National Racketball Challenger - Leamington Tennis and Squash Club
National Challenger Report
After far too long the Series returned on Saturday with a brilliant tournament at one of our favorite clubs, Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. With the event selling out months ago it was always set to be a busy day and one that saw many good friends meeting up to do battle once more on the Racketball court.
The A Grade saw Luke Bishop begin where he left off in 2019 defeating all comers and claiming the crown. Leamington Head Coach, Jason Pike was the victor of group B but unable to overcome the challenge from a determined Bishop in the final.
In a packed B Grade it was Natalie Lawrence, Billy Bedwell and Amber Marshall who took the wins in the group stages and claimed their places in the finals. In a very hard fought opening match in the B Grade Natalie Lawrence was eventually defeated by an in form Billy Bedwell. Bedwell then faced Amber Marshall in the tournament decider, at 1-1 it looked like anyone’s game but in the end Bedwells relentless retrieving and ball control saw him through to secure his first UK-Racketball title.
The A Grade saw Luke Bishop begin where he left off in 2019 defeating all comers and claiming the crown. Leamington Head Coach, Jason Pike was the victor of group B but unable to overcome the challenge from a determined Bishop in the final.
In a packed B Grade it was Natalie Lawrence, Billy Bedwell and Amber Marshall who took the wins in the group stages and claimed their places in the finals. In a very hard fought opening match in the B Grade Natalie Lawrence was eventually defeated by an in form Billy Bedwell. Bedwell then faced Amber Marshall in the tournament decider, at 1-1 it looked like anyone’s game but in the end Bedwells relentless retrieving and ball control saw him through to secure his first UK-Racketball title.
Over 40’s no.1 seed Ryan Loska was defeated in the group stage 2-1 by Daniel Weights in an incredibly hard fought and quality game of Racketball. Weights came up against the no.2 seed Steve Smith (ER 7) in the final where he claimed his second major scalp of the day and his first ever UK-Racketball Series Title.
It was great to see three players in the Over 70’s battling as hard as ever for a UK-Racketball title. All matches were best of 5 games and in the end it was Graham Greensall who came through as victor defeating both Terry Norman of Victoria Club Street and James Dubois of RAC.
The Over 50’s was the largest draw of the day with 14 players competing across 4 groups for a place in the semi finals. Out of the top seeded group players only one made it through the groups with David Evans holding off a challenge from Neville Buckle in Group D. Evens went on to defeat Group C winner James Muirhead in the second of the semi finals to set up a meeting with Chris Morris in the final. In a tough match right on the show court right at the end of the day Evans secured his 5th victory of the day and The National Challenger Title.
It was great to see three players in the Over 70’s battling as hard as ever for a UK-Racketball title. All matches were best of 5 games and in the end it was Graham Greensall who came through as victor defeating both Terry Norman of Victoria Club Street and James Dubois of RAC.
The Over 50’s was the largest draw of the day with 14 players competing across 4 groups for a place in the semi finals. Out of the top seeded group players only one made it through the groups with David Evans holding off a challenge from Neville Buckle in Group D. Evens went on to defeat Group C winner James Muirhead in the second of the semi finals to set up a meeting with Chris Morris in the final. In a tough match right on the show court right at the end of the day Evans secured his 5th victory of the day and The National Challenger Title.
Six of the England Top ten turned out for the Over 60’s making it an incredibly strong field. Surrey Sports Parks Simon Dillon defeated England No.4 Terry Horne in Group A to make the finals group. He was joined by Graham Appleby who overcame the challenge from two top tenner’s in Group B and David Worral the England No.6 and victor of Group C.
The 60’s finals group was the most competitive of the day with all three players beating each other. Graham Appleby’s 2-0 victory over Simon Dillon in the end proved decisive with that one less point on aggregate enough to see him to the title.
It was a fantastic atmosphere at Leamington for our first tournament in over a year and great to see so many friends reunited and the UK-Racketball community back together!
In less than two weeks we head to Edgbaston Priory for the biggest event of the Racketball tour, The National Championships, this year is set to be a big one.
The 60’s finals group was the most competitive of the day with all three players beating each other. Graham Appleby’s 2-0 victory over Simon Dillon in the end proved decisive with that one less point on aggregate enough to see him to the title.
It was a fantastic atmosphere at Leamington for our first tournament in over a year and great to see so many friends reunited and the UK-Racketball community back together!
In less than two weeks we head to Edgbaston Priory for the biggest event of the Racketball tour, The National Championships, this year is set to be a big one.
NAtional Challenger - Results
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| national_challenger_2021_leamington_results_over_70s.pdf |
DRAWS AND SCHEDULE 6TH AUGUST
There have been a couple more withdrawals but these spaces have been mainly filled by the reserves. There have been some small changes to the schedule so double check that your start times have stayed the same.
| national_challenger_schedule.pdf |
| national_challenger_draws_and_schedule_6th_august_last_change_a_grade.pdf |
| national_challenger_draws_and_schedule_6th_august_last_change_womens.pdf |
| national_challenger_draws_and_schedule_6th_august_last_change_b_grade.pdf |
| national_challenger_draws_and_schedule_6th_august_last_change_over_40s.pdf |
| national_challenger_draws_and_schedule_6th_august_last_change_over_50s.pdf |
| national_challenger_draws_and_schedule_6th_august_last_change_over_60s.pdf |
| national_challenger_draws_and_schedule_6th_august_last_change_over_70s.pdf |
Draws and Schedule 4th august
There have been quite a few withdrawals for the event this Saturday so some of the draws have changed around a bit. Fortunately in most instances reserves have filled the gaps so you still have the same number of games as before.
Please follow this link to the updated draws. Underneath the draws in the schedule which tells you when your matches are scheduled for. There are two pages to the schedule.
Please follow this link to the updated draws. Underneath the draws in the schedule which tells you when your matches are scheduled for. There are two pages to the schedule.
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| national_challenger_4th_august_b_grade.pdf |
Schedule
| national_challenger_schedule.pdf |
The reason for scheduling groups for specific times of day
Player feedback in the past has been that there is too much waiting time between matches. As you will see from the schedule I have tried to get through the group stage matches of the three biggest entry groups (B Grade, 40's and 50's) before the other groups start. Matches are all best of 3 unless indicated which means that there is always a debate from players some of which want more of a break and others that want less. I think that this system provides a balance. Unless you make the finals it is unlikely that you are at the club for more than 5 hours (don't hold me to this if we are running late haha). If you do make the finals you obviously have more matches!
I know that this will not work for everyone especially if you are travelling up with someone who is playing in a different grade. However even if we reverted back to the system of specific courts for each grade then both of you would still be at the club from the beginning of the day until the end. At least this way one of you might finish early and be able to start on the beers and the other one have a good big breakfast and coffee.
I hope that makes sense but feel free to talk to me on the day if it doesn't.
Player feedback in the past has been that there is too much waiting time between matches. As you will see from the schedule I have tried to get through the group stage matches of the three biggest entry groups (B Grade, 40's and 50's) before the other groups start. Matches are all best of 3 unless indicated which means that there is always a debate from players some of which want more of a break and others that want less. I think that this system provides a balance. Unless you make the finals it is unlikely that you are at the club for more than 5 hours (don't hold me to this if we are running late haha). If you do make the finals you obviously have more matches!
I know that this will not work for everyone especially if you are travelling up with someone who is playing in a different grade. However even if we reverted back to the system of specific courts for each grade then both of you would still be at the club from the beginning of the day until the end. At least this way one of you might finish early and be able to start on the beers and the other one have a good big breakfast and coffee.
I hope that makes sense but feel free to talk to me on the day if it doesn't.
Entry list showing position of reserves - 4th august
| national_challenger_4th_august_entry_list.pdf |
Draws 3rd August
The schedule with match times will be released tomorrow. We do still have a really big reserve list so if you need to withdraw for any reason please let me know as soon as you can so that your place can be made available to someone waiting.
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Tournament Entry List - updated on 3rd August
We are seeing more withdrawals than normal. I think that this is due to the first event back in a while and players picking up injuries. Even if you are quite low down on the reserve list there is still a real chance that you will make it into the draw...
| updated_reserve_and_entry_list_3rd_august.pdf |
Tournament Entry List - updated on 28th July
| national_challenger_entry_list_28th_july.pdf |
Players on the reserve list are in order of earliest entry. Before the draws have been released the top player will fill in if anyone withdraws. After the draws have been released the top player from the grade that has seen a withdrawal will be entered. If you need to withdraw for any reason please do so as soon as possible to free up your space for someone else.
If you would like to enter and are not on the list I still feel like this is worth doing despite the size of the reserve list. We do not know the effect that Covid 19 will have on the number of players forced to withdraw.
Details on Covid regulations for the event will be released after a full consultation with both England Squash and the host venue, Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.
If you would like to enter and are not on the list I still feel like this is worth doing despite the size of the reserve list. We do not know the effect that Covid 19 will have on the number of players forced to withdraw.
Details on Covid regulations for the event will be released after a full consultation with both England Squash and the host venue, Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.
National Racketball Challenger - Introduction
The opening event of the 2021 UK-Racketball Series is the National Racketball Challenger at Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club on the 7th of August.
With only three weeks before the Racketball/Squash57 Nationals in Edgbaston this is the perfect opportunity to get some tournament play under your belt and make a statement ahead of the seeding decisions for the big one a few weeks later!
Leamington hosted a UK-Racketball Series event in 2019 with sell out draws and a fantastic day of Racketball action. Club Head Coach Jason Pike hung on to secure a dramatic victory in the A Grade final against Series regular Craig Chappel.
The 2019 event in Leamington saw the return of Matt Baker to competitive Racketball. In a very strong Over 40's field he eventually defeated Ryan Loska in the final 2-1 in a clash of styles in front of a full balcony.
Leamington Lawn Tennis Club has some of the best facilities in the country with 6 very well maintained squash courts and a new club bar that is perfect to chill out in between matches. The club has an amazing history as the oldest lawn tennis club's in the world founded in 1872, three years before Wimbledon! Follow this link for a fascinating read - http://www.leamington-tennis-squash.co.uk/club-information/club-history/
Jason Pike the head coach has made a fantastic impact at the club with new junior sessions, club nights and even a PSA closed satellite event. Leamington’s Junior Squash program was going from strength to strength before the pandemic with over 100 taking part every week. We wish Jason and the club the very best to continue this into 2021 and continue to build upon one of the best squash junior programs in the country.
This will be a great tournament so don’t miss out!
Main Tournament Details
What: National Racketball Challenger Event
When: Saturday 7th August
Where: Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: CV32 6LZ
Cost: £14.00 (£8.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date for entries: Friday 30th July
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
More Information: Contact Mark Fuller [email protected] or call on 07846 067505
We have decided not to run a doubles event for the first few tournaments of the Series to reduce the number of players coming into close contact on the squash court.
When: Saturday 7th August
Where: Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: CV32 6LZ
Cost: £14.00 (£8.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date for entries: Friday 30th July
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
More Information: Contact Mark Fuller [email protected] or call on 07846 067505
We have decided not to run a doubles event for the first few tournaments of the Series to reduce the number of players coming into close contact on the squash court.
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 – limited to 8 pairs, Racketball rules apply, follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/racketball-doubles-rules.html
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.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play.
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 – limited to 8 pairs, Racketball rules apply, follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/racketball-doubles-rules.html
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.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play.
Venue Facilities
Leaminton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is the oldest Lawn Tennis Club in the country with fantastic Tennis facilities.
The squash and racketball section has recently been redone with new changing facilities and bar area.
The club has 6 squash courts including a two championship court’s with plenty of seating.
If the weather is hot sitting outside to watch the tennis will be a lovely way to spend your spare event time, bringing a good book is advised!
Location
Leamington Spa is located to the South East of Birmingham and close to the M40; a new area of the county for the UK-Racketball Series.
Leamington Lawn Tennis & Squash Club
Guy's Cliffe Avenue
Leamington Spa
CV32 6LZ
Club Tel: 01926 425845
Club website: http://www.leamington-tennis-squash.co.uk/
Leaminton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is the oldest Lawn Tennis Club in the country with fantastic Tennis facilities.
The squash and racketball section has recently been redone with new changing facilities and bar area.
The club has 6 squash courts including a two championship court’s with plenty of seating.
If the weather is hot sitting outside to watch the tennis will be a lovely way to spend your spare event time, bringing a good book is advised!
Location
Leamington Spa is located to the South East of Birmingham and close to the M40; a new area of the county for the UK-Racketball Series.
Leamington Lawn Tennis & Squash Club
Guy's Cliffe Avenue
Leamington Spa
CV32 6LZ
Club Tel: 01926 425845
Club website: http://www.leamington-tennis-squash.co.uk/
West of England Racketball Open 2019 - our last event in leamington
Follow this link for the event photos - https://www.facebook.com/UKRacketballSeries/
The West of England Racketball Open was one of the strongest events that the tour has ever seen. Since the National Championships in July all of the Series events have been fully subscribed but Leamington saw the strongest field so far.
The A Grade line up saw five players currently ranked inside the top 15 in the UK. Craig Chapell was the victor in his last event the North West Racketball Open in May. Luke Bishop won his last Series event in Devon last season defeating professional squash player Rob Downer in the final 2-0. Paul “Knocker” Norton up to three in the UK has already been runner up twice this year at both the North West and North East of England Open’s. This event was wide open.
Chapell opened his account well with victories over teammate Ed Snape and Australian Peter French. Peter French plays the Australian Racketball tour and was impressed by the standard across all the grades at Leamington. The Group A deciding clash between Chapell and Leamington Head Coach Jason Pike could have gone either way. Chapell had multiple match balls but in the end Pike held on to take the match 2-1 and claim his place in the final.
The A Grade line up saw five players currently ranked inside the top 15 in the UK. Craig Chapell was the victor in his last event the North West Racketball Open in May. Luke Bishop won his last Series event in Devon last season defeating professional squash player Rob Downer in the final 2-0. Paul “Knocker” Norton up to three in the UK has already been runner up twice this year at both the North West and North East of England Open’s. This event was wide open.
Chapell opened his account well with victories over teammate Ed Snape and Australian Peter French. Peter French plays the Australian Racketball tour and was impressed by the standard across all the grades at Leamington. The Group A deciding clash between Chapell and Leamington Head Coach Jason Pike could have gone either way. Chapell had multiple match balls but in the end Pike held on to take the match 2-1 and claim his place in the final.
Group B was also unbelievably competitive with top seed and Series favorite Knocker Norton finishing 3rd. Despite victory over Leamington local Robert Fortune, Knocker was unable to break down the ever-steady Richard Davies eventually losing out 2-1. The group decider was always going to be an interesting match and a fascinating clash of styles between the accurate, controlled and thoughtful Racketball of Davies and the flamboyant shot display of Luke Bishop. The crowd was treated to a very high level match but in the end Bishop repeated his victory over Davies in Exeter last season 2-0.
The final was always going to be hard fought. Not many players are capable of beating Luke Bishop at Racketball but on home turf Pike was always going to give it everything. The match seesawed one way and then the other and resulted in a dramatic climax (head to our Facebook page to see the video of the final tiebreak). Despite saving numerous match balls Pike’s fitness and determination saw him claim his first ever UK-Racketball Series Title.
Tom Ash was unlucky to once again come away as the runner up in the B Grade in a repeat of his result in London last month. Michael English came through as champion dropping only one game in the B Grade all day during his first match against Graeme Manson from Hallamshire.
The final was always going to be hard fought. Not many players are capable of beating Luke Bishop at Racketball but on home turf Pike was always going to give it everything. The match seesawed one way and then the other and resulted in a dramatic climax (head to our Facebook page to see the video of the final tiebreak). Despite saving numerous match balls Pike’s fitness and determination saw him claim his first ever UK-Racketball Series Title.
Tom Ash was unlucky to once again come away as the runner up in the B Grade in a repeat of his result in London last month. Michael English came through as champion dropping only one game in the B Grade all day during his first match against Graeme Manson from Hallamshire.
The Over 50’s was once again the biggest draw of the day. The top two seeds had the best of the day with Mervyn Davies coming through the group without dropping a game and then defeating David Evans in the first of the semi finals. The two seed Paul Dodds had a harder route to the final but survived an early scare against Lee Sadler and a tough semi final against Grant Bird coming through that match 2-1. Paul Dodds is yet to win a UK-Racketball Series event despite being runner-up on numerous occasions. Unfortunately for him this pattern continued at the West of England and in one of the last matches of the day he was defeated 2-0 by a very in form Mervyn Davies.
It was a tough day for England No.1 and winner of The North West Racketball Open Yac Latif who despite group stage victories over Stephen Burnett and Graham Holmes was unable to defeat Lilleshall’s Gary Westwood. The top seed in group 2 Gordon Lamb also had a tough day at the office. It was Paul Halstead being as gritty and determined as he always is who came through as Group champion. Terry Horne ended the poor run of luck for the top seeds in the Over 60’s winning Group C but he was pushed hard by Graham Greensall who finished second.
Three in form players competed in the finals group but on the day it was Terry Horne who backed up his title at the London Racketball Open with another win taking the West of England. 10 match unbeaten run for Horne.
It was a tough day for England No.1 and winner of The North West Racketball Open Yac Latif who despite group stage victories over Stephen Burnett and Graham Holmes was unable to defeat Lilleshall’s Gary Westwood. The top seed in group 2 Gordon Lamb also had a tough day at the office. It was Paul Halstead being as gritty and determined as he always is who came through as Group champion. Terry Horne ended the poor run of luck for the top seeds in the Over 60’s winning Group C but he was pushed hard by Graham Greensall who finished second.
Three in form players competed in the finals group but on the day it was Terry Horne who backed up his title at the London Racketball Open with another win taking the West of England. 10 match unbeaten run for Horne.
On paper the Over 40’s was the strongest field that we’ve had at a UK-Racketball Series event and the day itself did not disappoint. Group A saw some fantastic matches most notably the matches between Simon Kilshaw (Rhiwbina) against Steve Smith (Hinkley) and Kilshaw against Andrew Hopwood (Nottingham). Ryan Loska came through as group champion but he was up against stiff competition in the final against Matt Baker.
Matt Baker used to dominate age group Racketball in the UK and despite having only played a couple of events in the past few years he had lost none of his quality. Loska claimed the first game 11/7 moving the ball around well and soaking up the Baker attacks. In the middle of the second however the tide began to turn as Baker found his range firing in the boast, kills and deep cross-courts. Loska soaked up as much pressure as he could but even someone of Loska’s quality can only do this for so long, 11-6 Baker. Baker started the decider how he finished the 2nd and despite Loska fighting hard right to the bitter end it was Baker who came away triumphant. This was a fascinating match up of styles and hopefully the first of many finals between these two.
One spectator who has been playing the UK-Racketball events since we started 10 years ago commented that it was “the most entertaining match he had ever seen”.
The standard of the West of England Racketball Open can be summed up by the large number of people that stayed around to watch the finals of the A and 40’s. This event really was a fantastic advert for the sport!
Next up in the Series we head to Exeter for the South West of England Racketball Open, follow the link for more information and to book your place! http://www.uk-racketball.com/e8---south-west-of-england-racketball-open---28th-september.html
Matt Baker used to dominate age group Racketball in the UK and despite having only played a couple of events in the past few years he had lost none of his quality. Loska claimed the first game 11/7 moving the ball around well and soaking up the Baker attacks. In the middle of the second however the tide began to turn as Baker found his range firing in the boast, kills and deep cross-courts. Loska soaked up as much pressure as he could but even someone of Loska’s quality can only do this for so long, 11-6 Baker. Baker started the decider how he finished the 2nd and despite Loska fighting hard right to the bitter end it was Baker who came away triumphant. This was a fascinating match up of styles and hopefully the first of many finals between these two.
One spectator who has been playing the UK-Racketball events since we started 10 years ago commented that it was “the most entertaining match he had ever seen”.
The standard of the West of England Racketball Open can be summed up by the large number of people that stayed around to watch the finals of the A and 40’s. This event really was a fantastic advert for the sport!
Next up in the Series we head to Exeter for the South West of England Racketball Open, follow the link for more information and to book your place! http://www.uk-racketball.com/e8---south-west-of-england-racketball-open---28th-september.html
West of England Racketball Open Results
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