1998–99 National League 2 South Explained

1998–99 National League 2 South
Champions:Bracknell (1st title)
Runnersup:Esher (not promoted)
Relegated:Havant
Matches:182
Prevseason:1997–98
Nextseason:1999–00

The 1998–99 National League 2 South (sponsored by Jewson) was the twelfth full season of rugby union within the fourth tier (south) of the English league system. It is counterpart to National League 2 North, which covers the northern half of the country.

The title battle was very keenly contested by three clubs but in the end it was Bracknell who came out top, 1 point clear of runners up Esher and 3 clear of 3rd placed North Walsham, to claim their second successive promotion and a place in the 1999–00 National League 1. It was during this campaign that Bracknell set the (then) English league record of 53 consecutive wins at home.[1] The battle for relegation was equally well contested with a number of teams fighting for survival. Despite battling hard Havant would finish in the bottom spot, dead level with 13th placed Cheltenham but with a worse for/against record. Havant would drop to London 1.[2] The reason National League 2 South had only one relegation place compared to National League 2 North (who had 3) was that both of the two teams relegated from the division above were based in the north of the country, requiring more places to accommodate for their arrival the following season.

Structure

Each team played home and away matches against each of the other teams, playing a total of twenty-six matches each. The league champions were promoted to National League 1 while the bottom side dropped to either London 1 or South West 1 depending on locality.

Participating teams and locations

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Goresbrook 1,000 3rd
Lily Hill Park 1,000 Promoted from South West 1 (champions)
Bath Road 5,000 8th
Newlands Park 5th
Station Road 2,500 11th
3,500 4th
Hook's Lane 1,500 12th (no relegation)
Imber Court 14th (no relegation)
Norwich Road 1,200 7th
Beeston Hyrne Promoted from London 1 (champions)
Beacon Park 3,500 13th (no relegation)
Recreation Ground 12,000 9th
Cobden Hill 6th
Recreation Ground 6,000 10th

Sponsorship

National League 2 South is part of the Jewson National Leagues is sponsored by Jewson.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Club History: On to the National Leagues (1991 - 2014). Bracknell RFC (Pitchero). 21 December 2017 .
  2. Web site: Jewson National League 2 South 1998/99. The Rugby Archive. 22 December 2017. 30 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171230232916/http://www.rugbyarchive.net/Pagine/StagioneCompetizioni.aspx?ID=24. dead.