The 1988–89 Area League South was the second full season of rugby union within the fourth tier of the English league system, later known as National League 2 South, and counterpart to Area League North (now known as National League 2 North). Lydney won the championship despite having an identical win/draw/lose record to Havant in second place, and finished top due to a superior points difference, gaining promotion to the 1989–90 National Division 3. Three teams were relegated; Ealing (to London Division 1), Stroud (to South West Division 1) and Sidcup (to London Division 1). Last season Sidcup finished second, and this season lost all ten matches.
Structure Each team played one match against each of the other teams, playing a total of ten matches each. This was the first season of fixed Saturdays for league matches. The champions are promoted to National Division 3 and the last three teams are relegated to either London 1 or South West 1 depending on their locality.
Participating teams and locations
TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious seasonCamborne Recreation Ground 11,000 Camborne, Cornwall 4thCheltenham Prince of Wales 3,500 (500 seats) Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 10thEaling Horsenden Hill Horsenden Hill, Ealing, London Promoted from London 1 (champions)Havant Hook's Lane 3,000 (200 seats) Havant, Hampshire 5thLydney Regentsholme 3,000 (340 seats)Lydney, Gloucestershire 3rdRedruth Recreation Ground 12,000 Redruth, Cornwall Promoted from South West 1 (champions)Salisbury Castle Road 1,500 Salisbury, Wiltshire9thSidcup Crescent Farm Sidcup, Kent 2ndSouthend Warners Park 1,500 (150 seats) Southend, Essex 7thStroud Fromehall Park 4,000 (200 seats) Stroud, Gloucestershire 6thSudburyMoorsfield 1,000 Sudbury, Suffolk 8th
League table
Sponsorship Area League South is part of the Courage Clubs Championship and is sponsored by Courage Brewery.
See also 1988–89 National Division 1 1988–89 National Division 2 1988–89 National Division 3 1988–89 Area League North
References