Tennis: Judge Jokers keen to defend title in Whangarei

The Judge Jokers' attempt at defending their interclub tennis title is no laughing matter.

There is an old adage that says 'don't judge a book by its cover.'

That couldn't be more accurate when talking about the defending interclub tennis champions.

The Judge Jokers are taking their preparations seriously and are in good shape to defend their Whangarei Men's Interclub title this season.

The team, one of six from Mairtown Tennis Club, has managed to retain the same players for this season and has been doing some light pre-season training.

Team captain Duncan Coutts said they realise what they need to do to repeat their successes again this year.

"We have a mix of young and older members so flexibility and staying injury-free are important at the start of the season," he said.

"We've done some pool sessions and a bit of yoga. The plan is not to peak too early but just make the top six for the playoffs."

Twelve teams from Whangarei tennis clubs compete with the draw being split in half at mid-season.

The competition is fierce but Judge Jokers have the belief, and the track record, to have more success in 2016.

Judge Jokers beat Kamo in last year's final.