south west racketball open 2022 report
The Devon and Exeter Club is an old school squash club with a fantastic Racketball tradition. As you walk in you are struck by the sense of community, love of sport and with the bar sitting as the focal point it is a club that breads lifelong friendships. This is now the 9th UK-Racketball event that Devon and Exeter Club has hosted and it was another great day for our tour, the club and Racketball.
The grade of the day turned out to be the doubles with some brilliant Racketball right the way through. This was not a surprise with Racketball doubles being a stable diet of the D&E faithful and some pairings in the series becoming stronger and stronger. Alexis Smith and Nick Jenkins came through as victors in Group A but were pushed hard, 11/9, 11/9 by local pairing Graham Holmes and Natalie Lawrence and then all the way to a decider by Lee-on-the-Solent pairing Jodey Watts and Callum Arnott with a tiebreak in the 3rd all that separated them.
The grade of the day turned out to be the doubles with some brilliant Racketball right the way through. This was not a surprise with Racketball doubles being a stable diet of the D&E faithful and some pairings in the series becoming stronger and stronger. Alexis Smith and Nick Jenkins came through as victors in Group A but were pushed hard, 11/9, 11/9 by local pairing Graham Holmes and Natalie Lawrence and then all the way to a decider by Lee-on-the-Solent pairing Jodey Watts and Callum Arnott with a tiebreak in the 3rd all that separated them.
In Group B Amber Marshall and Damien Burgess made it through the group without dropping a game to set up a great final. The rallies in the doubles final were the longest we have seen. When players are working together and the movement is good it becomes difficult to find a winner and this was the case throughout this match despite three fantastic racket skills players and Nick Jenkins (sorry Nick). The first went the way of Smith and Jenkins only for Marshall and Burgess to fight back in the second. The decider could have gone either way but in the end the 11/9 to Smith and Jenkins was down to the steadying of the ship from Jenkins, that determined play and great communication between the pairing. We are still in the early days of Racketball doubles as a competitive sport and players are still experimenting with strategy and tactics. The combination of attack and defence and clarity of roles was great to see from Smith and Jenkins and one to watch for in the future.
It was a big draw for the B Grade split across 4 groups. The winner of Group A and C met in the first of the semi finals with Redland Green’s Phil Borrett overcoming a hard challenge from Nick Jenkins. Middlesex’s Olly Staunton saw off in form Jo Hutchings in the second of the two semi-finals to set up a great final. Staunton took the first game in the final 11/7 only for Borrett to fight back in the 2nd. It was a game that could have gone either way with both players having their chances to finish, it proved to be a double game, consisting of 34 points and eventually going Borrett’s way 18/16. It was always going to be tough to rally after such a long game but Staunton did and fought Borrett all the way to the finish, the event eventually went the Redland Green’s players way 11/9 in the decider, what a final!
Graham Greensall continued his good run of Over 70’s form with straight games victories over Andrew Rugg-Gunn, Terry Norman and John Bullard. It was a solid performance from Greensall throughout and one that will set up a big challenge for the British Open in October.
Graham Greensall continued his good run of Over 70’s form with straight games victories over Andrew Rugg-Gunn, Terry Norman and John Bullard. It was a solid performance from Greensall throughout and one that will set up a big challenge for the British Open in October.
With many of the best players in the country present for the Over 50’s this was always going to be a great tournament and did not disappoint. Previous event winners and finalists such as Nev Buckle and Chris Burton failed to make it through the group stages it was so strong. The two matches that decided the day were firstly Phillip Hall against Roger Camp. The Nuffield Health player Hall deployed his usual mix of skilful play and tenacity to push Camp all the way but just didn’t quite have enough to get over the line, losing the decider 11/8. This set up a Roger Camp, Jason Russell final. Two of the best players in the country in this category and it was an incredible first game, Camp through everything at Russell but sometimes you just can’t break him down, 11/9 to Russell and once this game went his way he pushed on and took the 2nd in the face of ever weakening Camp resistance. A great rivalry in the making between these two.
Local hero and UK-Racketball Series legend Luke Bishop suffered an early set back in his first game of the day with a defeat to inform Callum Arnott 11/8 in the decider. With the way that the groups worked this meant that he faced B Group winner Mike Gregory in the semi finals. Gregory had controlled well in the group stages with victory over Women’s National Champion Amber Marshall and Damian “The Shaft” Burgess.
Local hero and UK-Racketball Series legend Luke Bishop suffered an early set back in his first game of the day with a defeat to inform Callum Arnott 11/8 in the decider. With the way that the groups worked this meant that he faced B Group winner Mike Gregory in the semi finals. Gregory had controlled well in the group stages with victory over Women’s National Champion Amber Marshall and Damian “The Shaft” Burgess.
Bishop against Gregory was a great match up and an advert for anyone in any doubt about the potential for creative attacking play on a Racketball court. Gregory had game balls in both 1st and 2nd but despite incredibly accurate Racketball and a huge amount of retrieving by Bishop the series legend was not going to be denied a place in the final and a chance to reply his earlier defeat to Arnott in the group stage. It was another game that could have gone either way and by the end both players were completely shattered, 12/10 in the 3rd decided it in Bishop’s favour and gave him another title to add to the growing collection.
Wolverhampton’s Robin Chipperfield and Penzance’s Nigel Bell made it through both groups but Chipperfield was pushed all the way by local man Graham Holmes. Both Chipperfield and Bell steered a route through the Semi Finals to set up yet another great final for the day. The first game was brutal with fantastic retrieving from both players. Nigel Bell does not lose many Over 60’s Racketball matches and even fewer on fitness but Chipperfield was not to be denied and ran out an eventual 14/12, 11/5 winner.
Wolverhampton’s Robin Chipperfield and Penzance’s Nigel Bell made it through both groups but Chipperfield was pushed all the way by local man Graham Holmes. Both Chipperfield and Bell steered a route through the Semi Finals to set up yet another great final for the day. The first game was brutal with fantastic retrieving from both players. Nigel Bell does not lose many Over 60’s Racketball matches and even fewer on fitness but Chipperfield was not to be denied and ran out an eventual 14/12, 11/5 winner.
The British Racketball Open
Next up we have one of the big events of the Series, the British Racketball Open in Sheffield. This is an event not to be missed with the largest prize fund in the sports history, and over 30 different event running including doubles. On the Saturday night there will be a pizza oven party so book your place now!
Follow this link to the UK-Racketball website for more information
https://www.uk-racketball.com/e11---bluebell-wood-british-racketball-open---15th16th-october.html
MAIN TOURNAMENT DETAILS
What: British Racketball Open
When: 15th/16th October
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Closing Date: Friday 30th September (please note that this is two weeks before the event rather than the usual Series events one week)
Cost: £40.00 (includes top quality quick dry sublimated t-shirt)
Cost 2nd Grade (Doubles): £10pp
Online Entries through SportyHQ: - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-10-Bluebell-Wood-British-Racketball-Open-16th17th-October-Hallamshire
Next up we have one of the big events of the Series, the British Racketball Open in Sheffield. This is an event not to be missed with the largest prize fund in the sports history, and over 30 different event running including doubles. On the Saturday night there will be a pizza oven party so book your place now!
Follow this link to the UK-Racketball website for more information
https://www.uk-racketball.com/e11---bluebell-wood-british-racketball-open---15th16th-october.html
MAIN TOURNAMENT DETAILS
What: British Racketball Open
When: 15th/16th October
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Closing Date: Friday 30th September (please note that this is two weeks before the event rather than the usual Series events one week)
Cost: £40.00 (includes top quality quick dry sublimated t-shirt)
Cost 2nd Grade (Doubles): £10pp
Online Entries through SportyHQ: - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-10-Bluebell-Wood-British-Racketball-Open-16th17th-October-Hallamshire
Devon and Exeter Racketball Introduction
The Devon and Exeter Squash and Racketball Club is a fantastic venue and a beacon for Racketball in the South West. The sport has a fantastic and passionate local following, which helps to make this event extra special. 2022 will be the 9th year that the Series has made a trip to Devon and Exeter.
In the last complete Series before the pandemic The South West Racketball Open at Devon and Exeter was one of the best attended of the Series and saw some fantastic matches.
After a period of dominance from Luke Bishop, who won the South West Racketball Open from 2017-2019, Mike Harris ensured the title stayed in Devon and Exeter by beating Michael Robinson 2/0 in the final. Elsewhere, Natalie Lawrence won a 6th Women's South West title, with Roger Camp and Neville Buckle winning the Over 40's and Over 50's categories respectively.
Devon and Exeter is a fantastic local squash and Racketball centre with a great atmosphere. The club was one of the first centres in the UK to really champion Racketball and has shown just what the sport can do for the revival of a playing community. This is one of the only clubs that have converted a gym back into a squash court due to overwhelming demand.
In 2018 Devon and Exeter organised and ran a Title Unification bout between Squash 57 National Champion Mike Harris and Racketball National Champion Tim Vail. On the night it was 3-1 to Racketball Champion Tim Vail 3-1 in just over 90 minutes of brutal Racketball.
In the last complete Series before the pandemic The South West Racketball Open at Devon and Exeter was one of the best attended of the Series and saw some fantastic matches.
After a period of dominance from Luke Bishop, who won the South West Racketball Open from 2017-2019, Mike Harris ensured the title stayed in Devon and Exeter by beating Michael Robinson 2/0 in the final. Elsewhere, Natalie Lawrence won a 6th Women's South West title, with Roger Camp and Neville Buckle winning the Over 40's and Over 50's categories respectively.
Devon and Exeter is a fantastic local squash and Racketball centre with a great atmosphere. The club was one of the first centres in the UK to really champion Racketball and has shown just what the sport can do for the revival of a playing community. This is one of the only clubs that have converted a gym back into a squash court due to overwhelming demand.
In 2018 Devon and Exeter organised and ran a Title Unification bout between Squash 57 National Champion Mike Harris and Racketball National Champion Tim Vail. On the night it was 3-1 to Racketball Champion Tim Vail 3-1 in just over 90 minutes of brutal Racketball.
online entry 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/Event-9-South-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-10th-September-Devon-and-Exeter
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/Event-9-South-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-10th-September-Devon-and-Exeter
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: South West Racketball Open
When: Saturday 10th September
Where: Devon and Exeter Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: EX4 4PR
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 3rd of September
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
For More Information: Email admin@uk-racketball.com or call if your enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 10th September
Where: Devon and Exeter Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: EX4 4PR
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 3rd of September
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
For More Information: Email admin@uk-racketball.com or call if your enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505
South West Racketball Open - Hall of Fame
Grades
t 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 contact admin@uk-racketball.com or if your enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505
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 contact admin@uk-racketball.com or if your enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505
club Facilities
Being a venue that caters exclusively to squash and racketball, there is a great club atmosphere; a perfect setting for this UK-Racketball Series Event.
The club itself boasts six courts including a championship glass back, with the bar area situated so you can see the court conveniently from your barstool.
Hot food will be served all day long; last year the food was great and was very reasonably priced.
On the day, there is a racket stringing service available and a physiotherapist on hand.
The club itself boasts six courts including a championship glass back, with the bar area situated so you can see the court conveniently from your barstool.
Hot food will be served all day long; last year the food was great and was very reasonably priced.
On the day, there is a racket stringing service available and a physiotherapist on hand.
club Location
The club is easily accessible, being located only a couple of miles away from the M5 motorway.
Devon & Exeter Squash & Racketball club
Prince of Wales Road,
Exeter,
Devon,
EX4 4PR
01392 436100
Visit the club website for more information: www.devonandexetersquashandracketball.co.uk
Devon & Exeter Squash & Racketball club
Prince of Wales Road,
Exeter,
Devon,
EX4 4PR
01392 436100
Visit the club website for more information: www.devonandexetersquashandracketball.co.uk
what happened last year . . . SOUTH WEST RACKETBALL OPEN 2021 REport and results
In the third event, of what has been an incredible return to racketball so far this series, we returned to the Devon and Exeter Club for the ninth time for an event which is always greatly contested across all grades. This year was no exception, with upsets to the seedings coming in 50% of the grades.
The A grade saw local hero and reigning national champion, Mike Harris, take the title for the first time without dropping a game. Defending champion Luke Bishop unfortunately had to pull out at the last minute due to injury but hopefully he will return next year to set up an epic match up against Mike for the title and local bragging rights.
In a very strong women’s event we saw National finalist Natalie Lawrence overcome second seed and group B winner Caroline wright in a closely fought 2-0 final. Caroline showed fine form in the group stages not dropping a game to either opponent but Natalies quality was just that little bit better on the day.
The B grade was perhaps the closest event of the weekend with everyone taking games off of everyone. In group A Callum Watts overcame the number 1 seed to go through and face group B winner Charles Black who also overcame the number 2 seed. The final was no exception to the rest of the event and saw a closely fought 2-1 win go the way of Callum.
The Doubles event saw some incredibly entertaining racketball being played from all the pairs in an event which is gaining popularity over the series for both players and spectators. The Defence Academy and Wessex club pairing of Neville Buckle and Mark Burrell took home the title with their match against Paul Dodds and Andy Browne being the match of the event.
In the over 40’s event Natalie Lawrence put in a valiant effort in her second event of the weekend taking games off both the eventual winner and runner up. Not to be outdone though Roger Camp, also in his second event of the weekend, came through undefeated as eventual winner but was given a run for his money against eventual runner up (by one game) James Allingham.
The A grade saw local hero and reigning national champion, Mike Harris, take the title for the first time without dropping a game. Defending champion Luke Bishop unfortunately had to pull out at the last minute due to injury but hopefully he will return next year to set up an epic match up against Mike for the title and local bragging rights.
In a very strong women’s event we saw National finalist Natalie Lawrence overcome second seed and group B winner Caroline wright in a closely fought 2-0 final. Caroline showed fine form in the group stages not dropping a game to either opponent but Natalies quality was just that little bit better on the day.
The B grade was perhaps the closest event of the weekend with everyone taking games off of everyone. In group A Callum Watts overcame the number 1 seed to go through and face group B winner Charles Black who also overcame the number 2 seed. The final was no exception to the rest of the event and saw a closely fought 2-1 win go the way of Callum.
The Doubles event saw some incredibly entertaining racketball being played from all the pairs in an event which is gaining popularity over the series for both players and spectators. The Defence Academy and Wessex club pairing of Neville Buckle and Mark Burrell took home the title with their match against Paul Dodds and Andy Browne being the match of the event.
In the over 40’s event Natalie Lawrence put in a valiant effort in her second event of the weekend taking games off both the eventual winner and runner up. Not to be outdone though Roger Camp, also in his second event of the weekend, came through undefeated as eventual winner but was given a run for his money against eventual runner up (by one game) James Allingham.
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In what was the biggest event of the weekend by far the over 50’s really showed up at the Devon and Exeter Club for the weekend. As a side note it is really great to see such a wide field of players from all over the country coming to play the individual series events and is a testament to the great spirit and fun which is had at these events. This over 50’s event showed exactly that with great matches taking place from the very first group match to the final. Speaking of which, what a final it was!! With Neville Buckle carrying on his fine from to take home his second title of the weekend in a closely fought 2-1 win over home favourite Tim Gillingham.
The over 60’s event was another big event with players coming from all over. An early upset saw Peter Eddy impressively topple the number one seed in a tight 2-1 win to go through from group A to the finals stage. In Group B and C there were more upsets in an incredibly open field With Nick Steep going through from group B and Chris Davey overcoming previous South west racketball champion Tim baker to go through from group C. Chris carried on his impressive group stage performances to take the title in the finals stage winning 2-1 and 2-0, quite the feat considering the amount of matches played!
And finally, in the over 70’s event we saw a few familiar faces showcase some great racketball, but ultimately it was Terry Norman who overcame the two local favourites to claim the title which gains him some important series points in the rankings!
Overall it was a great weekend which saw some fantastic matches throughout. Including a not so miraculous comeback to racketball from Mark, perhaps showing he should stick to running the events from now on. We would like to thank Devon and Exeter Club and all the competitors for showing us why it is such a popular event in the calendar and we can’t wait to return next year for the 10th edition of the South West Racketball open!
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History
2021 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2019 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2018 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2017 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2016 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2015 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2014 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2013 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2012 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2019 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2018 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2017 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2016 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2015 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2014 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2013 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2012 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
Click here to see the photo's on our Facebook page - remember that you do not need to be a member of Facebook to view and download the photos
Click here for the video's - courtesy of Lawrence Ogden.
Click here for the video's - courtesy of Lawrence Ogden.
