Officials       

Representatives of the Association code in England and Wales met yesterday on the Wrexham Racecourse, where the sons of Gwalia had fought out twenty-three previous battles (seven with England, eleven with Scotland, and five with Ireland) for their country's honour. The game completed a round score of matches between the Rose and the Leek, in which the latter had suffered very considerably. The two matches previously played by Wales this season have also ended disastrously, Ireland, by their superior combination defeating the Principality at Llandudno by one goal to nothing, and Scotland sending them under by five goals to two at Motherwell.
   There was a complete change in the weather at Wrexham yesterday from that which prevailed on Saturday. The wind and sleet had cleared, and it may surprise Londoners to learn that a bright Spring day prevailed. The majority of the English team had made the journey to Chester on Sunday, and remained at the Royal Hotel. They ere accompanied by the selection committee of the English Association, including Mr. J. C. Clegg, C. J. Hughes, P. A. Timbs, G. S. Sherrington, R. Redford, and C. Wreford-Brown. The whole of the arrangements were left in the hands of Mr. F. G. Wall, who was present, also Mr. Wickford (Hampshire). The committee were present mainly for the purpose of picking a team to play against Scotland. Contrary to expectations they did not remain in the Welsh town, but returned to Chester, where the meeting took place. The Welsh committee had made every preparation for a big match, and large contingents of spectators were brought in by the numerous excursions which were running.
   A strong wind was blowing directly across the field when the English team led the way to the scene of the contest, and only some 5,000 persons were present when Mr. Robertson called the men together for the game. England won the toss, and Morgan Owen started. A corner was given to the Englishmen thus early, but nothing came of it. Jones sent to Meredith, but the latter kicked too strongly, and the ball went behind. After some passing amongst Smith and Spikesley another charge was made on the Welsh line. Parry replied smartly, and play went to the other end, but Oakley obviated disaster by a fine kick to touch at half-way. From the throw-in the English forwards took a dribble, and the Welshmen were penalised for a foul. With this advantage they worked along, and Wheldon put in a nice shot, which Trainer missed, thus recording the first goal for England. Wales after this had a few chances to score, one of which was spoiled by the half-backs not following up, and Taylor missed the net by a few inches. After a brief invasion of the home ground the attack was renewed with great vigour by the Welshmen, who kept up a sharp bombardment of the English net. Several clinking shots were made by Taylor, Owen, Jenkyns, and Jones, but in each case they either struck the wood, or went a few inches wide. Their was another brief visit of the Englishmen to the Welsh end, but Smart Arridge cleared. Jones following up, beat Booth, and Parry sent the ball to Watkins, who made a fine shot, but missed. Then came a short tussle on the Welsh right wing, but Meredith and Bartley ultimately beat Athersmith and Goodall. Mainly by the fine head work of Athersmith and Goodall another invasion was made of the Welsh territory, but Trainer dodged Smith and sent a well-directed kick to mid-way. Bartley dribbled to Morgan Owen, who failed to score. From the restart Taylor and Jenkyns returned to the attack, and Williams put in a fine defence. The English backs were now kept busy defending their net. From one of the goal-kicks a foul was given against Watkins, and from this advantage the English forwards pressed. Perry eventually made a fine shot, which Trainer fisted out in remarkable manner. Thus, right up to half time play was kept a good pace, but nothing further being added, England were leading at the interval by one goal to nil.
   G. O. Smith re-started, and an invasion was made by the home country, Bartley making a fine shot, which went over the bar. After the kick-out Parry attempted to head the ball through, but Oakley was at home, and sending to the left wing Wheldon and Spikesley got away with a dribble, which baffled Meredith. Booth sent in a fine kick, which Trainer again saved well. The English forwards now kept up a bombardment of the net, and the Welsh custodian with his characteristic coolness saved in a remarkable manner. Some tricky passing amongst the English forwards ensued, but at length the Welshmen got the ball away. A foul was given against Wales near their own goal. A fine run by Athersmith along the touch-line saw Smart Arridge up well, but the Aston Villa player sent wide. The Welshmen were now playing up in grand form, and kept up a warm rally on their opponents' net. A splendid shot by Meredith disappointed the crowd, and after a brief visitation to the Welsh line Meredith and Bentley again followed up from a kick by Jones, the Manchester City forward sending in a clinker which Oakley and Robinson failed to stop until it was in the net. The whistle, however, had gone during the flight of the ball, and Wales was again robbed of a score. After this the Englishmen improved their combination, and Trainer's services were called into requisition. Athersmith's tactics of square kicks to the left wing saw both Wheldon and Spikesley repeatedly shoot too high. Then a few short passes between the Englishmen saw Smith send along to Wheldon, who put in a low shot, which deceived Trainer, and the second goal went to England. The visitors continued to keep up the pace, and for some time play was almost entirely in the Welsh grounds, the combination of the home men having apparently broken down. From one of these onslaughts one of the left-wing men again sent in a beauty, which was got rid of, and a second or so later the final whistle blew.