East of England Racketball Open Report
It was a fantastic start to the 2019 HEAD UK-Racketball Series on Saturday. An over subscribed event with a large number of the England Top 10 it was always set to be a high standard and a late finish and the day lived up to the expectations.
Ten players entered the Over 40’s and with half the number were ranked inside the England Top 10 there were some brutal matches throughout the day. Richard Davies won group A but was pushed hard by the Portuguese maestro Manuel Costa. Group B saw James Powley (ER 5) and Ryan Loska (ER 6) dispatch all opposition to set up a fantastically competitive group decider. In the end Loska managed to hang in the rallies just a bit longer than Powley to claim his spot in the final. Richard Davies maintained his run of 40’s titles defeating Loska 2-1 in the final but he was pushed all the way in a match that lasted over a hour.
David Worrall justified his top seeding position in the Over 60’s as he claimed 1st place in Group A. No two seed Graham Greensall fell at the final hurdle in Group B coming unstuck against Gordon Lamb who made it to his first final. In the end the experienced Worrall had to much for Lamb as he added another title to his collection.
Ten players entered the Over 40’s and with half the number were ranked inside the England Top 10 there were some brutal matches throughout the day. Richard Davies won group A but was pushed hard by the Portuguese maestro Manuel Costa. Group B saw James Powley (ER 5) and Ryan Loska (ER 6) dispatch all opposition to set up a fantastically competitive group decider. In the end Loska managed to hang in the rallies just a bit longer than Powley to claim his spot in the final. Richard Davies maintained his run of 40’s titles defeating Loska 2-1 in the final but he was pushed all the way in a match that lasted over a hour.
David Worrall justified his top seeding position in the Over 60’s as he claimed 1st place in Group A. No two seed Graham Greensall fell at the final hurdle in Group B coming unstuck against Gordon Lamb who made it to his first final. In the end the experienced Worrall had to much for Lamb as he added another title to his collection.
Local girl Amber Marshall completed a brutal day by claiming the women’s crown 2-0 against Jasmin Kalar in the final. It was Marshalls third event of the day as she was also competing in the doubles where she came runner up in Group B and the Open where she reached the quarters.
Doubles is growing in popularity both on the HEAD UK-Racketball tour and across the UK. The standard of competitive doubles has risen significantly since we first introduced it at Bexley last year. Saturday’s doubles was the most impressive to date. The doubles final was one of the best matches of the day with Adam Grilli and Elliot Selby saving two match balls to come back and win against Daniel Weights and Craig Perry.
Keith Mabey made his first ever final in the B Grade but did not have enough to defeat the experienced Manuel Costa. The B Grade final was Costa’s 8th match of the day an unbelievable effort.
Doubles is growing in popularity both on the HEAD UK-Racketball tour and across the UK. The standard of competitive doubles has risen significantly since we first introduced it at Bexley last year. Saturday’s doubles was the most impressive to date. The doubles final was one of the best matches of the day with Adam Grilli and Elliot Selby saving two match balls to come back and win against Daniel Weights and Craig Perry.
Keith Mabey made his first ever final in the B Grade but did not have enough to defeat the experienced Manuel Costa. The B Grade final was Costa’s 8th match of the day an unbelievable effort.
Predictably with so many top players present the A Grade was a long event. England No.4 Billy Jones was defeated early in the group stages by Joseph Blackmur who combined youthful flair with some intelligent match play. Group B came right down to the wire with Craig Chappel grinding Elliot Selby off in over an hour of brutal Racketball. The semi finals were no less competitive than the group stages with Blackmur defeating Selby and Chapel defeating Weights. It was 20:00 by the time the final started and at 1-1 it was as much a test of endurance and tenacity as it was of skill. In the end Blackmur came through as victor, Chapel could not have tried any harder leaving absolutely every ounce of his energy on court.
A couple of late withdrawals reduced the Over 50’s draw to a mere 20 players. Top seed Paul Dodds displayed his usual patience and placement to progress through the groups before narrowly defeating Northamptonshire’s Simon Philips in the semi final. In the bottom half two seed Dan Fernandez once again fought his way through the group before coming unstuck in the knockout stage this time by Patrick Osborn. The Over 50’s final was always going to be a tight affair with both players experienced an intelligent Racketball competitors. In the end it seemed that at the moment a lot of what Paul Dodds does well Patrick Osborn does just a little bit better. The first Over 50’s title of the season goes Osborn’s way but I think we are in for a fascinating year in the Over 50’s and I’m sure that Dodds will come back fighting for event two.
It was a late finish in Broxbourne as much down to the quality as the quantity of the entries. The Series now heads to Hallamshire for the North East of England Racketball Open on the 13th of April. Follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/e2---north-east-of-england-racketball-open---13th-april.html
A couple of late withdrawals reduced the Over 50’s draw to a mere 20 players. Top seed Paul Dodds displayed his usual patience and placement to progress through the groups before narrowly defeating Northamptonshire’s Simon Philips in the semi final. In the bottom half two seed Dan Fernandez once again fought his way through the group before coming unstuck in the knockout stage this time by Patrick Osborn. The Over 50’s final was always going to be a tight affair with both players experienced an intelligent Racketball competitors. In the end it seemed that at the moment a lot of what Paul Dodds does well Patrick Osborn does just a little bit better. The first Over 50’s title of the season goes Osborn’s way but I think we are in for a fascinating year in the Over 50’s and I’m sure that Dodds will come back fighting for event two.
It was a late finish in Broxbourne as much down to the quality as the quantity of the entries. The Series now heads to Hallamshire for the North East of England Racketball Open on the 13th of April. Follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/e2---north-east-of-england-racketball-open---13th-april.html
East of England Racketball Open - Results
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_doubles.pdf |
Over 50's Draw change - 1st March
Due to the withdrawal of two players I have had to redo the Over 50's draw. This has had a minor effect on the schedule so please double check that your start time has not changed.
Tournament Rules and Format
If you are lucky enough to win your match then you are responsible for refereeing the next match on the court. If you are due on another court and therefore cannot referee please ask your opponent before you start and see if they will do it for you. This year I am anticipating some big events. I will be struggling to run the event and hunt for markers so we will be reintroducing an old rule, if you don't organise a marker for a match that you are supposed to referee then you will have to referee the next three matches on that court. This is obviously not a big deal but it does feel like the naughty corner haha.
When refereeing please write the players names and grade on the sheet to make life easier when we are uploading the result to the board.
All matches are best of 3 games, unless best of 5 is indicted. Tiebreak at 10-10 with the game going to the first player to be 2 points clear.
Spirit of the UK-Racketball Series – All our events are competitive but they are also fun. Lets should be lenient, strokes only rarely given.
Tournament Rules and Format
If you are lucky enough to win your match then you are responsible for refereeing the next match on the court. If you are due on another court and therefore cannot referee please ask your opponent before you start and see if they will do it for you. This year I am anticipating some big events. I will be struggling to run the event and hunt for markers so we will be reintroducing an old rule, if you don't organise a marker for a match that you are supposed to referee then you will have to referee the next three matches on that court. This is obviously not a big deal but it does feel like the naughty corner haha.
When refereeing please write the players names and grade on the sheet to make life easier when we are uploading the result to the board.
All matches are best of 3 games, unless best of 5 is indicted. Tiebreak at 10-10 with the game going to the first player to be 2 points clear.
Spirit of the UK-Racketball Series – All our events are competitive but they are also fun. Lets should be lenient, strokes only rarely given.
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_over_50s_-_2.pdf |
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_schedule.pdf |
East of England Racketball Open - Schedule
As I previously mentioned this is a sell-out event event so get ready for a busy day…
I am trialling a new strategy with the schedule with the hope that this reduces waiting around time. It will have a negative effect on recovery time. Several grades are not starting until the afternoon, A, Over 60’s, Doubles and B. This will give the Over 50’s time to complete their group matches by around lunch time. I have not done this with the Over 40’s so that we have a point of reference. The over 40’s will play throughout the day on Court 5 in the same format as before.
There is a good chance that this event will run slightly late on the day. We have a lot of players in multiple grades and just the sheer volume of matches will be difficult. I will try to keep the tournament desk as up to date as possible so keep coming back to check as we go.
I am trialling a new strategy with the schedule with the hope that this reduces waiting around time. It will have a negative effect on recovery time. Several grades are not starting until the afternoon, A, Over 60’s, Doubles and B. This will give the Over 50’s time to complete their group matches by around lunch time. I have not done this with the Over 40’s so that we have a point of reference. The over 40’s will play throughout the day on Court 5 in the same format as before.
There is a good chance that this event will run slightly late on the day. We have a lot of players in multiple grades and just the sheer volume of matches will be difficult. I will try to keep the tournament desk as up to date as possible so keep coming back to check as we go.
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_schedule.pdf |
East of England Racketball Open - Draws
Click on the files below to see the draws. Tournament schedule will be released tomorrow. The first matches of the day will start at 9.00 but your personal start time will depend on where you sit in the draw and schedule.
One of our players this weekend, Nigel Bell is going through a tough time. Please follow this link to his daughters Eliza's story - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-durham6?fbclid=IwAR1z7qxaxtDde8PE-DxulbThbdxBzJ5UIeInz_VYkFdvpyK2VBL5Me3X5EQ&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_content=Chris-Durham6&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_source=Facebookt
One of our players this weekend, Nigel Bell is going through a tough time. Please follow this link to his daughters Eliza's story - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-durham6?fbclid=IwAR1z7qxaxtDde8PE-DxulbThbdxBzJ5UIeInz_VYkFdvpyK2VBL5Me3X5EQ&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_content=Chris-Durham6&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_source=Facebookt
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_a_grade.pdf |
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_b_grade.pdf |
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_womens.pdf |
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_over_40s.pdf |
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_over_50s.pdf |
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_over_60s.pdf |
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_draws_doubles.pdf |
East of England Racketball Open - EVENT FULL - Entry List
Open the file below to view the full entry list for Event 1 of the 2019 UK-Racketball Series the East of England Racketball Open!
The event has sold out and we do have players on the reserve list so if you need to withdraw please do this as soon as you can so that space can be made available.
At the moment we have 6 teams entered into the doubles. It would be great if we could find two more to make this up to an 8 team event. If anyone would like to take part in the doubles even if you do not have a parter then please email me - mark@starsportsdevelopment.com
Please check that all of your details are correct. The number in brackets is your National Ranking which will be used to work out the seedings. If you would like to check this just head to this page on the website - http://www.uk-racketball.com/national-rankings.html
The event has sold out and we do have players on the reserve list so if you need to withdraw please do this as soon as you can so that space can be made available.
At the moment we have 6 teams entered into the doubles. It would be great if we could find two more to make this up to an 8 team event. If anyone would like to take part in the doubles even if you do not have a parter then please email me - mark@starsportsdevelopment.com
Please check that all of your details are correct. The number in brackets is your National Ranking which will be used to work out the seedings. If you would like to check this just head to this page on the website - http://www.uk-racketball.com/national-rankings.html
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_entry_list_25th_feb.pdf |
East of England Racketball Open - Entry List 21st February
ONLY 9 PLACES LEFT
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_entry_list_21st_feb.pdf |
East of England Racketball Open - Entry list 20th February
There are still a few days to go before the event closes. If you are planning to play make sure that your entry is in as soon as possible.
Open the file below to view the latest entry list. If you have any issues please contact me mark@starsportsdevelopment.com
Open the file below to view the latest entry list. If you have any issues please contact me mark@starsportsdevelopment.com
| east_of_england_racketball_open_-_entry_list_20th_feb.pdf |
Introduction
The return of the UK-Racketball Series in 2019 begins at Broxbourne. An event that was new is 2018 but proved to be very popular. The atmosphere at the 2018 Broxbourne Open was very good with a good mix of Series veterans and players competing in a UK-Racketball event for the first time. The women's event was one of the biggest of the year with the eventual winning Jasmin Kalar taking her first ever title.
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 and Marc Thornley are all local to Broxbourne and long standing players in the Series. Feel free to ask them about the events or call Mark Fuller at UK-Racketball on 07846067505 for more information.
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 and Marc Thornley are all local to Broxbourne and long standing players in the Series. Feel free to ask them about the events or call Mark Fuller at UK-Racketball on 07846067505 for more information.
Main Tournament Details
What: Broxbourne Open
When: Saturday 2nd March
Where: Broxbourne Sports Club
Postcode: EN10 7BA
Closing Date: Friday 22nd February
Cost: £13.50 (£8.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
More Information: Email Mark Fuller mark@starsportsdevelopment.com or call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 2nd March
Where: Broxbourne Sports Club
Postcode: EN10 7BA
Closing Date: Friday 22nd February
Cost: £13.50 (£8.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
More Information: Email Mark Fuller mark@starsportsdevelopment.com or call Mark on 07846 067505
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
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 info@uk-racketball.com 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
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 info@uk-racketball.com 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.
What happened in 2018 - Broxbourne Racketball Open Report
This was the Series’s first trip to Broxbourne a club that has a very strong Racketball community many of which travel around the country playing the tour. Situated in Hertfordshire in the north London Racketball belt the club has a family atmosphere with a relaxed bar, squash on one side and on the other a terrace overlooking the cricket pitches. Perfect for a UK-Racketball Series event.
The women’s draw was the strongest of the Series so far. Two groups of three leading into playoffs meant it was going to be a lot of matches for the win. Julie Manning narrowly defeated Sam Beak to take control of Group A. Jasmin Kalar wasn’t troubled in Group B winning both matches 2-0.
Both group 2nd place finishers made it through the quarterfinals to set up some tough semi finals. The winner of Group A Manning was narrowly defeated by Jo Robinson in the first semi final, Kalar continued her run of form in the second semi final with victory over Beak. The final of the women’s was one of the best matches of the day but in the end but in the end Kalar proved too fast and strong for Robinson taking her first title 2-0 in her first final.
The women’s draw was the strongest of the Series so far. Two groups of three leading into playoffs meant it was going to be a lot of matches for the win. Julie Manning narrowly defeated Sam Beak to take control of Group A. Jasmin Kalar wasn’t troubled in Group B winning both matches 2-0.
Both group 2nd place finishers made it through the quarterfinals to set up some tough semi finals. The winner of Group A Manning was narrowly defeated by Jo Robinson in the first semi final, Kalar continued her run of form in the second semi final with victory over Beak. The final of the women’s was one of the best matches of the day but in the end but in the end Kalar proved too fast and strong for Robinson taking her first title 2-0 in her first final.
It was one big group in the Over 60’s and it was close. Gordon Lamb defeated Series favourite David Browne but then was narrowly beaten by Stephen Widdison 2-1 and Ian Graham 2-1. Widdison saw off the challenge from David Worrall 2-1 but then was defeated by Graham 2-0. Graham was in turn beaten 2-0 by Worrall. Worall came through victorious with the point he made against Widdison proving decisive. With Widdison and Graham both tied on 6 it came down to head to head so Graham took 2nd place. A good tournament and well fought throughout in the Over 60’s.
The Over 50’s was once again a big draw. Top seed Paul Dodds the victor at Hallamshire saw off the challenge from two seed Mark Banfield but could not hold on against Paul Buckner who went through to the final as group winner with maximum points. Group B went the way of the seedings however with Marc Thornley seeing off all challenges 2-0. It was a tight battle for second place with Julie Manning just missing out to Paul Fennell. The final was always going to be close and it didn’t disappoint. In one of the last matches of the day and with the lights turning off half way through it was Thornley who came through victorious to add another title to his collection.
The Over 50’s was once again a big draw. Top seed Paul Dodds the victor at Hallamshire saw off the challenge from two seed Mark Banfield but could not hold on against Paul Buckner who went through to the final as group winner with maximum points. Group B went the way of the seedings however with Marc Thornley seeing off all challenges 2-0. It was a tight battle for second place with Julie Manning just missing out to Paul Fennell. The final was always going to be close and it didn’t disappoint. In one of the last matches of the day and with the lights turning off half way through it was Thornley who came through victorious to add another title to his collection.
Four players inside the England Top 10 took to the court to compete for the Over 40’s Broxbourne Racketball Open Title. England no.9 Spencer Harris did not live up to his usual high level of form in Group A. Simon Phillps was unfortunate in his match against Justin Jardine being defeated 2-1. On home turf Adam Grilli proved too strong for Jardine winning 2-1 to progress through to the final. In Group B Michael Wardle came through undefeated to face Grilli once again in a UK-Racketball final. On this occasion Grilli at his home club seemed very determined and played some excellent Racketball. A 2-0 score line and a result that will take Grill to within spitting distance of the top spot in the overall Series rankings.
Shane Lord (Group A), Michael Robinson (Group B) and Craig Perry (Group C) all made it through to the final’s group without dropping a game. To win the event you needed to come through 6 matches on the day and in the end only one man managed it Michael Robinson. His first UK-Racketball Series final but from what he has planned the first of many.
Broxbourne was the third time that the UK-Racketball Series has run a doubles competition and it was by far the best one yet. Group A could have been anyone’s. Sean Brodrick and Gordon Lamb defeated Marc Thornley and Craig Perry 2-0 but were unable to overcome the challenge from Adam Grilli and Amber Marshall who defeated them 2-0. With Thornley and Perry also taking a game from Grilli and Marshall they finished on an equal four points.
Shane Lord (Group A), Michael Robinson (Group B) and Craig Perry (Group C) all made it through to the final’s group without dropping a game. To win the event you needed to come through 6 matches on the day and in the end only one man managed it Michael Robinson. His first UK-Racketball Series final but from what he has planned the first of many.
Broxbourne was the third time that the UK-Racketball Series has run a doubles competition and it was by far the best one yet. Group A could have been anyone’s. Sean Brodrick and Gordon Lamb defeated Marc Thornley and Craig Perry 2-0 but were unable to overcome the challenge from Adam Grilli and Amber Marshall who defeated them 2-0. With Thornley and Perry also taking a game from Grilli and Marshall they finished on an equal four points.
Mark Banfield and David Worrall were undefeated until they came up against Paul Fennell and Zoe Mellis. The combination of Fennell and Mellis proved too strong however, they took the game 2-0 and a place in the final. The doubles final was a cracking match, Grilli and Marshall were ahead all the way through but the 2-0 scoreline did not reflect quite how close a match it was and quite how impressive the Racketball doubles was. To defeat Fennell and Mellis you need to be both good players and work well as a team. Grilli and Marshall certainly did, follow this link to Facebook where you can see a small clip of the action https://www.facebook.com/UKRacketballSeries/
Broxbourne was a great tournament a lovely club and friendly atmosphere. A massive thank you to Akhtar for helping on the day. With so many matches and players in multiple grades, thanks in part to the strength and depth of the doubles this was not an easy event to run. Akhtar as always kept on top of everything and saw it through!
There are only 4 events left this season before the Christmas break. Two events in the South at Chichester and then Devon. One in the North at Wakefield and our Series finals in the midlands in December at Nottingham. Spread the word and lets keep the sport and Series growing.
Broxbourne was a great tournament a lovely club and friendly atmosphere. A massive thank you to Akhtar for helping on the day. With so many matches and players in multiple grades, thanks in part to the strength and depth of the doubles this was not an easy event to run. Akhtar as always kept on top of everything and saw it through!
There are only 4 events left this season before the Christmas break. Two events in the South at Chichester and then Devon. One in the North at Wakefield and our Series finals in the midlands in December at Nottingham. Spread the word and lets keep the sport and Series growing.
