the central england racketball open - bristol joins the party!
We decided early in 2023 to make the change from having two events very close together (Lee on Solent and Chichester,) to switching things up and introducing a Central England event in Bristol!
Bristol and it's surrounding counties (including the Welsh contingent) has always been an area that we have been keen to set something up in. It's central location and M4 and M5 joint access gives it the potential to be a brilliant location for us to get a Series event going in. So it is great that we have been able to partner up with Bristol Lawn Tennis and Squash Club and get our 22nd April event up and running there!
BLTSC has long been one of the most active and busy clubs in the Bristol area, with 6 Squash courts, 8 tennis courts, plus soon there are Padel courts on the way. It has 7 Mixed and 4 Ladies teams in the Bristol District league and a steadily building Racketball section too. You can check out their website here: redlandgreen.co.uk/
Don't miss out on the chance to get involved at a brand new UK Racketball venue in a great city to visit. All entries can as always be done at Sporty HQ via this link. (Please ignore the link text, it is the correct one!):
www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-3-South-of-England-Racketball-Open-22nd-April-Lee-on-the-Solent
Can't wait to get going!
Bristol and it's surrounding counties (including the Welsh contingent) has always been an area that we have been keen to set something up in. It's central location and M4 and M5 joint access gives it the potential to be a brilliant location for us to get a Series event going in. So it is great that we have been able to partner up with Bristol Lawn Tennis and Squash Club and get our 22nd April event up and running there!
BLTSC has long been one of the most active and busy clubs in the Bristol area, with 6 Squash courts, 8 tennis courts, plus soon there are Padel courts on the way. It has 7 Mixed and 4 Ladies teams in the Bristol District league and a steadily building Racketball section too. You can check out their website here: redlandgreen.co.uk/
Don't miss out on the chance to get involved at a brand new UK Racketball venue in a great city to visit. All entries can as always be done at Sporty HQ via this link. (Please ignore the link text, it is the correct one!):
www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-3-South-of-England-Racketball-Open-22nd-April-Lee-on-the-Solent
Can't wait to get going!
Previously the event has been hosted by Lee on Solent Squash Club as the South of England Open. Check out the report from 2022 below!
A First Title for Paul Knocker Norton!
Our first visit to the Lee-on-the-Solent Tennis, Squash and Fitness club was a huge success! We had a fantastic mix of series regulars travelling from across the country, as well as a strong local showing from Hampshire Racketballers, which made for some fascinating match-ups and competitive grades throughout the day. A huge thank you to the LOST Club, Jodey Watts, Solent Fire and Security, and of course all our series sponsors for 2022.
Over 70's
The Over 70's was a 4-Way Round Robin, and saw a great effort from Hampshire's Johnny Jacob and Paul McCartney who fought valiantly against two of the most experienced UKRB Series players on the circuit. In a repeat of the North East final last month, old rivals Graham Greensall and Ian Graham battled it out for the third Over 70's title up for grabs this year. It was a similar showing, with a close first game that swung either way until Ian closed out 11/9. Ian would then pull away to take the second 11/5 and add another title to his collection.
Over 70's
The Over 70's was a 4-Way Round Robin, and saw a great effort from Hampshire's Johnny Jacob and Paul McCartney who fought valiantly against two of the most experienced UKRB Series players on the circuit. In a repeat of the North East final last month, old rivals Graham Greensall and Ian Graham battled it out for the third Over 70's title up for grabs this year. It was a similar showing, with a close first game that swung either way until Ian closed out 11/9. Ian would then pull away to take the second 11/5 and add another title to his collection.
Over 60's
A slightly depleted draw gave the Over 60's players the chance to really battle it out with some Best of 5 encounters. After a brutal five-setter with Graham Holmes, Akhtar Khokar came through Group 1 to book his place in the final. In Group 2, it was Graham Appleby who came through as group winner in a slightly more straightforward manner - winning both his matches in straight games. This perhaps proved the difference going into the final, as Akhtar couldn't quite maintain the pace and Graham, thanks to some exceptionally high-quality racketball moving the ball to all corners of the court, pulled away to win the final and take his second UKRB title.
A slightly depleted draw gave the Over 60's players the chance to really battle it out with some Best of 5 encounters. After a brutal five-setter with Graham Holmes, Akhtar Khokar came through Group 1 to book his place in the final. In Group 2, it was Graham Appleby who came through as group winner in a slightly more straightforward manner - winning both his matches in straight games. This perhaps proved the difference going into the final, as Akhtar couldn't quite maintain the pace and Graham, thanks to some exceptionally high-quality racketball moving the ball to all corners of the court, pulled away to win the final and take his second UKRB title.
Over 50's
The Over 50's, as ever, was one of the biggest draws of the day and saw some great racketball across all the groups. UKRB Series veteran Marc Thornley came through Group 1 unscathed, although he was pushed hard by Jason Ponting. Joining Marc in Semi-Final 1 was Paul Dodds, who earlier on won his group by winning 3 matches in straight games.
In the bottom half of the draw, Phillip Hall returned from injury and looked like he was on for a successful return to the series. He won his first two matches but was eventually defeated by Roger Camp, who would go on to top the group. Roger was joined in Semi-Final 2 by Jonathan Edwards, who'd played quality racketball throughout the group stages and was loving the new SportyHQ app!
Semi-Final 1 was one of the best matches of the day, as Marc and Paul played some brutal racketball with the former eventually winning 13/11, 11/9, 11/8. Roger Camp took on Jonathan Edwards in another exceptional semi-final, with Roger winning out 3/0. It was destined to be another tie-breaker in the final, this one going Roger's way as he won the first game 12/10. He took full advantage of that crucial win, taking the next 11/7 and winning the title for the Over 50's.
The Over 50's, as ever, was one of the biggest draws of the day and saw some great racketball across all the groups. UKRB Series veteran Marc Thornley came through Group 1 unscathed, although he was pushed hard by Jason Ponting. Joining Marc in Semi-Final 1 was Paul Dodds, who earlier on won his group by winning 3 matches in straight games.
In the bottom half of the draw, Phillip Hall returned from injury and looked like he was on for a successful return to the series. He won his first two matches but was eventually defeated by Roger Camp, who would go on to top the group. Roger was joined in Semi-Final 2 by Jonathan Edwards, who'd played quality racketball throughout the group stages and was loving the new SportyHQ app!
Semi-Final 1 was one of the best matches of the day, as Marc and Paul played some brutal racketball with the former eventually winning 13/11, 11/9, 11/8. Roger Camp took on Jonathan Edwards in another exceptional semi-final, with Roger winning out 3/0. It was destined to be another tie-breaker in the final, this one going Roger's way as he won the first game 12/10. He took full advantage of that crucial win, taking the next 11/7 and winning the title for the Over 50's.
Over 40's
The Over 40's was a single Round Robin group of 4, but it was perhaps the closest group of the day with 3 matches going the distance and 3 players each finishing on 4 points with 2 wins and a loss. With every player winning the same amount of games - 5 from 8 - it came down to SportyHQ's fantastic new feature to break the tie - a points countback. With that, Paul Norton came through as the Over 40's Champion, winning 57.33% of his points played. Paul Holdway came through in second on 54.05%, and Phil Borrett in third on 51.68%. A brutally competitive Over 40's grade with fantastic racketball all-round.
The Over 40's was a single Round Robin group of 4, but it was perhaps the closest group of the day with 3 matches going the distance and 3 players each finishing on 4 points with 2 wins and a loss. With every player winning the same amount of games - 5 from 8 - it came down to SportyHQ's fantastic new feature to break the tie - a points countback. With that, Paul Norton came through as the Over 40's Champion, winning 57.33% of his points played. Paul Holdway came through in second on 54.05%, and Phil Borrett in third on 51.68%. A brutally competitive Over 40's grade with fantastic racketball all-round.
Women's
This was a really nice match between 2021 UKRB Series Champion Amber Marshall, and UKRB Series debutante Lois Hutchinson. It was great to see a newcomer stepping up to take on last year's champion, with Amber winning it 3/0.
This was a really nice match between 2021 UKRB Series Champion Amber Marshall, and UKRB Series debutante Lois Hutchinson. It was great to see a newcomer stepping up to take on last year's champion, with Amber winning it 3/0.
Doubles
Another good showing for the Doubles, which has been really popular all year! Amber Marshall and Luke Bishop dropped their first game of the day against Roger Camp and Phil Borrett, but came back strong to win 2/1 and come through the group as winners. Jodey Watts and Jordan Carrier played some great racketball in the doubles, battling hard against some of the biggest names in the series and pushing them all the way.
In Group 2, it was Paul Holdway and Neil Moore who came through as the eventual winners, but they had to do it the hard way as they were pushed to a decider in every match, showing just how tight the group was. The final proved a step too far for Holdway and Moore, however, as Marshall and Bishop proved they are still the pair to beat on the UKRB Series Doubles scene with an 11/5 11/4 victory.
Another good showing for the Doubles, which has been really popular all year! Amber Marshall and Luke Bishop dropped their first game of the day against Roger Camp and Phil Borrett, but came back strong to win 2/1 and come through the group as winners. Jodey Watts and Jordan Carrier played some great racketball in the doubles, battling hard against some of the biggest names in the series and pushing them all the way.
In Group 2, it was Paul Holdway and Neil Moore who came through as the eventual winners, but they had to do it the hard way as they were pushed to a decider in every match, showing just how tight the group was. The final proved a step too far for Holdway and Moore, however, as Marshall and Bishop proved they are still the pair to beat on the UKRB Series Doubles scene with an 11/5 11/4 victory.
B Grade
3 groups in the B Grade saw 12 players battling it out for a chance to play in the winners' group at the end of the day. Alex Kershaw came through Group 1 as the winner; Jodey Watts won Group 2 with 3 straight-game victories; Adam Giles winning Group 3.
The finals was one of the highest-quality B Grade Finals we've ever seen in the UKRB Series, with some incredible racketball being played throughout. Jodey Watts came in third, fighting brutally hard to force tie-breaks and deciding games against both opponents. The decider was between Adam Giles and Alex Kershaw, with Adam coming through as the eventual winner thanks to some strong physical racketball and quality hitting - definitely a player to watch out for in the Open Grade in the future!
3 groups in the B Grade saw 12 players battling it out for a chance to play in the winners' group at the end of the day. Alex Kershaw came through Group 1 as the winner; Jodey Watts won Group 2 with 3 straight-game victories; Adam Giles winning Group 3.
The finals was one of the highest-quality B Grade Finals we've ever seen in the UKRB Series, with some incredible racketball being played throughout. Jodey Watts came in third, fighting brutally hard to force tie-breaks and deciding games against both opponents. The decider was between Adam Giles and Alex Kershaw, with Adam coming through as the eventual winner thanks to some strong physical racketball and quality hitting - definitely a player to watch out for in the Open Grade in the future!
Open Grade
The Open was a highly condensed draw, with 4 players of exceptional quality battling it out for the title. A great match between Luke Bishop and Callum Arnott saw Luke win 2/1 after dropping the first game. In the last match of the day, Luke took on Michael Robinson in an effort to secure the title and extend his unbeaten run to 25 matches. It started badly for Luke, with Michael winning the first game 11/5, and nearly turned to disaster for the Devon player as he surrendered two game balls in the second to go to a tie-break. He kept his cool, however, and managed to find two fantastic winners to take the game 13/11 and level the match. The third saw some more brutal racketball - Luke had spent a fair bit of time on court between the Open and the Doubles, and Michael made him scrap for every last point, but eventually it was Luke who claimed the decider 11/8 and proved he is still the player to beat on the UKRB Series circuit.
The Open was a highly condensed draw, with 4 players of exceptional quality battling it out for the title. A great match between Luke Bishop and Callum Arnott saw Luke win 2/1 after dropping the first game. In the last match of the day, Luke took on Michael Robinson in an effort to secure the title and extend his unbeaten run to 25 matches. It started badly for Luke, with Michael winning the first game 11/5, and nearly turned to disaster for the Devon player as he surrendered two game balls in the second to go to a tie-break. He kept his cool, however, and managed to find two fantastic winners to take the game 13/11 and level the match. The third saw some more brutal racketball - Luke had spent a fair bit of time on court between the Open and the Doubles, and Michael made him scrap for every last point, but eventually it was Luke who claimed the decider 11/8 and proved he is still the player to beat on the UKRB Series circuit.
We were absolutely thrilled to be at Lee-on-the-Solent for the first ever time, we had some great feedback from everyone involved and it was fantastic to be visiting a new venue on the South Coast and getting some new faces involved at a UK Racketball events.
A big thank you especially to Jodey Watts from Solent fire and Security for making this event happen, and we look forward to returning next year!
Next up is another UKRB Series first as we travel to Liverpool on the 7th May for the North-West of England Racketball Open. Click the links below to find out more, and to enter.
https://www.uk-racketball.com/e4---north-west-racketball-open---7th-may.html
https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-4-North-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-7th-May-Liverpool
A big thank you especially to Jodey Watts from Solent fire and Security for making this event happen, and we look forward to returning next year!
Next up is another UKRB Series first as we travel to Liverpool on the 7th May for the North-West of England Racketball Open. Click the links below to find out more, and to enter.
https://www.uk-racketball.com/e4---north-west-racketball-open---7th-may.html
https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-4-North-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-7th-May-Liverpool
lee-on-the-solent Racketball Open introduction
It's a UK Racketball Series first as we visit Lee-On-The-Solent on the South Coast. The new venue will take over from Chichester in hosting the South of England Racketball Open on Saturday 9th of April, with the latter playing host to the South East of England Racketball Open 2022 later on in the year.
Lee-On-The-Solent has plenty of racketball pedigree, with this being sure to be a high-quality tournament, make sure that you get your entries in early if you don't want to miss out on a great day of racketball.
In a year which sees two new venues, as well as a return to some old favourites which haven't hosted series events for some years, we're excited to be heading to the south coast for the Third Event of the busiest ever year for the the UKRB Series.
Lee-On-The-Solent has plenty of racketball pedigree, with this being sure to be a high-quality tournament, make sure that you get your entries in early if you don't want to miss out on a great day of racketball.
In a year which sees two new venues, as well as a return to some old favourites which haven't hosted series events for some years, we're excited to be heading to the south coast for the Third Event of the busiest ever year for the the UKRB Series.
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-3-South-of-England-Racketball-Open-9th-April-Lee-on-the-Solent
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-3-South-of-England-Racketball-Open-9th-April-Lee-on-the-Solent
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: The Lee-On-The-Solent Racketball Open
When: Saturday 9th April
Where: Lee-On-The-Solent Tennis, Squash, and Fitness Club
Postcode: PO13 9JQ
Closing Date for Entries: Friday 1st April
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
For more information, contact [email protected] or if you enquiry is urgent call on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 9th April
Where: Lee-On-The-Solent Tennis, Squash, and Fitness Club
Postcode: PO13 9JQ
Closing Date for Entries: Friday 1st April
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
For more information, contact [email protected] or if you enquiry is urgent call 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
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 a[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
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 a[email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
club facilities
The Lee-On-The-Solent Squash Club boasts six courts including two championship glass back courts.
The club has an excellent Bar and Restaurant serving food throughout the day, and a sauna and steam room to help relax after a day of racketball.
The club has an excellent Bar and Restaurant serving food throughout the day, and a sauna and steam room to help relax after a day of racketball.
club location
Lee-On-The-Solent is located on the south coast, between Southampton and Portsmouth. 10 minutes from the M27, the town is famously picturesque and hosts many tourists over the summer months, especially as it's just a short hop across the water to the Isle of Wight.
Lee-On-The-Solent Club
41-47 Manor Way
Lee-On-The-Solent
Hampshire
PO13 9JQ
023 9255 0381
Visit the club website for more information: https://www.lostclub.co.uk/
Lee-On-The-Solent Club
41-47 Manor Way
Lee-On-The-Solent
Hampshire
PO13 9JQ
023 9255 0381
Visit the club website for more information: https://www.lostclub.co.uk/
