22.1.14

The Welsh Cup Final 1900



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:


Druids

Aberystwyth
Price
Goal
Roose
Thomas (captain)
Back
Charles Parry
Hughes
Back
George Evans
Potts
Half back
W. Jones
J. Price
Half back
J. H. Edwards (captain)
T. Davies
Half back
D. Michael Evans
Spencer
Forward
T. Whelan
Butler
Forward
J. Evans
J. Davies
Forward
Arthur Green
W. Davies
Forward
Storey
Ralph Jones
Forward
Oswald James

The referee was Mr R. T. Gough.
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[1]. 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[2] 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[3], 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.




[1] A goal could not be scored  direct from a free kick
[2] Known by his first name, like a Brazilian
[3] In fact the last 8 (5th round)

Cambrian News, Merionethshire Standard & Welsh Farmers Gazette 27.04.0



Aberystwyth Town 

In addition to Aber's goalkeeper LR Roose, Druids'Thomas Davies, Ralph Jones  and William Butler were Welsh internationals.