Just looking at some of the tables, as a South Islander, it's quite interesting to realise that in 1977 there were five South Island teams in the National League (out of 12 teams).
Two from Christchurch, two from Dunedin and Nelson United.
That must have been "peak South Island influence" in the history of our national league.
Promoted for 1977 - Hamilton, Nelson United and Dunedin City. (Promotion \ Relegation to be based on 3 up 3 down.
Winners of the 3 regional leagues Northern, Central &
Southern to be promoted)
But it didn't last long,with Dunedin City, Caversham and New Brighton relegated that season.
With Woolston WMC promoted for 1978 as Southern League champs, there were still three South Island sides in 1978
1977 NATIONAL LEAGUE
1.North Shore Utd 22 14 3 5 37-25 31
2.Stop Out 22 11 8 3 40-28 30
3.TT Christchurch U 22 9 9 4 32-17 27
4.Hamilton 22 9 9 4 41-22 27
5.Wellington D.U. 22 8 7 7 41-31 23
6.Mt Wellington 22 8 7 7 27-21 23
7.Nelson Utd 22 6 9 7 22-29 21
8.Blockhouse Bay 22 7 7 8 23-33 21
9.Eastern Suburbs 22 6 5 11 31-36 17
10.New Brighton 22 5 7 10 24-36 17
11.Dunedin City 22 5 7 10 19-30 17
12.Caversham 22 3 4 15 14-43 10