The absence of entries to some of the most popular team sports at this year's NZ Masters Games was being keenly felt around the former hub at Springvale at the weekend.
Previously the site of tent city headquarters for the entire event, until the decision to move this year's base into the War Memorial Centre, Sunday was much quieter than previous events as the touch rugby module, which was scheduled to run for two days on the Springvale fields, was able to finish their entire programme on the Saturday through smaller numbers.
It was a similar issue inside Springvale Stadium yesterday as the finals of the various grades were underway early in the afternoon, therefore likewise finishing 24 hours early as the venue was booked through until today.
Basketball organiser Helen Puhipuhi said they were down to 13 teams from the 18 who took part in 2015.
"Some have chosen to go the World [Masters instead].