Shottery A issued a clear declaration of intent in their opening fixture of the 2016-17 campaign as they registered a whitewash against Veterans with the loss of just a single game. This was attained by John Hunt  but, otherwise, it was all plain sailing for the reigning champions as Gary Stewart, Stephen Foster and Graham Poole each earned trebles.

However, newcomers Henley Pasties could mount a serious title challenge as they introduced themselves to the Stratford league by notching a maximum against Henley A. Mike Evetts dropped a single game to his former team-mate Peter Quince before coming through, while Mike Credland and Jason Rainey were also unbeaten. However the latter was involved in the only set to go to the distance where Quince,  who had overcome a two-game deficit, finally lost out 11-13. Henley gave a debut to Molly Eyre who played with some style in what was a difficult first encounter.

Awais Muhammed was was another player making his first appearance and he celebrated with an unbeaten performance for Shottery B when they travelled to Henley B. He also enjoyed success in the doubles with Tim Fell who notched a brace, with Ron Shakesheff gaining their seventh victory. Stuart Latham-Marr won two for the hosts and Robert McCluskey also got on the card. Mark Chase was unlucky not to add to their tally after levelling a two game deficit against Shakesheff before finally being defeated in the fifth.