Losses outnumber gains in the Dunedin premier club competition which returns to Saturday afternoons starting today.
After being played on Tuesday evenings last year, initially indoors, it was felt there were too many problems with light once play moved outdoors, and many players had problems with starting times and getting away from work.
Tuesday night tennis will continue in a shortened format, but the switch to Saturday has now caused other problems, some work-related and some connected to other sports.
St Clair, a leading team for decades, has had to withdraw from the men's competition, with Jeff Elliotte, Darryl Paterson and Mike Smith all facing weekend commitments.
The way has been opened for younger players, some of whom have recently left junior ranks, and the strongest squads appear to be those of last year's frontrunners, Balmacewen and Eastern Harbour.
However, the return of Shaun Paringitai, this time for Mornington-Roslyn, is a major plus and will help replace Dwayne Cleugh, who has returned from overseas but will be based in Wanaka.
Paringitai has coaching sessions on midweek nights and was sorely missed last season.
Mornington-Roslyn's strength will again be spread between two teams and this could limit its chances.
Taieri completes the line-up and has some new faces and could be expected to struggle.
Libby Scott will again play club tennis in Auckland on Friday nights but may be available subject to travel arrangements.
The women's competition has been deferred to allow time to clarify commitments to teams after some players were named by two clubs as belonging to their squad.
With the retirement or unavailability of players in recent times there will be an emphasis on youth but some nationally ranked juniors will be in action.
