (1908-9), which has just closed, ha-s proved an "easy best on record" in every way. The annual meeting of the Association on September 11 will be an important one, espe- cially as a new target will be proposed for adoption for winter league matches. The target is known as the "Ten-Bull" target, and, although the size of the card will be the same as in the pant, there will be ten cartons (for one shot -at each). Should the target be adopted, disputed shots in league matches will be things of the past. The target is very similar to the one designed last year and offered to the Welsh Association by Mr. Thomas Howells, the secretary of the Moun- tain Ash Constitutional Club. The Associa- tion, however, was tbrcstalied in another quarter, by a company who patented a very similar target. Another new rule to be proposed at the annual meeting deals with the management of the Association. Hitherto each affiliated league had two representatives on the execu- tive council. Owing to the rapid growth (in clubs and area) of the Association, and the consequent great increase in travelling expenses, it will be proposed that efch league shall appoint only one representative, and that the annual meeting shall appoint three representativei-- on the council. Probably, judging by comments already expressed, the proposed ruie will find favour with the majority of clubs. The balance-sheet of the Welsh meeting at Maesteg has just been published, and forms interesting reading. The total income was £ 225, and the entry few reached the satisfac- tory sum of S,90 18s. The prize-list amounted to Cl42 16s. Id., and for the first time on record there was a credit balance, which reached the handsome figure of X26 15s. Id. There were, however, debts left from the Welsh meetings at Pontypool (1907) and New- port (190€) of Cl9 5s. 3d., made up of the respective amounts-PontY'Pool. £ 14 19s. 3d.. and Newport, £ 4 Ice. These have now been cleared, and the Association owes a debt of gratitude to the Maesteg Club, and especially Messrs. D. J. Griffiths and E. W. Burnett, for their splendid efforts in connection with the 1909 meeting. Those who visited the Hay meeting a few- days ago enjoyed a rare treat. The range was eitua-ted amidst the pleasante-st surround- ings. the weather was delightful, and the Hay Improvement Society and townspeople generally entertained the visitors royally. Undoubtedly, the surprise of the meeting was the easy defeat of Chepstow by O'gmore Vale in the final tie of the Summer League. Chepstow led at the first range, but here the Ogmorians had the misfortune to loee a. shot, Lewis firing a shot on the Chepstow target. At the 100 yards the Wyesidcrs went to pieces, and Ogmore wrested and main- tained the ad vantage from the first squad. The win was a highly-popular one. The international trophy—at present hctld by NValei,-wilI he shot for next year at Belfast. TIl' da tes fixed (the week before Whitsun) will make it extremely awkward for English and Welsh teams to attend the meeting. The Irishmen, however, who were met by a number of Welshmen at Perth, are extremely desirous oif seeing a Wete-h team. at Belfast. The Irish eliih- have formed an Association on the same lines as the Welsh Association, and they have signified their readiness to enter into an agreement with the Welshmen to shoot an international match each year, in Ireland and Wales alter- nately, provided a Welsh team visits Ireland in 1910. The successes of Jack Lewis, of Cwmparc Rifle Club, at the Glamorgan County Meet- ing at Marga-m has attracted the attention of shooting men throughout the kingdom, and proved the most effective reply that could be given to those who maintain that mima- ture rifle shooting is of no value as an aid to shooting with the Service rifle. A remarkable story has been told in shtoot- ing circles of late, to the effect that no Welshmen, wrre- ir^t^d to fill th" r>!?jCPS in the British team which recently visited Paris on account of the Welsh-men declining their places in the match Britain v. America at the beginning of the v-ear. T'he iXewrwrt Rifle Club to open the season intend holding a two davs' competitive meet- ing this month. I believe the dates provi- sionally fixrn. are September 23 and 25. and it is intended to hold competitions at 25yards and 50 yard. with an aggregate for the two distances, and also a. oornpeftitdon for air-riflf clubs f

AROUND THE CLUBS. THE WELSH LEAGUES C. AND D. R. UNION. The Season's Prospects. [BY SPOKES."] THE UNION OF WELSH LEAGUES. To be an official of this body is no sinecure, even in the summer months. Secretary R. W. John, with Vice-chairman R. Buckland and the writer, when others have been dis- porting themselves by the sad sea waves, have been hard at it in the hills and valleys organ- ising1 new leagues, amalgamating others, and suggesting alterations here and additions there. The work accomplished, however, should prove beneficial to the juniors, and thereby recompense those connected with the Union who have voluntarily eacriflced their summer holidays. The Union's work in settling club and league appeals has increased at such a rapid ra.te .flat aunn& the season it will be neces- sary for monHLY meetings of the committee to ue hetd at Cardiff. Then, again, the Welsh Rugby Union has decided thar decisions of the Union on all questions of fact are final. This is as it should be, for all sucn matters are decided by a committee absolutely impartial and uncon- nected with appealing or defending clubs and ieagues. Clubs affiliated to any league or union In membership with the junior union are reminded that this .-teason they are not allowed to arrange 'friendly" matches with clubs who are not affiliated to any control- ling body. This decision has been eome to unanimously by the lea,gues in order to pre vent the many "scenes" which occurred at matches last season between controlled and uwoTiicoiled clubs. No deterrent punish- ment could billeted o,ut for offences in such games, and, therefore, the decision come to is a '.vise one. The inter-league contests this season win be run on a new system. Full deteils, will be made known later. CARDIFF AND DISTRICT RUGBY UNION. On Tuesday next entries to the three lsagues close. Clubs cannot be accepted alter that date. Old players dee-irous of officiating as referees are requested, to &end in applicar tions at once. It is probable this season the Mallett Cup will be open to all affiliated clubs. The matter is to' be discus-^ed with the Cardiff football Club next Tuesday week. The re-play for the semi-final of the ehi-eld between Bircli.rove and Cardiff Welsh, fixed for to-day, is the outcome cf the decision oi the \v'e.«n ioot-ball Union and Union of Leagues that a, referee has not the power to adlcw an crdired oil player to return in a. cup match when extra, time is played. Some of last season's referees have organised a Car iff and District Rugby Union Kefetoes' Society" to protest against Wt'.sh Union referees being a.ppoLn.U-d, as last aeason, for the 5; i and final cup naatche. and to arrange a tariff of expenses, payaoie by home clubs. Messrs. W. J. Hart, R. "VViliaams, and the writer have been as ke-ci to meet a. deputation of the new society next The Union's strength this season will be about thirty clubs. Penyian, Roxburgh, Liandaff, Lisvane, and \Vhitchuroh, although affiliated, will not compete for Qointa. On Tuesday next the District team to meet Cardiff next Saturday will be chosen. • Fixture lists are almost all completed. They should be forwarded to the secretary of the Union this week. Clubs failing to do this will have their matches arranged by the sub- committee. Romilly and Canton Wanderers meet on the 25th to decide the league game postponed from last reason. The result of this match will affect the chances of Canton Wanderers, G-rang-etown. and Romilly in the struggle for the championship of last season's league. Transfers will be dealt with at the next meeting of the Union. Clubs should seE recruits are eligible. Players must all be registered. Cardiff Harlequins heard the Midlands was a veritable g'otd mine for guarantee matchers. The secretary has been offered two startling guarantees. Leicester Belgrave wrote that, fearing half-gate terms would be too small, their Ciub would give the 'Quins a. guarantee of a sovereign! Oadby Football Club actually offered £2 lCs. As the fx peases at the lowest in the trnur would be £ 10. the Midlands will not be visited by the Cardiff club. 0 hEATH AND DISTRICT. I The league has arranged two matches with Neath II. It is hoped to unearth some talent for the all blacks. All last season's officers Wave been re- elected, and, thanks to the Neath Football Club, who subscribed .£10, the league has a email balance in hand. ThiA season a second division of the league will he run. It bids fair to be a great success, seeing the keen way the youngsters are taking it up. It is feared that the Eight Hours Act will It s feare< # t-hat tl ;7 handicap the senior clubs a good deal. The OM Boy?' division of the league should be one of the strongest in Wales, judg-ing by present appearances. WEST OF LLANELLY LEAGUE. 1 The prospects of this league for the coming season are distinctly promising. What was a few years ago a Soccer stronghold is now dotted with Kug-ger clubs, which have got c-ver their flr-c difficulties successfully, and are looking forward to a good deal of sport in a few months without the harassing cares of a "perpetual lack of pence." Mr. Mabe, ct Tenoy. and Mr. W. H. Danes, Neyland, a pair of hardworking officials. again fill the po-ts of treasurer and secretary. T'he ie-atgue conrpeit i-tions, which are two- fold, will take place on the old lines. The league cup, with medal-s for winners and runners-up, will be oered for the league com- petition, which will conclude with the end of February. For the rest of the season the handsome knock-out cup purchased by the leasrue Last year, will be given to the bent team in cup-ties. Thus football interest will be kept up to the end of the season, as the club which is hopelessly beaten in the league m,ay S'till have an opportunity of winning the knock-out. It is good news that the Welsh Regiment, Ae league winners la«t season, will be with 08 for the greatest part of this. Neyland, the knock-out. winners, will go strong, whilst Tenby, the league runaers-up. will have a. decidedly useful team, though Pharlie Evans's flit North will disorganise the third line. Milford, who have striven gallantly amid adverse circumstances, will also make a bold bid for top honours. Pem- broke Dock, Pembroke, Langwm. Whitland, H,averfordwe-t, and Narberth will figure in the competitions, and. as thev all have some promising voungwters, who are verv keen, tbe leaders will have to go all the way to beat them. Good-wick Harbour Works are expected to tf;) well, and have a good lot to draw upon. A great effort will be made this year to Induce the junior -iubs of Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire to join the league, and a group competition being arranged with every prospect of success. SWANSEA AND DISTRICT. _I Th!'e is quite a rev va-I ot local Kugger in Swansea district. The Swansea and District Lf ague's annual meeting- was the best attended and the most enthusiastic held in the league.? history. The officials are Messrs. R. Buckland (chair- man), J. Davies (vice chairman). Jim John (hon. treasure*), and W. G. Andrewart-h-A (iwr-eitaryh AM last season's officers were heartily thanked for their services. The following clubs will constitute the senior divisionCattle Stars, Gowerton, ftendrotf. Mumbles, Skewen, Cwmtwirh. and St. Alban's. Th*" second division will be ■made tip aoR follows:—St. Joseph's, Black Watch, Pontardawe Seconds, Qoiveinon, Ammanford .Seconds, Hamilton, Waunar- ihvyckl, and Star Rovers. An endeavour will be made to form a t'J¡11"tl division. Among the clubs anxious to join ■« -e BaycWffe, Mansel, Sketty All Whiioil Gendros Seconds, Hebron United, and CI vdach Stars. At the time of writing the only teams tvTio Have not re-entered the league are MynHd bach and Port Tennart Stars. No clubs will he admitted after September 7. T' is anticipated a satrong Thursday league win be formed for the John Davies and Edwin Hall Cups. Swansea. and Digtriet League is in fT a record season, and the Cardiff Union cvIH have to look to their laurels as the strongest !ocal Union in the United Kingdom. Gendros, so the evergreen hon. seerstary. Mr. L. J. Job. opines, will be a hot lot. BRIDGEND AND DISTRICT. The league will be officered as follows:— President. Mr. T D. Schofield; vice-president. ),Tr. T. J. Job (Nantymoel); hon. secretary, Mr. Tom Beri,rt>et t (Tondu), and hon. treasurer, Mr. Tcto Matthews. ,We are in for a jolly fine season, and sever were the prospects of the Rugby game better than at present. There are eleven clubs in membership of the senior division, viz Nantymoel (holder of championship), Cern Cribbwr (runners-up), Maesteg Hanzers, Nantymoel Excelsiors. Llangynwyd, BLaen. srarw, Bridgend Seconds, Llanhiarran, Caeraaa United, and Pontycymaner. The Gilfach Goch Club, who were expal'ed, are applying for re-admission. The club has been re-organised. and new officials kfrppoinrted. With George Jones aa scribe. Si -Ton,m skipper, and such stalwarts on the IOOmmrttee as George Evans and Jack Daviee, pwo old Penygraigr forwards. the- club is sure oc), Jya nm on different Kites. There will be a second division in place of the Old Boys' League. It will be open to players up to 21' years of age. Already fourteen olubs have applied for admission. Clube are realising the power of the league. Could not. Mr. Schofield hand over the Dewar Shield as the trophy for the senior division? Messrs. Dewar are perfectly willing if he is. 1fr T. J. Job makes a capital chairman at the league meetings. Next Saturday the league team meet Bridg- end, and if I am not mistaken T. D." will receive a shock that day. The foilo-wi-ng- players have been selected:- W. J. Jones (Gilfach Goch), A. W. Coles (Niantymoel), Reg Hanson (Llangynwyd), E J. Jones (Pontycymmer), Dan Hopkins (Blaen- g-arw), George Watkins ICefn Cribbwr), J. E, Boobyer (Nantymoel). G. Butcher (captain). Dick Watkins (Cefn Cribbwr), Jack and Jim Ohillcot-t, Jack Davies (Nantymoel), W. J Thomas (Mae-teg Kangers), Hugh Evans (Blaengarw), and J-. Casey (Llangynwyd). It is noteworthy that all the cnartette as well as the outside half are all in the scholastic profession. At inside half there should be a great struggle between "Cockey" Cooke and Buller Watkins. The pair reside in the same district, and, of course, there is red-hot controversy among their supporters as to which is the better player. I hear that J chnny Rogers, the clever little outside half of Tondu Rangers, is to be invited to play for Bridgend later on. He is a good 'un. ABERDARE AND DISTRICT. The league will tce stronger than ever, the probable constitution of which will be:- Owmaman, Mountain Ash Juniors, Aberaman, Cefccoed. Merthyr Juniors, Treoynon, Pen- rhiweeiber, Abereanaid, Heolgerrig, Dowlais, and Penrhiw. The Cwmaman team will have the use of a new playing ground, and with a few good players from the outside district they fully expect a great season. Rees Thomas has been re-eleoted captain, and a similar honour has been paid Dick Thomas, the popular secretary. Mountain Ash Juniors are brimful of enthu- siasm. Last season they captured cup and medals, and mean to make a great attempt to cry ditto. Aberaman will be led by Harry Miles. Dai Wa,tt, who last season assisted Aberaman, has been asked to assist Mountain Ash Seniors. He win be missed, but, as they still have D. S. Evans, Evan Jone«?, Jim Brown, T. Miles, &c., Aberaman should have a good season. RHYM'NEY VAt-LEY FUSION. Better luck favoured the fusion bill engineered by the Union of Welsh Leagues over the amalgamation of the two leagues in the Bhymney Valley than that Bill which met its fate recently at Westminster. It was my pleasure to be present a-t the joint meeting hekl at Bargoed with Mr. R W. John. I iruc-t heartily congratulate both leagues upon their management of busi.npsa. Chairman f,lewellyn-one of the beat—the "o!d slave," Secretary Rees Jones, Mr. E. P. Notrtheote, of the junior section, and all the club representatives, dealt with the matter in a businesslike, practical way. The result was that it was unanimously decided to amalgamate. HeTTcefarth the Rhymney Valley Junior League will be known as the second division of the Rhymney Valley League. The execu- tive committee cf the combination will ccn- sist of one representative of 4cach of the' senior clubs, with three members elected by the second division. Apologies to Mr. Chairman for my intro duotion of the vexed question of the Rhymney split at this meeting. The rights and wrongs of the matter do not at this iu-nc- ture enter into my calculations. What I want to ,,£'e is one senior club only at Bhym- ney, and which section succeeds in the present struggle I care not, as long even- tually as one clu<b is recognised as the premier. The league has admitted both. They could d6 little else, as both applied, and both mainain that they were the original club. Still, the other clubs do not favour paying -two visits each a season to Rhymney for league points. Bargoed and Aberbargoed, too, have separate clubs. I wish both would form one strong club for this district. Rhymney have been declared the cham- pions, and a"?, therefore, ho,ldrs of oup and medals. The senior section will be composed of Machen, Caerphilly, Bedwae, berbargoed, Bargoed, Rhymney, Rhymney Town, and United. At the expense of the Sirhowy Valley League Hibernians and Tredegar rnited have been affiliated to the second division. Pcntjottyn and Fleur-de-Lis have dropped out. Ground troubles" is set down as the main reason. Clubs desiring to play in the second divi- sion should communicate with Mr. Pe's Jones, Rhymney, at once. Deri, Abertridwr, Rhymney II., Rhymney Scarlets, Merthyr Juniors, and Tredeg-ar Hibernians ara already in, whilst there is good prospect of clubs being raised at Fochriw, Maesycwmmer, and Aberbargoed. Mr. E. P. Northeote has undertaken the management of the Old Boys' section of the league. The choice is a happy one. SCHOOLBOY RUGGER. It will be well on in October before echool- boy Ru.gby starts in earnest. The misnn-ler- standing with the Welsh Football Union has been removed, and financial support from the parent Union and the "gate" at the international ma/tch v. England, which will be played at Cardiff, will place the Welsh Schools Union in a position to foster the game. MONMOUTHSHIRE VALLEYS COMBINE AND GROWL. Monmouthshire Valleys have struck out in a new line. Refused recognition by the Monmouthsnire Senior League, who have declined to accept a few of the clubs, sucn as Talywain, &c., who are far too hot for a junior competition, the Valleys League assert that if they continue as in the past they rank as neither a senior nor a junior league. They decline to continue this unsatisfactory state o.f affairs, and, therefore, boldly declare that in future the3, will pose as a senior league. Some of the league's supporters feel 90 sore over tihe attitude of Gwent's senior league that they are in fa-vour of strong action to contest the right of the Monmoutn- sdiire League to declare itself the premier league of the county. Probably the Welsh Football Union will endcavour to bring about happier feelings between the leagues. The two organisations in combinaaion oou'Ld do a. vast amount of work for the welfare of the game. Ta.lywa»m a,nd other clubs in the valley league, by their victories over the senior league elab6 in past seasons, have proven their strength. Surely, the inclusion of these elubs in the seftior league would add to its .jttrength, remove all trouble, and allow the valleys league to cater for the juniors. The new clubs in the league this eeaeon. are Abercarn, Newbridge, and Cwmbran Aibions. The Western Valleys League has amalga- mated with the valleys league, but have elected separate officials. RHONDDA VALLEYS LEAGUE. The working of the league towards the end of las tseason was not as smooth as desirable, and therefore the Union of Welsh Leagues intervened. The general meeting was presided over by Mr. R. Buckland (Swansea), vice-chairman of the Union of Leagues, and, happily, all trouble was removed.. Secretary C. R. Everson and Cliairm-an. Will Gcumlin are two such enthusiasts for the ga.me that last season's ending was most dis- heartening. The league will undoubtedly do its best to keep the amateur carrying code alive. Ystrad and Tylorstown both claimed last I season's championship, and the Union of Welsh League was calted upon to decide. Both clubs have been ordered to meet in a final at Llwynypia. Although clubs have had, or will have, their "faith .money" returned they should not forget that tihey must lodge the money with the league early this season. J hope the rumour that Lewis-Merthyr are leaving the league is incorrect. Things are now put right, and I should like to see such a sportin,g club in again. I hope energetic J. D-avey will use persuasion. Why not one division only in the coming season? Many of the second division clubs are quite capable of fighting for honours in the first- division. PONTYPRIDD DISTRICT RUGBY UNION. The union has a bright future. With euch workers as Will Gamlin as chancellor of the exchequer, A. Pottee as scribe, and T. J. Thomas, things ought to go well. There are a vyy large number of clubs in and around Pontypridd. Financially. things are flourishing. Rhyd. felan, Poatvpridd United, Abercynon, Cilfynydd 'Qu.in?, Tr?fore?t. Garth, Ta-S's Well Rovers (Treforest), and Y nysbwl are a few, of the cilmbs in. RHONDDA DISTRICT OLD BOYS. cl-abe wishing to join for the present season are asked to communicate at once with Mr. W. GamlfA, Pontypridd. Treherbert is not lost to amateurism. Two old boys' clubs will be run this season. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Sid Ma-i-&-wo-ri,-ng a new ground has been secured. Tom Hibbs is again in harness, so thinge look bright. Senior clluba can foster the Rugger code and help themselves for the future by lend- ing their grounds4when not needed, to the, old boys' clubs. Probably there will be an invasion of the Aberda.re Valley in order to organise old boys' clubs there. The leader is General Gamlin. I NEWPORT LEAGUE. The officials have all been re-elected. The entry to the league ie still open. and the hon. secretary, Mr. A. E. Vale, would be glad to hear of clubs desiring to join. The annual meeting was held on Tuesday. The league has a debit balance of nearly S4, and are anxiously awaiting a grant from the Welsh loot ball Union-

PERSONALPARAGRAPHS JOHN BUTCHER has been groundsman at Newport for 30 years. 9 HUGH JONES, Mardy, has lost none of his form, and he will continue to turn out. DR. ORGAN (Brithdir) will assist the villagers. REES JARMAN, Rhymney Farmer Lilies, has worked hard for the success of Rugby foot- bail. He learned the rudiments of the game with the old Stars some eight or nine years a:;o; aftervrardij joining the Lilies, j with whom he figured prominently. He then joined his Majesty's forces and fought in the Boer War. On returning home. he assisted the Tredegar team. Later he return-e-d to his native heath, and played for his old club for a season. Last season, owing to illness, Rees only figured in a few matches, and evidently now prefers to watch for possible recruits, as he has accepted a ¡ seat on the selection committee of the Lilim.