East of England racketball open - report and results
It was fantastic to be back in Broxbourne for the first event of the 2022 UK-Racketball Series. This was just the fourth time we've visited the East England club, and it's already proving to be a favourite venue among our series regulars. Entries for the East of England Open were among the strongest we've seen for a regional event, having sold out the week before the event.
The A Grade was perhaps the strongest we've had on UK Racketball outside of the British Open and National Championships. Group A was led by series favourite Luke Bishop, currently on 14 Titles and 5th on the All-Time Leaderboard. He maintained his run of form to win the group and set up yet another Series Final. Group B was a highly competitive affair, featuring Michael Robinson, Nick Mulvey, Amber Marshall, and Elliot Selby. In what was effectively a semi-final, Nick took on Elliot on Court 5 in front of a packed-out bar with a hugely entertaining match. Some brutal Racketball and long rallies saw Nick eventually take the victory, but it may have taken something out of his legs going into the final. He started off very strong against Luke, winning the first 11/6, only to get embroiled in a huge battle for the second which Luke eventually took 14/12, both players saving multiple game balls. The third was locked in at 5/5, before Nick started cramping at the end of an incredibly long day to see Luke pull away for title number 15.
The B Grade had some really good entries and was one of the most competitive we've had, with 4 groups leading into semis and the final. Jodey Watts justified his number 1 seeding by coming through Group 1 unscathed, while in Group 2 the unseeded Oliver Staunton dispatched both the 2 and 7 seeds to progress to the semis. It was a similar story in Groups 3 and 4, with the seeds falling in both as Paul Cousins and Stuart Reeve made it to the next round. Both Semi-Finals went the distance, as did the B Grade Final, where Paul beat Oliver to take the title.
The A Grade was perhaps the strongest we've had on UK Racketball outside of the British Open and National Championships. Group A was led by series favourite Luke Bishop, currently on 14 Titles and 5th on the All-Time Leaderboard. He maintained his run of form to win the group and set up yet another Series Final. Group B was a highly competitive affair, featuring Michael Robinson, Nick Mulvey, Amber Marshall, and Elliot Selby. In what was effectively a semi-final, Nick took on Elliot on Court 5 in front of a packed-out bar with a hugely entertaining match. Some brutal Racketball and long rallies saw Nick eventually take the victory, but it may have taken something out of his legs going into the final. He started off very strong against Luke, winning the first 11/6, only to get embroiled in a huge battle for the second which Luke eventually took 14/12, both players saving multiple game balls. The third was locked in at 5/5, before Nick started cramping at the end of an incredibly long day to see Luke pull away for title number 15.
The B Grade had some really good entries and was one of the most competitive we've had, with 4 groups leading into semis and the final. Jodey Watts justified his number 1 seeding by coming through Group 1 unscathed, while in Group 2 the unseeded Oliver Staunton dispatched both the 2 and 7 seeds to progress to the semis. It was a similar story in Groups 3 and 4, with the seeds falling in both as Paul Cousins and Stuart Reeve made it to the next round. Both Semi-Finals went the distance, as did the B Grade Final, where Paul beat Oliver to take the title.
In the Over 40s, Number 1 seed Nick Jenkins took on local hero Adam Grilli in Group 1, with fifth-seed Adam getting the win and progressing to the final. In Group 2, Series Legend Paul Norton narrowly lost out to Ryan Loska, who joined Adam in the final. Ryan would go on to beat the home favourite Adam in the final, adding Title number 18 to his tally and sending him to Joint First on the all-time leaderboard alongside Patrick Osborn and Ted Jeal.
The Over 50's featured 3 groups of 4 going into a winner's group. All-time Series Leader Patrick Osborn headed up Group 1, although he was pushed all the way by David Acquet, 2 of their 3 games going to tie-breaks. In Group 2, Jason Russell saw off the 2, 5, and 7 seeds to win the group without dropping a game. Jason was the Over 40's Series Champion 10 years ago, and with a great physical effort and fantastic retrieving looked much the same player he was when he won that title. Group 3 was won by 3 seed Roger Camp, who also came through his matches in straight games. Jason took his dominant form into the finals group, winning by a comfortable margin, while Patrick and Roger had a real scrap for second place, Roger eventually winning 3/2.
Two big groups in the Over 60's meant 4 matches each before a final showdown. Group 1 saw 1 seed Graham Holmes come through unscathed, winning every match 2/0. Group 2 saw some fierce competition between the seeds, with Nick Sims eventually coming out on top. The final was a very high-quality affair between two highly experienced players. Graham Holmes doesn't lose many UK Racketball finals, but Nick started well and never looked back, outclassing Graham which doesn't happen often and taking the title.
The Over 50's featured 3 groups of 4 going into a winner's group. All-time Series Leader Patrick Osborn headed up Group 1, although he was pushed all the way by David Acquet, 2 of their 3 games going to tie-breaks. In Group 2, Jason Russell saw off the 2, 5, and 7 seeds to win the group without dropping a game. Jason was the Over 40's Series Champion 10 years ago, and with a great physical effort and fantastic retrieving looked much the same player he was when he won that title. Group 3 was won by 3 seed Roger Camp, who also came through his matches in straight games. Jason took his dominant form into the finals group, winning by a comfortable margin, while Patrick and Roger had a real scrap for second place, Roger eventually winning 3/2.
Two big groups in the Over 60's meant 4 matches each before a final showdown. Group 1 saw 1 seed Graham Holmes come through unscathed, winning every match 2/0. Group 2 saw some fierce competition between the seeds, with Nick Sims eventually coming out on top. The final was a very high-quality affair between two highly experienced players. Graham Holmes doesn't lose many UK Racketball finals, but Nick started well and never looked back, outclassing Graham which doesn't happen often and taking the title.
The Doubles was also one of the strongest we've had, selling out early and featuring a very high standard of pairs across both groups. Series favourites Luke Bishop and Amber Marshall once again teamed up, and were pushed all the way by the experienced pairing of Zoe Fennel and Patrick Osborn. Bishop/Marshall would eventually take the win and go on to the final. Group B also saw local players come through, scoring a couple of tight 2/1 wins over the seeded pairs to reach the final. In the final the experience of Luke and Amber, who've played and won together numerous times, really made the difference as they beat Elliot and Adam 11/8, 11/9.
It was a brilliant day at Broxbourne once again, a huge thank you to the club for hosting us for a fourth time. A big thank you to Luke from SportyHQ as well, who showed up on the day to watch a UK-Racketball Series event in person and help ensure everything went smoothly as we used the software for the first time at an event.
We hope to see you all next month at Hallamshire for the North-East of England Racketball Open.
https://www.uk-racketball.com/e2---north-east-of-england-racketball-open---19th-march.html
It was a brilliant day at Broxbourne once again, a huge thank you to the club for hosting us for a fourth time. A big thank you to Luke from SportyHQ as well, who showed up on the day to watch a UK-Racketball Series event in person and help ensure everything went smoothly as we used the software for the first time at an event.
We hope to see you all next month at Hallamshire for the North-East of England Racketball Open.
https://www.uk-racketball.com/e2---north-east-of-england-racketball-open---19th-march.html
East of England Racketball Open Introduction
The return of the UK-Racketball Series in 2022 begins once again at Broxbourne for the East of England Racketball Open!
The Broxbourne tournament was new to the Series in 2018 and has proved very popular ever since with the event in 2019 selling out early. In February 2020, the East of England Open became the first and last event of the year, as the series came to a premature end. The tournament was the strongest yet, with the largest draw that Broxbourne had seen in it's 3 year history. In the A Grade, Luke Bishop was pushed all the way by challengers Callum Arnott and Amber Marshall, who themselves had a tight battle for second. The pair eventually finished tied on points, with Arnott taking the runner-up spot by virtue of an earlier 2-1 win.
Unfortunately, we were unable to visit Broxbourne in 2021, but we are excited to return to the club for the start of the 2022 Series.
David Worrall is the only player to have claimed both the title in 2018 and in 2019 defeating series veterans Ian Graham and Gordon Lamb respectively. In 2020, Worrall made it a hat-trick by beating Over 70's winner Ian Graham in the Over 60's Final. In 2019, Broxbourne saw one of the most impressive ends to a doubles event that we have ever had with Adam Grilli and Elliot Selby saving two match balls to come back and win against Daniel Weights and Craig Perry. Local player Amber Marshall earned her first ever Series Title with a victory over Jasmin Kalar. This victory set up a great year of Racketball for Marshall who made it to the National Final in Edgbaston in July.
It is likely that Broxbourne will be popular again this year falling straight after the winter break and a reduced 2021 series. If you are planning to play then you are advised not to leave it to the last minute. This is a lovely tournament and not one to miss out on!
Broxbourne Sports Club has a wide range of top class facilities centred in the county of Hertfordshire. Well maintained and warm courts with a cozy bar that overlooks two of the courts. The glass back show court will once again be used for the event finals. Dan Fernandez, Patrick Osborn, Adam Grilli, Mark Banfield, Amber Marshall and Marc Thornley are all local to Broxbourne and long standing players in the Series, feel free to ask them about the events. For online entries follow this link to the Broxbourne Tournament page on SportyHQ.
The Broxbourne tournament was new to the Series in 2018 and has proved very popular ever since with the event in 2019 selling out early. In February 2020, the East of England Open became the first and last event of the year, as the series came to a premature end. The tournament was the strongest yet, with the largest draw that Broxbourne had seen in it's 3 year history. In the A Grade, Luke Bishop was pushed all the way by challengers Callum Arnott and Amber Marshall, who themselves had a tight battle for second. The pair eventually finished tied on points, with Arnott taking the runner-up spot by virtue of an earlier 2-1 win.
Unfortunately, we were unable to visit Broxbourne in 2021, but we are excited to return to the club for the start of the 2022 Series.
David Worrall is the only player to have claimed both the title in 2018 and in 2019 defeating series veterans Ian Graham and Gordon Lamb respectively. In 2020, Worrall made it a hat-trick by beating Over 70's winner Ian Graham in the Over 60's Final. In 2019, Broxbourne saw one of the most impressive ends to a doubles event that we have ever had with Adam Grilli and Elliot Selby saving two match balls to come back and win against Daniel Weights and Craig Perry. Local player Amber Marshall earned her first ever Series Title with a victory over Jasmin Kalar. This victory set up a great year of Racketball for Marshall who made it to the National Final in Edgbaston in July.
It is likely that Broxbourne will be popular again this year falling straight after the winter break and a reduced 2021 series. If you are planning to play then you are advised not to leave it to the last minute. This is a lovely tournament and not one to miss out on!
Broxbourne Sports Club has a wide range of top class facilities centred in the county of Hertfordshire. Well maintained and warm courts with a cozy bar that overlooks two of the courts. The glass back show court will once again be used for the event finals. Dan Fernandez, Patrick Osborn, Adam Grilli, Mark Banfield, Amber Marshall and Marc Thornley are all local to Broxbourne and long standing players in the Series, feel free to ask them about the events. For online entries follow this link to the Broxbourne Tournament page on SportyHQ.
Online entries through SportyHQ
For 2022 UK-Racketball have partnered with SportyHQ to make online entries work even smoother
Follow this link to enter online - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/East-of-England-Racketball-Open
We have created a user guide to walk you through the process and make it as easy as possible - follow this link to access online - https://www.uk-racketball.com/series-faqs.html
Follow this link to enter online - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/East-of-England-Racketball-Open
We have created a user guide to walk you through the process and make it as easy as possible - follow this link to access online - https://www.uk-racketball.com/series-faqs.html
Main Tournament Details
What: Broxbourne Open
When: Saturday 26th February
Where: Broxbourne Sports Club
Postcode: EN10 7BA
Closing Date: Friday 18th February
Cost: £16.50 (£9.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Online Entries: https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/East-of-England-Racketball-Open
More Information: Email [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505 if your enquiry is urgent.
When: Saturday 26th February
Where: Broxbourne Sports Club
Postcode: EN10 7BA
Closing Date: Friday 18th February
Cost: £16.50 (£9.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Online Entries: https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/East-of-England-Racketball-Open
More Information: Email [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505 if your enquiry is urgent.
East of England Broxbourne - Hall of Fame
Grades
It is important to remember that UK-Racketball Series events are designed to be inclusive. Although the A grade does attract the best racketball players in the country the events really are for players of all ages and abilities. We have never had a competitor who felt they were not good enough for an event when they took part.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Over 70's - For players over the age of 70
Doubles – All players in one grade. Entries are limited to 8 teams.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Over 70's - For players over the age of 70
Doubles – All players in one grade. Entries are limited to 8 teams.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
Club Facilities
Broxbourne Sports Club has 5 high standard squash courts including a glass-backed show court with seating for 70 spectators.
Other facilities at Broxborne Sports Club include 11 tennis courts, a 3G sand based tiger turf pitch, two highly maintained cricket squares and a comfy bar- perfect for a post-match pint .
Other facilities at Broxborne Sports Club include 11 tennis courts, a 3G sand based tiger turf pitch, two highly maintained cricket squares and a comfy bar- perfect for a post-match pint .
Club Location
Broxbourne Sports Club
Mill Lane Close,
Broxbourne,
Hertfordshire.
EN10 7BA
For more details follow this link to the club website.
Mill Lane Close,
Broxbourne,
Hertfordshire.
EN10 7BA
For more details follow this link to the club website.
East of England Racketball Open 2020 - Report
This was by far the largest East of England Racketball Open that we have ever had. The event was fantastic both in terms of standard and atmosphere with probably the greatest number of fixtures going the distance that we’ve ever had at a Series event.
The A Grade very much reflected the overall feel of the event with all bar one match going to a decider and finishing in a 2-1. Racketball’s rising start Luke Bishop emerged as group winner but was pushed hard by both Callum Arnott and Amber Marshall who both took games off the England no.2. This really opened up the battle for 2nd place with Paul Wallace taking a game of Marshall and defeating Arnott three players were in with a shout of winning the group. In the end the deciding factor was Arnott’s victory over Marshall. This was one of the hardest fought A Grades events that we have had in years.
England no.1 Mervyn Davis started his campaign in the huge over 50’s draw solidly coming through the group without dropping a game. In the semi finals he was defeated Patrick Osborn to book his place in yet another final.
The A Grade very much reflected the overall feel of the event with all bar one match going to a decider and finishing in a 2-1. Racketball’s rising start Luke Bishop emerged as group winner but was pushed hard by both Callum Arnott and Amber Marshall who both took games off the England no.2. This really opened up the battle for 2nd place with Paul Wallace taking a game of Marshall and defeating Arnott three players were in with a shout of winning the group. In the end the deciding factor was Arnott’s victory over Marshall. This was one of the hardest fought A Grades events that we have had in years.
England no.1 Mervyn Davis started his campaign in the huge over 50’s draw solidly coming through the group without dropping a game. In the semi finals he was defeated Patrick Osborn to book his place in yet another final.
At Broxbourne we had 9 of the England top 15 in the Over 50’s. Marc Thornley was only just in that number with a ranking of 13 going into the event. A solid performance in the group saw him through without dropping a game. A very tough opponent in Philip Hall waited for him in the quarters but Thorney proved up to the challenge coming through 2-1. The tenacious Paul Dodds was up next but Thornley’s run continued taking him to the final. The final was a great game of Racketball pitting the countries best player against a local who does have these flashes of brilliance. This was Thornley’s day all the way through and he was not to be denied. Thornley is once again crowned East of England Champion as he was in 2018 (as seen being crowned by Akhtar Khokhar).
Comparing the 2018 over 50’s event at Broxbourne and the 2020 one shows just how far this venue has come. In 2018 we had two groups of 5, in 2020 it’s almost double the number spread across 5 groups. Hopefully 2021 will see a return to Broxbourne for a 4th year running. This is a club which is welcoming, homely and proving ever more popular with the faithful of the UK-Racketball Series.
Comparing the 2018 over 50’s event at Broxbourne and the 2020 one shows just how far this venue has come. In 2018 we had two groups of 5, in 2020 it’s almost double the number spread across 5 groups. Hopefully 2021 will see a return to Broxbourne for a 4th year running. This is a club which is welcoming, homely and proving ever more popular with the faithful of the UK-Racketball Series.
Over 70’s ran for the first time at Broxbourne. For a first event it was only two players so a straight final between Ian Grahame and Peter Fraser. Ian Graham claimed the first ever Over 70’s Title 2-0. This is the first Over 70’s event of the season and we will be running the competition across all of our venues, with Over 50’s and 60’s being two of our most popular grades this is definitely one to watch for the future.
Ryan Loska continued his run in the Over 40’s with a victory over Hoddesdon’s David Acquet in the final 2-0.
The B Grades once again drew one of the biggest fields for the day with 18 competitors taking part. It was the battle of the clubs in the B Grade. Three players travelled from Sheffield (Hallamshire and Abbeydale), two from Dover and then a splattering from other clubs including Lisbon. Three players started their day in the The Isle of White and caught the midnight ferry home!
It was a fantastically competitive B Grade with plenty of matches going the distance throughout. The final pitted two very tired players against each other Manuel Costa from Portugal and Paul Stitch from the Isle of White. It was Paul Stitch who was most stitched up by the draw with three matches back to back before the final. It was a great effort but in the end he fell at the final hurdle to the experienced veteran. Speaking to Manuel post match he said that he was really looking forward to the British Open running in Sheffield in October. He has been playing regularly in the UK-Racketball Series for years but not being a British citizen he is excluded from the Nationals. This will be his first chance to try his hand at a major. Watch out the Over 55’s!
David Worrall returned to fitness and winning ways in the Over 60’s with victories over two of his old rivals in the final stage. I’ve lost count of the Ian Graham, Gordon Lamb and Worrall battles in the finals.
A full draw in the doubles made for a great event but top seeds Amber Marshall and Luke Bishop were the stand out pairing and didn’t drop a game all event. Victory in the doubles and singles at Broxbourne means that Bishop has now claimed 10 UK-Racketball Series Titles placing him joint 5th in the list of all time title holders. To see the whole list follow this link - http://www.uk-racketball.com/table-toppers.html
Ryan Loska continued his run in the Over 40’s with a victory over Hoddesdon’s David Acquet in the final 2-0.
The B Grades once again drew one of the biggest fields for the day with 18 competitors taking part. It was the battle of the clubs in the B Grade. Three players travelled from Sheffield (Hallamshire and Abbeydale), two from Dover and then a splattering from other clubs including Lisbon. Three players started their day in the The Isle of White and caught the midnight ferry home!
It was a fantastically competitive B Grade with plenty of matches going the distance throughout. The final pitted two very tired players against each other Manuel Costa from Portugal and Paul Stitch from the Isle of White. It was Paul Stitch who was most stitched up by the draw with three matches back to back before the final. It was a great effort but in the end he fell at the final hurdle to the experienced veteran. Speaking to Manuel post match he said that he was really looking forward to the British Open running in Sheffield in October. He has been playing regularly in the UK-Racketball Series for years but not being a British citizen he is excluded from the Nationals. This will be his first chance to try his hand at a major. Watch out the Over 55’s!
David Worrall returned to fitness and winning ways in the Over 60’s with victories over two of his old rivals in the final stage. I’ve lost count of the Ian Graham, Gordon Lamb and Worrall battles in the finals.
A full draw in the doubles made for a great event but top seeds Amber Marshall and Luke Bishop were the stand out pairing and didn’t drop a game all event. Victory in the doubles and singles at Broxbourne means that Bishop has now claimed 10 UK-Racketball Series Titles placing him joint 5th in the list of all time title holders. To see the whole list follow this link - http://www.uk-racketball.com/table-toppers.html
East of England Racketball Open 2020 - Results
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