On Line Rugby Museum - Thumb O Graphs

The Bradford's were probably at the hotel where the post match function was taking place because on the same day Elsie rubbed shoulders with and acquired the thumb print and autograph of the legendary "Welsh Rugby Superstar", Arthur 'Monkey' Gould, captain of the first ever Welsh "Triple Crown" winning team in 1893. Other famous rugby internationals were acquired on this day including Llanelli's first ever international, Harry Bowen, the man who dropped the goal when Llanelli defeated the first tourists to Wales, the 1888 NZ Native Touring Team.

Later that year, Elsie made the acquaintance of the touring South Africans. The Springbok side was famed for re-uniting the people of South Africa after the terrible Boer war. The tourists arrived in Swansea by train at 6.00am on Wednesday 28th November and at 4.00pm on that very same day the Mayor of Swansea gave a civic reception for the Springboks, it was probably at this reception where Elsie obtained the 'thumbographs' of almost the complete tour party. The South African tour manager 'Daddy Carden' states in his report to the South African Rugby Union that 'we had a civic reception at the Guildhall here on the day of arrival, which was a most pleasant social affair. The Mayoress and ladies entertained us to tea, etc, after the usual speeches. Then on December 1st the Springboks played Wales, at St Helen's defeating the home team 11 - 0, a remarkable feat given that at the time Wales were regarded as the strongest team in the world. To view the Thumb O Graphs and autographs of any these great rugby internationals please scroll down or click on the links below.

1905-6 WELSH TEAM & OTHER WELSH INTERNATIONALS - 1906 SPRINGBOKS - COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL PAGES

HARRY MYNOTT - 1905 ALL BLACKS

Harry Mynott made the preliminary tour to Australia 1905 before leaving for Europe with the 'Original' All Blacks. Usually a first five-eighth, Mynott made his international debut against Ireland as a wing three-quarter. His normally reliable hands deserted him in the Welsh game, the only loss on the tour when he appeared in his preferred position. However, he retained his place for the French test. Mynott toured Australia in 1907, playing outside Fred Roberts in all three tests. Until Frank Bunce overtook his record in 1996, he was the oldest back to represent New Zealand. He was 34 years and 28 days old when he took the field for his final international, the third test on the 1910 tour of Australia. A brilliant attacking player and also sound on defence Also known as 'Simon', Mynott was regarded as a splendid sportsman. With Jimmy Hunter he formed a formidable five-eighth combination known as 'the Taranaki Twins'. He was a Taranaki selector 1910-14 and an All Black selector in 1913.

ARTHUR GOULD - WALES

Arthur Gould was Welsh rugby's first super star. He was the man who put Wales on the rugby map. When he began playing for Wales in 1885, it was only her 8th international and only two wins had been recorded. When he finally retired from international rugby in 1897, Wales had won her first Triple Crown; Welsh clubs were regularly beating English, Scottish and Irish opponents; and the players who were to usher in the first Golden Era were starting to take their place in the national XV.

Arthur Gould was 16 when he first played for Newport on October 20, 1882 , against Weston-super-Mare . (His elder brother, Bob, was already a Welsh international.) He had already played for the 3rd XV and just happened to be walking along the road in which the regular Newport full-back lived when he spotted the Newport groundsman, John Butcher, waiting outside the house. Gould walked back and fore a few times and then asked Butcher what he was doing. Butcher replied he was waiting for the full-back but he was at a funeral - then he asked Gould if he wanted to play instead. Arthur said 'Yes' and Butcher persuaded the Club to play him that day. With 'fairy tale' precision Gould ran in two tries while his captain yelled 'Kick, you young devil'

But what sort of game was rugby when the young Arthur Gould first played? Only four years before, in 1878, Blackheath had introduced wheeling and passing among the forwards. The previous practice had been for forwards to push and maul each other for minutes on end. In fact, many clubs were still playing in this fashion in the mid-80s. It was only in the preceding few months before Gould's debut that backs were actually beginning to pass to one another - they ran and played as individuals normally. The majority of goals was the deciding factor in matches - so there was an inordinate number of drop goal attempts and tries were not given very much emphasis. But tackling was fierce and raking and kicking of opponents was an integral part of play!

From his debut for Newport in 1882 until his international baptism against England in January 1885, Arthur Gould played at full-back and centre. He played in a good club side and gradually began to create his outstanding reputation. He was initially capped at full-back but success for Wales was limited in the face of opposition that possessed superior team-work at forward, and better backs.

1885/6 saw Cardiff and the four three-quarters under Hancock sweep the board but Gould, who was a supreme individualist, felt inhibited by the demands of the new formation. But he adapted when goals won matches he developed himself to drop and place goals; when tries began to be more decisive he scored plenty of those. In 1887, he was Wales 's outstanding back and he insisted that the selectors revert to the three three-quarters system. They complied -probably because Gould was playing regularly for Richmond , who were in the middle of an invincible season. He was simply playing a better class of rugby than the rest of the team! Although the international season was fairly successful, Wales - reduced to 13 1/2 men - were smashed in Scotland . However, Gould, in the next season, whilst helping Middlesex to an unbeaten season, redeemed himself with a superb defensive display against Scotland .

He played in England for most of the period between 1885 and 1890, featuring in barely a handful of games each season for Newport , because of his work. He then left for the West Indies in June, 1890, having captained Wales on four occasions in 1889 and 1890. But he returned to Newport in time to begin the 1891/2 season. In his mid-twenties he really flowered to play the best rugby of his career for, at last, he played behind an all-conquering pack, superbly served at half-back. Newport were unbeatable and Arthur Gould the highest scorer. But he captained Wales to three defeats!

This did not augur well for 1892/3, but Arthur Gould scored 37 tries for his club and captained Wales to her first Triple Crown. Throughout this period Wales persisted in playing her revolutionary four three-quarter game with eight forwards against nine. Wales opened 1893 with her first ever home victory over England at Cardiff . Gould scored the first and third tries and had a hand in the second. His first try was after a run of over 50 yards. The Welsh backs got all the tries to defeat Scotland and at Stradey Park , Llanelli, Wales just beat Ireland with a try by Bert Gould, from his brother's pass. Arthur Gould carried an injured shoulder throughout and should not have played. Indeed he played badly but victory was the justification.

In 1896 he decided to retire, he was comfortably over 30 but was persuaded to return. He made his 27th appearance for Wales when he captained the side against England at Newport in January, 1897. This was an international record. Gould's admirers then set up a testimonial fund, supported by the Welsh Rugby Union. But it was less than two years after the formation of Rugby League and the other countries declared the testimonial an act of professionalism. The fund was used to buy Gould's house for him. Wales were outlawed but fully supported the Gould testimonial. However, Gould prevented open schism by finally retiring from international and club rugby.

Arthur Gould was a superb all-round rugby player. He was almost an even-time sprinter. He was instinctive in dodging, swerving and side-stepping. But he still practised very hard to improve. He was naturally left-handed and left-footed but after a short time could kick as well with his right. He was a great drop- goal kicker and a superb punter, while he studied opponents intensely to probe for defensive weaknesses. A matchless attacking back and until his later years a deadly tackler. Gwyn Nicholls summed up his contribution: 'Chief credit for the perfection of Welsh tactics (in the first Golden Era) can be almost entirely ascribed to Gould.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

JACK BANCROFT - WALES

Jack Bancroft has always remained in the shadow of his elder and more famous brother, Billy Bancroft. Billy was the player to the gallery, the supreme egotist on the field, while Jack was the steady, no-nonsense, straightforward traditional full-back. However, Jack scored more points (88) than Billy (60) did for Wales!

Jack Bancroft made his debut for Swansea in 'the invincibles' of 1904/5- there were about a dozen present and future internationals playing for the club during that season. In the following season Bancroft made more appearances but it was 1906/7 before Bancroft became Swansea's regular full-back and prime goal-kicker.

It was in 1908/9 that Bancroft received national recognition and, like his brother before him, made his debut because the chosen full-back was injured. Once in the side, Bancroft played admirably, but he did miss several internationals through injury. Bancroft was chosen to play against England at the Arms Park in 1909 to make seven Swansea players in the Welsh side. This selection was based on Swansea's brilliant 6-0 win over the Wallabies when Bancroft kicked a vital penalty. Bancroft converted one of the tries and then kicked the decisive conversion late on against Scotland to clinch victory 5- 3. However, he was nearly responsible though not knowing it for defeat at the end of the game because he was penalised for lying on the ball. The referee awarded a penalty to Scotland which was narrowly missed but Bancroft had been kicked unconscious while falling on the ball! Bancroft had a field day against the French in 1909, converting six tries, and he banged over another three in the Triple Crown decider against Ireland. It was a brilliant season for Bancroft with his 22 points for Wales, he kicked 104 for his club!

On New Year's Day, 1910, at Swansea, Wales ran up her highest ever score in internationals, 49 against France. It was an embarrassing, one-sided affair, which the Welsh players took very half-heartedly in running in ten tries. But Bancroft took his opportunities very seriously and steadily kicked eight conversions and one penalty to set a Welsh record of 19 points in one match. However, the record slipped out of sight, even if it ever registered, until Keith Jarret's epic debut equalled it. Only hurried checking through old copies of the 'Western Mail' on the Monday after the English match in 1967; rediscovered Bancroft's feat!

Bancroft played his part in the 1911 Triple Crown triumph but broke his collar-bone against the Baa-Baas. He returned for most of 1912 and played his greatest defensive game in the defeat by England at Twickenham. He was captain against Ireland but injury cut short the season again. This time he was out of the game until the latter part of 1913, tragically missing the Welsh and Swansea matches against the Springboks. He might have drawn the former game! He kicked the winning points against Ireland in 1913 and played most of 1914 before injury and war came.

Bancroft was not unusually talented, but he laboured long and hard to improve his play. His kicking was accurate but not very long. His tackling and falling were solid but his judgement occasionally lapsed. He would sometimes let the ball bounce before catching it but his courage was never in doubt. His goal-kicking was sure and correct and his 88 points for Wales (47 against France) were a record until Barry John came along. His international record was a good one as the first Golden Era drifted away, although he was blamed by several colleagues for the defeat at Twickenham in 1914, which cost Wales the Triple Crown and Grand Slam. Apparently he failed to mark a ball for some 'unmentionable' reason!

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

RHYS GABE - WALES

RHYS GABE was seventeen when he made his debut for Llanelli at centre. He played three games and was promptly dropped for not being good enough! But one month later he reappeared on the wing for the club and became a great success. Three years later on March 16, 1901, at the tender age of 20, he played for Wales on the left wing against Ireland.

The story is told that the week before that international Llanelli played Swansea and Gabe marked Trew. Knowing that he was the nominated reserve, Gabe apparently violently tackled Trew, who was the selected wing, in order to put the Swansea man out of the Irish match! Gabe played!

In September, 1901, Gabe went to Borough Road College, London, to take a teacher's training course. He played both for the College and London Welsh. The College were weak at centre so he moved in from the wing, which also coincided with the London Welsh possessing two international wings, Llewellyn and Gabe, and one future international wing, Morgan. Llewellyn, as club captain, persuaded Gabe to play at centre and also told the Welsh selectors that Gabe should be tried at centre with Nicholls. The advice was taken, and against England in 1902 one of the most brilliant three-quarter lines ever to play took the field for the first time -Llewellyn, Nicholls, Gabe and Morgan.

In the 1902 Triple Crown side Gabe laid the foundations of his great reputation. He got an important try in the 9- 8 win over England and two more brilliant ones against Scotland. But in the Irish match he defended stubbornly to prove his all-round ability.

In the 1903 English match J.J. Hodges got three tries but it was Gabe who made them all. Gabe told Hodges to start running as soon as the ball was out as he would catch him up before he had to pass! After the game Hodges said he had received some 'perfect' passes from Gabe!

In the summer of 1904 Gabe went to the Antipodes under Bedell-Sivright where he proved himself one of the stars of an outstanding back division, playing in all four tests and scoring a try in the Final Test against Australia.

When Gabe returned he took up a teaching post in Cardiff and began playing regularly for the club. In the Wales v New Zealand match, Gabe was the man who drew the New Zealand wing and put Morgan clear. In 1906 Gabe played four times against the touring Springboks, for Glamorgan, Wales, Llanelli and Cardiff. The first three were defeats but Gabe and the Cardiff side played superbly to win 17- 0. He scored the final try after a brilliant dribble!

Gabe captained Wales against Ireland in 1907 and scored a brilliant try, but it was in the following season against England at Bristol that he scored his most extraordinary try. There was thick fog over the ground throughout the match and at one stage he and Percy Bush came upon a loose ball outside the English '25. After wrestling with each other first, Gabe set off with the ball for the English line. The English did not know what was happening and Bush further confused them by running off in an opposite direction, shouting. Eventually the players and referee arrived at the line to cheers, the 'phantom' Gabe was found alone waiting for his try to he awarded!,

At the end of 1908 he retired, but reappeared occasionally for Cardiff, after scoring 51 tries in 115 appearances. He formed with Gwyn Nicholls probably the greatest ever centre pairing for club and country, in combination they were devastating both in attack and defence. Gabe himself had a very individual style. His running was very straight and resolute although he had a brilliantly deceptive swerve. His build was sturdy but to the would-be tackler he seemed all elbows and knees, and he had plenty of speed. However, his cleverness and judgement were his greatest qualities both as a brilliant attacker and as a very sound defender.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

ARTHUR FLOWERS 'Boxer' HARDING - WALES

Arthur Flowers Harding, nicknamed 'Boxer; played a major role in the Welsh win over the All Blacks in 1905, but he emigrated a few years later to New Zealand and died there in 1947 after over thirty years' contented residence. Indeed, in 1914 he played for Wanganui -where he lived-against Manawatu - at the age of 34!

Harding was 22 years of age when he made his debut for Wales against England at Blackheath in January, 1902. Wales won a thrilling match and had taken a huge step towards her third Triple Crown.

Harding had had a rapid rise to the national XV, being in only his first season with the Cardiff club. He was a dashing forward in open play, possessing great speed and versatility. In fact, his style of play- in an era of slowish, solid-scrummaging forwards -was more akin to a three-quarter. He could run and pass and was able to kick extremely well. However, he was a solid scrummager and a truly brilliant dribbler. When Harding first played for Wales he was extremely fortunate to be alongside the incredible George Boots and he learnt a great deal about loose forward play from him.

In 1902 Harding played well throughout, supplying a great deal of pace around the field to halt the great Scottish XV at Cardiff and an unyielding commitment to supplying the backs with enough ball to outlast and outwit the Irish in Dublin for the Crown. But the following week Harding was put out for the rest of the season by some nameless Swansea forwards, being 'charged' in making a mark!

Early in the 1902/3 season, Harding left South Wales to live in London. He joined London Welsh who at that time, included such players as Llewellyn, Gabe, Morgan, J. C. Jenkins and J. F. Williams.

For the 1903/4 season Harding was chosen to captain London welsh, a position he also held for the following three seasons. After playing in all three internationals Harding was one of two Welsh forwards included in Bedell-Sivright's British side to Australasia during the summer of 1904. The tour was successful with the so- called Anglo-Australian XV winning every match in Australia, including three tests, but the only test in New Zealand was lost. Unfortunately the side were not good enough at forward, but the backs were superb. He kicked a penalty goal in the first-ever Test match against the All Blacks. Although Harding tried his best, the Lions eight, tired at the end of a long trip, could not match Gallaher's pack.

1905 saw Wales's fourth Triple Crown with Harding ever present and Middlesex, with several London Welsh players, reach the County Championship final. But the following season, 1905/6, saw the arrival of the first touring All Blacks. Harding, along with his fellow 1904 tourists, felt that Wales could beat New Zealand. The Welsh team went into a huddle to plot for victory. Harding, along with J. F. Williams, had played against the All Blacks for Middlesex. Although overwhelmed 34 -0, the Middlesex forwards did unmask the All Blacks loose-head manoeuvre (see details on 'J. J. Hodges') but were unable to create a counter during the game. When Harding met up with Hodges and the rest of the Welsh pack a counter was found. In the game itself Harding twice could have got close to tries if he had steadied himself. However, in the last ten minutes, as the All Blacks swarmed dangerously into the Welsh '25; Harding coolly dribbled the ball out of a loose scrummage and down into the All Blacks `25 ’ before it was scrambled into touch! After the defeat by the 1906 Springboks Harding was one those dropped, only to return as a back or forward Ireland in 1907. Gabe the captain put him in the pack and bush played the Irish off the field. He captained Wales for the only time against England in the “fog” mach in 1908 and played his last international against Scotland in the following mach. However, in the summer, he captained an Anglo-Welsh XV to New Zealand and Australia the tour results were uneven but the second test was magnificently drawn.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

JEHODIA HODGES - WALES

JEHODIA HODGES is reckoned to be the innovator of modern forward specialisation and formation. Although forwards in the nineteenth century excelled at line-out jumping or scrummaging or in the loose, there was no adopted or set pattern for lining up for a throw-in or packing down at scrums. Hodges, in concert with George Boots and later George Travers, worked out a system of forward position, which has remained almost intact to this day.

Hodges made his mark very quickly in first-class rugby, making his debut for Newport at the beginning of the 1897/8 season and being picked for Wales in January, 1899, against England, when barely in his twenties. He was not as big as other Welsh forwards of the time, weighing around 13 stone and being about 5'9" in height. He was described early on as a hard-working, good all-round forward but later in his career he was reputed to have developed into the most dashing forward in Wales. An excellent all- round footballer he played in almost every position in the backs, whilst filling in for players who had to retire injured. And in 1903 for Wales against England, when he had to go out on the wing to replace the injured T. W. Pearson, he ran in for three tries!

Boots and Hodges always provided the 'brains' of Newport and Wales packs throughout the initial years of the century. But Hodges was often accused of playing at three-quarter effort in ordinary matches, reserving his best play and performances for the really big occasions.

Hodges figured in three Triple Crown winning sides as well as in the victory over New Zealand in 1905. 1905 also saw Wales's first win in Scotland, which included an all-out fight between the packs! The story of the 1905 win against the hitherto invincible All Blacks must include the brilliant Welsh scrummage preparation. New Zealand packed 2- 3- 2, with a rover, against three front row men. The two waited for their opponents to get down first and promptly followed suit against the outside man of the opposition, in order to gain the loose head, leaving the other member of the opposing front row with nothing to push against. Before the latter could move, the ball was put in and out! Wales decided to counter this tactic by only two packing down at first with a forward waiting at either side to enclose whichever side the Kiwis tried to make their 'loose head. It worked, and Wales always managed to have the advantage of the loose head. The All Blacks were dumbfounded and it led to a great deal of roughness!

Hodges played against the All Blacks for his club a week later but, despite a brilliant second half forward display, they lost 3 -6. Sadly, 10 months later against the Springboks, Newport again lost narrowly. He played his last international in 1906. The next season he was badly injured. Wales played South Africa without him. Instead of Welsh scrummaging know-how winning the day, the tourists packed 4 - 3 -1 and crushed a totally bemused Welsh pack.

Hodges played one more season for Newport before going to finish his playing days, six years later, in the Monmouthshire League. A brilliant forward and leader he gave so much to his team mates.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

DAI 'TARW' JONES - WALES

Dai 'Tarw' Jones was a giant of a man for his time, for he stood around 6' 1" tall and weighed well over fifteen-and-a-half stones. A coal-miner by occupation, working in the heart of the Rhondda Valley, he was part of the legend that grew up around the turn of the century concerning Welsh forwards.

In the first fifteen years of international rugby, Wales was not 'hard enough' up front, but gradually the first Golden Era dawned, blessed not only with some of the greatest backs but some of the toughest and roughest forwards Wales has ever possessed. Dai Jones fitted the bill perfectly- big and heavy, fearless on the field, with a strong and energetic 'style' of forward play, based on a terrific scrummaging ability. Jones was lucky to come into the Welsh XV at a time when Hodges and Boots were master-minding the Welsh forward effort, for he learnt a lot.

Jones began his playing career with Treherbert-a second class Glamorgan League side -but it was not unusual for these clubs to provide internationals at the time. Treherbert won the League three times in succession in the 1900s, beating stronger clubs. But it was his performance on his home ground in 1901/2 in a Welsh trial that brought Jones international recognition against England in 1902-he was only 20! Jones played throughout 1902, 1903 and 1905, by which time he had switched allegiance to Aberdare. During this time Jones was also a regular in the invincible Glamorgan county side. When the great match against the All Blacks was played, Jones proved himself a hard, uncompromising player in the terrific forward battle. But later in the season his form weakened and he did not travel to Ireland as he had an intense fear of boats!

His last match for Wales was against South Africa in 1906. He had already played an important part in Glamorgan's narrow 3 -6 defeat by the tourists, but in the international Jones looked unfit and 'over the hill; He did not last the eighty minutes and his scrummaging was poor, which meant that the pack, containing too many 'loose' forwards, fell apart in front of an inspired Springboks pack, It was a tragic end for 'Tarw' at twenty-five years of age. He then played as a professional for Treherbert Northern Union.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

DICK JONES - WALES

Dick Jones of Swansea was a very good outside half -probably a great one -but his individual reputation has always been overshadowed by the reputation he enjoyed in combination with Dicky Owen, his club and international scrum-half partner. Like Owen, Jones came into the Swansea side after the brilliant James brothers had given up the game just before the end of the nineteenth century. Almost at once the puny Owen and the handsome Jones struck up an almost telepathic understanding. Incredibly, the club champions lost two legendary half-backs only to see them replaced by an even greater pairing, and the title continued in Swansea's safe grip.

Jones was a brilliant runner, who could dodge, jink and swerve very cleverly. His kicking also marked him out for he was one of the first halves to mix running with kicking in offence. But it was his judgement that made him stand out for he was a greater thinker than many players who had more ability than he had. Gradually Owen and Jones were able to anticipate immediately and intuitively the other's forthcoming move. Both were always looking for new ways of doing things -so much so that opponents never knew what to expect of them. As a result, when sides tried to plan a defence, they were at a loss and so apprehensive that they often failed to organise anything. If the opposition did manage to play well enough to contain Jones and Owen, then this would be just another challenge for the pair to raise their game to an even higher plane.

Welsh selectors have always been in favour of playing club pairings at half-back and, in 1901, after Newport's Phillips had broken down in the Scottish match, Jones and Owen were called up for their first caps against Ireland. It was the first of fifteen appearances together for Wales - a record not beaten until John and Edwards. Wales were fortunate to win and the Swansea pair hardly distinguished themselves. Jones and Owen played against England in 1902 but then Jones was dropped in favour of Lloyd, whose form was such that the advantage of club pairing was not enough.

Although Jones continued to play brilliantly for his club and Glamorgan he was not picked again for Wales until 1904, when he proved his class by some superb kicking to defeat Scotland and some magnificent running and support play against Ireland.

1904/5 was the year of the Swansea 'Invincibles' and Jones, with Owen, was at the top of his form. His superb running carved out opening after opening against England, and Wales ran in seven glorious tries. But two weeks later at Newport Jones broke his instep in a club game and he did not play rugby again until November 2, 1907.

Jones returned against France in 1908 and then starred in the Triple Crown decider against Ireland by making the winning try. 1908/9 brought Wales five wins-Australia and the Grand Slam- and Jones and Owen master-minded some excellent play. It was a year in which the pack struggled for parity but superb back play ensured enough scores for victory.

1910 brought a sad final game for Wales for, after taking France apart on New Year's Day, Wales headed for Twickenham. But England beat Wales for the first time in twelve years. Jones and Owen were dropped and while Owen returned in 1911, a serious accident ended Jones's career prematurely.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

WILL JOSEPH - WALES

Will Joseph was one of the forwards who were the backbone of the early triumphs of the first Golden Era. A tall, handsome man, well over six feet and around thirteen stones, he was the outstanding Swansea forward in an outstanding pack in the early part of the century. The Swansea Club were invincible in 1904/5 and the pack included several internationals.

In the first Golden Era, forwards were picked for their all-round abilities with an emphasis on scrummaging as there was little specialisation and scrum ball, in a period before defensive wing forwards, was the crucial possession. Joseph was noted for his brilliant work in the tight scrums, but, because of his height, he was also very good at the line-out (not that forwards got too far off the ground in those days!). Another essential forward skill was dribbling and Joseph was very adept at it. He could also tackle with deadly certainty.

Joseph was 23 when he made his first appearance for Wales against England at Blackheath in 1902. He had only played a couple of seasons' first-class rugby for Swansea, following experience with Morriston. In the stern struggle Joseph quickly made his mark and was also outstanding in the following game against the 1901 Triple Crown holders, Scotland. He was only to lose his place once - through injury -until after the debacle against the South Africans in 1906 –a measure of his tremendous fitness and form. His physique and power stemmed from the fact that he was a tin-plate worker, which was a hard, demanding job before automation.

When the All Blacks arrived in the autumn of 1905, Joseph lined up against them three times within a fortnight. For Wales, he stood staunchly firm and rugged in the titanic forward struggle; for Glamorgan, he led the 'under-strength' county side with fire and purpose, even taking the penalty attempts; and for Swansea, his physical presence and superb tackling almost brought the club a famous victory.

Tragically, the 1906 Springboks never played Swansea, for they might have been beaten by such a strong side, but Joseph played twice against them. First, for Glamorgan, when he scored the home side's try in a narrow defeat by a badly shaken Springboks and, secondly, for Wales when, although he personally played with credit, the pack fell to pieces. The cry went up for 'old' heads to roll and Will Joseph at 28 ½ apparently was past it. He was dropped and faded out of first -class rugby soon afterwards.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

IVOR MORGAN - WALES

Ivor Morgan stood out in any company-he was a chunky, 5' 10," tall, auburn-haired, dashing forward. In the 1904/5 season Swansea were invincible, with a formidable pack including a 'British Lion' and four other Welsh internationals. In the following season the brash 21-year-old Morgan had fought his way into the side that only lost by a dropped goal to a try to the first touring All Blacks.

But in his early period with the club Morgan tended to be overshadowed, first by Fred Scrine, and then George Hayward, both international wing-forwards. However, although Morgan could play the all-round forward game of the time -his build allowed him to do that -he slowly began to develop a new type of wing-forward game. There had already been running and handling forwards and the beginnings of destructive, defensive back row play, but Morgan perfected the attacking, wide-ranging, opportunist, try-scoring, loose-forward style of play.

One of the reasons for Morgan's style was that he played wing-forward to one of rugby's true innovators, Dicky Owen, who was always creating new ploys and ideas when Morgan came into the Swansea side Owen's usual partner, Dick Jones, was injured and did not play for over two years. As Billy Trew did not play too often then at fly half, Owen was forced, in the absence of real decisiveness in the Swansea midfield, to concentrate more on creating openings from his own running. With Morgan, Owen formed an almost telepathic understanding and, as a result, Morgan became a prolific scorer of tries. Time and again at club and later at international level, Owen would dart away from a scrum or loose scrummage, make a half-opening and pass to the red-headed shadow at his shoulder, who would crash over for a try. His record for Swansea is impressive - 1908/9-18 tries; 1909/10-9; 1910/11-17; 1911/12-8. While he crossed six times for Wales in 13 appearances.

The qualities that brought Morgan to be acclaimed as one of the greatest wing-forwards of all time were many. He possessed exceptional speed -an unusual characteristic for a forward of the period -as well as having the hands and swerve of a centre three- quarter. In fact, he played at centre against the Barbarians on one occasion (scoring two tries against an international centre), on another he substituted for Dick J ones when he left the field injured! Defensively he was very good, often 'shielding' Owen from trouble around the base of the scrum, while his pace enabled him to cover and tackle excellently. Morgan could also take the rough and tumble of forward play, and between 1904 and 1912 he was the backbone of Swansea's great forward strength.

Morgan was selected for his first international against the 1908 Australians. He was not a popular choice, but Billy Neill the Cardiff loose forward -had gone 'North' and left a place open. In a gruelling forward battle the Welsh eight's speed away from the set pieces, particularly Morgan's, enabled the home side to squeeze in 9-6. However, the performance that really stamped Morgan as a player of class was the superb display he gave for his club against the Wallabies. Swansea won 6 -0. Morgan played throughout the rest of the international season as Wales took the Grand Slam. In 1910 he scored two tries

against France at Swansea before taking part in the opening match at Twickenham. Opposite him was Cherly Pillman, a brilliant all- round wing-forward, who could not only disrupt backs, but was also a brilliant attacking runner (he played fly half for Britain in a test in South Africa in 1910!). Unfortunately Morgan was forced by team strategy to playas a scrummager rather than being allowed his natural free-ranging game. As a result, Pillman roamed free to upset Owen and Jones and the 'bogey' was born! 1911 brought Morgan and Wales revenge over England, and another Grand Slam. Against Ireland, to take the Triple Crown, Morgan continually led the Welsh pack with surging foot rushes and close passing movements.

In 1912 Morgan was in towering form with Trew and Owen at half-hacks, but the Welsh selectors wanted eight scrummagers at Twickenham so he was left out. On the day Wales were disjointed and England, with Pillman, swept to victory. But Morgan and Trew returned against Scotland and Wales stormed to a 21-6 win, with Morgan getting a typical try. Unbelievably, he was dropped for the Irish game and not recalled against France. At the end of the season he retired. At 27, a sad loss to the game, a man before his time.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

TEDDY MORGAN - WALES

On December 16, 1905, just before 3 o'clock, Teddy Morgan was put clear by a superb pass from Rhys Gabe about 30 yards out from the opposition goal line. He went for the line at top speed as the full-back raced across to cut him off. In a flash he was diving over in the corner with the full -back just unable to cut him off. Wales were in the lead 3-0 which was to remain the score at full time.

In succeeding years it became clear that Morgan had scored probably the most famous try in Rugby Union, for it was the score that enabled Wales to defeat the first New Zealand touring team.

But Dr. Teddy Morgan, as he became, of Guy's Hospital, is not only remembered for one legendary effort. He was one of the most brilliant wings ever to play for his country. Indeed, as a pair, Morgan and his school and club mate, Llewellyn, are the greatest to have ever played together for Wales. He was exceptionally fast, but able to dodge, weave and, most of all, swerve, with no apparent change of pace. His greatest talent lay in wrong-footing defenders by feinting to swerve inwards; sometimes he would do it twice, and then leave them on the outside with an extra burst of speed. He could kick well in attack and defence, being particularly supreme at the cross-kick. His defensive catching and tackling were exceptional and often he would cut across from his own wing to tackle somebody in the opposite corner.

Morgan made his debut for Wales in 1902 and what had brought him to the attention of the selectors was his performance as a guest for Newport at Blackheath on October 26, 1901, when he scored three remarkable tries. Immediately, he had been acclaimed as a future international. Morgan was ever present in the Triple Crown-winning side of 1902.

Injury kept Morgan out of the Welsh XV until the game against Ireland in 1903. He made a brilliant return, racing over for two fine tries. In 1904 Morgan scored in every international and went off to the Antipodes with Bedell-Sivright's British side. As with the rest of the star Welsh backs on tour, Morgan revelled in the hard grounds in Australia and was first choice on the left wing. He scored in the Third Test and seven tries in all on tour. He also took over as captain because of injury for the Second and Third Tests against Australia and of the first British team to playa full international against New Zealand -a debatable choice as Llewellyn was the Welsh captain at the time. It probably owed more to his medical connections- the manager was also from Guy's!

In 1905 Morgan proved his greatness by scoring twice against England and getting the clinching second try against Ireland in the Triple Crown decider. When the All Blacks came to play Wales, Morgan took his place opposite McGregor, who had scored the two winning tries against Britain in 1904. Morgan tackled him ruthlessly throughout. He was also responsible for adding to the controversy as to whether Bob Deans 'scored' or not. Morgan claimed Deans had scored, saying on the one hand that when he got to Deans, he had grounded the ball over the line, while, on the other hand, he actually claimed to have tackled Deans (he could not have done both!). Gabe is generally reckoned to have tackled Deans with the help of Cliff Pritchard and others.

When the Springboks arrived in 1906 Teddy Morgan led Glamorgan against them. In a superb game, after going 0- 6 behind, Morgan rallied the county side only to lose in the end 3 -6. But in the Welsh match he had little chance in attack, although his stern, un-yielding defence was as good as ever.

After this match Morgan only played once more for Wales - as captain against France in 1908. First injury, and then his doctor's duties kept Morgan from first-class rugby. But he scored 14 tries in 16 internationals.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

GWYN NICHOLLS - WALES

GWYN NICHOLLS wrote a book shortly after his retirement. Two statements from it illustrate the man and his play. The Welsh or modern game is essentially the total merging of the player in his team. He is no longer even a unit, but rather an integral part of the whole' and it is the ability to "draw" two or more opponents that a three quarter should most prize. He was acclaimed in his day as a superlative centre three-quarter and was regarded by all who saw him as the greatest centre playing under the four three-quarter system.

But why was he regarded at the 'Prince of Centres'? Primarily he had the supreme gift of being able to read the game and judge what was most required at any moment. In attack, he usually subordinated himself to his wing, being a master at giving and taking a pass, but he could also burst for the line himself with great speed or a swerve. He scored 111 tries in 242 appearances for his club, Cardiff , but it is said he made three times as many for others! He had a superb eye for an opening while his fielding and punting of the ball was always quick and accurate. In defence not only was he a strong and sure tackler, but also he would get himself into positions to halt forward rushes. In an era when Scotland , Ireland and England all played in a forward dominated style, he must have been a very brave man to 'look for defensive duties when those countries -often nine forwards -were on the rampage.

Nicholls was a big and strong young man who made his debut for Cardiff in February, 1893, at the age of 18, after a long apprenticeship with junior clubs, but did not fully establish himself in the Cardiff side until the 1894/5 season. With international backs around him, Nicholls advanced so quickly that in January, 1896, he made his debut against Scotland in Cardiff . He partnered A. J. Gould and they were brilliant together in quagmire conditions. Because of the 'Gould affair' they were only to play together twice more for Wales . But the handover had been effected. Gould who had managed the change-over from three three-quarters to four in the Welsh team gave way to the man who was to be the most brilliant exponent of the new style and who was to lead Wales into the first Golden Era.

In the summer of 1899 Nicholls toured Australia with a British team under the Reverend Mark Mullineux. He played in all four tests and was the leading try scorer on the tour, the series was won 3 -1. He returned from Australia too late for the England game (he had gone to South Africa to try and enlist to fight the Boers!), but was picked for the games against Scotland and Ireland in 1900.

Wales won the second Triple Crown and it was Nicholls who made the only score of the match against the Irish in Belfast by beating his man before handing on to his co-centre, George Davies, to crash over for the decisive try. In the next season Nicholls scored a dazzling try against England with apparently six people on top of him.

1902 saw Nicholls become the Welsh captain, in succession to Billy Bancroft, and the Triple Crown was gained for the third time. Nicholls himself scored a drop goal and a try against Ireland . Owing to injury Nicholls did not play much in the next couple of years but returned against Ireland at Swansea in 1905. He displayed an unswerving brilliance in attack and defence, and Wales had won her fourth Crown.

At the age of 30, Gwyn Nicholls, already four times captain of his club, felt he ought to retire before the 1905/06 season began. But he did not and he was chosen to lead Wales against the All Blacks on December 16, 1905 . It was a titanic struggle but Nicholls's cool leadership in the pre-match build-up and his stirring call in the dressing room helped to ensure that Wales pulled off a narrow victory.

Nicholls, soon afterwards, scored one try and made the other in Cardiff 's tragic defeat 8 -10 by the All Blacks. But 1906 was to prove a sorry ending to Nicholls international career. After leading Wales to victory over England and Scotland , he was unable to prevent his side being outplayed by a fiery Irish XV in Belfast . He should have retired that summer but he played on. He was chosen to captain Wales against the touring Springboks in December. It was the worst Welsh performance in many years and an 11-0 defeat resulted. Nicholls suffered an injury although he tackled resolutely throughout the match.

However, on New Year's Day, 1907, Gwyn Nicholls bade farewell to top-flight rugby in real style. He was the brilliant general of a fine back line, running, passing, kicking and tackling superbly in swamp-like conditions, to crush the Springboks by 17 -0. He then retired. Tragically his health was never good after 1923 when he made an attempt to rescue a young girl from drowning at Weston. He suffered from nervous trouble and he died just before World War II, mourned by all.

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

DICKIE OWEN - WALES

Over one hundred years Wales has produced many excellent scrum halves -both capped and uncapped -but three stand out as pre-eminently great: R. M. Owen, W. H. Tanner and G.O.Edwards. Many people alive today will certainly have seen (Gareth Edwards and, quite a number, Haydn Tanner. Lost now amidst the history books lies the name of Dicky Owen -the 'pocket Hercules'. All three could lay claim to being the greatest Welsh scrum half.

Why Dicky Owen? To begin with, he won 35 caps, a feat not beaten until Ken Jones in the early fifties. For almost all the first Golden Era he was the first choice of the Welsh selectors as scrum half and as the side's tactical lynchpin. For almost a decade Dicky Owen took on all comers from the home countries, and notable half backs from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, and stood without equal the greatest scrum half of the day!

He was pathetically small and frail-looking -his pictures show him to be almost a dwarf with a puny, shrivelled face. He was 5' 2" tall and about 9 1/2 stones in weight. It is incredible that he survived so long without too many injuries, as forwards were not too particular about who and what they kicked before the Great War. Owen was certainly a target for 'spoiling; but he possessed an iron constitution which meant he could survive the hardest knocks. He was also a fearless faller on the ball and a demon tackler of the biggest of men!

Owen came to prominence very quickly with Swansea around the turn of the century. He followed the legendary Evan and David James who played for Swansea and Wales in the 1890s. At the same time, Dick Jones came into the Swansea side as fly half and Owen and Jones almost at once picked up where the James brothers left off. But whereas the James brothers used to enjoy playing by themselves, Owen and Jones became the first half-backs fully to combine tricky half-back play with running three-quarters.

Owen was a brilliant innovator, always seeking to perfect new moves and ways of unsettling the opposition. Rugby was almost a religion to him and he was, and still remains, one of the game's real formative influences. While most people were content with the development of the game by the turn of the century (for it had changed out of all recognition from the game of the 1880s), Owen continually experimented to outwit opponents. He became a master of the surprise attack from unexpected situations. He developed the tactics of feint attacks and was the first to realise the potential of a scrum half linking with wing forwards in offensive moves. Here, of course, he was helped by the great wing-forward play of Ivor Morgan.

He was the pivot of play with a swift rocket-like service that some fly-halves, especially Bush, found difficulty in making best use of. He played far better for Wales with Jones and Trew but was still able to partner the quixotic Bush to beat the All Blacks in 1905. Owen was an individualist and expected his outside half to be anticipating his playing decisions. But he was unselfish, wishing to make the most out of others.

He made his debut against Ireland in 1901 in partnership with Jones. They replaced the Newport club pair, because one of them was injured. He had only a moderate game after injuring his shoulder early on. But in 1902 came the Triple Crown, in partnership with Lloyd against Scotland and Ireland, and in 1903, again with Lloyd, only the Scots could master Wales. In 1904, with Jones again, the Swansea pair were brilliant but poor refereeing prevented Wales from gaining better results. 1905 showed Owen at his best -brilliant attacking partnership with Dick Jones against England; dogged survival with Trew in a dirty match in Scotland; superb in defence and in shielding new cap Wyndham Jones (Mountain Ash) at fly half against Ireland; and superbly inventive in attack and totally courageous in defence whilst partnering Bush against the All Blacks.

Indeed the 1905 Wales and New Zealand international owes much to the genius of Owen. The All Blacks played a 'rover' whose role was to put the ball in the scrummage and act as a destructive wing-forward. The New Zealand captain Dave Gallaher was an expert in this role. All afternoon Owen had to withstand the close- quarter 'rough-house' attentions of a man about ten inches taller and four stone heavier intent on 'burying' him beneath the turf. Owen suffered a rib injury and was punched but outstayed the All Blacks. His genius created the movement to break the hard defensive deadlock. He decided to play on the All Blacks' fear of Bush, who had been to Australasia in 1904, by passing to him. However, Wales played a rover as well in Cliff Pritchard, and he was to be used when the tourists least expected it. After pre-match training the move was to involve Owen dummying to pass to Bush and then reverse passing to Pritchard. After 20 minutes Gwyn Nicholls gave the signal in the centre of the field near the All Blacks' ten-yard line to initiate the move. From a scrum Owen moved right then reverse passed to Pritchard who managed to scoop the ball up from the turf (Owen's injured ribs prevented him passing properly). It was three to two and Teddy Morgan outflanked the full-back to score the decisive try.

Owen nearly won Swansea the match against the same All Blacks but his 'try' was disallowed. There were many more triumphs for Owen after this -a courageous match against overwhelming Irish forwards to take the Crown in 1908; a big part in the 1909 and 1911 Crown-winning sides; captain of Wales on three occasions; and a big part in Swansea's triumphal march on the club front. It was fitting that he was carried off shoulder-high from his last game for Wales after a superb performance as player and captain against Scotland at Swansea in 1912, when he was 35!

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

CHARLIE PRITCHARD - WALES

Before dawn broke on August 13, 1916, a 33-year-old captain in the 12th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, was brought into No.1 Casualty Clearing Station in France badly wounded.

He had been carried back after taking part in a raid on the German trenches, which had achieved its objective of taking prisoners. He had been at the Western Front for just over two months. His last reported words were as follows: Captain: 'Have they got the Hun?' Reply: 'Yes, he's all right ; Captain: 'Well, I have done my bit; He died without leaving the Station on the following day.

It sounds like a film script but it is not. It is the official record of the death of 'Charlie' Pritchard. For his part in the action he was mentioned in dispatches. His death was seen to epitomise the glorious sacrifice of the 'best sort' of young British manhood in the Great War.

The descriptions of him in life bear out the manner of his dying. He was like a lion on the field, off it he was extremely gentle, tender and lovable. In his play he was an untiring worker with almost inexhaustible energy. Although not a specialist, he more often than not played in the back row. He played with great fire and exuberance and was a very difficult player to stop. He had an excellent swerve in open play and always seemed to sustain a resolute forward momentum in the mauls and tight play. His passing was excellent while he could scrummage and dribble as well as any player. But his most important asset was his deadly tackling. George Travers said of his performance against the 1905 All Blacks -'he sent 'em down like ninepins. He stood an inch or so under six feet and was about 13st. 10lb.

He made his first-class debut for Newport against Swansea in January, 1902, at the tender age of 19. At the time Swansea were undefeated and had been Welsh club champions for the previous three seasons. In front of 12,000 people at St. Helens, Pritchard and Newport triumphed. In the following season Pritchard was a regular and his club toppled Swansea from their position of Welsh champions. Pritchard made his international debut against Ireland in 1904 after being third reserve!

The 1904/5 season was a miserable one on the club front for Pritchard but Wales won the Triple Crown for the fourth time. However, Pritchard was unlucky to miss the deciding match against Ireland through injury. But he was back to full fitness and in tremendous individual form during 1905/6. He had to take over the club captaincy from early on in the season, and led his club against the touring All Blacks.

But it was at Cardiff that Pritchard had his finest hour in the red jersey. The seven Welsh forwards battled hard all the way against the All Blacks and many felt that Pritchard was the best forward on the field. He tackled and played with grim determination, besides which he, to quote one report, 'took his gruelling like a man; A week later Pritchard, despite brilliant Newport forward play, had to concede defeat to the All Blacks by 3 -6.

In the following season Pritchard played the best rugby of his career and was one of only three who played up to form and reputation for Wales in the tragic defeat by the Springboks at Swansea in December, 1906. But earlier Pritchard had captained Newport against the tourists and, after conceding two early scores, severely shook the Springboks, only to lose 0 -8.

Pritchard was a popular Newport captain but he was not very successful in terms of results. He suffered serious injury early in 1908 and did not return until the 1909/10 season, when he recaptured his form splendidly. He played twice more for Wales, his last being the opening match at Twickenham. He then withdrew from the Scottish match apparently in order to give club-mate Jenkins a cap. He retired at the end of 1911

(Text from "A Century of Welsh Rugby Players" by Wayne Thomas)

WILLIE TREW - WALES

W J. 'Billy' Trew has been acclaimed by all as not only a great player, but as a truly creative rugby genius. This must be praise, for he was playing in an era which boasted the likes of Nicholls, Bush, Owen, Gabe, Vile, Dick Jones and W. J. Bancroft.

He was a slightly built, frail, ghost-like figure -around 5' 8" tall and under 11 stones in weight. He suffered numerous injuries during his career but always seemed able to recover very quickly. So much so that his career spanned some sixteen years with his club and fourteen seasons for his country. He also retired from playing about ten times -and returned!

Trew made his first appearance for Swansea at 17 against Penarth in October, 1897, and immediately made his mark. He played most of his early rugby for club and country on the wing, but later he was to prove himself even better as a centre or fly- half. The 1898/9 season saw Swansea emerge as Welsh Club Champions, a title only lost once in the following six seasons. It was an incredible phase of domination, especially as Cardiff and Newport were so powerful at the time. Trew became the most prolific try-scorer in Wales- 33 in 1898/9 and 31 in 1899/1900. Not surprisingly, he was selected to play for Wales against England on January 6, 1900- the dawn of the first Golden Era. He did not have an outstanding international season but scored a try against England.

After being injured during 1900/01 and 1901/2 Trew was unable to break back into the national XV- the likes of Llewellyn, Morgan, Gabe and Nicholls were in situ. In fact, before Trew, established himself in 1907, he only played three internationals! And his form in those games was disappointing, especially as he had scored 128 points including 29 tries for his club in 1903/4, and 1904/5 had seen him as an integral part of the Swansea ‘Invincibles’.

He was elected captain of the Swansea club for 1906/7, a position he retained for the following four seasons and made it six in 1912/13. Injury prevented Trew from turning out for Wales against the Springboks, but after that disastrous defeat he took over at fly-half against England. It was a crushing victory by 22 points to nil and Trew at last played to his ability at international level. In the following match against Scotland he captained Wales for the first time and it was the last time that Wales fielded eight backs and seven forwards. Wales lost with fourteen men. However, he withdrew from the Irish match, apparently because he disagreed with a suspension handed out to a team-mate by the WRU.!

1908 saw Trew at centre with Gabe and the first Grand Slam. He scored tries against England, Scotland and France while his wing, Reggie Gibbs, got six in the four matches. The following season, 1908/9, Trew as captain for all five games. It brought the Triple Crown, the Grand Slam and a victory over the touring Australians. Trew played alongside Jack Jones (Newport) in the centre. Against Australia Trew was kicked on the head but returned to direct his side’s victory after treatment. Two weeks later Trew led his club superbly in defeating the tourists. Earlier in the Golden Era the captaincy had been passed around for the honour, but once in harness, Trew was the acknowledged leader and master-minded triumph after triumph. Although beaten at forward in 1909 by England and Scotland the Welsh backs created enough to get through. Trew himself got three tries against France and one in the final match against Ireland.

In 1910 Wales lost for the first time since 1898 to England on the occasion of the opening of the Twickenham ground. The Twickenham 'bogey' had started, and Wales, for once, could not finish off the chances that were offered. At the age of 31, Billy Trew led Wales in the 1911 campaign to a third Grand Slam. It was his greatest piece of leadership for Wales and he did it as fly-half to Dicky Owen! In fact, Trew's versatility was incredible -he played indifferent Triple Crown years as wing, centre and fly- half! Although 1911 owed much to Cardiff's all-international three-quarter line, it was Trew's brilliant tactical and strategic captaincy in the close fought victories over England and Ireland that was decisive.

In 1912 Trew was absent from Twickenham through injury, but he watched the match and landed himself in court for being drunk and disorderly in the Strand. He returned to be carried shoulder-high after a crushing victory over Scotland, but both he and Owen preferred to play for their club and missed the last two internationals of the season!

In 1912/13, he led his club from centre against the touring Springboks. Swansea led by a try to nil at half-time after playing with the wind. In the second half - for a time with 14 men - Swansea defended brilliantly against foot rushes and passing movements. Trew marshalled the defence, sometimes pulling out three forwards to play as backs! It worked -Swansea held on to win. This was incredible for he had been reported as suffering a slight nervous breakdown two weeks earlier! On the strength of this, he was recalled to lead a very inexperienced Welsh side in Edinburgh, and Wales snatched a surprise victory. He then went on to Paris where Wales won, but Trew, very ill with a groin injury he suffered in the game, had played his last international.

Billy Trew was a superb individual player with a brilliant swerve and dummy. And, although he was so slightly built, he was a courageous defender who could time his tackles superbly. In his early days as a wing he was brilliant at scoring corner tries. As a midfield creator he was a true genius, for his greatest talent was superb combination with those around him. He had incredible timing and execution in his passing. Trew also had a lot of speed, for he had been a junior sprinter of some note.

A boilermaker by trade and later a publican, he was to die tragically early in the


Inside pages. The adhesion mark to bottom right is where the ink pad was attached.	Title page	first page of 'Thumb O Graphs", a family affair, Elsie, Sara C (mum) and Fred (dad).


Frederick Bradford	Elsie Bradford