North West Racketball Open
This was the first time that the Series had ventured into the North West. Bowdon is a fantastic traditional northern sports club with a great tradition in hockey, cricket and squash. The newly refurbished glass back show court makes it the perfect place to host a UK-Racketball Series event. Click here to view the photos!
Over 40’s
It was the largest draw for the Over 40’s so far in the 2019 Series with 8 players split across 2 groups. Ryan Loska continued his strong run of form in the Over 40’s making it through the group without dropping a game despite Spencer Harris pushing him hard.
It came down to the final game in Group B with Darren Lee unbeaten but a 2-0 victory for Lee Walton would see him claim the spot in the final. In the end Darren Lee proved too strong taking the match 11/3, 11/6 and booking his place in the final.
Lee started the final well taking the opening game 11/6. Loska as always fought back however closing out the second 11/6 and then pulling away to take the decider 11/4 and add the North West Racketball Open to his growing tally of medals.
Over 40’s
It was the largest draw for the Over 40’s so far in the 2019 Series with 8 players split across 2 groups. Ryan Loska continued his strong run of form in the Over 40’s making it through the group without dropping a game despite Spencer Harris pushing him hard.
It came down to the final game in Group B with Darren Lee unbeaten but a 2-0 victory for Lee Walton would see him claim the spot in the final. In the end Darren Lee proved too strong taking the match 11/3, 11/6 and booking his place in the final.
Lee started the final well taking the opening game 11/6. Loska as always fought back however closing out the second 11/6 and then pulling away to take the decider 11/4 and add the North West Racketball Open to his growing tally of medals.
Over 50’s
The top two groups in the Over 60’s went to seeding with Paul Dodds taking group A and Spencer Harris group B. Group C went against the rankings prediction but not against historical form. It has been a little while since Neil Baldwin’s last outing at a UK-Racketball Series event but he hasn’t lost his instinct, despite being pushed hard by Paul Brookes in his opening match Baldwin joined Dodds and Harris in the winners group.
Dodds started the winners group well with a victory over Harris 2-1. Against Baldwin however he was always up against it. Shot of the tournament has to go to Dodds for an outrageous cross court drop fade into the nick (he only mentioned it about 20 times) but it was not enough. Victory for Baldwin and back to claiming titles in the UK-Racketball Series.
Over 60’s
Group A of the Over 60’s was one of the most competitive in the Series so far this year. Pat High-Corner who was competing in the men’s draw ran her heart out all day but was unable to make headway against a very strong group. The remaining four players all finished within one point of each other. Top seed Ian Graham on 5 points, Terry Horne on 5 and then Alan Susskind and Yac Latif both finished with 6. Latif narrowly missed out on a place in the final at Hallamshire but made it one step further at Bowdon. Victory over Susskind in their head to head saw him through.
It was a lot more straightforward in Group B with the tournament two seed Paul Halstead proving dominant and not dropping a game. He was pushed hardest by Graham Holmes from Devon who finished the group in 2nd and local Bowdon player Patrick O’Dowd who finished 3rd.
The 60’s saw another fantastic final with an opening game that was taken 15/13 by Yac Latif. Halstead fought back in the second however taking the game 11/6 to level the score at one game all. The start of the 3rd was always going to be critical and on this occasion it was Latif who came out of the blocks early. After starting well he never stopped, eventually winning the game 11/2 and claiming his first UK-Racketball Series title!
The top two groups in the Over 60’s went to seeding with Paul Dodds taking group A and Spencer Harris group B. Group C went against the rankings prediction but not against historical form. It has been a little while since Neil Baldwin’s last outing at a UK-Racketball Series event but he hasn’t lost his instinct, despite being pushed hard by Paul Brookes in his opening match Baldwin joined Dodds and Harris in the winners group.
Dodds started the winners group well with a victory over Harris 2-1. Against Baldwin however he was always up against it. Shot of the tournament has to go to Dodds for an outrageous cross court drop fade into the nick (he only mentioned it about 20 times) but it was not enough. Victory for Baldwin and back to claiming titles in the UK-Racketball Series.
Over 60’s
Group A of the Over 60’s was one of the most competitive in the Series so far this year. Pat High-Corner who was competing in the men’s draw ran her heart out all day but was unable to make headway against a very strong group. The remaining four players all finished within one point of each other. Top seed Ian Graham on 5 points, Terry Horne on 5 and then Alan Susskind and Yac Latif both finished with 6. Latif narrowly missed out on a place in the final at Hallamshire but made it one step further at Bowdon. Victory over Susskind in their head to head saw him through.
It was a lot more straightforward in Group B with the tournament two seed Paul Halstead proving dominant and not dropping a game. He was pushed hardest by Graham Holmes from Devon who finished the group in 2nd and local Bowdon player Patrick O’Dowd who finished 3rd.
The 60’s saw another fantastic final with an opening game that was taken 15/13 by Yac Latif. Halstead fought back in the second however taking the game 11/6 to level the score at one game all. The start of the 3rd was always going to be critical and on this occasion it was Latif who came out of the blocks early. After starting well he never stopped, eventually winning the game 11/2 and claiming his first UK-Racketball Series title!
B Grade
Top seed Graeme Manson came out on top in Group A but was pushed hard in all three of his matches. Despite losing 2-0 to Manson, Neil Jagger came through the group in 2nd place with victories over both Chris Burton and Matt Cam. In Group B Joseph Watson defeated Richard Cobb but was pushed hard by Hallamshire player Neil Widdsion.
This was Walton’s second final in a row having narrowly missed out on a title just over a month ago at Hallamshire. Walton was determined and a combination of smooth, controlled movement and relentless ball placement saw him through. A first title for the youngest player on the day.
Doubles
As always in the doubles it was a mixture of standards and a lot of fun. The Series pair of Steven Knight and James Murphy who had not played together before the day battled hard but did not have enough to make any wins with Steven Knight’s lucky Titanic shirt bringing him the anticipated level of luck one would expect.
With three groups entered from the Hallamshire they must have been hoping for a title but it was not to be. Peter Widdowson and Yac Yatif came the closest with victories over fellow Hallamshire teams of Manson/Cam and N. Widdowson/Mawhood. The final however was quite straightforward for the new pairing of Craig Chapel and Ryan Loska who worked well together throughout the day, this could be a pairing to watch out for at the National Doubles in December!
Top seed Graeme Manson came out on top in Group A but was pushed hard in all three of his matches. Despite losing 2-0 to Manson, Neil Jagger came through the group in 2nd place with victories over both Chris Burton and Matt Cam. In Group B Joseph Watson defeated Richard Cobb but was pushed hard by Hallamshire player Neil Widdsion.
This was Walton’s second final in a row having narrowly missed out on a title just over a month ago at Hallamshire. Walton was determined and a combination of smooth, controlled movement and relentless ball placement saw him through. A first title for the youngest player on the day.
Doubles
As always in the doubles it was a mixture of standards and a lot of fun. The Series pair of Steven Knight and James Murphy who had not played together before the day battled hard but did not have enough to make any wins with Steven Knight’s lucky Titanic shirt bringing him the anticipated level of luck one would expect.
With three groups entered from the Hallamshire they must have been hoping for a title but it was not to be. Peter Widdowson and Yac Yatif came the closest with victories over fellow Hallamshire teams of Manson/Cam and N. Widdowson/Mawhood. The final however was quite straightforward for the new pairing of Craig Chapel and Ryan Loska who worked well together throughout the day, this could be a pairing to watch out for at the National Doubles in December!
A Grade
Craig Chapel was unfortunate to miss out on a title in the first event of this year’s Series in Broxbourne. At Bowdon however he looked determined from the off defeating Alex Glencross from Hallamshire and then fellow Stone player Edward Snape. The final between Chapel and Norton was the last match of the day and it did not disappoint the players who had stayed to watch. “Knocker” Norton was moving the ball around with his customary accuracy and talent but despite looking fitter and stronger than he did at Hallamshire where he narrowly missed out on a title Craig Chapel was not going to let this one go. 2-0 to Chapel in the final of a very tough A Grade.
Next up in the 2019 HEAD UK-Racketball Series is an event that we have never run before, Inter Counties. We already have almost 20 teams signed up! If you would like to play but are unsure of who to contact in your county then please email [email protected] and I will put you in touch with the relevant people!
Craig Chapel was unfortunate to miss out on a title in the first event of this year’s Series in Broxbourne. At Bowdon however he looked determined from the off defeating Alex Glencross from Hallamshire and then fellow Stone player Edward Snape. The final between Chapel and Norton was the last match of the day and it did not disappoint the players who had stayed to watch. “Knocker” Norton was moving the ball around with his customary accuracy and talent but despite looking fitter and stronger than he did at Hallamshire where he narrowly missed out on a title Craig Chapel was not going to let this one go. 2-0 to Chapel in the final of a very tough A Grade.
Next up in the 2019 HEAD UK-Racketball Series is an event that we have never run before, Inter Counties. We already have almost 20 teams signed up! If you would like to play but are unsure of who to contact in your county then please email [email protected] and I will put you in touch with the relevant people!
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North West Racketball Open - Schedule
There have been no withdrawals or changes to the draws so please follow this link to the schedule for this Saturday’s tournament at Bowdon.
There are quite a few players in multiple grades. I think that they are the following and I have tried to avoid clashes as best I can. This has not always been possible with just four courts.
Yac Latif, James Murphy, Spencer Harris, Craig Chapel, Steven Knight, Chris Burton, Richard Cobb, Terry Horne, Graeme Manson, Matt Cam, Neil Widdison, Ryan Loska
There are quite a few players in multiple grades. I think that they are the following and I have tried to avoid clashes as best I can. This has not always been possible with just four courts.
Yac Latif, James Murphy, Spencer Harris, Craig Chapel, Steven Knight, Chris Burton, Richard Cobb, Terry Horne, Graeme Manson, Matt Cam, Neil Widdison, Ryan Loska
| e3_north_west_racketball_open_draws_and_schedule_2nd_may_schedule_.pdf |
HEAD Sponsorship
HEAD have very kindly sponsored the Series for this year which means that we have some fantastic prizes for the end of the season. You can earn points at every event including at Bowdon this Saturday. If you win enough points then at the end of the season you could win bags, rackets, free entries and some amazing trophies, follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/2019-series-rankings.html
As part of the sponsorship we will be running some great HEAD product deals at the events. At Bowdon we have big savings on the following.
HEAD Grid 3.0 shoes - online price is £39.99 at Bowdon for only £25.00
HEAD Clothing 50% off
HEAD Extreme - online price £58.99 at Bowdon for only £40.00
HEAD Graphene Touch Radical Racket - online price £100 at Bowdon for only £80.00
Main Tournament Rules
Register at least 15 minutes before your scheduled match time.
Winners referee the next match on the court they have just finished on.
You must be ready to referee by the time that the next players have finished knocking up, if not then the UK-Racketball forfeit comes into effect and you will have to referee the next 3 matches on that court.
When refereeing please write the name of both opponents and the grade on the score sheet.
All matches are best of 3 games, unless best of 5 is indicted. Tiebreak at 10-10 with the game going to the first player to be 2 points clear.
Spirit of the UK-Racketball Series – All our events are competitive but they are also fun. Lets should be lenient, strokes only rarely given.
North West Racketball Open - Draws 1st May
Open the files below to see the draws for this Saturday's event.
Please let me know as soon as you can if there are any issues as I will be doing the schedule over the next few hours.
Please let me know as soon as you can if there are any issues as I will be doing the schedule over the next few hours.
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North West Racketball Open - PRE EVENT ENTRY LIST 30th April
See PDF with final entry list into this competition. The numbers in brackets are players National Rankings, to see how the rankings are calculated please follow this link - http://www.uk-racketball.com/national-rankings.html
I have been filming a Racketball video and working on Racketball development projects in Sheffield and Leeds today. The draws will be released tomorrow, I will get them done and out to you all as soon as possible.
I have been filming a Racketball video and working on Racketball development projects in Sheffield and Leeds today. The draws will be released tomorrow, I will get them done and out to you all as soon as possible.
| e3_north_west_racketball_open_pre_draw_entry_list.pdf |
North West Racketball Open - Entry List 24th April
Click on the entry list below to see who has already signed up...
| e3_north_west_entry_list_24th_april.pdf |
Bowdon Racketball Open Introduction
Bowdon is new to the calendar and will be the first event that UK-Racketball has run in the Northwest of England. We were looking for the ideal club to host an event and feel that we have found it with Bowdon. 4 very well maintained squash courts, a newly refurbished glass back and a social area that overlooks all courts makes for a very good atmosphere. Bowdon is a traditional northern sports club with a strong tradition in cricket and hockey, it's squash legacy is also strong with it being the home club of Adam Murrils (WR 76) the master of the trick shot follow this link and you will not be disappointed - www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECVlxh7GB9Y
With this being the first time the Series has headed to the Northwest it will be interesting to see how many of the local players try their hand at taking a title. If they do this event could prove to be tough for the UK-Racketball Series regulars, Manchester is a strong area for Racketball with many veterans of Northwest Counties Squash (the biggest squash league in the world) now taking up the challenge of the big ball!
Follow this link to see Bowdon's Racketball in action on BBC Breakfast - www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftZdOvgC1Ls
A big attraction for Bowdon was the location, situated south of Manchester and close to the M6 it is easily accessible. We hope that you enjoy the first of hopefully many Northwest of England Racketball Open!
With this being the first time the Series has headed to the Northwest it will be interesting to see how many of the local players try their hand at taking a title. If they do this event could prove to be tough for the UK-Racketball Series regulars, Manchester is a strong area for Racketball with many veterans of Northwest Counties Squash (the biggest squash league in the world) now taking up the challenge of the big ball!
Follow this link to see Bowdon's Racketball in action on BBC Breakfast - www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftZdOvgC1Ls
A big attraction for Bowdon was the location, situated south of Manchester and close to the M6 it is easily accessible. We hope that you enjoy the first of hopefully many Northwest of England Racketball Open!
Main Tournament Details
What: Northwest of England Racketball Open
When: Saturday 4th May
Where: Bowdon Cricket, Hockey and Squash Club
Postcode: WA14 3DT
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 for high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date: Friday 26th April
More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 4th May
Where: Bowdon Cricket, Hockey and Squash Club
Postcode: WA14 3DT
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 for high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date: Friday 26th April
More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] 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 [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
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 [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
Club Location
S Downs Rd,
Bowdon,
Altrincham
WA14 3DT, UK
Website: bowdonsquash.com/
Contact: 0161 928 1358
Enquiries: [email protected]
Bowdon,
Altrincham
WA14 3DT, UK
Website: bowdonsquash.com/
Contact: 0161 928 1358
Enquiries: [email protected]
