2011–12 National League 1
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The 2011–12 National League 1 is the third season of the third division of the English domestic rugby union competitions since the professionalised format of the second division was introduced. Birmingham & Solihull find themselves playing in this league following their relegation from the 2010–11 RFU Championship in the play-offs, whilst other newcomers to the league in this season are Ealing Trailfinders and Jersey, and Fylde, who won promotion to the league from the 2010–11 National League 2 South and 2010–11 National League 2 North respectively.[1][2][3][4]
2011–12 National League 1 | |
---|---|
Countries | England Jersey |
Champions | Jersey |
Runners-up | Ealing Trailfinders |
Relegated | Birmingham & Solihull, Stourbridge, Barking |
Attendance | 138,972 (average 581 per match)[n 1] |
Highest attendance | 3,648 Jersey at home to Rosslyn Park on 14 January 2012 |
Lowest attendance | 101 Barking at home to Rosslyn Park on 3 September 2011 |
Top point scorer | Rory Teague Cinderford 254 points |
Top try scorer | Phil Chesters Ealing Trailfinders 42 tries |
The league title was contested by two of the newly promoted sides with Jersey finishing the season ahead of rivals Ealing Trailfinders, despite a 5-point deduction. By winning the league Jersey secured their third promotion in as many seasons, moving up to the 2012–13 RFU Championship.[5] They were also easily the most popular team in the division with over 33,000 fans attending the 15 home games held at St Peter - a National League 1 record.[6] At the opposite end of the table, Birmingham & Solihull and Stourbridge were relegated to the 2012–13 National League 2 North while Barking dropped down to the 2012–13 National League 2 South having been league runners up the previous season.[7][8]