The talented Dunedin club reached the final in its first appearance at the national club championships in Auckland last season.
It won four of its five round-robin games with Wellington side Karori inflicting its only loss - a comprehensive nine-wicket defeat. The two teams met again in the final with Karori winning by six wickets.
From the moment former test opener Aaron Redmond was caught spectacularly by Stephen Murdoch it was apparent it was not going to be University-Grange's day.
The Dunedin club will have an opportunity to avenge that loss when the sides meet tomorrow. Its campaign gets under way against Christchurch club East Shirley today.
East Shirley claimed third place last season and is a regular qualifier for the tournament. So the first two days shape as crucial for University's prospects.
Northern Districts qualifier Mt Maunganui is also a former finalist. Auckland club Howick Pakuranga and Marist United from Central Districts round out the six-team tournament.
Grange is down on star power this time with no Sam Wells, Ian Butler or Anthony Bullick in the bowling attack, while openers Redmond and Michael Bracewell are also missing.
Bracewell was the player of the tournament last year with 370 runs at an average of 74 and five wickets at 18.
In Bracewell's absence, Grange will look to Jesse Simpson to score heavily at the top of the order. Promising batsmen Ciaran McMeekan and Will Young scored 68 and 40 respectively to help University-Grange get past Albion in the regional final.
They will need to find their best form again.
Captain Mitch Rutherford will provide a slow bowling option with legspinner Mayank Patel expected to get through plenty of work.
Jason Hynes will spearhead the attack. Either Tim O'Sullivan or Jamie Mountier will partner him with the new ball.
