North west racketball open report
The first trip to Liverpool for the UK-Racketball Series and it did not disappoint...
Follow this link for the event photos - www.facebook.com/UKRacketballSeries
Follow this link to the results - www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-4-North-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-7th-May-Liverpool
Liverpool Cricket Club is a fantastic old school squash venue with 4 well maintained hardback courts and a glass back show court. With the courts all together in one section of the great club house it makes for a brilliant tournament atmosphere. Liverpool Cricket Club is steeped in the history of sport and it was great to add the UK-Racketball Series to the list of brilliant tournaments held at the club over the decades. Post event we went for a tournament curry, what a fantastic end to a fun day!
Winners in Liverpool
Doubles: Luke Mercer and Sam Patel
A Grade: Andy Breen
Women’s: Hannah Davies
B Grade: Hannah Davies
Over 40’s: Ryan Loska
Over 50’s: Chris Wase
Over 60’s: Robin Chipperfield
Over 70’s: Graham Greensall
The largest draw of the event was the Over 50’s and the drama started before the first ball was even hit with the withdrawal of the No.1 Seed Chris Morris due to Covid. This opened up a big chance for Shrewsbury’s Merv Davies to win Group A which he went on to do without dropping a game.
Roger Camp overturned the seedings in Group B with a victory over Chris Wase. In Box 3 Hallamshire’s Jim Muirhead stole the show and progressed to the knockouts without dropping a game. The Over 50’s tournament was one of the strongest we have seen, and this was reflected in the quality of players not making in through the groups including local favourite Lee Walton, Portuguese legend Manuel Costa and No.4 seed Paul Dodds.
The finals were decided by a knockout between the three group winners and lucky loser Chris Wase. Wase always had it in him to win and despite losing his opening game 11/5 to club mate Merv Davies that was the last game of the day that he dropped with an eventual 5/11, 11/5, 11/8 victory over Davies and then a 11/8, 11/7 win over Jim Muirhead in the final. A fifth title to Wase.
Roger Camp overturned the seedings in Group B with a victory over Chris Wase. In Box 3 Hallamshire’s Jim Muirhead stole the show and progressed to the knockouts without dropping a game. The Over 50’s tournament was one of the strongest we have seen, and this was reflected in the quality of players not making in through the groups including local favourite Lee Walton, Portuguese legend Manuel Costa and No.4 seed Paul Dodds.
The finals were decided by a knockout between the three group winners and lucky loser Chris Wase. Wase always had it in him to win and despite losing his opening game 11/5 to club mate Merv Davies that was the last game of the day that he dropped with an eventual 5/11, 11/5, 11/8 victory over Davies and then a 11/8, 11/7 win over Jim Muirhead in the final. A fifth title to Wase.
In the Open all eyes were on local legend Matty Powell who came through Group A with some 3 wall boasts and grin. Box B was hard fought but eventually Andy Breen claimed a place in the final despite being pushed all the way by an in form Daniel Hindmarch. The final being an all Liverpool affair brought the vocal local crowd and it went right to the wire but it was the local coach who came through for the title 11/9 in the decider.
It was one of the toughest Women’s finals in a UK-Racketball Series event. With just the two of them in the draw it was straight to the final but with both also playing in the B they were 3 matches in by the time they met on the glass back at the end of the day. It was a match that could have done either way with both players moving well and firing in straight drops. This was a very entertaining match with Hannah Davies coming through as the eventual winner after 2 tough tie breaks.
It was one of the toughest Women’s finals in a UK-Racketball Series event. With just the two of them in the draw it was straight to the final but with both also playing in the B they were 3 matches in by the time they met on the glass back at the end of the day. It was a match that could have done either way with both players moving well and firing in straight drops. This was a very entertaining match with Hannah Davies coming through as the eventual winner after 2 tough tie breaks.
The No.1 seed Ryan Loska and No.2 seed Paul Norton both came through their groups to set up the final in the Over 40’s and renew their rivalry. Both had tough matches in the groups with Andrew Hopwood and local player Darren Lee almost taking out Norton and Loska had to fight off his own local challenge from Jon Davies. The final was one of the best games so far between these two and went right to the wire and an 11/9 in the decider finish that went the way of the man sitting at the top of the UK-Racketball titles list Ryan Loska!
Two equally sized groups of 4 made up the B Grade with many UK-Racketball Series regulars having made the trip to Liverpool. Hallamshire’s Graeme Manson came through as victor in Group 1 after fighting off a tough challenge from Roxy Keshavarz in the deciding match. Group 2 was hard fought with only one game separating Joseph Walton coming in 2nd place and Richard Cobb in 3rd. 6-5 was Waltons finishing ratio contrasting to a 5-6 for Cobb. Hannah Davies was the clear winner however to set up the final against Manson.
The B final was another of the days finals that went the distance. Manson took the early lead only for Davies to fight back in the 2nd, both players were visably tiring in the 3rd but Davies managed to hang in and played some fantastic backhand shot balls to take the decider 11/6.
Two equally sized groups of 4 made up the B Grade with many UK-Racketball Series regulars having made the trip to Liverpool. Hallamshire’s Graeme Manson came through as victor in Group 1 after fighting off a tough challenge from Roxy Keshavarz in the deciding match. Group 2 was hard fought with only one game separating Joseph Walton coming in 2nd place and Richard Cobb in 3rd. 6-5 was Waltons finishing ratio contrasting to a 5-6 for Cobb. Hannah Davies was the clear winner however to set up the final against Manson.
The B final was another of the days finals that went the distance. Manson took the early lead only for Davies to fight back in the 2nd, both players were visably tiring in the 3rd but Davies managed to hang in and played some fantastic backhand shot balls to take the decider 11/6.
A best of 5 decided the Over 70’s toward the end of a long day which saw both players battling it out in the 60’s as well. Warwickshire’s Graham Greensall came through as the eventual winner 3-0 but Howard Thompson fought right to the end with a brilliant final game 13/11 tie break.
It was good entry into the Over 60’s both in terms of numbers and ability and was always going to take some guts and quality to come though as champion. Wolverhampton’s Robin Chipperfield claimed Group 1, Hallamshire’s Yak Latif Group 2 and Wigan’s Stephen Johnson Group 3. The three group winners were joined by lucky loser Terry Horne in a 4 way knockout. Chipperfield made it past Horne to claim the first place in the final but the second semi final in one of the toughest matches of the day saw Johnson defeat the ever determined Latif only to have put so much into it that he couldn’t continue the event. Latif really does never give up and makes his opponents fight for everything and this was certainly the case in this one. A walk over in the final was not the end that Chipperfield wanted but a first and well deserved title none the less.
It was good entry into the Over 60’s both in terms of numbers and ability and was always going to take some guts and quality to come though as champion. Wolverhampton’s Robin Chipperfield claimed Group 1, Hallamshire’s Yak Latif Group 2 and Wigan’s Stephen Johnson Group 3. The three group winners were joined by lucky loser Terry Horne in a 4 way knockout. Chipperfield made it past Horne to claim the first place in the final but the second semi final in one of the toughest matches of the day saw Johnson defeat the ever determined Latif only to have put so much into it that he couldn’t continue the event. Latif really does never give up and makes his opponents fight for everything and this was certainly the case in this one. A walk over in the final was not the end that Chipperfield wanted but a first and well deserved title none the less.
Racketball doubles is fast becoming the most entertaining of the grades in the UK-Racketball Series and the tournament in Liverpool further enforced this trend. Group 1 was always going to be a tough group with two veteran parings from the UK-Racketball Series and a local pairing led by the Merseyside legend Matty Powell. It was not to be for the local legend with playing experience counting in the end and the locals losing first to Norton and Hawes and then Camp and Borrett. The encounter between Camp and Borrett and Norton and Hawes was always going to be tight and it really did live up to the prediction with 2 games going right to the wire but Camp and Borrett had a little more consistency on big points and this kept there title hopes alive to the next round.
Group 2 was a four pairing group and again closely contested with the local paring of Sam Patel and Luke Mercer being taken to a decider by both Graeme Manson and Daniel Hindmarch as well as Ryan Loska and Terry Horne. The final between Patel and Mercer and Borrett and Camp was one of the best doubles matches we have ever had on the tour. Camp and Borrett took the first game 11/8 only for the local duo to fight back and take the second 13/11. The 3rd really could have gone either way with the Series veterans starting well only for the locals to close the deficit and then claim the victory much to delight of the Liverpool faithful.
What a brilliant tournament in a fantastic venue and city. This is definitely one for the future! Our next event is coming up fast with only 3 weeks to go. The Mike Keogh memorial event in Peterborough follow this link for more information - https://www.uk-racketball.com/e5---mike-keogh-memorial-cambridgeshire-open---28th-may.html
Group 2 was a four pairing group and again closely contested with the local paring of Sam Patel and Luke Mercer being taken to a decider by both Graeme Manson and Daniel Hindmarch as well as Ryan Loska and Terry Horne. The final between Patel and Mercer and Borrett and Camp was one of the best doubles matches we have ever had on the tour. Camp and Borrett took the first game 11/8 only for the local duo to fight back and take the second 13/11. The 3rd really could have gone either way with the Series veterans starting well only for the locals to close the deficit and then claim the victory much to delight of the Liverpool faithful.
What a brilliant tournament in a fantastic venue and city. This is definitely one for the future! Our next event is coming up fast with only 3 weeks to go. The Mike Keogh memorial event in Peterborough follow this link for more information - https://www.uk-racketball.com/e5---mike-keogh-memorial-cambridgeshire-open---28th-may.html
North West Racketball Open Introduction
For the first time since 2019, we're returning to the North West and it's another UK Racketball Series first as we visit the Liverpool Cricket Club. Last time out, the tournament was held by Bowdon Cricket Club, but for 2022 we're taking a short hop across the Mersey. Liverpool Cricket Club is an ideal venue for the UK Racketball Series, boasting 5 Squash Courts including a Glass-Backed Show Court with seating for over 100 spectators. As of the 2021/22 Winter Break, their first team sat in second place in the North-West Counties Squash League - one of the biggest squash leagues in the world.
With this being just the second time the Series has headed to the North West 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 and Liverpool are strong for Racketball with many veterans of Northwest Counties Squash now taking up the challenge of the big ball!
We hope to see as many of you there as possible, and the prospect of some of the big names in the Series coming up against one of the strongest local communities is surely one not to be missed.
With this being just the second time the Series has headed to the North West 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 and Liverpool are strong for Racketball with many veterans of Northwest Counties Squash now taking up the challenge of the big ball!
We hope to see as many of you there as possible, and the prospect of some of the big names in the Series coming up against one of the strongest local communities is surely one not to be missed.
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-4-North-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-7th-May-Liverpool
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-4-North-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-7th-May-Liverpool
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
Taj Indian – post event
This will be the first time that we have done this at one of our regional events but we are planning to head to Taj on Lark Lane for a good curry and a couple of drinks after the presentation all players and supporters are welcome!
If you already have plans with friends that you are catching up with in Liverpool or if you are heading home after the event then don’t worry we will be doing more of these in the future and they will be very relaxed where players can dip in and out as they like.
For anyone who is interested and would like some more information follow this link to Taj –
https://tajlarklane.com/ - and send an email to [email protected] and I will keep you up to date with our plans.
If you already have plans with friends that you are catching up with in Liverpool or if you are heading home after the event then don’t worry we will be doing more of these in the future and they will be very relaxed where players can dip in and out as they like.
For anyone who is interested and would like some more information follow this link to Taj –
https://tajlarklane.com/ - and send an email to [email protected] and I will keep you up to date with our plans.
main tournament details
What: Northwest of England Racketball Open
When: Saturday 7th May
Where: Liverpool Cricket Club
Postcode: L19 3QF
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date: Friday 29th April
More Information: Email [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505 if your enquiry is urgent.
When: Saturday 7th May
Where: Liverpool Cricket Club
Postcode: L19 3QF
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date: Friday 29th April
More Information: Email [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505 if your enquiry is urgent.
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 email [email protected] or if your enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505.
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 email [email protected] or if your enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505.
Club Facilities
Liverpool Cricket Club has five squash courts, with a glass-backed show court and spectator seating for up to 100. The club is also a thriving social venue. The bar always offers two real ales from respected breweries, with an interesting range of wines, spirits and soft drinks, and often runs promotions when there’s a major sporting event on.
Club Location
Liverpool Cricket Club
Aigburth Road
Aigburt
L19 3QF, UK
Website: https://www.liverpoolcricketclub.co.uk/
Contact: 0151 427 2930
Enquiries: https://www.liverpoolcricketclub.co.uk/enquiries/
Aigburth Road
Aigburt
L19 3QF, UK
Website: https://www.liverpoolcricketclub.co.uk/
Contact: 0151 427 2930
Enquiries: https://www.liverpoolcricketclub.co.uk/enquiries/
what happened in 2019 . . . North West Racketball Open Report and Results
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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