HEAD Racketball/Squash57 Nationals 2021
It feels good to be back!
The 2021 British Racketball/Squash57 Nationals took place in Edgbaston Priory Club over the weekend of the 21st to the 22nd of August. With over 200 entries from across the UK it was a brilliant weekend with old friendships and Racketball rivalries renewed.
The final that decided the men’s open competition pitted last years National Champion Mike Harris against Luke Bishop; a player who has won 5 regional championships on the bounce. From the start the clash of styles was evidenced with Bishop constantly looking for openings and Harris containing his flamboyant opponent. The first game went all Harris’s way (11/2) only to see Bishop fight back and take the second 11/9. Both players knew that the 3rd game was where the title might be decided with the start seeing the most intense Racketball so far. After a close start it was Harris who eventually pulled away to take the game 11/6. The 4th saw Bishop yet again throw all his tricks at Harris but could not break the 2019 National Champion down. 3-1 to Harris and another title to add to his growing collection.
Bishops run of 16 consecutive matches unbeaten in UK-Racketball competitions (Leamington, Broxbourne, Nottingham, Chichester and Exeter) has come to an end but it took the countries top player Mike Harris to finally defeat him. Watch this space because it is clear that Bishop will be back next year hunting for the sports no.1 prize a National Title.
The women’s final saw a match up between the sports leading two female players Amber Marshall and Natalie Lawrence. The last time that the two had faced each other on a singles court was in the regional event in Leamington earlier in the month where Marshall was victorious 2-0. There last meeting in a National Championship final was in the Mixed Doubles final. Lawrence partnering Luke Bishop defeated Marshall and her partner Adam Grilli 2-0 in a great quality mixed doubles matchup.
The women’s final saw a match up between the sports leading two female players Amber Marshall and Natalie Lawrence. The last time that the two had faced each other on a singles court was in the regional event in Leamington earlier in the month where Marshall was victorious 2-0. There last meeting in a National Championship final was in the Mixed Doubles final. Lawrence partnering Luke Bishop defeated Marshall and her partner Adam Grilli 2-0 in a great quality mixed doubles matchup.
Edgbaston witnessed another high quality competitive match between the two with both hitting good controlled lines and working hard to control the T. Larwence favors the boast to take the ball in short (the Exeter way) with Marshall often opting for the straight short attack. Both players are incredible competitors who dig in right to the end. The second game proved to be the key to the match and the championship with this eventually going Marshall’s way 12/10 and then with it the match 3-0. This was Marhall’s first National Singles Title and from the way that she is playing it will not be the last.
The National Racketball/Squash57 Championships really is a unique event that sees players competing from Under 13’s right through to Over 80’s. It is always great to see players of all different ages and standards competing in the spirit of the game and having such a fantastic time together away from the court as well. I think that Covid has made us all realise how lucky we are to have such a brilliant Racketball community.
The National Racketball/Squash57 Championships really is a unique event that sees players competing from Under 13’s right through to Over 80’s. It is always great to see players of all different ages and standards competing in the spirit of the game and having such a fantastic time together away from the court as well. I think that Covid has made us all realise how lucky we are to have such a brilliant Racketball community.
National Champions
Men’s: Mike Harris, Women’s Amber Marshall, Boy’s Under 15’s: Louie Truman, Boy’s Under 17’s : Ioan Sharpe, Boy’s Under 19’s: Ioan Sharpe, Women’s Over 35’s: Natalie Lawrence, Women’s Over 40’s: Caroline Wright, Women’s Over 45’s: Caroline Wright, Women’s Over 50’s: Susan Gotham, Women’s Over 55’s: Bev Vatcher, Women’s Over 60’s: Lesley Sturgess, Men’s Over 35’s: Jason Pike, Men’s Over 40’s: Daniel Weights, Men’s Over 45’s: Ben Hutton, Men’s Over 50’s: Ross Bryant, Men’s Over 55’s: Patrick Osborn, Men’s Over 60’s: Mike Phillips, Men’s Over 65’s: Andy Mitchell, Men’s Over 70’s: Ian Graham, Men’s Over 75’s: Howard Thompson, Men’s Over 80’s: John Bennett
Follow this link to see the National Racketball Championship Hall of Fame: https://www.uk-racketball.com/nationals-hall-of-fame.html
Follow this link to view the photos from the event: https://www.facebook.com/UKRacketballSeries
Results
The results for the 2021 Nationals are now online, please see below. Congratulations to all of the winners.
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Main Draws
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Plate Draws
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| nationals_results_2021_-_boys.pdf |
| nationals_results_2021_-_w_open.pdf |
| nationals_results_2021_-_w_o354045.pdf |
| nationals_results_2021_-_w_o5055s.pdf |
| nationals_results_2021_-_w_o60s.pdf |
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| nationals_results_2021_-_m_o35s.pdf |
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| nationals_results_2021_-_m_o80s.pdf |
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Draws and schedule
The draws for the HEAD Racketball/Squash57 Nationals are now online. Please see below for the grades and their respective draws.
Plates
Please note that you will see everyone's name in the plates. If you win your opening match then you are through to the next round of the main event. You will then not be eligible to play in the plate and your name will be deleted, this is *your* first match rather than the first round of the event for example if you had a bye through the first round and then lost you would still be eligible for the plate.
The plate is an opt out so if you do lose your first match and do not want to be in the plate please make sure that you let the tournament desk know on the day.
Plates
Please note that you will see everyone's name in the plates. If you win your opening match then you are through to the next round of the main event. You will then not be eligible to play in the plate and your name will be deleted, this is *your* first match rather than the first round of the event for example if you had a bye through the first round and then lost you would still be eligible for the plate.
The plate is an opt out so if you do lose your first match and do not want to be in the plate please make sure that you let the tournament desk know on the day.
Reading the draws and schedules
I have created a PDF, see below to help anyone who is unsure on how to read the draws and schedules. The schedule sheet can be found below the draws but all match times are included in the draws. This will help you to work out who is set to play before you on the day.
I have created a PDF, see below to help anyone who is unsure on how to read the draws and schedules. The schedule sheet can be found below the draws but all match times are included in the draws. This will help you to work out who is set to play before you on the day.
| reading_draws_and_schedules_how_to.pdf |
Nationals Draws with timings - updated 18th August
| 2021_draws_sheet_-_boys.pdf |
| 2021_draws_sheet_-_w_open.pdf |
| 2021_draws_sheet_-_w_o354045.pdf |
| 2021_draws_sheet_-_w_o5055s.pdf |
| 2021_draws_sheet_-_w_o60s.pdf |
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| 2021_draws_sheet_-_m_o35s.pdf |
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| 2021_draws_sheet_-_m_o80s.pdf |
Nationals Schedule Sheet - UPDATED 18TH AUGUST
Please note that all matches this year will take place at Edgbaston Priory
| nationals_schedule_15th_august_update_-_friday__2_.pdf |
| nationals_schedule_15th_august_update_-_saturday__2_.pdf |
| nationals_schedule_15th_august_update_-_sunday__2_.pdf |
If your match times on these sheets do not match the draws then please email [email protected]
National Championship Draw information
The seeding’s are now online (link below). Please read the information below regarding draw format and schedule.
The schedule will be released on Saturday
The information below has been included to help you plan ahead.
Grades bigger than 16 players
Grades with more than 16 players will have a round on the Friday evening. First round byes will be allocated based on seeding positions.
For example if you have 32 players in a draw then all players will have to play on the Friday evening. If there are 30 players in a draw then 2 players will have byes through the first round and this will be the no.1 and no.2 seed.
Small Grades
The following grades will be merged into one round robin grade. Please note that we will still be awarding individual titles to the winner of the grade that you entered. You will also receive the HEAD rucksack and goodies prize for the individual grade that you have won.
U15’s, U17’s, U19’s
Women’s O35’s, O40’s and O45’s
Women’s O55’s and O60’s
Example of how this works in practice
For example in the juniors we have 2 entries into the U15’s (Louie and Dylan), 3 into the U17’s (Ioan, Dylan and Dan) and 2 into the U19’s (Ioan and Dan).
All juniors will play in a round robin so that all players will have 4 matches over the course of the weekend (and hopefully a really enjoyable nationals).
The U15’s national title will be decided by the head to head match between Louie and Dylan.
The U17’s national title will be decided by the head to head winners of the matches between Ioan, Dylan and Dan.
The U19’s national title will be the winner of the whole group.
Women’s, Men’s Over 35’s and Women’s over 60’s will all play round robins.
I hope that this all makes sense. Email me with any problems but try to only do this if you really need me as it does take a long time to respond to everyone and will slow down the draws process (but obviously if it is a problem that you can’t solve or need me to action make sure that you contact me so that I can get it done).
The schedule will be released on Saturday
The information below has been included to help you plan ahead.
Grades bigger than 16 players
Grades with more than 16 players will have a round on the Friday evening. First round byes will be allocated based on seeding positions.
For example if you have 32 players in a draw then all players will have to play on the Friday evening. If there are 30 players in a draw then 2 players will have byes through the first round and this will be the no.1 and no.2 seed.
Small Grades
The following grades will be merged into one round robin grade. Please note that we will still be awarding individual titles to the winner of the grade that you entered. You will also receive the HEAD rucksack and goodies prize for the individual grade that you have won.
U15’s, U17’s, U19’s
Women’s O35’s, O40’s and O45’s
Women’s O55’s and O60’s
Example of how this works in practice
For example in the juniors we have 2 entries into the U15’s (Louie and Dylan), 3 into the U17’s (Ioan, Dylan and Dan) and 2 into the U19’s (Ioan and Dan).
All juniors will play in a round robin so that all players will have 4 matches over the course of the weekend (and hopefully a really enjoyable nationals).
The U15’s national title will be decided by the head to head match between Louie and Dylan.
The U17’s national title will be decided by the head to head winners of the matches between Ioan, Dylan and Dan.
The U19’s national title will be the winner of the whole group.
Women’s, Men’s Over 35’s and Women’s over 60’s will all play round robins.
I hope that this all makes sense. Email me with any problems but try to only do this if you really need me as it does take a long time to respond to everyone and will slow down the draws process (but obviously if it is a problem that you can’t solve or need me to action make sure that you contact me so that I can get it done).
| nationals_seedings_list_sheet1.pdf |
Entry List Update - 11th August
See the current entry list below.
Players in red have withdrawn.
If anyone has been missed off or if anyone's details are not correct please send me an email - [email protected]
As always with the Nationals we have some grades with a large entry and some with a small entry. I am going to give 24 hours for players to come back to me with any changes that are needed on the entry list. Please be patient while this is happening, I will then contact you all with potential grade mergers (small grades) and if matches are needed on the Friday evening (large grades).
I know that you will all want to know this information as soon as possible but please refrain from messaging me. I respond to all messages and it does take a long time and slows down the process of getting everyone sorted and responding to the players who's details might be incorrect on the entry list.
I will get all draws out by the end of Friday.
Players in red have withdrawn.
If anyone has been missed off or if anyone's details are not correct please send me an email - [email protected]
As always with the Nationals we have some grades with a large entry and some with a small entry. I am going to give 24 hours for players to come back to me with any changes that are needed on the entry list. Please be patient while this is happening, I will then contact you all with potential grade mergers (small grades) and if matches are needed on the Friday evening (large grades).
I know that you will all want to know this information as soon as possible but please refrain from messaging me. I respond to all messages and it does take a long time and slows down the process of getting everyone sorted and responding to the players who's details might be incorrect on the entry list.
I will get all draws out by the end of Friday.
| nationals_entry_list_11th_august_sheet1.pdf |
Entry List Update - 5th August
| british_national_racketball_squash57_entry_list_5th_august.pdf |
This is the current entry list from the morning of the 5th of August. If any of the details on this entry list are not correct please contact me directly - [email protected]
Tournament Introduction
The British National Championships was founded in 1984 making it the sports oldest event. The event is now well established as the highlight of the tournament calendar and the not to miss tournament of the circuit!
Despite the events title as a National Championship the spirit of the UK-Racketball Series and the sport follows through to this event. It really is a tournament for all ages and abilities. Competitive on court but played in a great spirit and with a great atmosphere at the club.
In 2021 The British National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships will take place at it's traditional home Edgbaston Priory Club from the 21st to the 22nd of August. This will be a two-day event with most grades starting on Saturday morning/lunchtime and finishing on Sunday afternoon.
The last British Championships was played in 2019 with a record entry of 272. Categories ranged from Under 13 to Over 80.
Watching the event is free and is definitely a highlight for the competitors. Last year saw some incredible matches with Mike Harries surprising many with his performance in the final overcoming 10 times National Champion Tim Vail, 3 games to 1. Follow this link to see the action.
Head down this page for online entry
The British National Championships was founded in 1984 making it the sports oldest event. The event is now well established as the highlight of the tournament calendar and the not to miss tournament of the circuit!
Despite the events title as a National Championship the spirit of the UK-Racketball Series and the sport follows through to this event. It really is a tournament for all ages and abilities. Competitive on court but played in a great spirit and with a great atmosphere at the club.
In 2021 The British National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships will take place at it's traditional home Edgbaston Priory Club from the 21st to the 22nd of August. This will be a two-day event with most grades starting on Saturday morning/lunchtime and finishing on Sunday afternoon.
The last British Championships was played in 2019 with a record entry of 272. Categories ranged from Under 13 to Over 80.
Watching the event is free and is definitely a highlight for the competitors. Last year saw some incredible matches with Mike Harries surprising many with his performance in the final overcoming 10 times National Champion Tim Vail, 3 games to 1. Follow this link to see the action.
Head down this page for online entry
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Racketball/ Squash57 Nationals
Main Tournament Details What: The HEAD Racketball/Squash57 Nationals When: Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August Where: Edgbaston Priory Club Postcode: B15 2UZ Closing Date: Monday 9th August (please note that this is two weeks before the event rather than the usual Series events one week) Cost: £30.00 (includes top quality quick dry sublimated t-shirt) Cost 2nd Grade: £10.00 Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition Follow this link to view all of the Racketball and Squash 57 Title holders since the first event back in 1984... |
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Grades
Men’s Championship
Men's O35 Championship
Men’s O40 Championship
Men’s O45 Championship
Men’s O50 Championship
Men’s O55 Championship
Men’s O60 Championship
Men’s O65 Championship
Men’s O70 Championship
Men’s O75 Championship
Men's O80 Championship
Women’s Championship
Women’s O35 Championship
Women's O40 Championship
Women’s O45 Championship
Women's O50 Championship
Women’s O55 Championships
Women’s O60 Championship
Women’s O65 Championship
Women’s O70 Championship
Women’s O75 Championship
Juniors
Boy's Under 13
Boy's Under 15
Boy's Under 17
Boy's Under 19
Girl's Under 13
Girl's Under 15
Girls Under 17
Girls Under 19
You must be eligible to play in the event that you enter. The cut off date for age groups is the weekend of the competition. For example you must be 35 years old or older on 1st day of the competition to be eligible to play in the Over 35’s.
You can play in more than one grade but not more than two. If you do decide to play in two grades be aware that due to the infinite combination of different grade options the schedule will not be based around multiple grades. It is impossible to keep all players participating in multiple grades happy. Some of the players love have a break between matches, others like to have them back to back so that they don't get cold and then have to start again. Some players always want a much bigger break and get some food in the middle. Please be aware that playing in two grades might result in back to back matches or in you only having two hours between matches and not enough time to get proper food. If you decide to participate in two grades you need to be aware that you might have four matches in a day.
If you enter one of the more popular categories you might have to play on the Friday evening. In 2019 this was the case for the men's open, men's over 45's, men's over 50's and men's over 60's. This will be communicated to you before any draws are made, if you are unable to play on the Friday and your draw numbers demand it you will be eligible for a full refund.
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.
Men's O35 Championship
Men’s O40 Championship
Men’s O45 Championship
Men’s O50 Championship
Men’s O55 Championship
Men’s O60 Championship
Men’s O65 Championship
Men’s O70 Championship
Men’s O75 Championship
Men's O80 Championship
Women’s Championship
Women’s O35 Championship
Women's O40 Championship
Women’s O45 Championship
Women's O50 Championship
Women’s O55 Championships
Women’s O60 Championship
Women’s O65 Championship
Women’s O70 Championship
Women’s O75 Championship
Juniors
Boy's Under 13
Boy's Under 15
Boy's Under 17
Boy's Under 19
Girl's Under 13
Girl's Under 15
Girls Under 17
Girls Under 19
You must be eligible to play in the event that you enter. The cut off date for age groups is the weekend of the competition. For example you must be 35 years old or older on 1st day of the competition to be eligible to play in the Over 35’s.
You can play in more than one grade but not more than two. If you do decide to play in two grades be aware that due to the infinite combination of different grade options the schedule will not be based around multiple grades. It is impossible to keep all players participating in multiple grades happy. Some of the players love have a break between matches, others like to have them back to back so that they don't get cold and then have to start again. Some players always want a much bigger break and get some food in the middle. Please be aware that playing in two grades might result in back to back matches or in you only having two hours between matches and not enough time to get proper food. If you decide to participate in two grades you need to be aware that you might have four matches in a day.
If you enter one of the more popular categories you might have to play on the Friday evening. In 2019 this was the case for the men's open, men's over 45's, men's over 50's and men's over 60's. This will be communicated to you before any draws are made, if you are unable to play on the Friday and your draw numbers demand it you will be eligible for a full refund.
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.
Plate Competitions
We will run a plate competition for all categories. You need to inform the tournament organiser before the event starts if you do not wise to play in the plate. This will need to be done before the draws are done so before Monday 27th March.
Prizes and T-Shirts
As part of your £30 entry each competitor will receive a free t-shirt. These are a high quality quick dry sublimated print and will be designed and produced by IPro.
Trophies will be given out to the winner and the runner up for each grade.
Prizes for all Nationals winners and runners-up will be presented on the day.
All National Champions winners and runner-up's will receive a HEAD rucksack, wristbands, grip packs, and set of string.
The men's and women's grades will have cash prizes.
Series Points
All competitors will win Series points that count towards their overall finishing position for the 2021 Series. This is the case if you win the event or lose in the first round. The number of points that you make is decided by your finishing position.
The top 10 points scores over the course of the Series will receive prizes at the last event of the Series the National Racketball Doubles. Click here for more info on the 2021 Series and prizes - www.uk-racketball.com/2021-series-rankings.html
More Information: email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
Trophies will be given out to the winner and the runner up for each grade.
Prizes for all Nationals winners and runners-up will be presented on the day.
All National Champions winners and runner-up's will receive a HEAD rucksack, wristbands, grip packs, and set of string.
The men's and women's grades will have cash prizes.
Series Points
All competitors will win Series points that count towards their overall finishing position for the 2021 Series. This is the case if you win the event or lose in the first round. The number of points that you make is decided by your finishing position.
The top 10 points scores over the course of the Series will receive prizes at the last event of the Series the National Racketball Doubles. Click here for more info on the 2021 Series and prizes - www.uk-racketball.com/2021-series-rankings.html
More Information: email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
Tournament Structure
All matches will be best of 5 games to 11 PAR (point a rally) scoring.
Events will be straight knockout or group stages depending on entries.
Referees
In the UK-Racketball Series all matches are refereed by the player who won the previous match on that court. The feedback on the Series events is that this works really well and therefore the same format will take place in The National Championships.
WINNERS WILL REFEREE THE NEXT MATCH ON THE COURT THEY HAVE JUST PLAYED ON.
If you are playing in multiple grades and have another match following on you will need to find someone who can referee for you. The best thing to do is to explain to your opponent the situation and see if he can help.
If you are unable to referee for any reason and are unable to find someone to help you please contact the desk as soon as you can.
This event will run well with you corporation.
Events will be straight knockout or group stages depending on entries.
Referees
In the UK-Racketball Series all matches are refereed by the player who won the previous match on that court. The feedback on the Series events is that this works really well and therefore the same format will take place in The National Championships.
WINNERS WILL REFEREE THE NEXT MATCH ON THE COURT THEY HAVE JUST PLAYED ON.
If you are playing in multiple grades and have another match following on you will need to find someone who can referee for you. The best thing to do is to explain to your opponent the situation and see if he can help.
If you are unable to referee for any reason and are unable to find someone to help you please contact the desk as soon as you can.
This event will run well with you corporation.
Dunlop Black Balls
The Dunlop double dot ball will be used for all grades. The feedback in the past has been very positive both for the Squash57 and Racketball Nationals. The Racketball ball is still a contentious issue in the UK with many different areas using different balls however the Dunlop Ball is quite a middle of the road ball so although it might not be ideal for everyone we feel that this is the best ball overall for the event.
Entry List, Draws and Schedules Release Dates
Saturday 7th August – 14 days before the event - Please make a note of this. The Nationals will close two weeks before the event. This is different to the normal time frame for UK-Racketball events.
Monday 9th August – 12 days before the event - An entry list will be released on www.uk-racketball.com If you have entered the event then please check on the Monday that your entry has been received and that you are on the list. If you should be on the list but are not then please email Mark Fuller [email protected] as soon as possible.
Thursday 12th August – 10 days before the event – Draws and Schedules will be released on www.uk-racketball.com
Monday 9th August – 12 days before the event - An entry list will be released on www.uk-racketball.com If you have entered the event then please check on the Monday that your entry has been received and that you are on the list. If you should be on the list but are not then please email Mark Fuller [email protected] as soon as possible.
Thursday 12th August – 10 days before the event – Draws and Schedules will be released on www.uk-racketball.com
Edgbaston Priory Club Facilities
Edgbaston Priory Club is arguably the best squash and Racketball centre in the country and one of the nicest clubs in the world.
Through entering the Racketball/Squash57 Nationals you will receive a club wristband with full access to the outdoor pool, indoor pool and gym. What an amazing place to spend a summer weekend!
Edgbaston Priory Club has plenty of onsite parking, a bar open all day serving hot and cold food, a gym to warm up in before your matches and a sauna and steam room to warm down and relax after playing.
The club is used to host plenty of important events. The Birmingham Classic Tennis, British Junior Open Squash, National Clubs.
We are incredibly lucky to be able to run an event at such a fantastic club. Make the most of it!
Catering - The club menu is very good. Alongside this the club is putting on a special tournament quick options. Posters will be up around the club.
Wristbands and Bags - We are very lucky to be running this event at such a fantastic club. At registration you will be given a wristband, you will be asked to wear this throughout the competition. Events of this size can make the club look very untidy, please make a special effort to keep your kit together, when you're not playing please keep you bag in a locker or in the designated bag storage areas.
Club Location
Along with the facilities and atmosphere the club location is another reason why events at Edgbatson Priory prove to be so popular. With the city being central to the UK and in the centre of key motorway networks it can be reached easily from all areas of the country.
Edgbaston Priory Club
Sir Harrys Road
Birmingham
B15 2UZ
Tel: 01214400492
Click here to visit the club website for more information
Car Parking - use the Priory Road entrance, this is the back car park used for events
Through entering the Racketball/Squash57 Nationals you will receive a club wristband with full access to the outdoor pool, indoor pool and gym. What an amazing place to spend a summer weekend!
Edgbaston Priory Club has plenty of onsite parking, a bar open all day serving hot and cold food, a gym to warm up in before your matches and a sauna and steam room to warm down and relax after playing.
The club is used to host plenty of important events. The Birmingham Classic Tennis, British Junior Open Squash, National Clubs.
We are incredibly lucky to be able to run an event at such a fantastic club. Make the most of it!
Catering - The club menu is very good. Alongside this the club is putting on a special tournament quick options. Posters will be up around the club.
Wristbands and Bags - We are very lucky to be running this event at such a fantastic club. At registration you will be given a wristband, you will be asked to wear this throughout the competition. Events of this size can make the club look very untidy, please make a special effort to keep your kit together, when you're not playing please keep you bag in a locker or in the designated bag storage areas.
Club Location
Along with the facilities and atmosphere the club location is another reason why events at Edgbatson Priory prove to be so popular. With the city being central to the UK and in the centre of key motorway networks it can be reached easily from all areas of the country.
Edgbaston Priory Club
Sir Harrys Road
Birmingham
B15 2UZ
Tel: 01214400492
Click here to visit the club website for more information
Car Parking - use the Priory Road entrance, this is the back car park used for events
The 2019 HEAD National Championships Report - our last nationals
The Edgbaston Priory Club, the home of Racketball/Squash57, last weekend (5th – 7th July) hosted the sports 36th National Championships.
Follow this link to view all the results including individual games break down...
Follow this link to view all the photos on Facebook... remember that you do not need to be a member of Facebook to view or download the photos. If you are a member of Facebook, tag, share and like to help spread the word!
Follow this link to Laurence Ogden's YouTube channel. Laurence was videoing for the whole weekend and has some great footage.
The weekend saw 240 players competing in 318 matches across 23 grades ranging from Under 13’s through to Over 80’s. This was the sport’s biggest tournament ever in terms of entries, categories and matches played. Squash57 is the only sport ever to host a National Championships for such a wide range of ages over just one weekend. It was great to see such a diverse group of players all coming together to play the game.
The Over 50’s took centre stage over the weekend as the most popular category, filling the full 32 draw and reflecting the successes of the age category in the domestic series throughout the year. This is the most popular grade of the UK-Racketball Series with big Over 50’s competitions taking place right across the UK every month.
The matches did not disappoint with some fantastic encounters and upsets right from the start. The two on form Series players, Dan Fernandez and Marc Thornley, were the events #1 and #2 seeds and both lost in early rounds which immediately opened the event up. In the end it was Mark Francis (Huddersfield) who capitalized, defeating Rob Hambrook (East Anglia) in the semi-finals and then Mervyn Davies (Shrewsbury) in the Semi Finals.
Follow this link to view all the results including individual games break down...
Follow this link to view all the photos on Facebook... remember that you do not need to be a member of Facebook to view or download the photos. If you are a member of Facebook, tag, share and like to help spread the word!
Follow this link to Laurence Ogden's YouTube channel. Laurence was videoing for the whole weekend and has some great footage.
The weekend saw 240 players competing in 318 matches across 23 grades ranging from Under 13’s through to Over 80’s. This was the sport’s biggest tournament ever in terms of entries, categories and matches played. Squash57 is the only sport ever to host a National Championships for such a wide range of ages over just one weekend. It was great to see such a diverse group of players all coming together to play the game.
The Over 50’s took centre stage over the weekend as the most popular category, filling the full 32 draw and reflecting the successes of the age category in the domestic series throughout the year. This is the most popular grade of the UK-Racketball Series with big Over 50’s competitions taking place right across the UK every month.
The matches did not disappoint with some fantastic encounters and upsets right from the start. The two on form Series players, Dan Fernandez and Marc Thornley, were the events #1 and #2 seeds and both lost in early rounds which immediately opened the event up. In the end it was Mark Francis (Huddersfield) who capitalized, defeating Rob Hambrook (East Anglia) in the semi-finals and then Mervyn Davies (Shrewsbury) in the Semi Finals.
Five grades ran in the National Racketball/Squash57 junior competitions. The youngest competitors on the day took part in the Boy’s Under 13’s, Dylan Kalar was crowned Champion with his victory over Anthony West. The boy’s Under 19’s was won by Marcus Tranter with a victory over Ollie Cartwright in the final. Marcus’s sister Jasmine Tranter completed the family double by taking the Girls Championship with victories over Anya and Meha Shah.
Duffield’s Lesley Sturgess maintained her amazing run of National Titles which she started in 2007 in the Women’s Over 45’s. Since then she had won 13 titles and added two more this weekend with victories in the Over 55’s against Siobhan Garland (Falmouth) and the Over 60’s against Jo Robinson (Ebbisham). Bett Dryhust (Barnt Green) was once again victorious in the Women’s Over 70’s taking her to title #31, a run that started back in 1985 when the tournament was into its 2nd year.
Duffield’s Lesley Sturgess maintained her amazing run of National Titles which she started in 2007 in the Women’s Over 45’s. Since then she had won 13 titles and added two more this weekend with victories in the Over 55’s against Siobhan Garland (Falmouth) and the Over 60’s against Jo Robinson (Ebbisham). Bett Dryhust (Barnt Green) was once again victorious in the Women’s Over 70’s taking her to title #31, a run that started back in 1985 when the tournament was into its 2nd year.
It was the strongest field yet in the Women’s Open category. Three times National Champion Natalie Lawrence (Devon & Exeter) was defeated by up and coming Amber Marshall (Broxbourne) 11/6, 12/10, 11/4 in the first of the semi-finals. Local hero and last year’s Squash57 Champion Deon Saffery came through her semi-final against a determined Roxy Keshavarz (Brighton) in a long three love encounter. Amber Marshall has had a great couple of years on the UK-Racketball Series winning first the National Doubles title in 2018 and then the East of England singles at the start of this year. This was her first final on the sports big stage and up against experienced and two times winner Deon Saffery this was always going to be tough. Marshall got progressively better and almost took the 3rd but eventually losing out 11/9 in one of the highest quality games across any grade over the weekend. Deon Saffery claimed her 3rd title on home soil without dropping a single game throughout the competition.
The Men’s Open saw several crowd favorites make early exits. Joseph Blackmur the East of England Champion and ¾ seed was defeated by professional squash player Harry Falconer. In what was one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend Nine times Nationals Runner up Ted Jeal was defeated by Chris Bently, the third game was critical going Bentley’s way 14/12. Squash Legend and former World Number 3 Simon Parke always draws a crowd. This was Parke’s first Racketball Nationals and he was great to watch, a tough draw gave him the #2 seed Mike Harris in the quarter finals and Parke was beaten by the better man on the day. Never one to give up I’m sure that we will see Parke back and looking for revenge against the man almost 20 years his junior.
The men’s final was a match that had been anticipated since before the first ball had been struck. Tim Vail 10 times National Racketball Champion was taking on two times National Squash57 Champion Mike Harris. This was the first competitive meeting of the two champions and it was Vail who made the strong early start taking the first game 11/8. The start of the second was tight but at 5/5 some uncharacteristic errors from Vail allowed Harris to pull away and take the game 11/7. The third was tight and proved to be the tournament decider, it could have gone either way but Harris hung on to take it 11/9. Vail had thrown everything he had at the 3rd and Harris was in no mood to let the 10 times champion back in. A positive start from Harris in the 4th and it was too much for Vail to recover, 11/2 to Harris and a very well-deserved National Title to a fantastic ambassador for the game.
This was the biggest Racketball/Squash57 Nationals ever. It was a fantastic weekend and a great advert for a sport that has a new energy behind it and what is increasingly looking like a very bright future.
The men’s final was a match that had been anticipated since before the first ball had been struck. Tim Vail 10 times National Racketball Champion was taking on two times National Squash57 Champion Mike Harris. This was the first competitive meeting of the two champions and it was Vail who made the strong early start taking the first game 11/8. The start of the second was tight but at 5/5 some uncharacteristic errors from Vail allowed Harris to pull away and take the game 11/7. The third was tight and proved to be the tournament decider, it could have gone either way but Harris hung on to take it 11/9. Vail had thrown everything he had at the 3rd and Harris was in no mood to let the 10 times champion back in. A positive start from Harris in the 4th and it was too much for Vail to recover, 11/2 to Harris and a very well-deserved National Title to a fantastic ambassador for the game.
This was the biggest Racketball/Squash57 Nationals ever. It was a fantastic weekend and a great advert for a sport that has a new energy behind it and what is increasingly looking like a very bright future.
The National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships history
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The Racketball Nationals has been running since 1984, follow this link to see the Hall of Fame...
Racketball Nationals - Results and Reports 2019 - HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships 2018 - HEAD National Racketball Championships 2018 - Squash57 National Championships 2017 - HEAD National Racketball Championships 2017 - Squash57 National Championships 2016 - Dunlop National Championships 2015 - Dunlop National Championships 2014 - Dunlop National Championships 2013 - Dunlop National Championships 2012 - Dunlop National Championships 2011 - Dunlop National Championships 2010 - National Racketball Championships 2009 - National Racketball Championships - before the founding of UK-Racketball 2008 - National Racketball Championships |
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Title Sponsor - HEAD
The Series would not run without the support that it receives from its sponsors. Our long standing title sponsor HEAD are returning for another year this year. HEAD are one of the biggest sports brands in the world, produce some of the best racketball rackets, and are a fantastic supporter of racketball - so we are thrilled to have them on board again.
Featuring HEAD's revolutionary Inner Grommet System Technology and patented twin tube construction, their rackets deliver superior performance, power and stability. Many of HEAD’s rackets feature Graphene XT Technology. Once played with a Graphene racquet, you never want to miss the extra swing it gives you with each shot. Now imagine the next stage of this revolutionary technology: GRAPHENE XT, a new generation of HEAD racquets with enhanced weight distribution, perfect maneuverability and a fast performance that will just blow your opponents away.
https://youtu.be/qU9YVSFr3uo
Featuring HEAD's revolutionary Inner Grommet System Technology and patented twin tube construction, their rackets deliver superior performance, power and stability. Many of HEAD’s rackets feature Graphene XT Technology. Once played with a Graphene racquet, you never want to miss the extra swing it gives you with each shot. Now imagine the next stage of this revolutionary technology: GRAPHENE XT, a new generation of HEAD racquets with enhanced weight distribution, perfect maneuverability and a fast performance that will just blow your opponents away.
https://youtu.be/qU9YVSFr3uo
