Thirty-two players from Albury, Wodonga, Wagga and Griffith will compete for the shield, which the hosts reclaimed from Griffith last year.

The annual tournament has the towns playing in teams of four in the under-12s, 14s, 16s and 18s in boys and girls, singles and doubles.

Albury co-ordinator Ken Wurtz said the home team was intent on keeping its strong record intact.

“We look like having a good team again, so I think we’ll probably be close to favourites.

“It’s always great competition though, the standard and competition is usually pretty hot.

“We didn’t win one for ages in the tournament’s early days, but we’ve been pretty dominant in recent times.

“It would be great to continue because it’s a terrific event.”

The host association stormed to a comfortable victory last year, winning 731 games.

Griffith came second with 680 while Wodonga (481) and Wagga (440) grabbed the minor placings.

Although winning is high on the agenda, the Baker Shield puts an emphasis on community spirit.

Albury last year opened its doors to Griffith, which slept on the clubhouse floor.

“It’s very social,” Wurtz said.

“As well as a chance to develop your game, it’s a chance to meet new people and have some fun.”

Both the Albury and Wodonga teams are yet to finalise their squads and Wurtz said spots are still available.

“Our girl numbers are pretty thin on the ground at the moment, though I think that’s the case everywhere.”

The tournament was first played in 1989 and was known as the Westpac Shield, before being renamed in honour of the late John Baker in recognition of his involvement with tennis in the area.

The contest begins on Sunday at 8.45am.