the sport in Wales. As often occurred, the member clubs' self-interest overrode the desire for expansion, and was yet another factor in the demise of rugby league in Wales and the Welsh League. Welsh League When Aberdare and Barry joined the Northern Union on 21 July 1908, it was decided that with six Welsh teams a Welsh League could be formed. The Northern Union presented the League with a cup, valued at 50 guineas, for the Welsh champions. 1908/1909 season The first Welsh League tournament was contested between Aberdare, Barry, Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid-Rhondda and Treherbert. Each team was scheduled to play each other twice, home and away. As the Welsh teams were playing in the Welsh League and the Northern Rugby League, and both leagues were separate tournaments, each team would over the course of the season face each four times, twice in the Welsh League and twice in the Northern Rugby League. The position of each team at the end of the season is decided on winning percentage. Winning percentage is calculated on games won plus half games drawn divided by games played. The teams are then ranked in order, with the club with the highest percentage as champions. The first Welsh League was won by Ebbw Vale. Table 1908/09 Matches 1909/1910 season The second Welsh League tournament was contested between Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil and Treherbert. Each team was scheduled to play each other twice, home and away. As the Welsh teams were playing in the Welsh League and the Northern Rugby League, and both leagues were separate tournaments, each team would over the course of the season face each four times, twice in the Welsh League and twice in the Northern Rugby League. The position of each team at the end of the season is decided on winning percentage. Winning percentage is calculated on games won plus half games drawn divided by games played. The teams are then ranked in order, with the club with the highest percentage as champions. The second Welsh League was won by Ebbw Vale. Table 1909/10 matches See also Rugby league in Wales References Bibliography Rugby league competitions in the United Kingdom Defunct sports leagues in the United Kingdom Rugby league in Wales 1908 in Welsh rugby league 1909 in Welsh rugby league 1910 in Welsh rugby league