North-east of england racketball open report
The North-East of England Racketball Open saw a return to Sheffield as we once again visited Hallamshire, home to the British Open and many of our series competitors. The event took place on Saturday 19th March, and with a good mix of local entrants and series regulars the tournament promised to deliver some competitive matches all the way through - and it certainly didn't disappoint!
For the first time on the UK Racketball Series, the North-East Open kicked off with the doubles grades to get the day off to a smooth start. In Group 1, local players Chris Mills and Adam Langham cruised through the group without dropping a game, setting the standard early on in the day. Over in Group 2, the honours were contested between series regulars Nick Moore/Paul Norton and Alex Glencross/Daniel Hindmarch. Some good racketball from both pairs eventually saw the local duo of Glencross/Hindmarch through to the final. It was a great effort from both of the Hallamshire pairs, but it was Mills/Langham who closed out the match 11/7 12/10 to take the honours in the doubles.
The Over 70's saw some high quality from the most experienced age group. After winning their first matches, series regulars Ian Graham and Graham Greensall set up yet another final to contest the title. Despite having an extra game in his legs from earlier rounds, Ian edged past Graham 11/9 11/6 to add to his growing list of titles.
The Over 60's was stacked with some of the big names from the series, as well as some newcomers looking to upset the day's proceedings in their first UK Racketball Series event. In Group 2, Graham Holmes saw off the challenge of Mike Fleming to get through to the final. Group 1 saw some marathon matches, with Malc Bramley coming from 2/0 down to beat Paul Halstead 3/2. An outstanding effort from both players, it was perhaps a little too much work into the legs as Robin Chipperfield would go on to win the group and contest the final. In his first ever event, Robin won the Over 60's title, beating Graham Holmes 2/0 in the final.
As always, the Over 50's was one of the most competitive grades of the day, featuring a number of seasoned campaigners on the UKRB series. In Group 1, Jason Russell continued from where he left off in Broxbourne, cruising through the group without dropping a game. Group 2 came down to effectively a semi-final between Paul Dodds and Merv Davies, with Paul overturning a first-game deficit to win 2/1 and progress to the final. Jason would continue his imperious form, however, winning the final 11/6, 11/5 and adding another title to his tally.
The Over 40's, while a small draw, was stacked with quality. Steve Smith saw off challenges from Russell Payne and Nick Jenkins to win Group 1, while in Group 2 it fell to Chris Mills and Paul Norton to halt the in-form Ryan Loska. It wasn't to be though, and Ryan came through the group to set up yet another final with Steve Smith, their third of the series. Despite a monumental effort from Steve, Ryan won the final 3/0, taking his tally to 19 Series Titles and moving one clear at the top of the All-Time Leaderboard.
The B Grade was the largest of the day, and featured a mix of series regulars and UKRB Series newcomers. After winning both their first games, Nick Moore and Tom Ash competed for a spot in the final. Some great Racketball from both, Nick took the first 11/7 before a huge defensive effort from Tom who took the second 12/10, sending the match to a decider. It would be the Dover man to get through though, as Nick took the third 11/8 and booked his place in the final. Group 2 was dubbed the Group of Death, with 9 of the 10 matches going the distance. Both Tommy Meadows and George Beel saved numerous match balls over the course of the day, but it was Olly Jansen who won the group to set up a final with Nick. Fittingly, the final would also go the distance, as Olly took advantage of a flying start to take the first 11/5 before Nick responded with an 11/5 win of his own in the second. The pair would trade winners throughout the second, before Nick edged ahead in the latter stages and closed out 11/8 to take the title.
In the Open Grade, Michael Robinson and Chris Bentley kicked things off with a marathon five-setter, both players hitting outrageous winners and demonstrating fantastic retrieving. Michael eventually closed out the game, and would go on to win the group. Group 2 had its share of nail-biters, with Alex Glencross and Billy Hawes showcasing some fantastic racketball. After taking the first 11/7, Alex looked set for the win, but Billy refused to lie down and won the second 14/12. Both players saved match balls in the third, but it was Billy who won in the end, 15/13. Despite their efforts, Tom Turner came through the group in straight games to set up a final with Michael. A fast start saw the Surrey man take an 11/1 lead, but the home crowd got behind Tom in the second who fought back with some great defence and high quality attacks into the front. A comeback looked on the cards, but Michael dug deep and closed out the game 11/9. It would prove to be crucial, as a 2/0 deficit looked a step too far for the Hallamshire player and Michael closed out the third 11/4 to take the title for the 2022 North-East of England Racketball Open.
A huge congratulations to everyone who played, and of course a big thank you to Tom Murton and the Hallamshire team, who always provide such a fantastic venue for the series. We can't wait to return in October for the Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open, as it's always a favourite club to visit.
A huge congratulations to everyone who played, and of course a big thank you to Tom Murton and the Hallamshire team, who always provide such a fantastic venue for the series. We can't wait to return in October for the Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open, as it's always a favourite club to visit.
North East Racketball Open Introduction
This will be the 6th year that the HEAD UK-Racketball Series returns to Hallamshire for the North East Open. Past events at the Sheffield club 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, as the event has a reputation for being one of the best on the calendar and selling out early.
The 2019 Hallamshire Racketball Open was a great success for the local members. Chris Duffy made it two in a row in the A Grade, as did Ryan Loska in the Over 40's. The Over 60's was once again highly competitive, with 4 groups of 4 contesting some fantastic matches. The final was one of the matches of the day, with David Worrall saving match balls against Gordon Lamb to eventually take the title. In the doubles, the final was an all-Hallamshire affair, with Thomas Murton and Alex Glencross taking the honours against previous winner Josh Park and Chris Duffy.
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 2022.
The 2019 Hallamshire Racketball Open was a great success for the local members. Chris Duffy made it two in a row in the A Grade, as did Ryan Loska in the Over 40's. The Over 60's was once again highly competitive, with 4 groups of 4 contesting some fantastic matches. The final was one of the matches of the day, with David Worrall saving match balls against Gordon Lamb to eventually take the title. In the doubles, the final was an all-Hallamshire affair, with Thomas Murton and Alex Glencross taking the honours against previous winner Josh Park and Chris Duffy.
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 2022.
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-2-North-East-of-England-Racketball-Open-19th-March-Hallamshire
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-2-North-East-of-England-Racketball-Open-19th-March-Hallamshire
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: Hallamshire Racketball Open
When: Saturday 19th March
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for a high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 11th March
More Information: Email [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505 if your enquiry is urgent.
When: Saturday 19th March
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for a high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 11th March
More Information: Email [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505 if your enquiry is urgent.
North East Hallamshire - Hall of Fame
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.
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 . . . the north-east open report and results
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
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
North East Results
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