Leigh Richmond Roose
THE WELSH CUP.
FINAL TIE AT NEWTOWN.
THE DRUIDS v. A B E R
Y S T W Y T H.
A POPULAR VICTORY.
Newtown was the scene
on Easter Monday of the final struggle for Welsh cup honours between the Druids
(Ruabon) and Aberystwyth. Large numbers of people were attracted to the scene
of the encounter, several trips being run from north and south on the Cambrian
line, and long before the hour fixed for the commencement of the game the town
was fairly full of football enthusiasts. First train to arrive was that
bringing the Druids team with a good handful of supporters and then followed
trains from Llanidloes, bringing about five hundred, and from Aberystwyth and
other places on the way up containing not far short of a thousand. The game was
to have started at half-past three in the afternoon and at three o'clock the
spectators began to take their places on the ground. At this time rain kept
falling at intervals and black masses of clouds hovered around, threatening to close
together and completely hide the sun which occasionally hl
lrt into view. However, about a quarter past three the sky
cleared and assumed a summerlike aspect, putting the spectators into the best
of humour The Aberystwyth team were the first to enter the field in their black
and green jerseys and white pants, being accorded a hearty cheer. They were
followed a little later by the redoubtable Druids in their well-known
colours—white jerseys and blue pants—and were similarly greeted. It was plain
from the commencement that a win for Aberystwyth would be a popular one among
the spectators, although the betting element among them preferred to lay their
money on the Druids. At the commencement of the game odds were freely offered
on the latter team, and even at half time, although Aberystwyth had had much
the best of the play, there were plenty who would take even money, it being the
general opinion that the Druids would hold out better than their opponents.
The teams took the field as follows:
THE GAME
The Druids won the toss and chose to play with the wind,
which was a moderate one, and with the sun at their backs. The halves split up
the Aberystwyth forwards at the start off, but J. H. Edwards got hold of the
ball and passed to Storey, who transferred to Whelan, that player being called
up for a foul. Spencer obtained possession and at once dashed away until pulled
up by George Evans and then he passed to Davies. Another foul was granted
against Aberystwyth near their goal, things becoming to look rather dangerous.
Parry relieved temporarily, the Druids forwards again returning to the attack
and gaining a corner. Parry again cleared and kicked to Whelan, the latter
running off at a smart pace. In trying to pass Hughes, however, he ran the ball
out of play. The Druids left wing dashed forward, but were cleverly stopped by
Evans and Whelan was again put in possession, being pulled up for handling the
ball in trying to turn for the purpose of centering. J. H. Edwards met the kick
and passed neatly to Storey who dribbled into a good position in front of goal
and was expected to shoot, but passed to Green and the chance was lost, Thomas
clearing. Oswald James recovered the leather and the Aberystwyth for- wards
were again dangerous, Storey sending in a splendid shot, Thomas again proving
an obstacle and sending out. The Druids forwards then went away and Spencer
after some pretty play shot slightly over the crossbar. From the kick off
Oswald James got under way and a really fine bit of combination on the part of
Green, Storey, and James was witnessed. However, the Druids right-half stepped
in most unexpectedly and intercepting a pass dashed away. In his turn he was
robbed by J. H. Edwards who gave to Green. That player quite confounded three
or four of the opposing men and after a clean dribble put the ball in a good
position for James who, however, was immediately whistled offside. Shortly after
W. Jones cleverly stopped an advance by Ralph Jones and Davies and again the
Aberystwyth forwards swooped down on the goal. J. H. Edwards got a good chance,
but shot high. At this period Aberystwyth were getting much the best of
matters. But shortly after Butler obtained possession and covered a lot of
ground. Tackled by Michael he 1st the ball, but J. Davies received it and sent
to Spencer and he put in a clinking shot which Roose saved with difficulty.
Spencer was, however, already given offside. The kick carried the ball to the
Druids' end of the ground and J. H. Edwards tested Price, who kicked out. The
North Wales team now attacked and Roose had to deal with shots from Ralph Jones
and Walter Davies. W. Jones extricated his team from danger and gave to J.
Evans who passed on to Whelan. A pass back to Evans was intercepted by T.
Davies, and he gave to Ralph Jones, the latter sprinting down the wing like
lightning, to avoid Parry he centred, and Price meeting, shot over the bar.
Charlie Parry met several shots from the left wing with his head, but the
Druids continued to press for some time. Eventually Parry got in a good kick
and Whelan went away, being tripped by T. Davies. No advantage accrued to
Aberystwyth from the free kick and Spencer dashed away, ending up with a
splendid shot. Roose proved equal to the occasion and fisted out. The Aberystwyth
forwards obtained possession and from a pats by Green, Oswald James sent
against the side of the net. Spencer again raced up the field, but was neatly
robbed by Michael who passed to Storey and he and Green put in some good work,,
Oswald James on receiving a pass failing to turn round for the purpose of
centring and the ball going outside. The Druids left wing were next conspicuous
and Roose had to concede a corner to save a shot from Ralph Jones. George Evans
cleared and the leather went to the Aberystwyth right wing. Whelan centred
finely, landing the ball at Green's feet right in front of goal. A score seemed
certain but Green shot wide. In a second after, Whelan receiving a pass from J.
H. Edwards, put on a spurt and after dodging Hughes gave to Evans. That player
transferred to Green and the ball passed to Storey and on to Oswald James who
sent it into the net, having grazed the custodian's hands. This, being the
result of as pretty a piece of work as was ever witnessed on a football field,
was the signal for loud cheering. Very soon after the kick off a foul kick was
granted to Aberystwyth. Parry placed the globe at Green's feet and he sent it
across to Whelan who was fouled. Parry, as usual, placing the ball conveniently
for the forwards, Thomas was forced to give a corner. The same player cleared
and the Druids right wing dashed forward, but were checked by George Evans.
Again, Green as conspicuous for some pretty play and he, Storey, and Oswald
James made tracks for the goal, the latter being finally pulled up for being
offside. The Druids next pressed, a kick by Spencer being met by Roose who shot
into midfield. Ralph Jones and W. Davies looked extremely dangerous, but Parry
cleverly averted disaster by conceding a corner, the ball afterwards going over
the goal line. A little later half- time was called, the score being
Aberystwyth 1 goal. Druids Nil. Within half a minute of the re-start. Roose
fisted out a shot from Ralph Jones. The ball went back to the Druids left wing
and Parry met with his head a shot from the same quarter. The Druids made
energetic efforts and succeeded in gaining a corner. Parry cleared in style and
Green set off, passing to Whelan, who sent a pass to the left wing, where Thomas
in tackling Oswald gave a corner. The ball dropped right in front of the goal,
and Green this time made no mistake, scoring the second point for Aberystwyth
amidst cheers. The left wing of the Druids made a determined run, but Parry got
his kick and landed the ball in mid- field, Thomas missed his kick in defending
the goal, his foot just grazing the leather which went over the goal-line. A
corner was thus secured by Aberystwyth which, however, proved fruitless. I W.
Jones put a check on Ralph Jones and J. H. Edwards, stepping in, pelted away
and transferred to Oswald James who had hard lines in not scoring. Michael was
fouled and Parry, taking the kick, landed the ball in the net
.
J. Davies endeavoured to get away, but was tackled successfully by W Jones.
Afterwards the globe fell into the possession of Price and passed right along the
forward line of the Druids. However, Spencer's final shot went wide of the
mark. After the goal-kick J. H. Edwards got away and gave to Storey, who was tripped,
and the referee awarded a free kick, the ball again landing in the net without
touching a player. The Druids centre-half secured and gave to J. Davies, a
pretty combined run on the part of the forwards being witnessed. Parry,
however, stepped in and upset the conspiracy, some mid-field play ensuing.
Spencer and Butler then got under weigh and the latter sent to Roose, who
fluted out. The Druids returned to the attack and Parry had to check repeated
advances. Spencer at last managed to evade Evans and gave Roose a smart
grounder to deal with, but he saved in a marvellous manner, throwing the ball
out just before Walter Davies came into him and floored him. The game was then
stopped for a short time owing to Roose being hurt. The North Wales team
continued to have slightly the best of the game and Roose was again tested by
Busier. Spencer after racing down the wing gave to J. Davies again and the
latter sent the leather to Roose's hand with considerable force J. Evans found
the ball and was making tracks when he was fouled. The kick relieved Aberystwyth
considerably and the defence of the Druids was then put under strain. Parry
kicked the ball to Whelan who gave to Storey. That player made a beautiful run
and finished up by beating Price and registering number three for Aberystwyth.
This placed the result beyond doubt and the Druids henceforward played a losing
game. Receiving a pass from Michael, Oswald made a splendid sprint and had hard
lines in his shot for goal. The Druids left wing next bad a run up, but Parry
cleared and Green was conspicuous for some good play. Several fouls were given against
the Druids, but there was no tangible result. The game soon afterwards
terminated. Score Aberystwyth 3 goals. Druids Nil.
THE PRESENTATION OF
THE CUP.
Immediately on the
referee whistling time up, the crowd rushed on the field and the Aberystwyth
captain and Roose were lifted shoulder high and carried by the crowd to the accompaniment
of rounds of cheering. The ceremony of
presenting the cup then took place. The article in question was on the grand
stand where the President of the Welsh Association (Mr Thomas, Chirk,) some of
the members, the Aberystwyth team with Mr T. H Edwards, hon. secretary and
member of the Welsh Association, Mr James Hughes, the trainer of the winners,
were then called together. The PRESIDENT, in formally presenting the cup to the
team, said-I am very pleased that you have won the cup today for the first time
(Cheers) As a South Walian myself, I am very pleased that the cup is going for
the first time to South Wales. (Renewed cheering.) I am sure that the Druids
Club will not grudge you it—(A Voice "Not a bit" and cheers) all the
players and spectators are thorough sportsmen, I know, and they would be the
very last to begrudge this win to Aberystwyth. (Cheers, and a Voice Three
cheers for Charlie Parry.") I beg to present you on behalf of the Welsh
Association with the cup and to wish you a very prosperous career in future.
(Loud cheering) The cup was then handed to the Captain (Mr J. H. EDWARDS) who
was called upon for a speech. Complying, he said—I am too glad to speak to you.
(Cheers) We have won the cup this year and next year we shall have another good
try for it. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr T. H. Edwards called for three cheers for
the Druids, which were heartily given, and the crowd dispersed further cheering
the Aberystwyth captain and his team.
SPECTATORS' OPINION
OF THE GAME.
The display of the
Aberystwyth team came as a considerable surprise to the majority of the spectators,
the most they expected being that the Seasiders would be able to make a good
defence and prevent their more experienced opponents from running away with the
score. However, in the first few minutes of the game the teams were found to be
much more evenly matched than had been supposed. The Aberystwyth forwards
showed a grip of the game at the start and at the first opportunity swooped
down on the Druids goal. Here they caused a little disappointment by not
showing a corresponding aptitude for scoring. J. H. Edwards sent in a somewhat
feeble shot, a mistake which the popular captain amply compensated for later on
by his splendid play. Next the Druids showed a bit of their form and the ball
travelled very prettily from wing to wing, but Roose was not yet called upon to
bring his exceptional talents into operation. In fact, both teams appeared to
be reserving themselves for a tremendous effort later on. The Druids had
evidently great faith in their staying powers and were inclined to take matters
easy. The other team, though did not show a disposition to play themselves out
at this early stage of the game. The next earnest piece of work was started by
Whelan, the Aberystwyth right winger, who dribbled down the side at a good pace
and centred. Matters certainly looked awkward for the North Wales team for a
time, but relief came at last in the shape of a kick by Thomas, and then the boot
was transferred to the other foot, Spencer bearing down upon Roose like the
wind. However, he shot over the bar. By this time, lookers-on had awakened to
the fact that in the matter of play both teams were pretty equal, the subject
of speculation being whether Aberystwyth would hold out. Some remarkably pretty
bits of play were witnessed on the part of both teams. J. H. Edwards and Parry
being shining lights in the Aberystwyth defence whilst Spencer on the left wing
of the Druids was the subject of much admiration. Green was soon marked out as
the best forward on the Aberystwyth side and on one occasion he made an exceptionally
fine dribble and passed to Oswald
who also was regarded as a dangerous man, as he proved to be later on.
Unfortunately this time he was a little too eager and was called back for being
offside. Pretty play, however, is not always effective and there was no score
on the slate as yet. At last the chance came. Whelan planted the ball in an ideal
spot for Green and those who knew the latter's goal-kicking proclivities made
sure about the result. But football players even are not infallible. In order
to make certain of not sending the ball over the bar, Green used the side of
his foot and by some means or other the ball took the wrong course. Hardly had
the echo of the groan which went up died out, when Whelan was again seen
threading his way towards the goal. He gave a nice pass to Evans, who
transferred to Storey and the latter placed the leather at the foot of James,
who promptly kicked it into the net. Both teams afterwards went at it in earnest.
The Druids were at all times dangerous inasmuch as it took their forwards very
little time to cover the length of the field. Their scooting, however, was weak
and Roose was quite able to deal with any shot that was sent in. Half-time
arrived with no addition to the score. After the interval, both teams came up looking
as fresh as at the commencement. The Druids pressed at the outset, but the
other team soon recovered. Oswald James proved too tricky for Thomas and the
latter gave a corner. The kick was well taken and Green made up for his
previous failure by kicking a splendid goal. Then the Druids made desperate
efforts to make up for lost time and Roose had to stop some very stiff shots
which he did with the greatest ease,
delighting the spectators and exasperating his opponents by the completeness
with which he cleared. However, with Parry at back the efforts of the forwards
were often rendered ineffective before they came within shooting distance.
Again the Aberystwyth team, went away and there was no stopping them Storey
took a pass from Whelan, about mid-field easily dodged the backs, and having
only the goalkeeper to deal with he made no bones about placing the leather in
the net. It was a brilliant feat, the best individual run of the day. This
placed the result beyond doubt. With Roose in goal and Charlie Parry at back,
in the ten minutes that remained it would have been next to an impossibility to
equalise let alone score four goals already the spectators had begun to leave
the field and the supporters of the Aberystwyth team congratulated each other
on an assured victory. The play that ensued was of a loose character and
whistle went before any addition was made to the score. The victory was clearly
a popular one. The winning team being the younger and less experienced were
before the match the objects of sympathy, but they had turned out a complete
surprise-packet and had beaten their rivals on their merits. All through the
game the Druids' halves were seen to be no match for the Aberystwyth forwards
who managed to get their own on every occasion until they were within a few
yards of goal. The Druid forwards on the other hand were considerably hampered
by the opposing halves and they had Evans and Parry, who was freely admitted to
be the finest back on the field, to deal with before coming to Roose. Nevertheless,
they managed at times to bring off some remarkably-effective work. Spencer and
Ralph Jones, the two wingers, being splendid.
RECEPTION AT
ABERYSTWYTH.
The news of the
victory naturally gave rise to great jubilation at Aberystwyth and arrangements
were a once made to give the team a hearty welcome on their return. Torch
bearers were provided by Mr Peake and on the arrival of the train a procession
was formed headed by the town band. The team were then taken through the
streets on the Lion 'bus, being cheered at every turn. In Great Darkgate-street
the crowd demanded speeches from the Captain and the Hon. Secretary. The
Captain (Mr J. H. Edwards) heartily thanked those present for the reception
they had been given, and pointing to the cup, said they had fought hard for it.
Mr T. II. Edwards said they had fought for the cup for eight years-and at last
they had got it. (Loud cheers.)
THE TEAMS.
DRUIDS:
The Druids team is the oldest team of any note in Wales, its
establishment dating back to 1876. In the times when professionalism in the
present meaning of the term as applied to football was un- known, the Druids ranked
with the best teams in England. In season 1883-84 the team ran into the
semi-final tie for the English cup
,
being beaten by the Blackburn Olympic who took the cup that year. In the fourth
round the Druids had for their opponents the Bolton Wanderers whom they drew
with twice and beat in the third match. Strange I to say this win cost the Club
their team for the next year. The Wanderers bought over all their best players.
It may be interesting to people in this district to know, that at this time Mr
W. P. Owen, solicitor, Aberystwyth, was one of the team. The Druids have,
however, continued to hold a premier position among. Welsh teams. They have won
the Welsh cup time after time and up to this year were the holders for two
years in succession, 1897- 98 and 1898 -99. Previously the team has retained
the silver for three years in succession and the present Captain was very
desirous of breaking that record this time.
ABERYSTWYTH:
The Aberystwyth team which won the cup on Monday was formed
in 1892. That is to say, the club to which it is attached came into existence
in that year, for it must not be thought that the history of football in the
town goes no further back than this. That would be an insult which would be
warmly resented by many Aberystwythians at home and abroad who have' done
battle royal for their native place in years long gone by. In the seventies
there was a team in existence which went by the name of "Town'' and can
therefore be said to have represented then the talent of Aberystwyth in this
branch of athletics. One of the captains of this team during its span of life
was Mr Jack Hughes (brother of Mr Arthur Hughes), who was one of the best
forwards in the United Kingdom and represented Wales in several international
engagements. At that period combination was unknown and a single good player in
a team counted a lot, so that Aberystwyth in virtue alone I of their possession
of a footballer of so much renown held a high place in the football world. A
subsequent captain of the team was Mr Robert Peake. However, about fifteen
years ago a new star appeared in the athletic firmament which threatened to
outshine the old. The new team went by the name of "Mechanics" and
numbered among its members some very promising players. Considerable jealousy
existed between the two rivals for some time, but at last a compromise was
reached. Mr Peake undertook the captaincy of an amalgamation of the old and new
and hence forward the town was represented by the Mechanics. There are several
legends going the rounds with reference to the Mechanics, one of which is that
they once got to the final tie for the Welsh Cup. This is an error which has probably
arisen from the fact that the team met Chirk on one Cist n at Newtown. This,
however, was arranged between the two clubs owing to the distance between Chirk
and Aberystwyth. We are assured by one who has followed football in the town since
Mr Jack Hughes's time that Aberystwyth were never represented at a semi-final
or final Welsh Cup tie before the match with Wrexham- three years ago.
Nevertheless it must not be assumed that the Mechanics were by any means an inferior
team. On one occasion they gave the Druids a good game down at Aberystwyth,
that team the same year reaching the semi-final round for the English Cup.
Among those who played in that team were Dr Mills Roberts who subsequently
played for years with Preston North End and was estimated best goalkeeper in
England and Dr A. O. Davies, now of Machynlleth, who received international
honours on several occasions who, by the way, was present at Newtown on Monday,
Again the seemingly inevitable disintegration took place and after the
disappearance of the Mechanics for some years the town had several what might
be called irresponsible teams, none of them truly representative. Chief among these
were the Celts who were at one epoch very good footballers. At this time the College
boasted a good team and several hard struggles took place between town and
gown. Another aspirant was the Ystwyth Rovers which lasted up to the
establishment of the present football club in 1892. The new team did not work
wonders in the first season, but it possessed several very promising young
players-one of them the present captain (Mr J. H. Edwards). In the second year
of its existence things looked brighter, but the flame was nearly extinguished
by Oswestry who scored five goals against Aberystwyth's one in the second round for
the Welsh Cup. However, shortly after, the advent of W. J. Mason and
subsequently of A. G. Morris helped the team considerably and placed it in the
front rank among the Welsh Association teams. In 1896, Aberystwyth after
defeating Brymbo and Oswestry away went as far as the semi-final for the cup,
being beaten by Wrexham by a goal to nil. During latter years the team has
vanquished such opponents as Walsall and Glossop North End (now a first league
team), without mentioning the foremost WeIsh teams. Many difficulties have been
faced by the officials and supporters in the effort to keep up the position of
the club aid the victory of the team on Monday was a well-deserved reward.
