From the “Evening Express and Evening Mail” dated 19/01/1909

VISIT TO EBBW VALE YESTERDAY

G. T. Pts.

Australia……. 0 3 9

Ebbw Vale…. 1 2 8

The Kangaroos played Ebbw Vale on Monday. The weather was stormy, and a strong gale blew up the ground, which threatened to spoil the game of some of its interest. The tradespeople of the district closed their places of business from two p.m. to five p.m. The top portion of the works was also at a standstill from one o-clock, so that everything was done to ensure a good “gate.” The visiting team arrived at eleven o’clock, and were met at the railway station by a crowd of 3,000 people, who loudly cheered the Colonials. They were welcomed by Mr. Alfred Watkins (chairman of the district council;, Mr. John Gale (vice-chairman), Mr. Stevens, and Mr. T. Hughes-Clarke, and several members of the home club and district council. The teams lined out as under:-

Australians: Back, M. Bolewski; three- quarter backs, Rosenfeldt, Devereux, S. Dean, and D. Frawiey; half-backs, Holloway and Conlan; forwards, S. O’Malley, McCabe, Abercrombie, Courtenay, Walsh, and Cann.

Ebbw Vale: Back, D. Davies; three-quarter backs, Llewellyn, Harvey, Smith, and Jenkins; half-backs, Higgins and Thomas; forwards, Foley, llitchins, Saunders, Burgham, and John.

Referee: Mr. Woods, Huddersfield.

There were about 5,000 people present when Captain Bowler kicked off for Ebbw Vale. Nice passing- between Thomas and Harvey carried play to the Kangaroo line. Long kicking by the visiting backs, assisted by ,Z- wind, gave them a big advantage, and Conlan scored an unconverted try. Foley broke away beautifully with the call at his feet, but two Australians got down and stopped the dribble. Australia pressed. and Davies’s kick went astray owing to the wind. Thomas, however got away, and a bit of exciting play ensued, splendid work by the home forwards causing the visitors some anxiety. Devereaux fielded, and, running up to Davies, passed to Dean, who went over. Abercrombie again failed to convert. roe Australians again pressed. Dean being brought down just on the line. An exciting rush for the visitors line was made, but Dean got there first. Soon afterwards Devereux scored. Then Ebbw Vale played up. and Llewellyn tried to jump over Bolewski, but failed. At the interval the. Australians led by nine points.

On changing ends Jenkins missed a pass in a good position, and Australia, getting on the aggressive, looked like scoring, but Jenkins fielded magnificently. Dean was injured, and left the field for a while. During his absence Ebbw Vale got going. Harvey put m a short punt, and Llewellyn gathered when going at top speed, and scored a great try, amid tremendous enthusiasm. Ebbw Vale rushed the ball over, and Foley dived for it, and scored, “Chick” Jenkins converting.

COMMENTS. Ebbw Vale should have won, but they I lost innumerable chances through lack of finish. The visiting backs were fast and clever, but the home forwards certainly took the laurels.