MONTHLY ROUND-UP: OCTOBER 1868
The Royal Artillery Barracks were only narrowly elected to the Metropolitan League last year, but they have justified their place by winning the championship at the first attempt, and doing so in the end by a three game margin. Success was secured with a game to spare as they defeated Angel and the Old Westminsters to extend their winning run to eight games, remarkably seven of those coming without allowing a run. With the City of London Club losing their final game and the Artillery winning a ninth in succession to end the campaign, their success looks comfortable at first glance. It must be remembered though that with eight games to play, the City Club had a two game lead in the standings. They won just three of their last eight though, while the Artillery remained undefeated.
Last year’s champions The Regent’s Park have to share third place with Angel Islington after both lost their final games, while Greenwich end their first season with a losing record having fallen to both Clapham and Kensington in October. That win moved Clapham level with the Old Westminsters in the standings, after the two-time champions lost six of their last seven games. Indeed, they were only one game ahead of last-placed Kensington in the final standings after Kensington won their last two. All the plaudits belong the Royal Artillery Barracks team this year though, who gave up by far the fewest runs as pitcher Henry Clarke performed magnificently, while their late season run of victories meant that they actually also scored more than anyone else. They will be tough to dethrone next year, but the City Club will be determined to go one better after a strong season.
