It was an intriguing opening round for the division with the two newcomers, Natimuk and Haven, recording wins. 

The two teams will have to be on top of their game when they come up against both grand finalists from the 2016-17 season, Drung South and St Michael’s respectively. 

Haven hosts St Michael’s and the travelling captain Chris Ellis said it should be a close encounter. 

“We’re not to sure who their team will be but they have a few Central Park players from last season,” he said. 

Ellis said he was happy with the team when they downed Drung South in round one of the competition. 

He said he hoped they could transfer that energy over to round two. 

“Ian Nitschke played well, he won both of his doubles,” he said. 

“Naomi McConville and Simone O’Brien stepped up and played good tennis.” 

Number one and two ladies for St Michael’s, Steffi and Jess McDonald, will return to the team sheet against Haven. 

“We’re all a bit rusty and are looking forward to the nice surface at Haven,” Ellis said. 

Haven captain Sophie De Wit said it would be a good challenge for her young list. 

“We are a young team and it’s a chance to test ourselves,” she said. 

“I think we have a good chance to get close.” 

De Wit will not be playing on Saturday but is confident in her team. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing how everyone goes,” she said. 

Natimuk will play Drung South and host captain Carl Sudholz said his team were expecting a tough match this time around. 

“They have a very strong men’s side, we will be up against it,” he said. 

“Hopefully we can sneak in a set or two in the men’s. I think our ladies can get a couple.” 

Sudholz believes his team will be better off after this contest. 

“We aim to be competitive,” he said. 

Drung South captain Ben Brooksby said Natimuk had a good week last week. 

“Hopefully we can steal a win this week,” he said. 

“We will give it a good dig but it will be tough.” 

Brooksby said he was impressed by Romi Miller when his team took on St Michael’s in round one. 

“Dylan Emmerson was outstanding against Nitschke,” he said. 

Kalkee and Horsham Lawn are guaranteed league points when the two teams meet in round two. 

Both lost in the opening round of the season. 

Kalkee were narrowly beaten by Natimuk in round one while Horsham Lawn were demolished by a young Haven side.