A more even contest is expected in this season's Dunedin club tennis, which starts today to take advantage of the presence of tertiary students in the city.
Last year's winner, Cosy Dell, went unbeaten through the season with a large contributing factor being the unbeaten record of No 1 Nick Hornstein, who was named player of the year for his efforts.
However, Hornstein is overseas and the team will be led by top Nelson player Alex Low, who also had a very impressive season, albeit at No 2. James Leggett, Chris McKegg and Andrew Baird will also be required to step up a place.
Taieri has been unable to field a team and its place has gone to a second John McGlashan team.
The schoolboys won the South Island final last season and have not only retained all their players, but will be bolstered by the presence of several ex-pupils.
The Blue team will have Otago Open champion and former national junior representative Harry James in the top spot and he will be supported by Oliver Reid, Tom Beamish, Joe Highton, Tino Bryant-Tokelau and James Reid.
The Red squad boasts South Island junior titleholder Kyu Kim, along with national junior quarter finalists Paddy Ou and Carlos Reid, with Mitchell Sizemore and Jeff Murdoch taking spaces in the lower order.
Although some in this team are very young, they are improving quickly and have several years' experience at national level.
Last year's finalist Eastern Harbour will again be led by Tauranga student Campbell Higgins and has added Hutt Valley player Angus Milne to give more depth.
Veteran Phil Mirfin, Mike Smith and Mayuresh Prasad complete the team and it would not surprise to find it in contention again at finals time.
Mornington-Roslyn has gained students Thomas McCabe and Dean Ombler to add to Oliver Scott, Adam Williams and Henry Hailes.
Balmacewen has named Jon Bakos, James Bourne, George Alexander and Matt McCutcheon along with newcomer Kevin Kyle.
The competition will run until Labour Weekend and then be suspended until the students return. In the meantime, two-person teams will play for the President's Cup.
The women's teams have yet to be finalised and a grading day will be held today with a view to assessing standards of a number of new players. They will be allocated to clubs on a basis which is hoped to ensure an even contest in the competition.
Taieri, one of the biggest clubs numerically, has also failed to assemble a squad.
With a large number of women having long-term injuries in several of the teams, the idea of playing three-person teams has been floated and is likely to be accepted.
This would involve each player having one single and two shortened format doubles. It would also avoid diluting the standard any further.
The first round begins today at Logan Park at 1pm.
