North East Racketball Open
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Event 2 of the 2019 HEAD UK-Racketball Series and we were back to Hallamshire for the fifth consecutive year. This is always one of the best venues on tour and with so many good local payers it’s always one to look forward to.
Over 60’s
The largest draw at Hallamshire was once again the Over 60’s. 16 players took part in four equal groups of four. Anyone looking to take home the crown needed to prepare themselves to battle through five tough matches.
England No.2 David Worrall made it through group A unscathed. His toughest game came from UK-Racketball Series new boy Bob Spence from Bannatynes in Durham. Local player Yac Latif who Hallamhire players had tipped to take home the title started also started the day well coming through Group B unscathed.
Group C saw the return of Nigel Millington the holder of 7 UK-Racketball Series titles, 5 in the Over 50’s and one in the Over 60’s back in 2016. Millington defeated Uttley but came unstuck against Geoff Wright and eventual group winner Gordon Lamb.
Graham Greensall defeated last years runner-up Rob Welton 2-0 in one of the toughest group matches of the day and eventually ran out as group winner. Unfortunately for Greensall he picked up an early injury in the semi final against Lamb forcing his withdrawal.
The second semi final pitted UK-Racketball Series player and England No.2 and no.1 seed David Worrall against the player Hallamshire locals were backing for the title Yac Latif. In the end it was 2-0 for Worrall but considering that this was Yac’s first event he was not far off beating one of the best players on tour.
The final of the Over 60’s was arguably the best match of the day. Gordon Lamb who is still chasing his first title has match ball against England No.2 David Worrall only for Worrall to save it and end up winning 14/12 in the decider. Watch till the end to see an exhausted Gordon Lamb! The video of the final few points has been uploaded to Facebook and is well worth a watch.
Over 60’s
The largest draw at Hallamshire was once again the Over 60’s. 16 players took part in four equal groups of four. Anyone looking to take home the crown needed to prepare themselves to battle through five tough matches.
England No.2 David Worrall made it through group A unscathed. His toughest game came from UK-Racketball Series new boy Bob Spence from Bannatynes in Durham. Local player Yac Latif who Hallamhire players had tipped to take home the title started also started the day well coming through Group B unscathed.
Group C saw the return of Nigel Millington the holder of 7 UK-Racketball Series titles, 5 in the Over 50’s and one in the Over 60’s back in 2016. Millington defeated Uttley but came unstuck against Geoff Wright and eventual group winner Gordon Lamb.
Graham Greensall defeated last years runner-up Rob Welton 2-0 in one of the toughest group matches of the day and eventually ran out as group winner. Unfortunately for Greensall he picked up an early injury in the semi final against Lamb forcing his withdrawal.
The second semi final pitted UK-Racketball Series player and England No.2 and no.1 seed David Worrall against the player Hallamshire locals were backing for the title Yac Latif. In the end it was 2-0 for Worrall but considering that this was Yac’s first event he was not far off beating one of the best players on tour.
The final of the Over 60’s was arguably the best match of the day. Gordon Lamb who is still chasing his first title has match ball against England No.2 David Worrall only for Worrall to save it and end up winning 14/12 in the decider. Watch till the end to see an exhausted Gordon Lamb! The video of the final few points has been uploaded to Facebook and is well worth a watch.
B Grade
Jasmin Kalar continued the good run of form that she began in Broxbourn taking group A without dropping a set. Group B was taken by young and unseeded Joseph Walton from Liverpool Cricket Club. Josh Park despite making some fantastic posters for this years Series and doing a great job with the t-shirt designs did not have the Racketball skill to combat experienced Lee Sadler or Wakefield legend Kasey Hall losing out to both 2-0. In the battle of speed against experience (and skill) it was Hall who came through as group champion defeating Sadler 2-0.
The B Grade winners group was probably one of the strongest we have ever seen at a UK-Racketball event. Joseph Walton defeated Jasmin Kalar 2-1 in a match where both player hit an accurate ball and moved smoothly. Walton did not have enough to defeat Kasey Hall however who added the North East Racketball Open to his growing list of titles.
A Grade
The top four players took part in the A Grade. Tom Murton and Alex Glencross fought hard but in the end it came down to a final between last years winner Chris Duffy and Paul Norton from Ferriby Hall. After a tough match with both players moving the ball well Duffy hung onto his title with a 2-0 win.
Jasmin Kalar continued the good run of form that she began in Broxbourn taking group A without dropping a set. Group B was taken by young and unseeded Joseph Walton from Liverpool Cricket Club. Josh Park despite making some fantastic posters for this years Series and doing a great job with the t-shirt designs did not have the Racketball skill to combat experienced Lee Sadler or Wakefield legend Kasey Hall losing out to both 2-0. In the battle of speed against experience (and skill) it was Hall who came through as group champion defeating Sadler 2-0.
The B Grade winners group was probably one of the strongest we have ever seen at a UK-Racketball event. Joseph Walton defeated Jasmin Kalar 2-1 in a match where both player hit an accurate ball and moved smoothly. Walton did not have enough to defeat Kasey Hall however who added the North East Racketball Open to his growing list of titles.
A Grade
The top four players took part in the A Grade. Tom Murton and Alex Glencross fought hard but in the end it came down to a final between last years winner Chris Duffy and Paul Norton from Ferriby Hall. After a tough match with both players moving the ball well Duffy hung onto his title with a 2-0 win.
Doubles
The Loska’s defeated the Truman’s 2-0 and went 1-0 up against Josh Park and Chris Duffy. The final was tight between Thomas Murton/Alex Glencross and last years winners Park and Duffy. It was an all Hallamshire affair with the underdogs coming through as champions. A great first doubles title for Murton and Glencross.
Over 40’s
With 5 players inside the England top 20 it was always going to be a good event in the Over 40’s. It was the runners who both made it through to the final with Ryan Loska taking Group A and Nigel Truman taking Group B. Loska came runner up in the first event of season in Broxbourne but managed one better at Hallamshire defeating Truman 2-0 in one of the longest matches of the day.
The Loska’s defeated the Truman’s 2-0 and went 1-0 up against Josh Park and Chris Duffy. The final was tight between Thomas Murton/Alex Glencross and last years winners Park and Duffy. It was an all Hallamshire affair with the underdogs coming through as champions. A great first doubles title for Murton and Glencross.
Over 40’s
With 5 players inside the England top 20 it was always going to be a good event in the Over 40’s. It was the runners who both made it through to the final with Ryan Loska taking Group A and Nigel Truman taking Group B. Loska came runner up in the first event of season in Broxbourne but managed one better at Hallamshire defeating Truman 2-0 in one of the longest matches of the day.
Over 50’s
The withdrawal of Michael Wardle opened up group A with Spencer Harris taking full advantage. He defeated Paul Mancey 3-0 and eventually got the better of Phil Perchard after a tough 3-2.
Paul Dodds maintained his good form in UK-Racketball Series events taking group B but he was pushed hard by Terry Horne.
Despite a good start from Spencer Cooper in Group C overcoming both Lee Sadler and Sam Pryke he did not have enough to defeat the East Anglia man Robert Hambrook who claimed victory in the deciding group fixture.
Spencer Harris was having arguably his best day at a UK-Racketball Series but by the middle of the day playing in two events started to take its toll. The winners group in the Over 50’s proved one step to far with defeats coming to both Dodds and Hambrook. Paul Dodds has been runner up in six events but his only victory has come at Hallamshire in 2018. On the day he was not able to replicate the success he had last year and was eventually defeated by Hambrook 2-0.
Next up we head to Bowdon near Manchester for the North West Racketball Open. Spaces are already filling up fast so if you are planning to play make sure that you get your entry in as soon as you can! http://www.uk-racketball.com/e2---north-east-of-england-racketball-open---13th-april.html
North East Results
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North East of England - Schedule
There have been no changes to the draws. Please see the schedule below for individual match times.
The following players are entered into multiple grades and I have tried to avoid clashes... Richard Cobb, James Murphy, Ryan Loska, Spencer Harris, Steven Knight, Josh Park, Chris Duffy, Thomas Murton, Alex Glencross, Nigel Truman
The following players are entered into multiple grades and I have tried to avoid clashes... Richard Cobb, James Murphy, Ryan Loska, Spencer Harris, Steven Knight, Josh Park, Chris Duffy, Thomas Murton, Alex Glencross, Nigel Truman
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North East of England - Draws 10th April
The draws are now all online for this Saturday's event at Hallamshire.
If anyone has any issues please let me know as soon as you can. The schedule will be up tomorrow evening. I will make sure that I email you to make sure that you know when to look. Email me - mark@starsportsdevelopment.com
If anyone has any issues please let me know as soon as you can. The schedule will be up tomorrow evening. I will make sure that I email you to make sure that you know when to look. Email me - mark@starsportsdevelopment.com
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North East of England - Event Full - Updated 4th April
It's another great turnout for Hallamshire. If you have not entered yet unfortunately the event is full, all further entries will be added to the reserve list...
| e2_hallamshire_entry_list_4th_april.pdf |
North East of England Entry List 30th March
With only two weeks to go before the event there are now only six spaces left in the event. Open the file below to see who has already entered, National Rankings are in brackets next to players names.
| e2_hallamshire_entry_list_30th_march.pdf |
North East of England Entry List 23rd March
This is the entry list as of the 23rd of March. If you have entered after this date and are not on the list then don't worry you will be on the system. If you entered before the 23rd of March then there maybe an issue with your entry which will be easy to resolve, please contact Mark on 07846067505 or mark@starsportsdevelopment.com
| e2_hallamshire_entry_list_24th_march.pdf |
Hallamshire Racketball Open Introduction
This will be the 5th consecutive year that the HEAD UK-Racketball Series returns to Hallamshire. The events over the past four years have been some of the best in the country with a good number of both national and local entries. It will be important to get your entry in early for The North East of England this year with the Series growing in popularity. The last four events, Devon, Chichester, Nottingham and Broxbourne have all been fully subscribed and it is a very likely that Hallamshire will follow this pattern.
The 2018 Hallamshire Racketball Open was a great success for the local members. Chris Duffy and Josh Park from Hallamshire linked up well to claim the doubles title. Murray Scott from Fulwood narrowly missed out on the Over 40’s eventually taking second place to Series player Ryan Loska. In the Over 60’s Rob Welton came top of a seven-player group that included two players in the England Top 10 but was eventually beaten by Colis Sheik from Edgbaston Priory in the final.
Hallamshire is home to squash legend Nick Matthew. Players taking part in this year’s UK-Racketball event will have the chance to play on the Nick Matthew Championship Court. The club's Racketball section is one of the strongest, if not the strongest in the country, with plenty of group sessions running each week. The club runs a very successful racketball junior section on a Saturday morning, midweek women’s sessions and a very successful summer league. Get ready for potentially another strong local entry in 2019.
The 2018 Hallamshire Racketball Open was a great success for the local members. Chris Duffy and Josh Park from Hallamshire linked up well to claim the doubles title. Murray Scott from Fulwood narrowly missed out on the Over 40’s eventually taking second place to Series player Ryan Loska. In the Over 60’s Rob Welton came top of a seven-player group that included two players in the England Top 10 but was eventually beaten by Colis Sheik from Edgbaston Priory in the final.
Hallamshire is home to squash legend Nick Matthew. Players taking part in this year’s UK-Racketball event will have the chance to play on the Nick Matthew Championship Court. The club's Racketball section is one of the strongest, if not the strongest in the country, with plenty of group sessions running each week. The club runs a very successful racketball junior section on a Saturday morning, midweek women’s sessions and a very successful summer league. Get ready for potentially another strong local entry in 2019.
Main Tournament Details
What: Hallamshire Racketball Open
When: Saturday 13th April
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 for a high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 5th April
More Information: Email Mark Fuller mark@starsportsdevelopment.com or call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 13th April
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 for a high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 5th April
More Information: Email Mark Fuller mark@starsportsdevelopment.com or call Mark on 07846 067505
Grades
It is important to remember that UK-Racketball Series events are designed to be inclusive. Although the A grade does attract the best racketball players in the country the events really are for players of all ages and abilities. We have never had a competitor who felt they were not good enough for an event when they took part.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun
and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Doubles – 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 info@uk-racketball.com 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.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun
and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Doubles – 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 info@uk-racketball.com 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.
Club Facilities
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club has first class facilities including nine squash courts, eight outdoor tennis courts and four indoor courts. The club also hosts a modern gym and lovely bar area.
The bar will be open throughout the day with hot food available for most of the day.
The bar will be open throughout the day with hot food available for most of the day.
Club Location
Located in South Yorkshire with good motorway links to the South.
Yorkshire is a racketball hotbed so expect a good entry from the other centers that are close.
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
716 Ecclesall Road
Sheffield
S11 8TA
Tel: 0114 266 2153
Yorkshire is a racketball hotbed so expect a good entry from the other centers that are close.
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
716 Ecclesall Road
Sheffield
S11 8TA
Tel: 0114 266 2153
What happened in 2018... Hallamshire Open Results and Report
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Hallamshire Open Report
The UK-Racketball Series returned to Hallamshire for a 4th year for what was another great event. Hallamshire is one of the best Racketball facilities in the country with 8 courts in total, 4 of which are glass backs with good seating. With a very comfortable bar the competitors have always enjoyed the atmosphere at this event in the past and this year was no exception.
The B Grade was one of the largest draws on the day and was dominated by two players from Solihul Arden club in Warwickshire. Jonathan Stobart came through group A without dropping a game. Tom Hudson managed to repeat the feet in group B but was pushed hard by John Whitley from Wilsden. Stobart and Hudson are cousins so not only was a UK-Racketball Series title on the line but also bragging rights on the family Whatsapp group. In the end this pressure proved too much for Stobart as Hudson came through as victor. 5 matches and still standing.
Helen Cann defeated Liz Arnell 2-0 in a straight women’s final. Cann is fast and fit and this retrieval in the end proved too much for Arnell. A title for Cann won on the “Nick Matthew Championship Court”. With both players competing in the B Grade and the doubles this was the first of many matches over the course of the day.
The B Grade was one of the largest draws on the day and was dominated by two players from Solihul Arden club in Warwickshire. Jonathan Stobart came through group A without dropping a game. Tom Hudson managed to repeat the feet in group B but was pushed hard by John Whitley from Wilsden. Stobart and Hudson are cousins so not only was a UK-Racketball Series title on the line but also bragging rights on the family Whatsapp group. In the end this pressure proved too much for Stobart as Hudson came through as victor. 5 matches and still standing.
Helen Cann defeated Liz Arnell 2-0 in a straight women’s final. Cann is fast and fit and this retrieval in the end proved too much for Arnell. A title for Cann won on the “Nick Matthew Championship Court”. With both players competing in the B Grade and the doubles this was the first of many matches over the course of the day.
A very strong field took to the Over 40’s which due to a late withdrawal was set to be one big group in a round robin. Series favorite Adam Grilli started well and came through 2-0 against both local men Kevin Dudley and Richard Cobb. As one of the best Over 40’s Racketball players in the country Grilli might have been expected to add Hallamshire to his growing tally of titles. The Bexley champion however was defeated first by Ryan Loska and then by Murray Scott who was playing in his first ever event. This set up a fantastic final between Scott and Loska. The first game lasted over 25 minutes with Murray throwing everything at Loska, quick kills, reverse angles and corkscrews. As always with Loska though he refuses to go away. At Racketball he finds a rhythm and it seems impossible to bring him out of it. Another title for Loska but fantastic standard throughout the Over 40’s
After the withdrawal of Jason Russel it was a three way Hallamshire group in the A. Josh Park (the man responsible for the fantastic UK-Racketball Series 2018 design work, website, posters and shirts) ran hard all day but did not have enough to overcome Chris Duffy or Jason Fearn. The Fearn Duffy final was a great match between conflicting styles. Fearn is one of the most determined and fit competitors on tour but Duffy took the ball into the front amazingly well especially on the volley. Despite leading early on Fearn on the day could not match Duffy’s accuracy and was eventually defeated 2-0. This was Duffy’s first title but judging by how he played it will not be his last.
It was a full house in the doubles once again. Mike Fleming and Andy Ruff made a good start in group A with victories over the Loska’s and 60’s partnership of Marsden and Greensall. They did not have enough to see off the local partnership of Josh Park and Chris Duffy going down 2-0 in the group decider. Group B saw the newly formed team of Tom Swinden and Jason Fearn come through as victors. This was the first time that they had played doubles together making this a fantastic achievement.
After the withdrawal of Jason Russel it was a three way Hallamshire group in the A. Josh Park (the man responsible for the fantastic UK-Racketball Series 2018 design work, website, posters and shirts) ran hard all day but did not have enough to overcome Chris Duffy or Jason Fearn. The Fearn Duffy final was a great match between conflicting styles. Fearn is one of the most determined and fit competitors on tour but Duffy took the ball into the front amazingly well especially on the volley. Despite leading early on Fearn on the day could not match Duffy’s accuracy and was eventually defeated 2-0. This was Duffy’s first title but judging by how he played it will not be his last.
It was a full house in the doubles once again. Mike Fleming and Andy Ruff made a good start in group A with victories over the Loska’s and 60’s partnership of Marsden and Greensall. They did not have enough to see off the local partnership of Josh Park and Chris Duffy going down 2-0 in the group decider. Group B saw the newly formed team of Tom Swinden and Jason Fearn come through as victors. This was the first time that they had played doubles together making this a fantastic achievement.
In the final however Park and Duffy proved to fast and accurate, winning 2-0 to claim the second ever UK-Racketball doubles title. The doubles final became Fearn’s second defeat in a final that hour to Chris Duffy which must have hurt.
In the Over 50’s with only 1 ranking point between them it was always going to be close between Andy Ruff and Spencer Cooper and it was with Ruff clinching the match 2-1. Neither player was able to make much of an inroad against top seed Paul Dodds however who claimed the group with maximum points.
Group B saw another close rankings battle. Mike Fleming ranked 19 and Archie Lal ranked 20 both overcame the challenge from David Browne to set up the group decider. Once again the predictably close match came down to a decider this time going against the seedlings with Lal coming through 2-1.
In the quarters both 2nd place finishers saw off there competitors but then both failed to progress in the semis losing to group winners Lal and Dodds. In this format it heavily helps you if you finish top in the group as you have one less match to play. In the final Dodds started well and didn't look back, he claimed the Hallamshire title and 265 points which will lead to a big ranking rise.
In the Over 50’s with only 1 ranking point between them it was always going to be close between Andy Ruff and Spencer Cooper and it was with Ruff clinching the match 2-1. Neither player was able to make much of an inroad against top seed Paul Dodds however who claimed the group with maximum points.
Group B saw another close rankings battle. Mike Fleming ranked 19 and Archie Lal ranked 20 both overcame the challenge from David Browne to set up the group decider. Once again the predictably close match came down to a decider this time going against the seedlings with Lal coming through 2-1.
In the quarters both 2nd place finishers saw off there competitors but then both failed to progress in the semis losing to group winners Lal and Dodds. In this format it heavily helps you if you finish top in the group as you have one less match to play. In the final Dodds started well and didn't look back, he claimed the Hallamshire title and 265 points which will lead to a big ranking rise.
The Over 60's was one of the biggest draws that this category has ever had in the UK-Racketball Series. Two 5 man groups meant that you had 4 matches in the group to make the final. Colis Sheik the victor at Northumberland continued his run of form, not dropping a single game in the group stage.
Group B in the Over 60's proved more complicated. Top seed Graham Greensall was defeated by local Hallamshire legend Rob Welton 2-0 but Rob was in turn defeated 2-1 by Peter Marsden. It looked like Marsden was heading through but Greensall, never a man to give in defeated Marsden in the final group game of the day 2-0. Just one game would have seen Marsden through but as it was the game that Welton managed to take from Marsden earlier proved decisive seeing the Hallamshire man through to the finals. In the final Sheik proved too strong for Welton and added Hallamshire to his title collection.
Next up in the Series is Broxbourne on the 18th of August. Doubles will be running follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/e6---broxbourne--18th-august.html
Group B in the Over 60's proved more complicated. Top seed Graham Greensall was defeated by local Hallamshire legend Rob Welton 2-0 but Rob was in turn defeated 2-1 by Peter Marsden. It looked like Marsden was heading through but Greensall, never a man to give in defeated Marsden in the final group game of the day 2-0. Just one game would have seen Marsden through but as it was the game that Welton managed to take from Marsden earlier proved decisive seeing the Hallamshire man through to the finals. In the final Sheik proved too strong for Welton and added Hallamshire to his title collection.
Next up in the Series is Broxbourne on the 18th of August. Doubles will be running follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/e6---broxbourne--18th-august.html
