The 2006/07 season sees 44 teams in the English Southern League. That’s really encouraging as back in the 2001/02 season that only 18 teams participated. Growth like this does not happen by chance. A bit thanks goes to all clubs who promote, organise and encourage lacrosse across the country.

The divisional line-up’s below are as published by the league and are in rank order (i.e. order they finished last season). This puts Spencer between Bath and Penarth in the Premiership. This ranking dictates the draw for the knockout flags competition.

Anything could happen in the Premiership this season. Hitchin and Hillcroft were the most consistent, but on their day, Hampstead were dynamite. Expect Purley to bounce back after a mediocre season by their high standards. It’s hard to call how the other teams will fair. I expect a lot of very closely fought games this season. In the East 1 we expect Welwyn, East Grinstead and Cambridge Uni to battle out the top spots. It’s great to see new clubs forming in East 2 like East Coast Lacrosse from Norwich, plus the resurrection of Loughborough Uni and Nottingham Uni. Those slightly older folk will remember Nottingham being a university force during the 1990’s.

UPDATE
Before the season started, Penarth opted to move into the West Division to help develop some of their younger and inexperienced squad members. Thus the Premiership division now consists of nine teams.