MONTHLY ROUND-UP: JULY 1869
Two-time champions the Old Westminsters are looking increasingly likely to take a third crown in five years after extending their lead in the Metropolitan League standings to two games. They won five games out of six in July, including a vital victory over Angel in the middle of the month after the teams had entered that game tied for first place. Angel lost their next game against Kensington as well to fall two behind, while Greenwich are also two back after they had a poor start to the month, losing the first two before winning the next three.
Every time Clapham look like moving into contention their form falters, as they lost to the Westminsters at the start of July and then after two wins, were beaten in their final two games of the month. They still have a winning record of ten victories and nine defeats, but sit four games off the pace, alongside the Royal Artillery Barracks. The reigning champions were beaten by Clapham and then lost twice in a day to the City of London Club this month, and may be falling out of contention. Kensington are one game further behind, while that was as good as the month got for the City Club as they remain one place off the bottom of the standings. The change of manager at The Regent’s Park did not help their fortunes at all, as they lost all five of their games and now have sixteen defeats from nineteen games. The champions of two seasons ago look increasingly likely to post the worst season record yet seen in the league.
