Thames Ironworks F.C. who wagered money that one of them would win. Belton defeated them, and when they were unable to pay the bet, one of the Villa players who was responsible for washing the team's kit offered a complete side's 'uniforms' to him in payment of the bet. The Aston Villa player subsequently reported to his club that the kit was 'missing'. Thames Ironworks, and later West Ham United, would continue to use their previously favoured colours for their away kits. In recent years the club have committed to a sky blue-white-dark blue rotation, each kit having a one-season shelf life. Thames
Rugby union in London since the development of the professional game. These have included Loftus Road as well as high Wycombe and now Coventry. Their affiliated Amateur side, Wasps FC, still play at the original ground in Acton. Another premiership team with London roots, London Irish, currently play outside Greater London, playing at the Madejski Stadium in Reading, within the London commuter belt, owned by the football club Reading F.C.. They retain their administrative and training base in Sunbury-on-Thames. Another club with London roots, London Welsh, have bounced between the Premiership and Championship in recent years, having been promoted to or relegated from the