North East Racketball Open - Cancelled due to Covid-19
I hope that everyone is safe and well.
It is with great regret that we will have to postpone the next two events on the UK-Racketball calendar. Since the founding of The UK-Racketball Series in 2010 we have never once postponed or cancelled an event. I was very much hoping that this was a record that would never change.
Since 2010 we have run 86 successful events. It is a testament to the commitment of all of you that this has been so successful and for so long.
I will be working with the clubs to find new dates. At the moment I don't think that anyone has any idea how long this will last or what will happen so I feel that it is best to hold off setting any new dates until we have more information.
Players who have already entered either The North East or North West Racketball Open's and would rather have the refund than wait to see what happens with a new date please email me directly [email protected] and I will process this straight away. As I mentioned in the previous update UK-Racketball players will not be out of pocket due to this outbreak. For any events that do not take place everyone will get their money back and any event that is postponed to a later date players upon seeing that date will then have the option of either playing or receiving a full refund.
Members who have signed up for the whole Series and this year we have a record number of you will all receive a rebate based on the extent of the Covid-19 disruption. We will obviously only know this in the fullness of time.
Look after yourselves and each other. Let us hope that we can get back to the Racketball battles soon!
It is with great regret that we will have to postpone the next two events on the UK-Racketball calendar. Since the founding of The UK-Racketball Series in 2010 we have never once postponed or cancelled an event. I was very much hoping that this was a record that would never change.
Since 2010 we have run 86 successful events. It is a testament to the commitment of all of you that this has been so successful and for so long.
I will be working with the clubs to find new dates. At the moment I don't think that anyone has any idea how long this will last or what will happen so I feel that it is best to hold off setting any new dates until we have more information.
Players who have already entered either The North East or North West Racketball Open's and would rather have the refund than wait to see what happens with a new date please email me directly [email protected] and I will process this straight away. As I mentioned in the previous update UK-Racketball players will not be out of pocket due to this outbreak. For any events that do not take place everyone will get their money back and any event that is postponed to a later date players upon seeing that date will then have the option of either playing or receiving a full refund.
Members who have signed up for the whole Series and this year we have a record number of you will all receive a rebate based on the extent of the Covid-19 disruption. We will obviously only know this in the fullness of time.
Look after yourselves and each other. Let us hope that we can get back to the Racketball battles soon!
North East Racketball Open Hallamshire - Entry List 18th March
Please note that due to Covid-19 we might be forced to postpone or cancel this event. We will be following official government guidelines on this. I do not know what this will be by the time of the event. If it is the case that the event is postponed or cancelled players will be given full refunds.
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North East Racketball Open Hallamshire - Introduction
This will be the 6th consecutive year that the HEAD UK-Racketball Series returns to Hallamshire. The events over the past five years have been some of the best in the country with a good number of both national and local entries. Hallamshire boasts 9 squash courts, 5 of which are glass backs. There is a very cozy and welcoming bar making the facilities possibly the best in the country. Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club is a great place to spend a day!
Hallamshire proves to be a good venue for the locals with club teams having triumphed on both occasions in the North East Racketball Open Doubles event. In 2018 Josh Park/Chris Duffy came through victorious in one of the first doubles events that we have ever run. In 2019 it was the turn of Thomas Murton/Alex Glencross. Chris Duffy has now won two consecutive singles titles in the A Grade. Local hero Rob Welton has been unlucky not to win a title yet on home soil. He was crowned National Over 70's Champion for the first time in 2019, with 2020 seeing to addition of the Over 70's to the regional events this will be the perfect time for him to add the North East Racketball Open to his growing collection of titles.
The club 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.
Hallamshire proves to be a good venue for the locals with club teams having triumphed on both occasions in the North East Racketball Open Doubles event. In 2018 Josh Park/Chris Duffy came through victorious in one of the first doubles events that we have ever run. In 2019 it was the turn of Thomas Murton/Alex Glencross. Chris Duffy has now won two consecutive singles titles in the A Grade. Local hero Rob Welton has been unlucky not to win a title yet on home soil. He was crowned National Over 70's Champion for the first time in 2019, with 2020 seeing to addition of the Over 70's to the regional events this will be the perfect time for him to add the North East Racketball Open to his growing collection of titles.
The club 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.
Main Tournament Details
What: Hallamshire Racketball Open
When: Saturday 18th April
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £14.00 (£8.50 for a high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 5th April
More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 18th April
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £14.00 (£8.50 for a high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 5th April
More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
North East Racketball Open Poster Download
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Grades
It is important to remember that UK-Racketball Series events are designed to be inclusive. Although the A grade does attract the best racketball players in the country the events really are for players of all ages and abilities. We have never had a competitor who felt they were not good enough for an event when they took part.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun
and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Over 70's - For players over the age of 70
Doubles – limited to 8 pairs, Racketball rules apply, follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/racketball-doubles-rules.html
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun
and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Over 70's - For players over the age of 70
Doubles – limited to 8 pairs, Racketball rules apply, follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/racketball-doubles-rules.html
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play.
North East Racketball Open - Hall of Fame
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 2019... North East Racketball Open Results and Report
Click here for the photos on Facebook - remember that you don't need to be a member of Facebook to view the photos
Click here to view the videos - courtesy of Laurence Ogden
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 Racketball Open Results
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