1956 Southern Area League

The 1956 Southern Area League was the third season of the regional third tier/division of speedway racing in the United Kingdom British teams. Brafield Flying Foxes were no longer competitors with Southern Rovers taking their place. Southern Rovers had no track and raced all their 'home' fixtures on away tracks.

Summary
Rye House Roosters were the champions for the second consecutive season.

Although the Southern Area League continued, it became the second tier division instead of the third tier division. There was not another third division of British speedway until 1996 when the Conference was inaugurated.

Riders' Championship
Leo McAuliffe won the Riders' Championship. The final was held at Rye House Stadium on 30 September, after initially being postponed on the 9 September because of rain.

Southern Area League Cup
The 1956 Southern Area League Cup was won by Rye House Roosters.

First round

Final
First leg

Second leg

Riders & final averages
California


 * Pete Mold 9.67
 * Gil Goldfinch 9.50
 * Ross Gilbertson 8.86
 * Ron Sharp 8.57
 * Jimmy Gleed 6.93
 * Ron Walton 4.91
 * Phil Sheppard 4.47
 * Roy Gutteridge 3.50
 * John Day 3.33
 * Ron Webb 2.88

Eastbourne


 * Leo McAuliffe 8.57
 * Jimmy Heard 7.14
 * Tom Reader 7.00
 * Gerry Bridson 5.87
 * Dave Collett 5.33
 * Bob Bunney 4.80
 * Jim Preddy 2.00

Rye House


 * Al Sparrey 9.67
 * Vic Ridgeon 9.50
 * Bobby Croombs 8.60
 * Dave Slater 9.67
 * Brian Brett 7.56
 * Gerry King 7.20
 * Jim Chalkley 5.80
 * Les Searle 2.00

Southern Rovers


 * Eric Hockaday 9.47
 * Tommy Sweetman 9.09
 * Colin Gooddy 8.52
 * Brian Meredith 7.33
 * Eric Eadon 7.11
 * Brian Miller 5.33
 * Tony Eadon 4.31
 * Mike Lawrence 4.24
 * Neil Roberts 4.00
 * Hank Bird 3.08