The competition is due to start without interruption or delay, a most welcome sight after last October’s floods washed out the first two rounds of last year’s fixture.
With Shepparton Junior Tennis Association and Shepparton District Tennis Association commencing their 2023-24 campaigns last weekend the action will arrive thick and fast across the courts of the Goulburn Valley for the remainder of spring and summer.
GMLTA president Mark Mills is keen for the league to begin without lingering concerns about ground availability or washouts.
“We’re really looking forward to getting out on court and starting at a normal time this year,” Mills said.
“After COVID and the floods we haven’t started on time for a few years now.
“Having a full season will be good for everyone.”
Barring any extreme heat in the summer months no schedule uncertainty will be a factor this time around, making an organiser’s job considerably more straightforward for the first time in a while.
“Last year we were due to start the weekend the river broke its banks, so we pulled the pin and many of the courts went underwater,” Mills said.
“This year, knowing we’re good to go is a bit of a relief.”
As for the action on-court, changes are present across the association’s divisions.
The top-grade competition has been reduced to four teams, but the second-grade has expanded to field nine sides this season.
Mills is optimistic about younger players’ opportunities at lower levels to find their feet before moving up.
“Our top grade has dropped a couple of sides, but on a positive note the strength of tennis will be extremely high,” Mills said.
“Shepparton Lawn has dropped a team, but Kialla’s growth in numbers is a positive, up from two teams to four.
“We want strong pathways for our juniors and the players are still out there.
“I’m sure they’re all looking forward to getting out on court.”
17°C