OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - British and Irish Baseball

as5680 · 03-29-2022, 04:55 PM

MONTHLY ROUND-UP: SEPTEMBER 1876

LONDON AND SOUTH-EAST

There seems to be little to stop Westminster winning this year’s Metropolitan League championship, not even a perfect month of September from Clapham who have won nine successive games in all and moved into second place. Westminster took five out of six themselves, falling only 1-0 in extra innings to Putney, and although Clapham have the same number of victories Westminster have played and lost six games fewer. Indeed, fatigue may be their only concern as they must play every Wednesday in October to complete their schedule. Defeat to Clapham at the end of the month has dropped Angel down to third place. Despite a 7-4 loss to championship rivals Isleworth, two victories from their final three games will win the Middlesex County League for Edmonton after Isleworth lost three of their other four games during September. A dramatic 2-0 win in ten innings against the Old Harrovians may have put Edmonton out of sight, while Isleworth must win their last two and hope for at least two defeats for the leaders.

In the Kent County League, Dartford appear to have steadied the ship after a loss at in-form Tunbridge Wells early in September left them clinging to a narrow lead. Sharing two with Maidstone was much more use to Dartford than to the chasing Maidstone, with two more victories to end the month giving them a three-game lead. Champions Rochester have crumbled under the pressure of chasing a third successive crown, losing their last four games to drop to third below a Tunbridge Wells team who have remarkably won their last ten overall after a tough first half to their debut campaign. Dartford could be champions after their next game if they win and Tunbridge Wells are beaten. In Surrey, Kingston are almost home and dry despite two postponements in September and a tough extra innings loss to Reigate. Wimbledon could only win two and lose two and they sit three games back with only four to play. One more win will be enough for Romford to take the Essex County League for this year, after four wins from their first five in September edged them clear of West Ham. Indeed, they would be champions already but for a narrow 6-5 loss to Barking in their last game. West Ham lost four of five this month, including one against Romford, and have dropped back to an even record. They must defeat Romford in their next game to keep the race alive.

NORTH-WEST

In a dramatic month in the Manchester and District League, champions Miles Platting and long-time leaders Belle Vue both lost four successive games to see their title hopes fade. Their loss in form had handed a chance to Bury and Oldham, whose own dip in form earlier in the year seemed to have ruled them out. Instead, Bury now lead the way after winning four games out of five this month while Oldham are just a fraction behind having taken a perfect four from four. Belle Vue too are only fractionally off the lead, but they must turn their form around quickly. Irwell are one game back in fourth after dropping two games in a day to improving Glossop.
The first championship to be decided this year was the Liverpool and District League, with Linacre the team who finally ended Liverpool St Patrick’s five-year hold on the crown. Defeat against Sankey slowed their charge a little and then victories for Sankey and Anfield a week later made Linacre wait a little longer, but it was perhaps fitting that the title was secured with a 1-0 win over Liverpool. Two years ago Liverpool edged out Linacre in a tie-breaking game, but this year Linacre sealed their own success against the five-time winners. In the Lancashire County League, two defeats in their first three games of September saw Ribble caught by Blackburn, making their final scheduled meeting absolutely pivotal as the teams entered the game tied with three to play. Sadly for Ribble, they fell to a 5-2 defeat and when they lost again a week later to outgoing champions Over Darwen, the race was run. Blackburn defeated Burnley on the same day to move two games clear with only one remaining, secure the championship for the first time.

YORKSHIRE AND NORTH-EAST

Victories in their first two games of September seemed to push Leeds Central to the brink of winning the Leeds and Bradford League, but defeats in the next three handed an opportunity to champions Dewsbury in their attempt to catch up. They could not take full advantage however, falling to both Woodhouse Lane and Huddersfield and remain adrift in second place three matches to play. Leeds have four remaining and know that three victories will be enough. The most exciting finish of the year is in the Sheffield and District League, where with one round of fixtures remaining three teams remain tied for first place. Chesterfield had entered the month one game ahead but lost that advantage with a 1-0 defeat at Hallamshire before they, Sheffield Philadelphia and Sanderson’s Weir all won three and lost one of their next four games. Losses to Sheffield and Weir ended Hallamshire’s hopes of getting into the thick of the race, while champions Doncaster are having a wretched end to the year as they lost all five in September to extend their losing run to nine and guarantee not only the loss of their championship but a losing record for the year. Chesterfield meet Sanderson’s Weir in the final game of the season, with the winners of that match-up knowing that they will take the title if Sheffield lose to Holmes Tail, or face a tiebreaking game should Sheffield win.

In the Yorkshire County League, East of Hull saw their hopes of taking the inaugural title suffer a blow when they lost 1-0 in eighteen innings to neighbours West of Hull and fell one game behind Derwent at the top of the standings. A 1-0 victory over Derwent the following week drew them level again, only for Derwent to move ahead once more by defeating Beverley as Easts lost to York. When Easts lost again to Scarborough in their next game, a result which moved Scarborough into a tie for second place, Derwent could have secured the title with victory over York but fell 2-0. That means that with one game to play, Derwent lead by a single game from both Scarborough and East of Hull, and will take the crown if they beat West of Hull in their last fixture. Defeat would give either or both of the chasers the chance to force tiebreakers. Winning their first three games of September seemed to move Wearmouth out of sight in the Tyne and Wear League, but they unexpectedly dropped two games to South Shields and another to Jesmond to end the month. Newcastle Westgate had the chance to move level in the standings by defeating Sunderland twice on the final Saturday in September, but having won the first game they lost the second and trail by one with one to play. They must now win at Jesmond and hope that Wearmouth lose at Gateshead to earn a tiebreaking game.

MIDLANDS AND SOUTH-WEST

It is still tough to call the Birmingham and District League race after Dudley slumped to defeat in each of their first four games in September. They are still clinging on to a share of first place, alongside a Birmingham Main Line team who have been on the fringes of the race all year but now share top spot after winning all five in September for the concession of just a single run. Small Heath lost narrowly to both Main Line and West Bromwich to sit one game back in third, while newcomers Bilston have lost three of their last four but still have a chance if they can win all their rescheduled games, having played three fewer than the two leaders. The battle is over in the Bristol and District League, as first Bristol Easton faded away by losing their first three in the month and then Swindon faltered with losses against Avon and Arno’s Castle. That left Swindon having to beat leaders Weston super Mare to keep the race alive, but Weston took the game 3-0 and claim the championship having missed out by a single game last year.

In the Derby and Nottingham League, Derby Union earned a vital victory over champions Ilkeston midway through September and seemed set to take the crown, but a 1-0 loss to neighbours Midland Loco has revived hope for Ilkeston. They won their last two and are now just one game behind again, with both teams having three to play. Leicester South Fields are on the verge of a successful title defence in the Leicester and Northampton League, despite opening September with a 2-0 defeat at Northampton. They won their next four games, most importantly a 3-0 success at second placed Loughborough which moved them two games ahead in the standings. Two wins from their final four games will be enough for a second championship.

SCOTLAND

Tail o’ the Bank moved level with champions Burgh of Partick at the top of the Glasgow and District League when they opened September by defeating their rivals 5-0, but handed the advantage straight back with a defeat at Tollcross in their next game. Just as Partick were looking as though they might have done enough for a fourth successive title however, they too crashed to Tollcross and Tail took advantage, winning their last game of the month 3-0 against Govan to close to within a fraction at the top. They have three to play and Partick just two, with the second of those a meeting of the two contenders which may decide the destination of this year’s championship.

Victories in their first three games of September, coupled with two defeats for Arthur’s Seat against Haymarket, meant that The Grange could secure the East of Scotland League championship with victory over Arthur’s Seat when the two met for the final time this year. The Grange could not complete the job however, falling 1-0, and despite defeating Haymarket a week later the championship is still not quite theirs heading into October. They are two ahead with two to play, and know that one win or a defeat for Arthur’s Seat will end the race. The race is already over in the new North Caledonian League however, as unfancied Arbroath completed their remarkable season by taking the inaugural championship. They did not do so comfortably, losing two of their first three in September before slipping again 2-1 against Moncreiffe when victory would have secured the title. In their last game of September Arbroath lost again, 6-2 to Dundee, but this time it did not matter as Moncreiffe and Aberdeen were both defeated in their games, which meant that nobody could catch up. Arbroath now lead by three with two to play and despite having the smallest number of players at their disposal, have overcome the teams from much larger towns and cities to take the crown.

03-29-2022, 04:55 PM	#199
as5680 All Star Starter Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Didcot, England Posts: 1,426	MONTHLY ROUND-UP: SEPTEMBER 1876 LONDON AND SOUTH-EAST There seems to be little to stop Westminster winning this year’s Metropolitan League championship, not even a perfect month of September from Clapham who have won nine successive games in all and moved into second place. Westminster took five out of six themselves, falling only 1-0 in extra innings to Putney, and although Clapham have the same number of victories Westminster have played and lost six games fewer. Indeed, fatigue may be their only concern as they must play every Wednesday in October to complete their schedule. Defeat to Clapham at the end of the month has dropped Angel down to third place. Despite a 7-4 loss to championship rivals Isleworth, two victories from their final three games will win the Middlesex County League for Edmonton after Isleworth lost three of their other four games during September. A dramatic 2-0 win in ten innings against the Old Harrovians may have put Edmonton out of sight, while Isleworth must win their last two and hope for at least two defeats for the leaders. In the Kent County League, Dartford appear to have steadied the ship after a loss at in-form Tunbridge Wells early in September left them clinging to a narrow lead. Sharing two with Maidstone was much more use to Dartford than to the chasing Maidstone, with two more victories to end the month giving them a three-game lead. Champions Rochester have crumbled under the pressure of chasing a third successive crown, losing their last four games to drop to third below a Tunbridge Wells team who have remarkably won their last ten overall after a tough first half to their debut campaign. Dartford could be champions after their next game if they win and Tunbridge Wells are beaten. In Surrey, Kingston are almost home and dry despite two postponements in September and a tough extra innings loss to Reigate. Wimbledon could only win two and lose two and they sit three games back with only four to play. One more win will be enough for Romford to take the Essex County League for this year, after four wins from their first five in September edged them clear of West Ham. Indeed, they would be champions already but for a narrow 6-5 loss to Barking in their last game. West Ham lost four of five this month, including one against Romford, and have dropped back to an even record. They must defeat Romford in their next game to keep the race alive. NORTH-WEST In a dramatic month in the Manchester and District League, champions Miles Platting and long-time leaders Belle Vue both lost four successive games to see their title hopes fade. Their loss in form had handed a chance to Bury and Oldham, whose own dip in form earlier in the year seemed to have ruled them out. Instead, Bury now lead the way after winning four games out of five this month while Oldham are just a fraction behind having taken a perfect four from four. Belle Vue too are only fractionally off the lead, but they must turn their form around quickly. Irwell are one game back in fourth after dropping two games in a day to improving Glossop. The first championship to be decided this year was the Liverpool and District League, with Linacre the team who finally ended Liverpool St Patrick’s five-year hold on the crown. Defeat against Sankey slowed their charge a little and then victories for Sankey and Anfield a week later made Linacre wait a little longer, but it was perhaps fitting that the title was secured with a 1-0 win over Liverpool. Two years ago Liverpool edged out Linacre in a tie-breaking game, but this year Linacre sealed their own success against the five-time winners. In the Lancashire County League, two defeats in their first three games of September saw Ribble caught by Blackburn, making their final scheduled meeting absolutely pivotal as the teams entered the game tied with three to play. Sadly for Ribble, they fell to a 5-2 defeat and when they lost again a week later to outgoing champions Over Darwen, the race was run. Blackburn defeated Burnley on the same day to move two games clear with only one remaining, secure the championship for the first time. YORKSHIRE AND NORTH-EAST Victories in their first two games of September seemed to push Leeds Central to the brink of winning the Leeds and Bradford League, but defeats in the next three handed an opportunity to champions Dewsbury in their attempt to catch up. They could not take full advantage however, falling to both Woodhouse Lane and Huddersfield and remain adrift in second place three matches to play. Leeds have four remaining and know that three victories will be enough. The most exciting finish of the year is in the Sheffield and District League, where with one round of fixtures remaining three teams remain tied for first place. Chesterfield had entered the month one game ahead but lost that advantage with a 1-0 defeat at Hallamshire before they, Sheffield Philadelphia and Sanderson’s Weir all won three and lost one of their next four games. Losses to Sheffield and Weir ended Hallamshire’s hopes of getting into the thick of the race, while champions Doncaster are having a wretched end to the year as they lost all five in September to extend their losing run to nine and guarantee not only the loss of their championship but a losing record for the year. Chesterfield meet Sanderson’s Weir in the final game of the season, with the winners of that match-up knowing that they will take the title if Sheffield lose to Holmes Tail, or face a tiebreaking game should Sheffield win. In the Yorkshire County League, East of Hull saw their hopes of taking the inaugural title suffer a blow when they lost 1-0 in eighteen innings to neighbours West of Hull and fell one game behind Derwent at the top of the standings. A 1-0 victory over Derwent the following week drew them level again, only for Derwent to move ahead once more by defeating Beverley as Easts lost to York. When Easts lost again to Scarborough in their next game, a result which moved Scarborough into a tie for second place, Derwent could have secured the title with victory over York but fell 2-0. That means that with one game to play, Derwent lead by a single game from both Scarborough and East of Hull, and will take the crown if they beat West of Hull in their last fixture. Defeat would give either or both of the chasers the chance to force tiebreakers. Winning their first three games of September seemed to move Wearmouth out of sight in the Tyne and Wear League, but they unexpectedly dropped two games to South Shields and another to Jesmond to end the month. Newcastle Westgate had the chance to move level in the standings by defeating Sunderland twice on the final Saturday in September, but having won the first game they lost the second and trail by one with one to play. They must now win at Jesmond and hope that Wearmouth lose at Gateshead to earn a tiebreaking game. MIDLANDS AND SOUTH-WEST It is still tough to call the Birmingham and District League race after Dudley slumped to defeat in each of their first four games in September. They are still clinging on to a share of first place, alongside a Birmingham Main Line team who have been on the fringes of the race all year but now share top spot after winning all five in September for the concession of just a single run. Small Heath lost narrowly to both Main Line and West Bromwich to sit one game back in third, while newcomers Bilston have lost three of their last four but still have a chance if they can win all their rescheduled games, having played three fewer than the two leaders. The battle is over in the Bristol and District League, as first Bristol Easton faded away by losing their first three in the month and then Swindon faltered with losses against Avon and Arno’s Castle. That left Swindon having to beat leaders Weston super Mare to keep the race alive, but Weston took the game 3-0 and claim the championship having missed out by a single game last year. In the Derby and Nottingham League, Derby Union earned a vital victory over champions Ilkeston midway through September and seemed set to take the crown, but a 1-0 loss to neighbours Midland Loco has revived hope for Ilkeston. They won their last two and are now just one game behind again, with both teams having three to play. Leicester South Fields are on the verge of a successful title defence in the Leicester and Northampton League, despite opening September with a 2-0 defeat at Northampton. They won their next four games, most importantly a 3-0 success at second placed Loughborough which moved them two games ahead in the standings. Two wins from their final four games will be enough for a second championship. SCOTLAND Tail o’ the Bank moved level with champions Burgh of Partick at the top of the Glasgow and District League when they opened September by defeating their rivals 5-0, but handed the advantage straight back with a defeat at Tollcross in their next game. Just as Partick were looking as though they might have done enough for a fourth successive title however, they too crashed to Tollcross and Tail took advantage, winning their last game of the month 3-0 against Govan to close to within a fraction at the top. They have three to play and Partick just two, with the second of those a meeting of the two contenders which may decide the destination of this year’s championship. Victories in their first three games of September, coupled with two defeats for Arthur’s Seat against Haymarket, meant that The Grange could secure the East of Scotland League championship with victory over Arthur’s Seat when the two met for the final time this year. The Grange could not complete the job however, falling 1-0, and despite defeating Haymarket a week later the championship is still not quite theirs heading into October. They are two ahead with two to play, and know that one win or a defeat for Arthur’s Seat will end the race. The race is already over in the new North Caledonian League however, as unfancied Arbroath completed their remarkable season by taking the inaugural championship. They did not do so comfortably, losing two of their first three in September before slipping again 2-1 against Moncreiffe when victory would have secured the title. In their last game of September Arbroath lost again, 6-2 to Dundee, but this time it did not matter as Moncreiffe and Aberdeen were both defeated in their games, which meant that nobody could catch up. Arbroath now lead by three with two to play and despite having the smallest number of players at their disposal, have overcome the teams from much larger towns and cities to take the crown.