London and South East Merit League

The London League (LL) is a rugby league competition founded in 1965.

The league has also proved popular with clubs in the Rugby League Conference (RLC) providing players or teams to the London League. Some of those RLC clubs have been those who originally started in the London League. Since adopting its current format the LL has provided thirteen teams to the RLC: Luton Vipers (2001); Greenwich Admirals, London Skolars II, South London Storm II, South Norfolk Saints and St Ives Roosters (2002); St Albans Centurions II (2003); Haringey Hornets, Luton Vipers 'A' (who failed to complete the season) and Bedford Tigers (2004); and Kent Ravens, Colchester Romans and Broadstairs Bulldogs (2005).

Structure

The merit system, which gives its unofficial name to the league as the London Merit League, came about as a way to accommodate the needs of as many of clubs as possible. The “merit table” system gives teams, freedom to arrange as many or few games amongst the other league participants as they wish. The results of fixtures worked out between the teams are compiled into a league table based on average scores. The top six teams then go through to a play-off system to determine the champion club. The London League participants also have the opportunity to arrange games with clubs participating in the Midlands Merit League.

History

The London League was founded in 1965.

The Southern Conference League, founded in 1997, was the fore-runner of the Rugby League Conference. It included some of the top teams in the London Amateur Rugby League (LARL). As the best of the London League was gradually included into the Conference, the rest reformed as a summer merit league for new clubs, police/prison sides and second and third teams.

Throughout most of its history the league ran throughout the traditional winter season, with a switch to a summer league in 2000 following the lead of the Super League which made the switch in 1996. The competition now works as a development league or merit league, whose purpose is now to nurture teams in the first years of operation along with various Armed Forces, Police, and Prison sides who for various reasons are unable to commit to a full fixture list.

It is believed that four clubs that were in the South division of the Rugby League Conference will play in the London League in 2007.

Participating teams

In 2007 the following teams are scheduled to participate:

• Bedford Tigers 'A'

• Eastern Raiders

• Farnborough Falcons

• Feltham Eagles

• Hadleigh Hawks

• Hainault Bulldogs

• Kent Ravens 'A'

• London Griffins

• Metropolitan Police

• Smallford Saints

• Southgate Skolars

• South London Storm 'A' - League Winners

• West London Sharks 'A'

External link

• Official London League site